Residents line procession route for Officer James Muhlbauer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Dozens waited along the procession route as Officer James Muhlbauer was taken to the cemetery at White Chapel Funeral Home.

Retired KCPD officer and 28-year veteran Jim Helton was joined by his 6-year-old son. Helton checked his son out of school early to teach him a lesson.

“I just wanted to show respect,” Helton said. “I just wanted to show my son why it’s so important to respect those in law enforcement. It’s emotional because an officer has lost his life.”

WATCH: Funeral service for KCPD Ofc. James Muhlbauer, K-9 Champ

Also along the route was 26-year-old KCMO native Carlos Cazares. Cazares is set to take the written and physical test at the KC Regional Police Academy on Thursday. He’s always wanted to become a police officer, but said Muhlbauer’s death influenced his decision to act quickly.

“I’m embracing the risk,” said Cazares. “It’s a noble profession and I’m ready to serve and protect others. I’ve been talking to a police officer who has been giving me advice about what to expect.”

Muhlbauer was a 20-year veteran of the Kansas City Police Department. He was born on October 30, 1980, in Omaha, Nebraska. He was the son of Vernon and Christine (Zyla) Muhlbauer. He was married to Cassie Taylor on June 19, 2010. He loved watching Ayden play soccer. He also loved fishing, hunting, kayaking, biking, or anything outdoors.

He is survived by his wife, Cassie Muhlbauer; sons, Ayden and Christian; daughter Makenzie; parents, Vern and Chris Muhlbauer; brothers, Chris Muhlbauer and Steven Muhlbauer and his wife, Emily; and sister, Laurie Anne Muhlbauer and her husband, John.

He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law Barbara Jo Taylor.

Previous coverage

KCPD Officer James Muhlbauer’s obituary

Residents line procession route for Officer James Muhlbauer

BLOG: Ofc. James Muhlbauer, K-9 Champ laid to rest

Muhlbauer family thankful for community support after officer’s death

Surviving Spouse and Family Endowment Fund assisting fallen KCPD officer’s family

Police identify 20-year police veteran, K-9 partner killed in Wednesday crash

Copyright 2023 KCTV. All rights reserved.