2024 Susan Paxton Block Award

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. - On Monday, the Independence Police Department's Deputy Chief Michelle Sumstad received the 2024 Susan Paxton Block Award for Distinguished Public Service.

"For almost three decades, Michelle Sumstad has faithfully served Independence," said Independence City Manager Zach Walker. "She has earned many commendations during her distinguished career in law enforcement and has been a visible, engaged, and dedicated presence in the community. But more than awards, it is her commitment to serving others that exemplifies the spirit of this award."

Sumstad's list of professional accomplishments within the Independence Police Department is long. In addition to uniform patrol, Sumstad served for more than a decade with Community Services, then moving on to Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force Officer. She followed that with four years as a street crimes detective dealing with violent fugitives and violent crimes, then serving as a Task Force Officer with the US Marshal's office. She has more than 100 letters of recognition and commendation including Lifesaving Awards, Meritorious Service Awards, Exemplary Service Awards, Special Unit Citations, and Officer of the Month.

Sumstad also became the first female to serve in the Independence Police Department Command staff when she was promoted to Deputy Chief in 2023.

The recognition she has achieved for her community leadership extends outside the Independence Police Department: an Independence Chamber of Commerce's year-long LEAD program participant, an Eastern Jackson County Women of Distinction honoree, an FBI - Leeda Leadership Trilogy Recipient, featured in an art exhibit and portrait book, and a City of Independence Employee of the Month.

In her nomination of Sumstad, Laurie Dean Wiley noted "Deputy Chief Michelle Sumstad is not an Independence native, but you would never know that by her love of our community and the citizens she serves."

Outside of her role in the Independence Police Department, Sumstad is a member of multiple community organizations: serving on the executive boards of both the Deron Cherry Foundation and the Independence Fraternal Order of Police, and taking active roles in the Independence Police Foundation, the Independence Police Honor Guard, Community Services League, Independence Rotary Club, and Midwest Animal Res-Q.

"It is an honor to present this year's Susan Paxton Block award to Michelle Sumstad," said Independence Mayor Rory Rowland. "She is a friend to all who know her, a pillar in the Independence community, and an example of the very best of Independence public service. Deputy Chief Sumstad's best traits are her leadership, humor, and dedication to doing the right thing. She is what we all strive to emulate."

The Susan Paxton Block award is presented annually to a City employee, volunteer or elected official who has demonstrated outstanding public service, valor, and job performance with leadership. The award will be presented at the September 16, 2024 City Council meeting.

The Junior Service League, of which Block was a second-generation member and served as president in 1989-1990, presents the award annually at the City Council meeting just prior to Block's birthday, September 24.