Salute to Blue Vigil
Salute to Blue Details
What: Salute to Blue was a driving vigil of more than 300 law enforcement vehicles that lit up Overland Park blue in honor of the sacrifice of Overland Park Police Officer Mike Mosher and other officers who have fallen in the line of duty. This vigil marked the beginning of National Police Week in Overland Park. Residents and businesses displayed blue lights and wore blue to view a procession of police vehicles from the safety of the sidewalks near the procession route, while maintaining social distancing.
When: Sunday, May 10, beginning at approximately 8:30 p.m.
Where: Driving processional to begin at 95th and Switzer in Overland Park heading east to Antioch, north to 75th, east to Metcalf, south to 125th Street, west to Foster, north to 123rd Street, west to Antioch, south to 135th Street, will end at 135th and Switzer. (Note: Law enforcement agencies will travel from this location to the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead parking lot for a private message relayed via police radio. This area will not be open to the public.) See map, right.
Who: Family and friends of Officer Mike Mosher, Overland Park Police Department officers and staff, law enforcement agencies from across the Kansas City metropolitan area and Kansas and Missouri, members of the public are encouraged to line vigil route, practicing social distancing.
Chief's Radio Address
Following the public procession, law enforcement agencies gathered in the parking lot at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead to remember Officer Mike Mosher and hear OPPD from Chief Frank Donchez.
Opportunities for media coverage:
Suggested media vantage points:
Southwest corner of 75th and Antioch
Grassy area west of Metcalf at 82nd Street
College and Metcalf area
Sanders Justice Center, 12400 Foster
Parking lot of southwest corner of 137th and Switzer
Highlights of Salute to Blue route
Route begins near Oak Park Mall, where Officer Mike Mosher would often work off-duty
Route passes near site of Deanna Rose’s death at I-35 and 75th Street
Route passes near site of Deanna Rose’s funeral 75th and Lowell
Route travels through Downtown Overland Park, past Overland Park Chapel where Mosher’s body currently rests
Route travels past Overland Park Convention Center, where Mosher's visitation will take place Tuesday
Route travels past Johnson County Funeral Chapel and Memorial Gardens, where Mosher's funeral will take place Wednesday
Route travels past Sanders Justice Center, Officer Mosher’s primary police station
Route travels down 123rd Street, site of Officer Mosher’s death
Additional angles and content:
Deanna Rose biography - first and only other OPPD officer to be killed in the line of duty
Fact sheet - Overland Park Purple Heart recipients