Sunflower State News

Kansas Senator Jerry Moran joined colleagues this week in introducing a resolution to honor the life and service of Kansas City Police Officer Hunter Simoncic, who was killed in the line of duty on August 26. Officer Simoncic, 26, died after being intentionally struck by a vehicle while attempting to apprehend an armed suspect.

"A native of Galesburg, Kansas, Officer Simoncic lived a life of integrity and courage, devoting himself to public service even at risk to his own safety. He also served as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas and volunteered to read to local children each week. Officer Simoncic’s life ended far too soon, but he left a lasting legacy of service, kindness and commitment to others," said Moran.

"While we can never repay his sacrifice, we have a duty to honor his life and make certain his legacy is remembered. Officer Simoncic was a true hero, and my prayers are with his family, his loved ones and the entire law enforcement community as they mourn his passing," Moran added.

Senator Moran also participated in the groundbreaking for a new Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) Regional Crime Center & Laboratory at Pittsburg State University. The facility will provide advanced resources for law enforcement agencies across the state. Once completed, it will house the PSU Police Department and collaborative workspaces for federal, state, and local agencies. The center will include an evidence control center, drug chemistry lab, and child victims’ unit. It is modeled after KBI's partnership with Washburn University.

"I applaud the southeast Kansas community and law enforcement for partnering together to fill the need in the region, and I will continue to support our law enforcement in my role as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science," said Moran.

The senator met with Wichita State University leaders and officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) about progress at WSU’s Midwest Criminal Justice Institute. According to Moran: "WSU’s partnership with the ATF is helping to put our state on the map as a leader in the criminal justice field. The applied learning opportunities available at WSU...is helping to equip current and future generations of criminal justice professionals both in the state and around the nation."

Moran also discussed support for veterans with Ken Fisher of Fisher House Foundation: "The Fisher House Foundation has built a network of homes where families of ill and injured veterans and servicemembers can stay at no cost while receiving health care treatment far from home." Since its founding in 1990, Fisher House Foundation has built 100 homes providing over 12.5 million nights of lodging.

In healthcare developments across southeast Kansas:

- Freeman Fort Scott Hospital opened its doors following Mercy Hospital Fort Scott's closure in 2018.

- Labette Health Independence Healthcare Center expanded emergency services thanks partly to $6 million in federal funding secured by Moran.

- Wilson Medical Center continues operations as a critical access hospital serving Neodesha.

Other recent activities included visiting Flesh Company in Parsons—one of the largest private-label printed business product suppliers—and meeting agriculture industry representatives at Kansas Farm Bureau’s Agriculture Leadership Breakfast during the State Fair.

At Wichita State University’s Midwest Criminal Justice Institute event attended by ATF officials including Deputy Director Robert Cekada; Chief of Staff Justin Demaree; Special Assistant Mike Gajewski; WSU Executive Director Kristin Brewer; Associate Vice President Robert Gerlach—Moran highlighted ongoing efforts toward criminal justice education.

The senator announced that working parents will be able to contribute more pre-tax income toward dependent care through flexible spending accounts beginning January 1, 2026—the annual limit rising from $5,000 to $7,500 under provisions enacted by Congress.

He noted that The University of Kansas Veterans Legal Support Clinic is now open statewide offering free legal assistance for veterans transitioning into civilian life—a clinic supported by federal resources he helped secure.

Moran marked Victory Over Japan Day by honoring World War II veterans: "80 years later...we respect you, we thank you for your service and we love you."

Applications are open for spring 2026 internships in Moran’s Washington D.C. or Kansas offices as well as Senate Page Program placements for high school students aged 16 or 17 who have completed their sophomore year.