Fallen KCK Officer Hunter Simoncic remembered at community vigil

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The community paid tribute to fallen officer Hunter Simoncic, with the Kansas City Kansas Police Department Thursday night.

The 26-year-old officer was remembered for his dedication to the community both in and out of uniform. Simoncic was killed in the line of duty early Tuesday morning.

“On Tuesday August 26, 2025 at 7:05 in the morning I received every family member or friend of a first responder dreads Hunter was gone,” friend Deputy Blake Fisher with the Greenwood County, Kansas Sheriff’s Office said.

KCK Police Officer Hunter Simoncic was killed that morning by a fleeing suspect as he attempted to deploy stop sticks on State Avenue.

Thursday night for the second time in just four weeks a giant flag between two ladder trucks hung over 7th Street at a vigil for a fallen law enforcement officer in Wyandotte County.

“This family is worried about us and they’ve lost an unimaginable loss. We can never repay you for giving your son to us,” Kansas City Kansas Police Chief Karl Oakman said.

Oakman and Mayor Tyrone Garner said Simoncic’s dedication to the community extended beyond the badge as he helped elementary school students learn to read in the Lead to Read program and also served as a big brother in Big Brothers Big Sisters for a teen.

“His presence in the schools was a source of joy and inspiration to young people which is a testament to his belief in the power of volunteerism mentorship and importance of education,” Garner said.

Fisher said Simoncic dreamed of being a police officer in Chicago and worked hard to overcome people who doubted his abilities because of a stutter. But it’s Simoncic who helped him overcome his heights on a trip to the Kansas City Zoo and learn to enjoy the view.

“Your sacrifice will never be forgotten we have it from here until we meet again fly high my friend,” Fisher said before candles were lit in KCPD Major Kari Thompson sung Amazing Grace.