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Incident
Officer Vernon Seals was struck and killed by a vehicle that was being chased by other officers on I-70 at 3:30 pm.
The two occupants had committed a home invasion robbery in Fulton, Missouri, earlier in the day and fled after being stopped by a state trooper. The suspect lost control of his vehicle while trying to pass a patrol car, causing the vehicle to overturn. The car struck Officer Seals, who was positioned next to his patrol car on the eastbound shoulder. Officer Seals was transported to St. Joseph Hospital West where he succumbed to his injuries.
The driver of the vehicle was also killed in the crash, and the passenger was taken into custody. He was later sentenced to 20 years in prison for his part in Officer Seals' death.
Officer Seals had served as a part-time officer for the 280-person town for 12 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and 2-year-old son.
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.
Police Officer Seals gave the Truesdale Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Truesdale community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Seals.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Vernon is the only officer of Truesdale Police Department remembered here.
Vernon is one of 527 officers killed feloniously in MO, 63.6% of the 829 remembered there.
Vernon is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Vernon 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 2002, 3 officers in MO were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 146 years on record. The heaviest was 1920, with 16.
In 2002, 73 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 96th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2002, 78 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 96th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Vernon was 35. Of the 477 killed feloniously in MO whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. Vernon had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Vernon was 35. 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. Vernon had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Vernon was 35. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Vernon had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 9.9% of these deaths in MO; December holds the most, 11%. Sundays: 16.9%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Truesdale Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.6% of all 829 deaths in MO, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.3% 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 automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 63-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Truesdale Police Department are honored on badge.nw.