The Independence Police Department in Missouri is grappling with yet another tragedy as they mourn the loss of Officer Cody Allen, who was killed while responding to a shooting incident on February 29.

The shooting marks the second instance in three years in which an Independence police officer was shot and killed on duty.

Officials say that Allen, along with several other officers, was rendering aid to a victim who was shot while serving an eviction notice in Independence when he was ambushed by a gunman.

According to reports, the suspect opened fire toward the officers, resulting in the deaths of Allen and another victim, Drexel Mack, a Jackson County civil process server who was assisting with serving the eviction notice.

Allen and Mack were transported to Centerpoint Medical Center, where they were pronounced dead.

“Ambush is a strong word, but it may be one that’s fitting here,” Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said during a news conference.

The two other responding officers sustained injuries but are expected to recover.

Authorities have identified the suspect responsible as 69-year-old Larry Acree, who now faces multiple felony charges, including two counts of first-degree murder and first-degree assault.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Acree, who had numerous financial problems, had failed to pay taxes and was unlawfully on the premises, despite a “Notice to Vacate” sign being posted on the property the week before.

Acree was eventually transported from the hospital to the jail, where his bond was set at $2 million.

Independence Chief of Police Adam Dustman paid tribute to the life and work of Allen in a statement. “He always had a smile. He was the guy that when you go on a call, you knew he was going to be there,” Dustman said, going on to describe Allen as “one of a kind.”

Dustman also shared that Allen had returned to the Independence Police Department after a stint in the private sector because he missed serving his community deeply.

“This is more than just a job; this is a life, this is a calling,” Dustman continued.

Allen was also remembered for his off-duty legacy.

Allen’s former high school football coach, Mark Bliss, praised his work ethic and leadership skills, as well as his dedication to serving in law enforcement.

He also shared memories of Allen on social media, urging others to pray for Allen’s family during this difficult time.

“Cody Allen was an incredible young man and epitomized toughness and leadership. Please pray for him and his wife and 2 little children. God rest his soul,” Bliss wrote on X.

Allen, 35, is survived by his wife, two children and his parents. His death has left his colleagues, the community and his family shattered by the loss.

“We’re broken; I’ll just be very candid. We’re a broken family, but as any other family, we will surround each other and lift each other up,” Dustman shared.

The tragic loss of Allen is the second line-of-duty death for the Independence Police Department since 2021, when Officer Blaize Madrid-Evans was killed during a shootout.

The department has a history of tragic shootings dating back over the last century, with the first occurring in 1877.

As the investigation and legal processes continue, the Independence Police Department has received an outpouring of support from various quarters, with a memorial of flowers and flags growing outside its headquarters.