POLICE OFFICER
Ryan O’Conner
RYAN O’CONNER
Police Officer Ryan O’Connor was raised in St. Louis, Missouri. His father served as a Marine Sergeant during the Vietnam War and dedicated an impressive 44 years to a career in law enforcement. In addition, Ryan's older brother, Kenny, played a significant role as a cryptologist, serving 20 years with Seal Team 8 in the Navy.
Following in his family’s footsteps, Ryan made the resolute decision to devote his life to safeguarding the community. He officially embarked on this path after completing his police academy training in 1997, when he was welcomed into the ranks of the St. Louis County Police Department. He continued his service there for a span of 12 years before choosing to transition to the Ferguson Police Department.
Ryan later accepted a position with the Arnold Missouri Police Department, driven by the desire to work in a vicinity close to his home. His dedication and excellence in the line of duty earned him several accolades and commendations. However, on a fateful day, December 5, 2017, while transporting a burglary suspect, a grave incident occurred. The suspect produced a concealed firearm and unleashed a barrage of shots inside Ryan's police SUV, one of which struck him in the head.
Rushed into emergency surgery, Ryan underwent the harrowing procedure of having a substantial part of his skull removed. The subsequent months were marked by arduous rehabilitation, as he battled through various infections and confronted numerous challenges. Remarkably, just two months after the shooting, Ryan achieved a significant milestone when he was able to articulate his first full sentence, declaring, "I just gotta get my badge." This poignant statement underlined his unwavering determination.
Throughout his journey to recovery, Ryan has been blessed with steadfast support from his wife, Barbara, and their sons. In recognition of his incredible courage and resilience, we had the honor of building this dedicated officer and his deserving family a specially adapted smart home under the R.I.S.E. Program. In this new environment, the focus remains on healing, tranquility, and comfort, allowing the O'Connor family to continue their path to recovery.
