‘Always smiling’: Loved ones remember North Kansas City officer killed in line of duty
It was Daniel Francisco Vasquez’s lifelong dream to become a police officer, loved ones said. He did so for two years before he was killed in the line of duty.
The 32-year-old North Kansas City police officer was fatally shot Tuesday while trying to pull over a car with expired tags near 21st Avenue and Clay Street, officials said. A 24-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder in his killing.
Vasquez was a “shining star to all who crossed paths with him,” surviving family, including his parents, siblings and fiancée, wrote in his obituary, published Monday.
In January 1990, Vasquez was born in Kansas City, Kansas, a first generation Mexican-American, according to his obituary. He has two older sisters.
His childhood included sports like football, baseball and wrestling, family wrote. Drums, which he played at church, were among a few of the instruments he picked up.
As an adult, Vasquez dedicated his time to his loved ones, family wrote. He liked playing video games, cooking, exploring new cuisines and going to rodeos, according to the obituary.
He also loved working out, family said. On Sunday, many of Vasquez’s friends and colleagues gathered at a local gym to remember him.
“Daniel was always smiling, joking around, and friendly to everyone,” his obituary reads. “He was a loving and supportive Uncle. He is best described as respectful, compassionate, dependable, and a protector to all that knew him.”
Vasquez’s dedication to serve
Before he was a police officer, Vasquez worked security in Jackson County and Wyandotte County, working at one point as an “Avenue Angel” helping protect businesses and citizens, according to his obituary. He also worked as a security officer for the Independence Avenue Community Improvement District, according to a story in the Northeast News.
He was soon recognized by the law enforcement community for helping police apprehend a homicide suspect, family said. He then joined the Kansas City Police Department, working as a detention officer between March 2019 and July 2020.
After his time at KCPD, Vasquez’s “passion for serving his community was stronger than ever,” his obituary reads. He applied to be an officer with the North Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department.
Vasquez joined the North Kansas City Police Department in January 2021 as a recruit officer and was promoted to full officer after graduating from the KCPD Regional Police Academy in July 2021.
“He faithfully served the citizens of North Kansas City until his passing,” family wrote.
He has since been awarded the Medal of Valor by the department.
“His family, friends, co-workers, Law Enforcement Family, and the community have lost a loving and respectable community servant who will be missed beyond measure,” the obituary reads.
Funeral arrangements
The public is welcome to attend a visitation for Vasquez from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Vineyard Church at 123000 Northwest Trafficway in Kansas City.
Anyone traveling to the visitation is asked to take US-169 South.
His funeral is planned for the following day, at 9 a.m. at Vineyard Church.
A procession will immediately following the funeral, beginning around 11 a.m. at the church and ending at White Chapel Memorial Gardens.
Members of the public who would like to support the family and department are asked to line Armour Road during the procession.
There could be traffic delays in the area that day as the procession moves through, the department said.
Street closures
On Wednesday, parking will not be allowed on Armour Road between Burlington and Ozark streets. Any vehicles in that area must be moved by 5 a.m. Wednesday. Parking will again be opened in the area after the funeral.
North Kansas City Hall will be closed to the public on Wednesday so city employees have the opportunity to attend the funeral.
