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Incident
Officer Terry Foster was shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance call in the 3600 block of Ralston Avenue.
An elderly couple had called the police to report their grown son was threatening them and acting violently. When officers arrived, the suspect locked himself in an upstairs bedroom. After talking with the suspect, the officers forced the hallway door open and began to check a bedroom when the suspect opened fire, striking Officer Foster in the head and chest several times. Other officers dragged Officer Foster out of the home and held their positions when an explosion ripped through the bedroom, completely engulfing the house. The suspect's body was later found inside.
Officer Foster had served with the Independence Police Department for 32 years and was only three weeks from retirement.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife of one year and several adult children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
32 years. You could have gone home.
Officer Foster gave the Independence Police Department 32 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Independence community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Foster.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Independence Police Department has lost 8 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
Terry is one of 527 officers killed feloniously in MO, 63.6% of the 829 remembered there.
Terry is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Terry is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2001, 1 officer at Independence Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 2001, 2 officers in MO were killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 146 years on record. The heaviest was 1920, with 16.
In 2001, 158 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2001, 160 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Terry was 54. Of the 4 killed feloniously at Independence Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 39.8; the middle age was 34.5. Terry had served 32 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
Terry was 54. Of the 477 killed feloniously in MO whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. Terry had served 32 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Terry was 54. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Terry had served 32 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Terry was 54. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Terry had served 32 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 16.7% of these deaths at Independence Police Department; February holds the most, 33.3%. Saturdays: 33.3%.
March holds 8% of these deaths in MO; December holds the most, 11%. Saturdays: 16.5%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 8 deaths at Independence Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 16.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.6% of all 829 deaths in MO, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 4.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Independence Police Department has 8 officers remembered here, Terry among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 39-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Independence Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
