Kevin Palmer

On May 1, 2024, Assistant Chief Kevin Palmer of the North Richland Hills Police Department in Texas, suffered a fatal heart attack and head injury after completing a mandatory physical fitness test. After immediate resuscitation efforts, he was transferred to the hospital where he had heart surgery. While his heart surgery was successful, the damage to his brain ultimately led to his passing. He remained on life support for several days until his organs could be donated. He was 44 years old and had served in his department for 20 years. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force. 

Chief Palmer grew up in Mission, Texas and graduated from Sharyland High School. He attended the University of Texas A&M and the Air Force community college. He obtained a bachelor’s degree and was in the middle of completing his master’s program before he passed away. During his military service he was awarded the Air Force outstanding unit award, small arms expert award, and received a marksmanship ribbon award. 

Palmer began his law enforcement career with the North Richland Hills Police Department in February 2004. He rose through the ranks of Field Training Officer, Drug Recognition Expert, SWAT team and Honor Guard. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2012 and served through 2018 in the Community Resources Division, Uniformed Services Division, and the Criminal Investigations Division. In January 2020, he was promoted to the rank of Captain, serving in the Community Resources Division and the Uniformed Services Division. In July 2023, he was promoted to Assistant Chief, where he was responsible for overseeing the operations bureau. Throughout his law enforcement career, Palmer continued his education. He obtained many certifications and was a member of the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration. He was a 2022 graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy. He received over 40 awards during his 20 years on the force.  He is remembered for his character, integrity, humor, and commitment to living a life full of doing what’s right. 

Kevin was married to his wife, Kelli, for 20 years, and together they had twin sons, Gavin and Mason. He devoted his whole life to loving and providing for his wife and sons. His happiest times were spent with his family, hunting, playing board games, hiking, movie nights, travelling, and hosting backyard barbeques. 

Assistant Chief Kevin Palmer is survived by his loving wife, Kelli, his twin sons, Gavin and Mason, and many other cherished family members and friends. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Palmer family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.