Incident
Deputy Sheriff James Reynolds was killed in a motorcycle crash while assisting other units in pursuing a fleeing traffic violator.
Deputy Reynolds' shift had ended, but he joined the pursuit before crashing.
The suspect was taken into custody and convicted of charges relating to the pursuit. The suspect committed suicide after completing his sentence.
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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 Reynolds served with the Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Kansas City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Reynolds.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office has lost 10 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
James is one of 66 officers lost to accidents in KS, 19.7% of the 335 remembered there.
James is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1984, 1 officer in KS was lost to accidents, the 14th heaviest of 50 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 3.
In 1984, 82 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 23rd heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1984, 99 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 22nd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 41. Of the 59 lost to accidents in KS whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 49; the middle age was 37.
James was 41. 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.
James was 41. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
August holds 7.6% of these deaths in KS; November holds the most, 13.6%. Saturdays: 12.1%.
August holds 9.5% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Saturdays: 14.9%.
August holds 9.3% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 20% of all 10 deaths at Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 50% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 19.7% of all 335 deaths in KS, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.5% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
His people
Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office has 10 officers remembered here, James among them.
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William Conway May 11, 1896
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Charles Quincy Lukens Dec 8, 1909
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Frank Rohrbach Aug 6, 1931
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Maurice A. Bedell, Sr.
Aug 29, 1954
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Wesley Gippy Walden
Nov 19, 1955
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Thomas W. Mendina Mar 4, 1956
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James L. Reynolds Aug 4, 1984
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Patrick Thomas Rohrer
Jun 15, 2018
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Theresa Sue King
Jun 16, 2018
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Elijah Ming
Jul 26, 2025
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 35-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.




