John J. O’Sullivan
Agency: Kansas City Police Department, MO
Officer O'Sullivan was born in Ireland, and became a United States citizen in 1971. He joined the Kansas City Police Department that same year.
On December 12, 1978, Officer Sullivan was sitting in his patrol car at 68th and Myrtle at approximately 10am, filling out a report, when a man pulled up alongside him and after a short conversation, shot him in the chest. A telephone company workman was nearby, witnessed the incident, and radioed for help on the patrol car's radio. Later, Lawrence Thomas, 29, was arrested and charged with murder. Officer O'Sullivan previously testified against Thomas in a 1977 drug trial where Officer O'Sullivan arrested Thomas for possession of PCP. Officer O'Sullivan also answered disturbance calls at Thomas' house twice in the week before the shooting. The suspect was convicted but has since been released from prison.
He was survived by his daughter Maureen O'Sullivan Darr.
The Kansas City Police Department honored the memory of O’Sullivan by naming a mounted patrol horse after him. In 2017 when he retired, Maureen O’Sullivan Darr, John’s daughter, got to meet him. "Sully represents a lot more to me than just a horse, you know so he is kind of an extension of my dad's memory,” said Maureen O'Sullivan Darr. "You always want an officer to hit retirement age, and for Sully he did that and you know he kept his partner safe and his partner kept him safe. I am just glad that he is going to be able to live out his years doing what horses love to do,” said O'Sullivan Darr.
Reflections:
John, this past evening I attended a bench dedication at the KCMO PD, Trail of Heroes Memorial Park. It was sponsored by your loyal friends from the Ancient Order of Hibernians. In attendance were a number of retired LEO's and other friends. You were fondly remembered and honored by all present. I was proud to be accompanied by one of my sons, who is also a Police Officer. I had the opportunity to speak about you and our friendship. I recalled your kindness and consideration towards others. You occasionally spoke with an obvious Irish brogue and you possessed a great sense of humor. John, you were an exceptional human being. You were a loving and devoted husband and father. You were a cherished friend. You are missed, but never forgotten.
David J. Bernal
Former KCMO PD/FBI-retired
As a young man from a small village in West Cork, you traveled so far to make a better life when times were so hard. Although you didn't get a chance to teach me how to live, the way you lived your life has shown me. I've learned to be fearless and be brave and be proud. In your short years here you managed to leave lasting memories with those you loved that have never faded with time. I am so grateful for every memory they've shared with me. I wish so many things had been different, but most of all I wish I had the chance to even just once tell you how very proud I am to be yours.
Kelly O'Sullivan
I first met John when I participated in the K.C.MO P.D. ride-along program when I was in my late teens. As time went on I got to know him better and we became good friends. He was like a big brother to me, and my wife and I had the privilege of sharing dinner at our home with his wonderful family. John is someone I will always remember and appreciate. He had a great sense of humor and it was in part his influence that led me to join the reserve unit with the Mission, Kansas Police Department in 1977. One of the saddest days of my life was when I attended his funeral in uniform, along with hundreds of others who were there to honor him. May God be with his family and with John. Hope to see you again someday, my friend.
Eben Fowler
Former reserve P.O. - Mission, KS Police Department
John was a good friend to everyone on the department who was lucky enough to work with or around him.
Donnie Bowerman
I so remember that day in December. I remember, too, the very biased reporting of the events surrounding your death, particularly by the KC Star. It sure made a lot of us very mad that their focus was on your killer and his family. It still makes me angry when I think about it. You were one great officer, John J. Oh, I still carry your handcuff key. Walk well, my Brother.
Donnie Bowerman
I taught John how to play cards in Coulson's RV in the parking lot at 1880 E. 63rd. after work several nights!
Bob Jones
I was one of the two paramedics that tried to save Officer O'Sullivan. Please know, my partner and I worked as hard as we could to save you. We always regretted that our efforts were in vain. My son, all these years later, is now a police officer and I have told him of this many times. I can still remember the day as if it were yesterday. The temperature, that it was a bright sunshiny day. And the horror we felt when we arrived on the scene. Please know that I have thought of you often.
Terry Benson Louthain
Physicians Exchange Ambulance Service
I was attending my second day at the Regional Academy on Tuesday, 12-12-1978, there was a scanner in the day room blaring police calls and students had to raise their voices to talk. Around 0900 we heard the three beeps of an "assist the officer" in Metro. No one talked for what seemed to be hours, amazing what we learned from radio traffic. The next day the paper had a large full face photo of your murderer with a trickle of blood running down his forehead as he was led into court for arraignment. Other photos in the paper were of anguished officers doing their duty to capture your killer almost immediately. The next day two of my classmates did not show. We were told they re-evaluated their choices and went on to other callings. I expect to retire soon, your story has been with me every day and I wish I'd had the privilege to have met you. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. My heartfelt condolences to your family.
Detective David Ross
Kansas City, Missouri Police
I am currently a Mounted Police Officer with the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department. As with many Mounted Units, our unit made the choice to honor our city's fallen officers by naming one of our police mounts after them. My mount is officially named John J. O'Sullivan in honor of this brave officer whoose life was tragically taken by a coward. The "old-timers" that I have talked with have stated that Officer O'Sullivan was a good officer that this city and its citizens were proud of. God bless his wife Carol and family. It is my understanding the suspect possibly died in prison, and was not released. It is my honor to remember Officer O'Sullivan.
Officer Michael Mast
Kansas City, MO Police Department
I wanted to let you know I met your daughter. You were taken from her at such an early age in your life. She is a wonderful, kind, loving, giving young lady you would be proud of. I didn't know you, but I'm grateful you were there to serve your community. May God be with you and one day may you be reunited with her.
Sandy
A friend
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