53rd Awards for Valor honors fallen Independence Officer Cody Allen, other first responders [Video]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Nearly sixty men and women in uniform were honored for their service at the 53rd Awards of Valor on Thursday, including fallen Independence police officer Cody Allen. The ceremony is hosted by the Metropolitan Chiefs and Sheriffs Association honors law enforcement who answered the call that in many cases saved lives.

“It’s important because these guys and gals go out every single day, they tie up their boots, they don’t know if they’re gonna come home so this is really the least that we can do,” said KCPD public relations specialist Adrianne Ortega.

In the face of shootings, fires, and medical emergencies, officers like Luke Buchanan are on the front lines.

“You have your bad days, but there’s definitely some good days in there. Getting to help people. That’s the bottom line,” said Buchanan.

One of the bad days Buchanan recalls is Thursday, Feb. 29 when he and fellow Independence officers …