The UMKC community is grieving the loss of Officer David T. McHenry, a respected member of the UMKC Police Department known for his dedicated service and commitment to mental health support.
While serving UMKC for four years, McHenry’s law enforcement career spanned nearly three decades, beginning in 1995 when he attended the Kansas City Regional Police Academy.
Before joining UMKC, he served with the Independence Police Department and the Kansas City International Airport Police. McHenry was also a proud veteran of the U.S. Army.
UMKC Police Lt. Tim Maybell praised McHenry’s career-long commitment to helping others. “Officer McHenry took pride in serving and protecting the UMKC campus community,” said Maybell. “His service and dedication, as well as his passion for people, will be sorely missed.”
In 2023, McHenry’s quick thinking and decisive action saved a life in the UMKC Health Sciences District.
While on duty, he responded to a call for help from a passing vehicle, discovering an individual suffering from an overdose. McHenry immediately administered emergency nasal spray, successfully reviving the person. This heroic act earned him the UMKC Police Life-Saving Award.
Maybell highlighted McHenry’s expertise in this area.
“Officer McHenry excelled in crisis intervention,” said Maybell. “Through his passion in crisis intervention, it led to him receiving accommodations for helping many others in their darkest of needs.”
Remembered by colleagues, McHenry was widely recognized for his contributions to supporting individuals experiencing mental health crises.
In 2022, he received the department’s Crisis Intervention Team award, acknowledging his exceptional ability to connect people with vital services during challenging times.
As the university mourns this significant loss, counseling services are being made available to both students and employees who may need support during this difficult time.
