Officer Joseph H. Killion, 39 years old, was crushed to death, presumably by a switch engine in the early morning hours of June 14, 1917. The accident occurred at the Burlington crossing at Fifth and Hickory Streets. His mangled body was discovered several hours after the accident.

Officer Killion rang into the Central Police Station from the signal box at Fourth and Maple Streets at 1:35 a.m., which was regular reporting time, and was found by a switchman at a little after 3:00 a.m. Officer Killion patrolled a district including that part of the city lying south and west of Eighth and Monterey Streets, extending to the river and the viaduct.

Officer Killion served on the St Joseph Police Department. Prior to his being a St. Joseph police officer, he served as a Police Officer in Maryville, Missouri. Officer Killion was survived by a wife and six children. Interred: Mt Hope Cemetery, Mound City, MO.