A vigil was conducted Thursday at the Kansas Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial in Topeka. Four officers names were added this year, including Hays Police Sgt. Scott Heimann, Philips County Undersheriff Brandon Gaede, Wyandotte County Deputy Elijah Ming and Kansas City, Kansas, Officer Hunter Simoncic. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post
By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post
As dusk cloaked the Kansas Capitol Thursday night, family and comrades gathered with tiny blue lights to honor fallen Kansas law enforcement officers.
Among those added to the Kansas Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial in 2026 are Hays Police Sgt. Scott Heimann and Philips County Undersheriff Brandon Gaede, both killed in the line of duty in 2025.
Candlelight vigil attendees were encouraged to leave their candles at the memorial Thursday night. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays PostOfficers, including members of the Hays Police Department, participate in a vigil at the Kansas Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial on Thursday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays PostMembers of an honor guard lead a procession as part of a candlelight vigil for fallen law enfrocement officers at the Capitol on Thursday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays PostHays Police Chief Don Scheibler stands silent as bagpipes and a drum corps plays during a ceremony for fallen officers at the Capitol on Thursday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post
Philips County Undersheriff Brandon Gaede's father and stepmother listen to tributes to fallen officers during a ceremony at the Capitol on Thursday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays PostPhilips County Undersheriff Brandon Gaede was shot and killed by a suspect on June 27. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post
Earlier Thursday, a 95-mile law enforcement bike ride was conducted to honor the officers. The riders were escorted onto the Capitol grounds by a caravan of officers from various Kansas departments, riding motorcycles with blue and red lights flashing.
Family members and fellow officers were invited to remarks and a ceremony in the Capitol rotunda, before an honor guard led a procession to the memorial for a prayer and moment of silence for the fallen.
Officers participated in a 95-mile bike ride to honor fallen comrades on Thursday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays PostMotorcycle officers from various Kansas departments escorted the bike riders unto the Capitol grounds. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post
A wreath-laying ceremony will be at noon today.
Dana Evans, president of Kansas Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), said the annual event is a way for families of fallen officers to come together and share their grief.
Evans said it was a tragic year as the state lost four officers in rapid succession.
“It was too much,” she said. “It was totally devastating.”
The Kansas Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial on the grounds of the Capitol in Topeka. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays PostThe Kansas Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial on the grounds of the Capitol in Topeka. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays PostOfficers preparing for the candle-light vigil at the Capitol on Thursday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post
Heimann’s widow, children and extended family attended the ceremonies Thursday, as well as Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler, members of the Hays Police Department and Hays Mayor Mason Ruder.
Gaede’s father and stepmother were also in attendance.
An honor guard stands at attention in the rotunda of the Capitol during ceremonies on Thursday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays PostKansas Highway Patrol troopers in the upper levels of the rotunda at the Capitol on Thursday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post
Evans, whose father died in the line of duty, said families will always remember their loved ones.
“When we have a ceremony like this, it allows them to understand they are not going to be forgotten by others either,” Evans said. “They are going to be in our hearts as well.”
She added,” Our officers were here for a short time, but they are here forever because of these types of ceremonies.”
Wyandotte County Deputy Elijah Ming and Kansas City, Kansas, officer Hunter Simoncic, also killed in the line of duty in 2025, were also honored at the vigil.
