Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Conroy and his wife were neighbors of mine in the same apartment complex in SE Wichita. We became good friends ansI was a Wichita Police Officer at the time, thus we had a lot in common. My wife and I have just cooked out steaks with them a few days prior to his death. So very sad. He was a great friend, great husband and loved helping others be safe! I still think of him and miss him often.

Mike Nelson - Officer
Wichita Police Department

July 2, 2023

Trooper O'Brien,
I always take the time to read the End of Watch sent out through the KHP email. Since 1999, I've read your story many times. As we approach Memorial Day weekend, I felt it appropriate to take a minute and leave a note to you, your family and friends. Although we never met, your End of Watch has always stuck out to me as 1978 was the year I was born. I reflect on what it would have been like to be a Trooper during that era, how easy we have it now and what real, tough men were really like. It always saddens me to think of your young bride who was pregnant with your daughter, that you never had a chance to meet, prior to the most heinous of human interaction. I pray for your family that they may be comforted with God's peace in your absence as we're all certain what an excellent husband you were to your wife, an amazing father you would have been to your daughter and great fried to all those you knew.

Lt. Dale Brooks
Kansas Highway Patrol

May 26, 2023

You were my cousin in life now a angel protecting me in heaven. I'll always remember your kindness and smile.
Until we see each other again-

Marc Mclean
First Cousin

April 2, 2021

We were in school together. They gave you a stretch of road with your name on it. I see it every time I go home. Always a good guy. Very sorry you were not able to see your first child and watch her grow up.

Marti Abernathy
Friend

March 27, 2021

Dear Trooper O’Brien:
I never knew you but read about you. You are truly a hero and are remembered in my Prayers. May you rest in oeace knowing you are not forgotten.
Bill Gaughan
Omaha, NE

Citizen
OPD

July 9, 2018

RIP my friend, KHP classmate. 40 years has passed by quickly although I remember that day like it was yesterday. We were all rushing to your location but couldn't get there in time.. May those three worthless souls rot in hell.

Dave Aggson, K409 ret.
Manhattan, KS.

Dave Aggson, Tech. Trooper ret.
Kansas Highway Patrol

May 25, 2018

When I was just a boy I lived in the same apartment complex as Conroy. Conroy took me under took me under his wing and showed me kindness when my Father was mostly absent. He was a good man taken from to early.

Dave Ross
Friend

July 8, 2016

It's hard to believe that so many years have passed. One wonders why things happen to good people and not to others that have chosen to go astray.

Conroy was a great classmate and I think how things could have been different if he had lived.

But, every thing is in God's hands, and we don't always understand the reason for such events.

Stephen C. Ward, 2nd Lieutenant, Retired
KHP

May 24, 2016

37 years later... I appreciate everyone's kind words. Conroy has 3 grand-babies. A very handsome soon to be 18 year old named Charlie who hopes to play football in Kansas in Fall of 2017, a 16 year old named Billy who is his brothers QB, and a little girl who is 14 named Bayleigh.

It is a great day to be alive... hug those you love!

Neely M O'Brien- Goen
Daughter of Conroy

May 24, 2016

Thinking about you and your family, 38 years later. Rest in Peace, Trooper O'Brien.

Lieutenant Adam Winters
Kansas Highway Patrol

May 24, 2016

To Trooper O'Brien's family.

I think of you often and remember the events of the day that Trooper O'Brien was killed. This day would forever change the lives of so many people.

Early that morning in my home in Herington, KS the phone rang requesting my father Trooper Charles Smith, to go on duty as soon as possible to be on the look out for three suspects in the death of a fellow State trooper.

The news spread quickly through our small community that a State Trooper had been executed with his own service revolver on the Kansas Turnpike.

My father had not been out long before he spotted a vehicle that made him suspicious. He immediately turned around to get a closer look. The vehicle took off at a high rate of speed, he knew he had spotted the killers. After a chase that led him down country roads and crashed through pasture gates a gun battle began between the three suspects and my father. A call for backup was made and local and State wide law enforcement agencies answered the call.

I'm not sure how long the gunfire lasted, it must have seemed like an eternity to my father. As my dad took cover behind his drivers door the window was shot out above him. At some point during the gun battle the three suspects decided to run for the tree line to escape. That decision probably saved my father's life that day.

I remember the stories and pictures of pickups full of local farmers and ranchers armed with rifles arriving on the scene to begin the manhunt. By the end of the day all three suspects were found and arrested.

The emotional scars that day caused to the O'Brien family and to so many that lived in the Herington community were felt for many years.

I have thought of Trooper O'Brien's family over the years knowing that his little girl wasn't even born at the time of his death. But in reading some of her statements I know she will see him some day soon in Heaven.

I will always remember Trooper O'Brien and his family.

Brenda Smith Stevenson
Daughter of Trooper Charles E. Smith

February 5, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 25, 2015

I hope the Bastard rots in prison and no damn kissy kissy liberal has anything to do with the parole boards decision.
I'm with your mother on this one Neely. No forgiveness.
Conroy was my relief from evening shift to his midnight shift, most every night.
Sorry for the language but I will never forget and can only imagine his fear and abuse he took.

Trooper, Dale Hellman
Kansas Highway Patrol

May 24, 2015

Rest in peace, Trooper O'Brien. You and your family will always be remembered.

Master Trooper Greg Peters K293
Kansas Highway Patrol

May 24, 2015

Rest in Peace, Trooper O'Brien. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 4, 2014

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

May 24, 2012

A Hero may fall but shall never be forgotten. RIP Sir.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

May 24, 2012

Dear Trooper O'Brien,
You and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers. I read about your story last year and the reporter put me in touch with your brother as I was so touched and saddened about what happened to you.
I am so sorry for the horrible manner in which you were killed. I will keep your family in my heart... especially your daughter - knowing we went through a similar experience.
Thank you for your service and God bless you Sir.

Kristi Porter
Adult Child Survivor

January 21, 2012

I appreciate everyones letters. My dad was an amazing man from what I have been told. Jimmie and I do speak and he has admitted his guilt and is humble to serve the time he has left of his 45yr to life sentence that he was given for his poor choice that night. Walter Myrick lost his life in prison March 16th 2009, and Standford Swain was released in 1988 served 10 years probabtion in a town less that 2 hours from us and is a repeat offender here in Oklahoma. Again thank you for all the support and letters. I do ask as his daughter that when Jimmie is gone, most likely he will not make it to 2021 that my Fathers legacy not die...I do not like THIS being his legacy and try to speak of forgiveness and love to honor my dad and speak of the way he touched people...not about the way he left this world...but about how he LIVED in this world. Thanks again. LOVE YOUR NEIGHBORS. :) Be Blessed.

Neely Goen
Daughter of Trooper O'Brien

May 18, 2011

Rest easy my brother, we'll do our best to keep him locked up...watch over us from Above

Policeman
Brother in Blue, Phoenix PD

April 4, 2011

After all these years may you Rest in Peace...Know that your brothers and sisters in Blue have your watch as you move to your watch over us above. I have a new prayer for you and your family. I have written my 2 page letter for the parole board. May your wife and child have peace still.
In Valor There Is Hope

Shelley Bates
Wife of Det. Sgt Bates

March 30, 2011

Trooper O'Brien, your voice will be heard in May when your killer will be eligable for parole. I plan on writing the parole board and asking that Jimmie Nelms be denied parole. You will never be forgotten!

Deputy
HCSO

March 30, 2011

Just wanted to say that your sacrifice has not been forgotten, even after decades have passed. Thank you for your selfless service. Rest in Peace.

Officer's Wife
Cincinnati, OH

March 30, 2011

Rest in Peace Trooper.

Trooper
Michigan State Police

March 29, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 32nd anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

May 24, 2010