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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Elmer M. Parmer was electrocuted while attempting to clear the roadway of a downed guidewire following a vehicle pursuit. Deputy Parmer was chasing a car on U.S. Highway 24/40 about eight miles southwest of Tonganoxie when the car swerved into the oncoming lane of traffic and hit a motorcycle, killing the 20-year-old driver. After hitting the motorcycle, the car went into a ditch, striking the guidewire, which snapped. About 30 minutes later, Deputy Parmer and a truck driver from Texas, who had stopped because of the crash, were moving the guidewire from the highway. As they moved it, a power line dangling from the pole brushed the guidewire and sent an estimated 12,000 volts through it, killing Deputy Parmer. The truck driver suffered severe burns. The 25-year-old driver of the vehicle Deputy Parmer had chased was jailed on charges of fourth-degree manslaughter, speeding, having an open alcoholic bottle, reckless driving, resisting arrest, and driving while under the influence of liquor. One passenger in his car suffered a head injury, and three other occupants fled the scene on foot but were later apprehended. Deputy Parmer had served with the Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office for four years.
Survivors
He is survived by his expectant wife, son, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Parmer gave the Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Leavenworth community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Parmer.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Elmer is one of 66 officers lost to accidents in KS, 19.7% of the 335 remembered there.
Elmer is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Elmer is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1960, 1 officer in KS was lost to accidents, the 14th heaviest of 50 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 3.
In 1960, 73 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 38th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1960, 89 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 39th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Elmer was 27. Of the 59 lost to accidents in KS whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 49; the middle age was 37. Elmer had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Elmer was 27. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Elmer had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Elmer was 27. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Elmer had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 7.6% of these deaths in KS; November holds the most, 13.6%. Sundays: 18.2%.
August holds 9.5% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Sundays: 14%.
August holds 9.3% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office.
Accident deaths account for 19.7% of all 335 deaths in KS, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Elmer among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 27-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
