Sergeant Harry V. Hedrick, Sr., Kansas City Police Department, Kansas

Sergeant Harry V. Hedrick, Sr.

Kansas City Police Department, Kansas

End of Watch Monday, August 5, 1963

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Harry V. Hedrick, Sr.

Sergeant Harry Hedrick was shot and killed after responding to a report of gunshots.

When he and his partner arrived at the area of Third Street and Troup Avenue in Kansas City, they observed a man digging in a trash can and a second man holding a coat over one hand. The man with the coat approached their patrol car, asked the officers what they wanted, and then opened fire with a handgun concealed under the coat. Sergeant Hedrick was killed. His partner returned fire, wounding the suspect.

The 52-year-old suspect, who had been arrested in the past for multiple felonies but never served any time, was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on January 17, 1964. He was released from prison on September 9, 1980, and died seven months later.

Sergeant Hedrick had served with the Kansas City Police Department for 19 years. His wife and two children survived him.

Bio

Age 47
Tour 19 years
Badge 6

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .32 caliber
Offender Sentenced to life

disturbance, shooting call

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To my grandpa Hedrick. You died young, 2 years 19 days before your 1st grandchild was born, leaving your only child behind, Harrison Vernon Hedrick Jr., who also died young at age 53, leaving his 2 children behind, and my older brother, Harrison V. Hedrick III, born 8/24/65, died 7/23/25, age 59 with no children. I'm your last surviving relative. Though your grandchildren never met you, we've known about you, even visiting your station with your son while visiting Kansas, and speaking with those still their that remembered the call that came over the radio that night. You were nearing the end of your shift, not knowing it would be the end of your watch. You were shot at point blank range, with the bullet breaking the nose rim of your glasses between the eyes as you sat in the passenger seat of your squad car. After the black gentleman asked what you wanted, you responded by asking if they saw anyone else in the area before he brandished his gun and took your life. I'm grateful for the reflections people continue to leave to honor your memory. May you never be forgotten.
Harold Kenneth Hedrick born June 1, 1968

Harold Kenneth Hedrick

August 19, 2025