Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas
End of Watch Wednesday, May 24, 1978
Add to My HeroesConroy G. O'Brien
Trooper Conroy O'Brien was shot and killed during a traffic stop on the Kansas Turnpike near Matfield Green.
During a struggle with the three suspects, they obtained his service weapon. One of the subjects then walked him to a nearby ditch and pistol-whipped him, fracturing his skull. The man then shot him twice in the head before spitting on him.
The subjects were later apprehended after a shootout with other officers. One turned state's evidence and served seven years, another died in prison in 2009, and the third man was sentenced to serve 45 years to life. The suspects were all wanted for a string of armed robberies at the time of the shooting.
Trooper O'Brien had served with the Kansas Highway Patrol for four years. He was survived by his expectant wife.
Bio
- Age 26
- Tour 4 years
- Badge 108
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Three suspects apprehended
Most Recent Reflection
View all 37 ReflectionsTrooper O'Brien,
I always take the time to read the End of Watch sent out through the KHP email. Since 1999, I've read your story many times. As we approach Memorial Day weekend, I felt it appropriate to take a minute and leave a note to you, your family and friends. Although we never met, your End of Watch has always stuck out to me as 1978 was the year I was born. I reflect on what it would have been like to be a Trooper during that era, how easy we have it now and what real, tough men were really like. It always saddens me to think of your young bride who was pregnant with your daughter, that you never had a chance to meet, prior to the most heinous of human interaction. I pray for your family that they may be comforted with God's peace in your absence as we're all certain what an excellent husband you were to your wife, an amazing father you would have been to your daughter and great fried to all those you knew.
Lt. Dale Brooks
Kansas Highway Patrol
May 26, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths
Sergeant Cory Maynard
West Virginia State Police, WV
EOW: June 2, 2023
Corporal Shawn Kelly
Denham Springs Police Department, LA
EOW: June 2, 2023
Corrections Deputy Marcus Zeigler
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, OH
EOW: May 26, 2023
Police Officer Horren Randy Tyler
Madison Police Department, MS
EOW: June 1, 2023
Deputy Sheriff Caleb Conley
Scott County Sheriff's Office, KY
EOW: May 22, 2023
Sergeant Michael Kunovich
St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: May 19, 2023
Deputy Sheriff Brett Harris
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: May 13, 2023
Sergeant Joshua Lee Clouse
Cameron Police Department, TX
EOW: May 11, 2023
Port Police Officer Kimberly Sickafoose
Alabama Port Authority Police, AL
EOW: May 11, 2023