Part-time Burns Police Officer Stephen Evans, who also was a member of the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, died at the scene of a collision involving his cruiser and a pickup truck.
October 28, 2021 – Source Officer.com News
A Kansas sheriff’s deputy and part-time police officer was killed in a two-vehicle accident Monday.
Stephen Evans, who was on duty with the Burns Police Department at the time, was trying to make a U-turn along Highway 77 shortly before 5 p.m. when the collision happened, KWCH-TV reports. A pickup truck slammed into the driver’s side door of Evans’ cruiser, and first responders tried to revive the officer, but he died at the scene.
“He had an infectious laugh, an ornery sense of humor, and an amazing work ethic,” said the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, which also counted Evans as a member. “If you called for the Sheriff’s Office, and you were lucky enough to have Steve as the deputy who answered that call, you knew you would get the best possible service.”
Evans, 44, had been with the sheriff’s office since May 2020. Before that, he had worked 15 years with the Kansas Department of Corrections.
Evans’ death comes as a huge blow to both the city and the department, said Burns City Manager Mike Hammann.
“I say we’re a little town with big problems,” Hammann added. “We didn’t need a hot head for a police officer. We needed someone with a calm demeanor and mature attitude, and he was definitely that man. He came to our little town and gave everything to us.”
Faith Hatfield, the Burns city clerk, echoed Hammann’s sentiments about Evans, calling him an “amazing addition” to the community.
“He just wanted to help out with anything that he could help us out with. … He always would just say, ‘Anything you need, just anything,’” she said.
Evans is survived by his wife, his parents and three children.
The incident is under investigation by the Kansas Highway Patrol, with help from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.