Many people in the Kansas City are familiar with the Ali Kemp tragedy involving a 19 year old Kansas State University student who was abducted and murdered while working at an area pool in June 2002. While nothing can ever replace Ali, her parents, Roger and Kathy Kemp, have kept her memory and promise alive through their foundation dedicated to their daughter’s life.
In 2005, “Take Defense” was founded by the Kemp’s with the goal of providing young women with self-defense education. Over the years the program has been wildly successful, training women to protect themselves against abuse and violent acts of crime.
I want to commend the Junior Service League for making this training available last Sunday at the fabulous Independence Events Center. I was proud that Horn Law could be a sponsor, using our own “Drive By Example” driver safety awareness programs to promote public safety. I was pleased to associate with Detective Kevin Boehm of the Kansas City Police Department. Detective Boehm is the Coordinator for the Crime Stoppers Greater Kansas City. Crime Stoppers advances the public safety primary through their TIPS hotline.
Crime Stoppers has a close relationship with the Ali Kemp Foundation and are frequently at the Take Defense training that is conducted around the Kansas City Metro. At the event, I was honored to meet Roger Kemp, Ali Kemp’s father. In my view, Mr. Kemp is a national hero and represents what public service is all about.
Please keep the Kemp Family in your prayers as they continue to serve all of us through their loss.