Deputy Sheriff James R. Kenney

Deputy Sheriff James R. Kenney

Clay County Sheriff's Office, Kansas

End of Watch Tuesday, November 16, 1999

Add to My Heroes

James R. Kenney

Deputy Sheriff James Kenney was shot and killed as he and other officers were attempting to arrest a jail escapee.

The suspect and two other inmates overpowered two corrections officers and escaped from a local jail. The two other inmates were arrested soon thereafter, however, the suspect escaped to his home. Deputy Kenney, and his canine Copper, went to the house to arrest him and was met with gunfire. Both he and Copper were shot and killed.

The suspect was then arrested by other officers and charged with premeditated first-degree murder and with inflicting death on a police dog.

Deputy Kenney had served in law enforcement for 15 years. He is survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.

Bio

  • Age 62
  • Tour 15 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Charged with premeditated murder

Most Recent Reflection

View all 36 Reflections

I met Jim when I first started working in Clay County as a Community Corrections Officer. Jim and I became friends and I often rode with him and Copper, both as a Corrections Officer and as a Reserve Deputy for Clay County. Being invited to attend Jim and Copper's service after they were murdered was a very high honour. Dave

Dave Pingenot
Community Corrections Officer

January 23, 2022

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.