James Muhlbauer

On February 15, 2023, Police Officer James Muhlbauer of the Kansas City Police Department was killed in a vehicle collision that also claimed the life of a pedestrian as well as Muhlbauer’s K9 partner, Champ. 

Muhlbauer graduated from the Police Academy in June 2003, and joined the Kansas City Police Department shortly thereafter. Muhlbauer had served the Kansas City Police Department for twenty years, his most recent assignment being the K9 unit, where he had served for three years. He loved giving back to the community and specifically enjoyed working with the K9 unit, having worked with two dogs and with aspirations to work with a third before his passing. Muhlbauer was a dedicated officer, never using sick days and working tirelessly to keep his community safe. 

Born and raised in the Omaha, Nebraska area, Muhlbauer grew up in a loving family alongside three siblings, and enjoyed playing basketball, track, swimming, and spending time outside with the neighborhood kids. He married his wife, Cassie, on June 19, 2010, and began their family together. Muhlbauer was a devoted family man who loved spending time with his children, and enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, and kayaking. He is remembered by his family, friends, and colleagues as a loving husband and father, and will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Police Officer James Muhlbauer is survived by his wife, Cassie, son, Ayden, and stepdaughter, Makenzie.