KCPD Memorial Lest We Forget
Honoring the Fallen
Officer
Richard Dean Bird
Kansas City, MO Police Dept
EOW: Friday, July 4, 1969
Date of incident: June 18, 1969
Age: 34
DOB: September 3, 1934
Tour of Duty: 13 years
Cause: Vehicular: pursuit
Incident Location: Jackson CountyLocation: Troost near 85th

Officer Richard Bird was involved in an accident while pursuing a car on his motorcycle.

On June 18, 1969, Officer Richard Bird was involved in an accident while pursuing a speeding car on his motorcycle near 85th and Troost. Officer Bird struck the left front fender of a car that turned in front of him to enter Lakeside Hospital. He died on July 4, 1969 at Baptist Memorial Hospital from brain injuries sustained in the accident.

Patrolman Bird was survived by his wife and three children.


Article by Brent Marchant

Kansas City Police Memorial