KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Members of the public may attend fallen Ofc. Blaize Madrid-Evans' funeral today 11 a.m. at the Community of Christ Auditorium, 1001 W. Walnut St., in Independence. A procession will follow.
Community members gathered Thursday afternoon for the visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Community of Christ Auditorium,
Many Springfield police officers attended the visitation. Not only to pay their respects to a fellow officer but as a way of honoring Madrid-Evans' organ donation to Springfield officer Mark Priebe.
Springfield Police Department Lt. Curt Ringgold was choked up when he said he'd give Madrid-Evans "a great big hug" to thank him.
"A tragedy happened up here in Kansas City in Independence, and here’s a chance for one hero to help another hero live, and that’s what we like," Ringgold said. "And that’s the brotherhood and the sisterhood that we have at the law enforcement. It doesn’t matter if we’re in the same city, same county or same state."
Madrid-Evans was only 22 years old and had served only 18 shifts with the Independence Police Department, but his impact is still felt in the department and in the community as the weight of his loss is felt.
"We appreciate the strong support of the community," said Independence police spokesperson Jack Tayor. "We've seen them just come out and rally behind our officers in the last week. It’s been amazing, and our officers really appreciate that."
