On October 28, 1953 while speeding to an emergency call, Officer Michael "Mike" Pearson, 34, collided with another officer's vehicle, who was also responding to an emergency call. Officer Pearson died from head injuries four months later on February 22, 1954.
Officer Pearson, 33, joined the Kansas City Police Department in 1942, but took a leave in 1943 and joined the United States Army. He returned to the KCPD in 1945. Officer Pearson was survived by his wife, Elizabeth B. Pearson, and child. Interment was at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.