Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I drive this highway daily on my way to work in McPherson. About 5 years ago I learned about the officer killed in the line of duty the highway was named after. Such a tragedy for this town and your family . Thank you for your service officer Kennedy.

Hutchinson citizen
Citizen

September 15, 2022

Officer Kennedy,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Hutchinson. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 15, 2022

Uncle Ken, I’ve only heard about you through Aunt Nita and my parents, as you passed before I was born, but am praying for you and Aunt Nita on this day. I’m proud to call you my uncle and proud of your courage. God bless.

Tate Trible
Nephew

September 15, 2020

Rest in peace always and know that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 15, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Kennedy.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 7, 2020

I am proud to serve at the same agency and for the same community. Officer Kennedy will always be remembered with honor at the Hutchinson Police Department.

Chief Jeffrey C. Hooper
Hutchinson Police Department

November 21, 2018

Courageous. Savagely taken by a dredge of society but not before returning fire and shouting for his partner to get clear, most likely saving his life. Not only that, he was sent undercover with no radio. No back up. Only his courage. A small time criminal took his life, shooting him in the back, then shooting him in the chest while he was down. God bless my uncle Ken.

Nephew

May 15, 2018

Courageous. Savagely taken by a dredge of society but not before returning fire and shouting for his partner to get clear, most likely saving his life. Not only that, he was sent undercover with no radio. No back up. Only his courage. A small time criminal took his life, shooting him in the back, then shooting him in the chest while he was down. God bless my uncle Ken.

Nephew

May 14, 2018

Gone, but never forgotten. Thank you and your comrades for paying the ultimate price for our safety.

Smith, RN

February 13, 2014

Rest in Peace, Officer Kennedy. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 4, 2014

I will never forget that terrible phone call in the early morning hours from police chief Bob Adams (I believe that was his name) to tell me that my brother had been shot while making an undercover arrest. The pain of the tragedy was so hard to deal with. Ken was my best friend when we were growing up. We used to pretend that we were twins because from September 28th to October the 9th we were the same age! Then on October the 9th I would turn a year older and be the big sister! I have long since been away from Kansas - having lived in California, Colorado, Alaska and now Seattle, Washington but I still think back to that terrible September day and wonder what Ken's life would be like if he were still living. He loved being a police officer and I will always be proud of him.
-Sharon Kennedy Inks

Sharon Kennedy Inks
Sister

December 14, 2012

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

August 11, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

September 16, 2010

I want to say Thank you to Officer Kennedy and his family. You did so much for this community. I don't know a lot about you but what peaked my interest was our Ken Kennedy Freeway. Then one night I happen to be a the station and saw your picture and the two clicked. I did some research to find more about you. Everything I find, says that you are an awsome human being. You were excellent at your job. I'm glad that you were there for your partner. I like your family, wished that you were able to go about life. Anyhow, your family is in my heart and prayers and I truely thank you for all that you did. May your family be blessed.

Robin Perry
Hutchinson resident

October 27, 2009

I go about my days with little thought as to the sacrifices made by others ensuring the protection and sucurity of me and my family. Ken Kennedy has made the ultimate sacrifice and although I never had the opportunity to meet him, I have been told of his greatness and commitment to his service as a policemen. I am honored to be able to carry on his work in protecting the citizens of Hutchinson Kansas.

Captain Troy Hoover
Hutchinson Police Department

May 13, 2008

The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

October 25, 2007

I never had the chance to know you. My mother speaks fondly of you. She said you were an awesome guy and a great cousin. I wish that I had gotten the chance.

Lacey Halton PO
State Parole

October 2, 2007

Ken,
I think about you everyday. I have missed you so much. You were always willing to help me out when i needed it. You were my best friend as well as my brother. I tell my children that i wish they could have had the chance to have known you because they would like you and benefit from knowing you. I was proud of you for becoming a police officer. I believe that someday i will see you again.
Love always
Your sister Karol Kennedy-Shaw

Karol L. Shaw
Big Sister and best friend

June 27, 2007

Dear Uncle Ken... we miss you and think about you everyday, we know some day we will see you again.


Mike Inks (Ken's nephew) and Sharon Kennedy-Inks (Ken's sister and best friend)

Mike Inks
Journeyman Lineman

May 23, 2007

I have had the pleasure of working with several of you fellow officers throughout the years. I remember Roger Conlon crying when he talked about you. I know you must have been a great man. We continue to carry-on in your presence. Your picture is in the lobby and it reminds all of us what this job is all about. Service and sacrafice. Thank you for watching over us. God bless you and your family. You will not be forgotten as long as someone wears a badge in this city.

Sgt. Steve Stowers
Hutchinson, KS Police Dept.

May 9, 2007

I pass by a picture of Kenneth almost everyday I work. Several times I stop and and say a short prayer for him and his family. He will not be forgotten, we will always remember the sacrifice he paid for us. Rest in peace Kenneth and we will continue your fight for a safer, better community.

Patrolman Jeff Snell
Hutchinson Police Department

March 6, 2007

You are remembered.

September 12, 2006

Officer Kennedy, I was seven years old when you died...as a federal law enforcement officer I have shared the unfortunate passing of comrades and my heart is heavy knowing the loss endured by your family, friends and coworkers...your bravery is their pride and sadness...I grew up in Hutchinson and was influenced by the men and women of your department...it is in part, why I am where I am today...your legacy and your department's legacy is not something that fades...it is something we must try to share...we are still trying...

Former Hutchinson resident
Ex ATF, Ex Secret Service, Current US Treasury Special Agent

July 24, 2006

OFFICER KENNETH IS A TRUE AMERICAN HERO,THIS OFFICER WENT BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY,HE GAVE HIS LIFE SO OTHERS COULD LIVE IN PEACE. GOD BLESS THIS OFFICER AND HIS BEAUTIFUL FAMILY,REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTON.

LT.CAROLLO
N.Y.P.D

July 12, 2006

Officer Kennedy your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Care now. May you rest in peace brother.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 13, 2006