Boys of Summer are heavy hitters for IPD

If you have read the last couple of Life on the Beat articles you know that Independence Police athletes have had a tremendous year competing in sports against teams, not only from the Kansas City metro area, but also against teams from throughout Missouri and other states.

The IPD softball team is no exception. In 2000, Evidence Technician Jason Myers and Capt. Ed Turner formed a fledgling softball team comprised of Independence Police personnel with the idea of enjoying the game, keeping physically fit, and having fun. Little did they know that what started out as a “mostly just for fun” endeavor would become a powerhouse on the field and an object of pride for the Independence Police Department.

On June 20, the IPD softball team traveled to St. Louis for the St. Louis Bacon Ball Tournament. They won their first five games by beating the City of St. Louis Police Department, the Illinois State Police twice, and the nationally ranked St. Louis Top Gun team which is made up of police officers from throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. They also beat a local St. Louis County team.

IPD obtained the top seed and advanced to the championship game. However, after playing all day with only nine team members, the IPD team finally lost to the St. Louis Top Gun team in the championship game and wound up with the silver medal taking second place. What a great showing they made in representing Independence.

For all of the IPD softball team's success and prowess on the diamond, most people don’t know about the team’s passion in caring for others.

The team players: Jason Myers, Shaun Warren, Jeff Pagel, Roger Lane, Chris Sommers, Kurt Wyckoff, Paul Thurman, Rick Romero, Justin Pinkerton, Eddie Turner and Jake Williams, travel to tournaments all across the state of Missouri to help raise money for injured or fallen police officers and their families. Not only do they do this on their own time, but they also pay their own travel, lodging, and food expenses. These young men are great humanitarians in addition to being some of the finest police officers any town could hope to have.

Thank you for your service on the field, in the streets, and in the hearts of the whole community.