Thomas Richard Meyers
Agency: Kansas City Police Department, MO
Tom was well known throughout the Metro as a tireless advocate for preventing crime and protecting personal and corporate assets. Tom took it upon himself to meet with any civic, community, neighborhood, and church or youth group to spread the word about crime prevention or the securing of a commercial or residential facility. If a business owner or homeowner called and asked him to conduct a security assessment, Tom would gladly accommodate them even in his time off. Any and every opportunity he was able to make the citizens of the Kansas City Police Department North Patrol Division safer and create a more secure place to live and work, Tom would step up to the plate and give it his every effort. The ASIS Greater Kansas City chapter now offers an award each year in memory of Tom that honors those with whom the chapter members most often call upon for assistance in protecting their employers and clients.
For his valiant service in life, Tom’s name is recognized every year in the form of the Thomas R. Meyers Award, presented by the Greater Kansas City- ASIS Foundation Awards. Recipients are recognized as an outstanding Law Enforcement Officer who exemplifies professionalism and is a role model in our community. “This recipient will be one who has fostered relations between law enforcement, the community and private security professionals” as according to the ASIS foundation website.
Police Officer Thomas Meyers was killed after being struck by a car while assisting a victim at the scene of an accident on I-29. While talking with the victim another vehicle driving erratically struck him and the car that was involved in the accident. Two other people at the scene of the accident were injured as well.
The drunk driver, whose BAC was three times the legal limit, was charged with assault on a law enforcement officer and two counts of assault. The subject was denied parole in 2003, 2008, 2010, and 2015.
Officer Meyers worked at the Gladstone and Riverside Police Departments before joining the Kansas City Police Department in 1985 where he earned three Meritorious Service Awards and 39 letters of commendation during his career. He served with the Kansas City Police Department for 13 years and had served in law enforcement for 25 years. He was a Marine veteran serving in Vietnam.
He is survived by his wife, Trudy, of 33 years, his son, Troy, daughter, Tracy, mother, Elizabeth and brother, Charles.
Reflections:
Tom was more than just a friend, he was a Dad to me at times. I am so thankful for everything he did for me and I miss those days of going around and doing things with him. Oh those oh so many nights when he'd take me to a neighborhood watch meeting to steal his briefcase so people would get to describe me, those chocolate malts at hardees and talking about electronics. I never got to have a career in law enforcement but have such a greater knowledge, understanding, and respect for those that do. I also had the honor of going to high school with a beautiful young lady, who's friendly smile and personality has always made me smile. I'm sure Tracy got those qualities from both her wonderful parents.
Steven Clark
Friend
You were not only on this earth to work. Although you loved it much, you were a father as well. I remember the times you would drive me to school, to the orthodontist and to breakfast. The times you would pretend the car was an airplane taking off on another excursion and keep the illusion up the entire ride. You made me feel I was always a princess and protected me like a father should. Every holiday was special and mom and I would awake to a special gift from you, the Christmas extravaganza breakfasts you would prepare. Troy and I are now the loving brother and sister you were always hoping for on our long road trips. You are missed and loved by many. I miss you everyday and continue telling stories to the grandson you will never meet. Brennan knows his Grandpa Tom was a police officer and talks to you on his police radio, dresses in the gear and gives tickets to us all. I smile, laugh and cry all at once. I keep your memory alive for him and myself.
Love, your little girl always
Tracy Keeling- daughter
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