Melissa S. Morrow
Agency: FBI Kansas City Division
Special Agent Melissa S. Morrow was born in June 1969 in Colombia, Missouri. She graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia Magna Cum Laude with honors before completing her law school juris doctorate degree there in 1994. Melissa was a distinguished member of her law school class, competing in the National Moot Court in 1994. Melissa went on to practice as a civil litigation attorney in Kansas City, Missouri, and became a member of the Missouri and Kansas Bar Associations.
In September 1995 Melissa began her career as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation which she served for 22 years starting in Washington D.C. She had a deep passion for protecting children, which led to her forming the Washington Metro Child Exploitation Task Force serving the Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. areas. In July 2010, Melissa received a transfer to the FBI Kansas City Division, where she investigated financial and intellectual property crimes. Her work in Kansas City led to numerous recognitions and awards, including the FBI Agents Association Award of Excellence for Distinguished and Exemplary Service.
Special Agent Melissa S. Morrow was a member of the FBI Evidence Response Team serving at the Pentagon in the months following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. She worked on the first floor, sifting through evidence among the smoldering debris that was heavily saturated in jet fuel. Most employees remained outside the building, though a smoky haze loomed in the surrounding area. During this time, there was little or no personal protective equipment available for responding personnel. The next day, Morrow was assigned to the Alexandria Evidence Warehouse and worked to separate classified materials, evidence, and human remains. Morrow worked daily at both the debris site and the warehouse in search of evidence and human remains until November 21, 2001.
In July 2016, Morrow was diagnosed with a highly aggressive form of glioblastoma brain cancer and underwent emergency surgery. However, Morrow succumbed to her illness on March 22, 2018.
Extensive research by the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health established sufficient evidence that Morrow’s exposure to the air in and around the Pentagon and the Alexandria Evidence Warehouse Facility after the 9/11 attack either precipitated or accelerated the cancer.
Melissa had an infectious laugh that was affectionately referred to as her "cackle" by family and friends. She was fiercely loyal and strong, Melissa once qualified her track team for State Finals by performing the 4x800 in an air cast.
She was grateful for everyone that surrounded her during her illness, especially to her Kansas City FBI Family who formed #TeamMelissa which extended throughout her law enforcement family in the United States and overseas, as well as her healthcare team at Saint Luke's Hospital and Hospice. Melissa never wavered in her determination to fight or her strong faith. Following her diagnosis, she said, "Every single day, hour, minute, and second being alive is a precious gift and one that I will never, ever take for granted again. Remarkably, I have never felt more at peace than I do now. I have placed my faith and trust in God, knowing that everything will work out the way it is supposed to be."
Morrow is survived by her mother Mary Morrow, father Larry Morrow, sister Angie Luetkemeyer, nephew Timothy Luetkemeyer, niece Taylor Luetkemeyer, and her adopted little sister, Paige Pinson.
Reflections:
When I walked in to the Kansas City FBI office 6 years ago, I met Melissa. I knew the second I met her, I wanted to be just like her. I am so fortunate to have had those years with her. A true idol, mentor, and hero. Beautiful inside and out. I will continue to follow your footsteps. Rest peacefully now.
Special Agent Kansas City
Love From an old college friend who thought the world of SA Melissa Morrow. She was in a league of her own. You are free now my friend. Thank you for your sacrifice for our country. Thank you for the example and highest of standards you have always set. Sending love and God's comfort to your sweet family that I know you loved so much. The world was just a much better place with you in it.
Jodi Tosini (civilian)
Long time College friend
Melissa was one of my closest and most cherished friends. She was an attorney who decided to go fight the bad guys - and fight she did. She was devoted to her job, working whatever hours it took to accomplish the mission. She made the world around her better and safer. She had the most heartfelt laugh, the biggest smile, and the gift of knowing how to be a friend. Her generosity is legendary. Her capacity for love, boundless. She was a light to all of us lucky enough to be in her orbit. The void she leaves will never be filled. Many hearts, including mine, are crying today and will be for a long time to come. job well done, M'liss....I will miss you always.
Liz Wood, Security Specialist
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security
References: