‘It’s a calling’: Independence honors fallen officers with new drum and pipe corps

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (KCTV) - Cody Allen has been gone for more than a year, but Independence police officers still mourn his loss.

He was one of the officers killed in the line of duty who was ed Friday ahead of national police week.

Several loved ones of fallen officers gathered in the morning, reflecting on the ultimate sacrifice made.

Officer Cody Allen was killed in February of 2024 after responding to the shooting of a county civil process server, Drexel Mack, who was also killed.

Several city and county officials spoke at the ceremony, extending their gratitude and condolences to the families who no longer have their man or woman in blue.

“Each of us took an oath, a solemn promise to place the safety and lives of another above our own and to do so without hesitation,” an officer said.

IPD Public Information Officer Bryan Conley spoke about his first time meeting Allen years back. He said the two were on a high-speed chase before arresting a man accused of burglary.

“Hardworking, funny, sarcastic. He had actually left police work for a time,” Officer Conley explained. “He was here and left for a time. He wasn’t happy being gone from here and he was drawn back here. Something in his heart brought him back to Independence.”

Families placed roses with heavy hearts, representing their officer, who can no longer stand by their side.

Each name was read before a 21-gun salute and a helicopter flyover in their honor, with fallen officers dating back to the 1800′s.

“It’s not a job, it’s a calling, it’s a lifestyle,” said Conley.

Conley said IPD’s Drum and Bugle Corp. it’s one of just two in the state of Missouri and had been practicing so they can be a part of this ceremony and pay tribute to Allen. Allen will be honored at the National Memorial in Washington, DC. of IPD will be in DC for that next week, including Chief Dustman.

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