With Deep Sadness: Honoring the Life and Legacy of Officer Kylee Lawrence

With Deep Sadness: Honoring the Life and Legacy of Officer Kylee Lawrence

With deep sadness and heavy hearts, the Wichita Police Department announces the tragic loss of one of its own — Officer Kylee Lawrence — who passed away by suicide on June 11, 2025, while off duty. Her sudden and heartbreaking passing has sent shockwaves throughout the department, the city of Wichita, and the broader law enforcement community. Officer Lawrence was a beloved colleague, a steadfast public servant, and a beacon of strength who served with distinction and dedication for five years.

Born and raised in Kansas, Kylee Lawrence was known for her fierce sense of justice and her unwavering compassion. She joined the Wichita Police Department in 2020, driven by a strong desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Throughout her career, she embodied the true spirit of community policing — not only enforcing the law but also building relationships, showing empathy, and earning the trust of those she served. Her colleagues often spoke of her integrity, resilience, and calm presence under pressure.

Over the years, Officer Lawrence took on a variety of roles within the department, including patrol officer, community outreach participant, and youth mentor. Her impact extended far beyond the badge. She volunteered regularly with local youth programs and was particularly passionate about helping at-risk teenagers find alternatives to crime and violence. Kylee’s gentle nature, combined with a deep understanding of the emotional complexities people face, made her a trusted figure in many neighborhoods.

Tragically, behind her brave and composed exterior, Kylee battled silent struggles that are all too common among those in law enforcement. The pressures of the job — the trauma, long hours, emotional toll, and weight of constant responsibility — can sometimes feel insurmountable, even for the strongest among us. Her passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the invisible burdens many first responders carry and the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support within the profession.

The Wichita Police Department has committed to honoring Kylee’s memory not only through words but through action. In her name, the department is working to expand its mental health services, provide more confidential counseling resources, and create a culture where officers feel supported in seeking help. Officer Lawrence’s legacy will be a catalyst for change — a beacon of light shining a path toward healing, understanding, and openness.

Beyond her role in uniform, Kylee was a loving daughter, sister, friend, and confidante. She had a quick wit, a warm smile that could ease the tension of a stressful shift, and a love for the outdoors. She adored animals, cherished time with her family, and was known for her hand-written notes of encouragement left for coworkers. Those who knew her best remember her as someone who truly saw people — who could sense when others were hurting and who always tried to lift them up, even when she herself was struggling.

The entire Wichita community mourns her loss. Flags will be flown at half-staff, and a public memorial will be held in her honor. Her name will be etched into the annals of the department not just as a fallen officer, but as a person who gave of herself selflessly until the very end.

To those reading this who may be struggling: you are not alone. Officer Kylee Lawrence’s story is a call to recognize the humanity in all of us, especially those who are tasked with protecting others. Let her memory remind us to listen more, judge less, and extend a hand when someone seems to be slipping beneath the surface.

Officer Lawrence’s dedication, sacrifice, and spirit will never be forgotten. She served with honor. She will be remembered with love. And she will be missed beyond words.

Rest in peace, Officer Kylee Lawrence. End of Watch: June 11, 2025. Your service mattered. Your life mattered. You are not forgotten. 💙