March 2023 Blues Vol 39 No. 3

HONORING OUR FALLEN

HONORING OUR FALLEN HEROES POLICE OFFICER JAMES MUHLBAUER POLICE OFFICER CHRISTOPHER FITZGERALD KANSAS CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT, MISSOURI END OF WATCH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2023 AGE: N./A TOUR: 20 YEARS BADGE: N/A Police Officer Jim Muhlbauer and K9 Champ were killed in a vehicle crash at 10:15 pm at the intersection of East Truman Road and Benton Boulevard in Kansas City. A vehicle crashed into Officer Mulbauer and K9 Champ while in their patrol vehicle. A pedestrian was also hit. K9 Champ and the pedestrian died at the scene. Officer Muhlbauer was taken to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver that hit the police car was also injured and is in police custody pending investigation. Officer Muhlbauer had served with the Kansas City Police Department for 20 years. He is survived by his wife and child. TEMPLE UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT, PA END OF WATCH SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2023 AGE: 31 TOUR: 2 YEARS BADGE: 2362 Police Officer Chris Fitzgerald was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a robbery suspect near 1700 W Montgomery Street in Philadelphia at about 7:30 pm. The subject shot Officer Fitzgerald in the head and then attempted to steal his duty weapon, belongings, and patrol car. Officer Fitzgerald was transported to Temple University Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. The man who shot him was arrested at his home in Bucks County early the next morning. He was charged with the murder of a law enforcement officer, robbery, carjacking, and several other offenses. Officer Fitzgerald had served with the Temple University Police Department for two years. 78 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE The MAGAZINE BLUES 79