Stephen Allen Faulkner
Agency: Kansas City Police Department, MO
Officer Faulkner began his career at the St. Joseph Police Department then joined the Kansas City Police Department. Officer Faulkner's assignments included the East Patrol Division, the Canine Unit and the Helicopter Unit. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, the Kansas and Missouri K-9 Association and the Kansas City Police Benefit Association. He was also a member of the Noland Road Baptist Church.
On Tuesday, December 1, 1992 at 8:51 p.m. Police Officer Stephen Faulkner, who was serving as Spotter, and Sergeant Jack Shepley, Pilot, were in the air for about 20 minutes in their Schweizer 300c helicopter, when they were dispatched to assist other officers involved in a foot chase. On their way to the call, Officer Faulkner radioed an emergency to the dispatcher that they were going down near 23rd and Topping. That was the last radio contact made with the officers. The dispatcher sent emergency equipment to the location, but unfortunately the helicopter was in flames and the two officers were killed in the crash.
Officer Faulkner is survived by his wife, Mary Faulkner, and two sons, Nathaniel Faulkner and Nicholas Faulkner. He had served in the Kansas City Police Department since 1983.
Reflections:
When I learned of Steve’s death, and Jack’s, that night, I cried. I’d known both men for their entire careers. Their deaths were simply an incredible tragedy, and they really hurt. Steve was the most wonderful kind of person I could ever hope to meet in life. The thing I remember most about him was his hyper desire to learn things about police work. When I was a CSI detective and made calls where Steve was present, he would always engage me in conversation, asking questions about what I was doing at the scene. He was so eager to learn everything that he could about anything related to his employment. What tremendous talent died that night. I shall never forget either man. Walk well, my Brothers.
Donnie Bowerman
Retired LEO
CMSUPD, IPD, KCPD, JCSD, DEA
You were a classmate of mine in the KCPD Police Academy and a very good friend. We sat next to each other in class and graduated together forever solidifying a bond that will never be broken. On the day I retired from the PD, I remember thinking you should be right there with me and all our classmates who will retire in the coming months. Very sad. RIP my brother, till we meet again.
Master Detective Gary Gibson
Kansas City, Missouri Police Dept.
I still miss my cousin. He was the lovingest man I have ever known. I am so grateful for the months before he died I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with him in KC. I love you my cousin and miss you every day.
Charles A. Jamison
Cousin
Stevie, or “BeBe” as we sometimes called him at SJPD always had a way lightening the mood on even a grim day on the job. I was fortunate to have partnered with him on numerous calls and looked forward to spending any shift with him in the adjoining district! Rest in peace my friend!
Mike Mayer
Stephen, I miss you man. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was in my police car at 5th, & Grand when you got on the air. I heard you say," 690!-------690!" then dispatcher-" 690!" then you, " We're going down, 23rd, & Topping!!!" We never heard your voice again. I miss you and Jack so much it still hurts. I love and miss you both.
Chris
Ret. Officer Christopher Sager
KCMOPD
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