John Bullard, Jr. is fifty-one (51) years old and was born and raised right here in Jackson County. He has lived in the County his entire life, mainly in the Independence area. He is married to Konnie and they have seven children in their extended family. The children are: Jennifer and her husband, Ryan Baker, James and his wife, Elise, Michelle and her husband, Larry Harms, Ian, Andy, Jared and Erik. John and Konnie are also the proud grandparents of Lauren Rae Baker who was born on this past New Years Eve and Zachery Harms who arrived on July 1st. Konnie holds a masters degree in Social Gerontology and is the social services director for a local long-term care facility in the county and an instructor for Park University.

John is a graduate from Raytown High School, Class of 1974. He has an Associate of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice and an Associate of Applied Science Degree, both from Longview Community College. John also has several hours of college credit and is an adjunct instructor at the Blue River Community College Law Enforcement Training Center. John has been employed by the City of Independence since August of 1975 and is currently a Detective Sergeant in charge of the Sex Crimes/Child Abuse section of the Investigations Unit. He is also an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police and has served in many leadership positions at the local, state and national levels.

During his youth John attained the status of Eagle Scout and is a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say from his summer camp days at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation. John is a deacon with the Osage Hills Congregation of the Community of Christ Church and also serves as President of the Community of Christ’s Professional Law Enforcement Officers Association.

John has received numerous letters of recognition and commendations over his 30+ years of continuous service. He was the 2003 recipient of the Susan Paxton Block Distinguished Public Service Award for “Excellence in Community Government”.