KCPD Memorial Lest We Forget
Honoring the Fallen
Officer
John Ruffolo
Kansas City, MO Police Dept
EOW: Monday, Feb 19, 1934
Date of incident: Oct 22, 1933
Age: 44
DOB: October 15, 1889
Tour of Duty:
Cause: Struck by vehicle

Officer Ruffolo and another officer, John Goetz, were struck by a vehicle and seriously injured while investigating a vehicle struck in a hit and run in front of 4421 Prospect Avenue. As the officers were speaking to the owner of the vehicle struck in the hit and run another fast moving vehicle struck their patrol car and pinned the officers against a parked car breaking both of each officer's legs. Officer Goetz recovered but Officer Ruffolo died from his injuries four months later at Menorah Hospital.

Officer Ruffolo, 44, was with the Kansas City Police Department for less than a year and previously served in the United States Navy on the U.S.S. Leary. He was a first generation American, both of his parents emigrated from Italy. He was survived by his wife, Louise Ruffolo and a sister, Clara. Parents: Benjamin and Carrie. Interred: St. Mary's Cemetery

Article by Brent Marchant

Kansas City Police Memorial