United States of America
Headstone of Herbert E. Bybee

Herbert E. Bybee

Died July 15, 1960

Herbert E. Bybee.

How He Died
Manner Accident
Cause Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened

Patrolman Bybee and Sergeant Kieffer Burris drowned while practicing scuba diving at Lake Lotawana for an underwater recovery unit that the department was forming. At approximately 4 p.m., the two were spotted by a resident of the lake area and everything seemed alright. However, at approximately 5:30 p.m., one of the residents noticed Sergeant Burris floating face down in the water, and Patrolman Bybee's body was recovered a short time later. Patrolman Bybee's tank was empty but Sergeant Burris's still had air pressure, so the exact cause of this incident was not known. Patrolman Bybee had been with the agency for two years and served in the United States Navy for four years.

Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
Media
Herbert E. Bybee
Herbert E. Bybee 0 views
Service Record
Also Served
Kansas City Police Department
Patrolman
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 14W · Line 6 cut as HERBERT E BYBEE
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtqpav2bjsbqyyd4v7651
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.

Patrolman Bybee gave the Kansas City Police Department 2 years.

Thank you for your service to the Kansas City community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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