Terry Eugene Foster
Agency: Independence Police Department, Missouri
Officer Terry Eugene Foster was 54 years old when he passed. His life, friendships, and interactions with others however, defined who he was. Terry was a man of commitment to work, love for his community, and love for animals. It is often mentioned by surviving friends that Foster loved animals, especially dogs and even cared for the treatment of animals like fish.
Officer Foster responding to a domestic disturbance call on March 17th, 2001. At a southwest Independence home, Jeff Keith had become violent with his family. Officer Foster knew Keith who had suffered from mental problems, and tried to talk with him and convince him to get medical help and to deescalate the situation. Foster opened the door to the bedroom Keith was in, and Keith shot him four times with a rifle. Other officers dragged Officer Foster out of the home and held their positions when an explosion ripped through the bedroom, completely engulfing the house. The suspect was killed in the explosion.
Officer Terry Eugene Foster had been employed with the Independence Police Department for 32 years, and was only three weeks from retirement. He is survived by his wife of one year and several adult children. At the time of his death, money was raised for Wayside Waifs. Now, money is being raised for Independence Animal Control.
Reflections:
Terry was my cousin and my reflection of him was what an animal lover he was. My Dad and his Dad had pontoon boats docked together at Smithville lake in the late 1980's and my ex husband and I went to the boat to do some night fishing. Terry was there on his dad's boat. I caught a no keeper bass and it fell off the hook so I gently with my bare foot pushed it off into the water. Terry got a little angry with me for not picking it up but to make a long story short at the crime scene when the house burned to the ground there was a dog and a fish tank full of fish that were unharmed. Terry was their guardian angel. RIP Terry. Love you!
Kim Turner
Cousin
I remember the first time I met Terry. It was September of 1994. I had just been hired at the PD. My FTO had taken a day off so I was assigned to ride with Terry. At that time many of the senior officers wouldn't acknowledge a rookie but not Terry. He was very patient and kind. Treated me as if I had been working there for several years. You could never walk by him without him saying hello to you. I will never forget the night you were selfishly taken from us. March 17 should be renamed to Terry Foster Day. God bless you and your family Terry.
Officer Scott A. Grasher
Independence Police Dept.
I remember him, he helped me in my hour of need in 98, also remember hearing of his passing, Thank you officer Foster!
John Stricklin
Office Foster was a wonderful person and is very much missed. He and I shared the love of dogs. He would watch over us during council meetings, sometimes pulling faces at me when no one else watched trying to make me laugh. His death was such a shock to all of us and we will never forget his sacrifice to the citizens of Independence. God Speed.
Lucy Young
I worked with Terry for a short period when I was on the Independence Police Department, early in my law enforcement career. Today is August 23, 2018, and I just now learned of his death by reading about it on ODMP. At the time, I was employed by the USDOJ-DEA and assigned to the Dallas Field Division. I happened to be at Quantico, VA, attending some training when Terry was killed. This is a heck of a way to learn of a friend’s murder on-duty, but I am very grateful to ODMP for its existence, or I might never have known. In the early 1970s, IPD had a great bunch of people working for it. Terry was one of the best, a fun guy and a very good officer. It was a pleasure to know him. RIP, and walk well, my Brother.
Donnie Bowerman
Retired LEO
CMSUPD, IPD, KCPD, JCSD, DEA
We worked so many years together. When I was a dispatcher and would ride with you, you were patient, yet extended friendship. When I became an officer, you were one of the first to congratulate me. I still remember your laughter when I was promoted to sergeant and was assigned your squad. You saw true humor in that event. Our friendship grew and you were a pleasure to work with. I have to work hard to remember those positives, compared to the memory of that horrible night. It is hard not to feel anger when I go by your dock, knowing what your wife and family has missed. It is hard not to let anger be there, but Terry, that is not you or your memory. Your memory is one who cared, who had a deep sense of humor and community service, a love of family, and of life. I have to make myself not play "what if", but instead realize "what was". What was life shared with you, what was making calls with you, and what was just sitting car to car, talking. Your family and friends miss you. I have not visited your grave, and for that I am sorry, but I grieve too much for that. The day of your funeral, I worked the street so others could attend. I was being selfish, as I could not bring myself to attend. Today, I have taken time from life to remember the good things and to thank you, Terry, for being a friend, and coworkers for many years. By the way Terry, where are my pants? ( Private joke, Terry's cleaners lost a pair of pants of mine years ago, but I would not let them be replaced, as it was more value to ask that question now and then just to get Terry fired up. )
Missing you greatly,
Major Gregg Wilkinson
Independence Police
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