Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was one of two assistants in the Detective Bureau. Working with Terry was fun, always joking. He was super to work with and so easy for all of us to get along with. Goofball. I had just left the Department when I heard about this horrifyingly happening. I attended his impressive, deserving and heartbreaking service.

Elaine Austin Sayre
Independence Missouri Police Department

March 18, 2023

I’m sorry we lost you Terry. I was there that night in an AMR Ambulance waiting for you to calm the subject down like you had numerous other times and I just wish it had gone very different then it did. I never knew you in life but in my dreams were very good friends.

Matthew Reeder
American Medical Response EMT

April 18, 2022

I worked with Terry for a short period when I was on the Independence Police Department, early in my law enforcement career. Today is August 23, 2018, and I just now learned of his death by reading about it on ODMP. At the time, I was employed by the USDOJ-DEA and assigned to the Dallas Field Division. I happened to be at Quantico, VA, attending some training when Terry was killed. This is a heck of a way to learn of a friend’s murder on-duty, but I am very grateful to ODMP for its existence, or I might never have known. In the early 1970s, IPD had a great bunch of people working for it. Terry was one of the best, a fun guy and a very good officer. It was a pleasure to know him.
RIP, and walk well, my Brother.

Donnie Bowerman
Retired LEO
CMSUPD, IPD, KCPD, JCSD, DEA

August 23, 2018

Terry was my cousin an my reflection of him was what an animal lover he was. My Dad an his Dad had pontoon boats docked together at smithville lake in the late 1980's an my ex husband an I wenr to the boat to do some night fishing. Terry was there on his dads boat. I caught a no keeper bass an it fell off the hook so I gently with my bare foot pushed it off into the water. Terry got a little angry with me for not picking it up but to make a long story short at the crime scene when the house burned to the ground there was a dog an a fish tank full of fish that were unharmed. Terry was theyre guardian angel. RIP Terry. Love you!

Kim Turner
cousin

October 16, 2017

I just visited the memorial wall in DC for the first time and found Terry's inscription. What a powerful reminder of how short our lives here on earth are. I had only been on the department for 4 days when Terry was killed, but every year at our memorial service I am reminded of what a great man he was. Give your kids a hug today and stay safe.

Officer Jeff Nunn
Independence Police

May 18, 2017

By far my saddest moment in my over 30 year career in law enforcement. I worked with Terry both in patrol and as a detective. Terry and I drove to Austin, Texas and picked up a homicide suspect and although the events are to numerous to mention here this is where I really got to know Terry. I have been retired over eleven years now and have 5 grandchildren which are two events Terry has missed due to this one persons actions . Terry may you rest in peace and to his family my continued condolences.

Mike Fowler, Detective
Independence, MO Police department

March 17, 2016

It was heard to believe that you will be gone 15 yrs. You are missed very much. You are missed very much.

anoymous

March 17, 2016

It's been 36 years since I left the IPD family. It was just today that I learned of your passing from Clarissa. To you family, my sincere condolences in their loss. Terry, you are and were a good man, a police officer who earned my respect.

Now that you are out globe trotting the universe, a line from Star Trek seems appropriate: "You are never truly gone as long as someone remembers."

Rest in peace, knowing that you are remembered.

Gene Gietzen

March 13, 2016

Rest In Peace

Lt. David T. McHenry
Holt Missouri Police Department

March 17, 2015

Terry it just does not feel like it's been 12 years since the night that you were taken away from us, it seems like only yesterday for me. I remember how the shift had been going on that day, just your normal St. Paddy's Day people enjoying the day with a little to much "Cheer". I remember the last call that Terry and I went on together off of Englewood and Sterling, it involved "4 Drunks and a Scooter" and after making the arrest and transporting them to the Jail he and I remarked to each other "See you on the next one".

Rest In Peace

Officer David T. McHenry
Holt Missouri Police Department

March 18, 2013

I remember the first time I met Terry. It was September of 1994. I had just been hired at the PD. My FTO had taken a day off so I was assigned to ride with Terry. At that time many of the senior officers wouldn't acknowledge a rookie but not Terry. He was very patient and kind. Treated me as if I had been working there for several years. You could never walk by him without him saying hello to you. I will never forget the night you were selfishly taken from us. March 17 should be renamed to Terry Foster Day.

God bless you and your family Terry.

Officer Scott A. Grasher
Independence Police Dept.

June 6, 2012

You will never be forgotten Terry. Lots of love for the rest of my IPD family and Terry's family.

Miranda Rice
Former IPD Desk Clerk

March 17, 2012

Still think about you all of the time Terry, I remember the last call that you and went on that day and how shared our views on St. Pat's day:-) Doesn't seem like it's been 10 years.

Cpl. David McHenry
U.S. Army Military Police

November 23, 2011

thank you for your bravery and sarcifice

Anonymous

March 25, 2011

10 years, how can it be possible Terry? You are missed by all of us. I especially think of you on nice days like today and wish you were here to fire up the grill, have a beer and just enjoy that it is finally warm and we have lots more
bar b que's to come. I don't know where the time has gone.. take good care of Albert and everyone else.. miss you.

Betty Lou Anderson

March 17, 2011

Terry,
It has almost been 10 years since you were taken from us. Although you're gone, you are not forgotten.You would be very proud of the newer officers, they are trained in reflection of what happened to you and reminded of your dedication. March 17th will never be the same again. You are beloved and missed dearly my friend.

Independence Police Officer
Independence Police Department

March 15, 2011

Rest in peace, sir. Your sacrifice is greatly appreciated.

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge. Proverbs 14:32

Friend of USFS Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9/20/08

K.L.
former 4-H Happy Tails member

October 26, 2010

Terry it is about time for the state memorial--I cannot believe how many of these we have gone to. I miss you so much and wish we were going in that direction together to our lake house instead. It is a very nice memorial to keep the fallen officers in all of our hearts

Your wife

Anonymous

April 21, 2010

Happy Birthday, Terry! It was your life, not your death, that made you a hero, so it is fitting that, especially today, we celebrate your life. May God bless those who you left behind, and continue to give them strength and courage.

Until we meet again, Brother!

Aaron Newberry
N. Kansas City PD

April 10, 2010

To Debbie, from the IPD family to yours. Terry is always on our minds and we will never forget him or you. We miss him and will never forget what he did for the city of Independence. He is a hero and will never be replaced or forgotten. Our department will always have a sense of loss without Terry. We love you.

Independence Police Officer
Independence Police Department

March 18, 2010

We love you and miss you as much today as nine years ago.

Deb,Bryan and Becca,Ben, Eli, Cassie Earlene

Debbie Foster
Wife

March 17, 2010

Terry you are still remembered and deeply missed!

anonymous
Independence Police

March 17, 2010

We love you and miss you Terry! Our thoughts and prayers are still with your family.

Miranda Rice
IPD

March 17, 2010

Terry,

It's taken me almost a decade to write something, because I simply can't honor your memory with words. I will never forget the day you were taken from us. I remember it as if were yesterday - the sullen looks on the faces of our fellow officers when our sergeant told us that you had passed. It is a scar that will never heal, a wound that still hurts so much as I reflect on this day.

Yet, I will hold on to the fond memories I have of you. The many calls we handled together on day shift, the many talks we had about your pending retirement. How you would always tell me to "do the smart thing" and make something of my life.

You are one of the good ones, Terry. A public servant for over three decades, a father, a husband, a sibling. You serve as an example to us all...the quiet professional who, in the end, sacrificed all for the cause. My world is better for knowing and working with you. The law enforcement community lost a true hero with your passing.

My prayers to your family. Until we meet again, brother.

Independence Police Officer
Independence MO

March 17, 2010

Terry,

We worked so many years together. When I was a dispatcher and would ride with you, you were patient, yet extended friendship. When I became an officer, you were one of the first to congratulate me. I still remember your laughter when I was promoted to sergeant and was assigned your squad. You saw true humor in that event. Our friendship grew and you were a pleasure to work with. I have to work hard to remember those positives, compared to the memory of that horrible night. It is hard not to feel anger when I go by your dock, knowing what your wife and family has missed. It is hard not to let anger be there, but Terry, that is not you or your memory. Your memory is one who cared, who had a deep sense of humor and community service, a love of family, and of life. I have to make myself not play "what if", but instead realize "what was". What was life shared with you, what was making calls with you, and what was just sitting car to car, talking.

Your family and friends miss you. I have not visited your grave, and for that I am sorry, but I grieve too much for that. The day of your funeral, I worked the street so others could attend. I was being selfish, as I could not bring myself to attend. Today, I have taken time from life to remember the good things and to thank you, Terry, for being a friend, and coworkers for many years.

By the way Terry, where are my pants? ( Private joke, Terry's cleaners lost a pair of pants of mine years ago, but I would not let them be replaced, as it was more value to ask that question now and then just to get Terry fired up. )

Missing you greatly,

Gregg

Major Gregg Wilkinson
Independence Police

March 17, 2010