Blue KC Answering the Call Honorees

When faced with danger, first responders always answer the call, protecting our community while saving countless lives in the process. Blue KC and the Kansas City Royals salute these brave individuals who put themselves on the line each day. Answering the Call honorees are selected from first responders who make a difference in the community.

2025 Honorees

Dave Conchola, April, 2025

Officer with the KC Missouri Police Department in the Asset Forfeiture Division

Ben Lindsay, May 2025

Supervisor of the KC Missouri Police Department Crisis Negotiation Team

John Heffernon, June 2025

Battalion Chief of the Overland Park Fire Department

Jeremy Greene, July 2025

Captain with the KC Missouri Fire Department

Katie Daugherty, August 2025

Lieutenant with the Platte County Sherriff’s Department

Michele Hon, September 2025

Major in the KC Missouri Police Department in charge of the North Patrol Division

2024 Honorees

Kat DeSchepper, April 2024

North KC Police Department

Reggie McKeithen, May 2024

KC Fire Department

Mark Puno, June 2024

Mark Puno – KU Health Systems (RN Supervisor of Emergency Department)

Marc Canovi, June 2024

KC MO Police Department (Crisis Intervention Team)

Laura Wiruth, August 2024

EMS Liasion with Overland Park Regional (volunteer firefighter)

Ricci Beyers, September 2024

KC Fire Department (EMT)

2023 Honorees

Maddie Lecompte, April 2023

Behavioral Health Tech at Univ of KS Health System-Marillac Campus

Rick Blevins, May 2023

First responder at Kauffman Stadium; KU Health System

Matt Deloux, June 2023

Kansas City Police Department

Michelle Sumstad, July 2023

Independence PD (Deputy Chief of Police)

Jeff Kinnison, August 2023

Kansas City Fire Department

2022 Honorees

Mykael Ann Howe, April 2022

Independence Fire Department

Nathan Magers, May 2022

Kansas City, MO Police Department

Malcom Whitelaw, June 2022

Kansas City, MO Police Department

Sarah Nauser, June 2022

Kansas City, MO Police Department

Elaine Moore, July 2022

Kansas City, MO Police Department

Rob Hole, July 2022

Lenexa Fire Department

John Lacy, August 2022

John Lacy, August 2022

Scott Archer, August 2022

Clay County (MO.) Sheriff

Jon Koen, September 2022

Kansas City, MO Fire Department

Kelsey Whetro, September 2022

Kansas City, MO First Department

2021 Honorees

Mary Kincheloe, May 2021

Kansas City, MO Police Department

Greg Opie Taylor, May 2021

Kansas City, MO Fire Department, Battalion Chief

Tim Dupin, June 2021

Kansas City, MO Fire Department, Fire Captain

Erik Hulse, June 2021

Overland Park Police Department, Captain

Brandon Walker, July 2021

Kansas City, MO Police Department

Note: The program was called the Blue KC Hometown Heroes from 2021 – 2022, rebranded to Blue KC Answering the call in 2023 – present.

Learn more about ways Blue KC champions the community