Yesterday, January 27th, was the 40 year anniversary of the “End of Watch” for Deanna Rose. She was the Overland Park officer who was killed in the line of duty, January 27th, 1985, when a an intoxicated suspect she was trying to arrest, knocked her to the ground forcefully. She died from her injuries two days later. Rose was the first female officer to be killed in the state of Kansas.
It was an incredibly traumatic experience for the City of Overland Park, for the police department, and for everyone who knew her. The small community park and petting zoo was renamed “the Deanna Rose Farmstead” in her honor. With donations from the family, the city, and citizens it was quickly expanded to become the major park in the city that it is today. If you have never been there or taken your kids there, you are really missing out. The farmstead has over 250 animals and birds of prey, vegetable and flower gardens, a one-room schoolhouse, an old-time fishing pond, and encourages an appreciation of farm life, wildlife and Kansas heritage.
Deanna’s memory will continue to be honored and respected by all the many people who go there each year. Her memory continues to be kept alive through the farmstead that honors her love of children and animals.
