Fallen Kansas City officer Muhlbauer honored in Omaha

OMAHA, Neb. — June 8: Fallen police officer James Muhlbauer and K-9 Champ are honored in Omaha with ceremonial street signs near his childhood home.

by: Heidi Schmidt

Posted: Jun 8, 2023 / 04:54 PM CDT

Updated: Jun 8, 2023 / 05:26 PM CDT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A fallen Kansas City police officer and his K-9 are remembered in his hometown.

The City of Belleview, Nebraska, dedicated ceremonial street signs in honor of officer James Muhlbauer and K-9 Champ. The signs grace an intersection near Muhlbauer’s childhood home.

Incredibly, the City of Bellevue, Neb., renamed one of its streets today in honor of Officer Jim Muhlbauer.

Muhlbauer grew up in Bellevue, south of Omaha, & his parents still live in the same house, 30+ years. A portion of Lillian Street now honors Muhlbauer & K-9 Champ.

1/2 pic.twitter.com/zutPgbAu8B
— kcpolice (@kcpolice) June 8, 2023

Muhlbauer, a 20-year veteran of KCPD, and his K9 partner Champ were patrolling near the intersection of Truman Road and Benton Boulevard and were killed in a February crash.

Prosecutors say 18-year-old Jerron Lightfoot was driving at 85 mph and ran a red light, striking the patrol car. The patrol vehicle crashed into a pedestrian, 52-year-old Jesse Eckes, who also died.

Lightfoot has been charged with two counts of first-degree involuntary manslaughter.

Muhlbauer is also being remembered in Kansas City, the community he worked to protect.

His family and friends installed a memorial bench at Happy Rock Park in Gladstone last week. Muhlbauer’s family chose the location because he loved watching his son play soccer at the park, according to the police department.