JosepH Zannelli
Agency: Kansas City Police Department, MO
On April 27, 1901, Officer Zannelli accidentally shot himself in the leg with his service revolver while chasing a man wanted for assaulting a streetcar conductor near 5th and Holmes. An infection developed as a result of the wound and Officer Zannelli's leg was amputated but gangrene spread throughout his body. He died on May 19, 1901.
Officer Zannelli was with the agency for 18 months. He was born in Italy, survived by his wife, Blanche, and three children, Anthony, Mabel, and Josephine. Patrolman Zannelli was the first Italian-American to serve in the Kansas City Police Department.
Harry Strohm, Joseph’s grandson, was quoted in the Kansas City Times in 1976 that his grandfather was not included on the Kansas City Statue memorializing fallen police officers even though he died in the line of duty. Strohm fought to recognize all officers that died through the accidental discharge of a weapon and especially for Officer Zannelli’s memory.
Reflections:
References:
The Kansas City Times, 16 February 1976, Page 32, ‘Only Italian’ Officer’s Death Forgotten by James Fisher