St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer is facing criticism following allegations that she discussed officer pay and benefits with colleagues of a police officer who died by suicide. The St. Louis Police Officers' Association (SLPOA) accused Spencer of using the funeral service for Officer Kevin Bradford, 27, as an opportunity to conduct an "informal survey" on compensation.
According to Martin Garcia, president of the SLPOA, Spencer approached multiple officers at the funeral on Friday. He stated in a social media post that the conversations quickly shifted from casual chat to a debate about whether pensions and benefits should be exchanged for higher pay. Garcia called Spencer's alleged behavior "callous, disrespectful, and beneath the person holding the position of Mayor."
Officer Bradford, a member of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, died by suicide on July 26. He was 27 years old and was expecting his third child.
Mayor Spencer has denied the union's account, calling the allegations "deeply and dangerously inaccurate." In a statement, she explained that she attended the funeral to offer condolences and present a proclamation honoring Bradford's service. Spencer said she spoke with three young men who recently graduated from the academy with Bradford and was grateful for their time. The topic of "what motivated them to do this important and dangerous work" arose, she said, and compensation was part of that discussion.
"Compensation is often part of motivation and I was grateful they shared their perspective on this matter, and humbled to hear that what motivates them most is doing excellent work," Spencer stated. She accused the SLPOA of "mischaracterizing these conversations and using my presence at a funeral to instigate a false narrative." Spencer apologized to Bradford's friends and family that his loss was being discussed in this manner.
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Chief Robert Tracy echoed concerns raised by the SLPOA, stating that a funeral should be a "sacred and solemn space to honor our officer and support his family and grieving colleagues." While he was not present for the conversations, Tracy said he takes the officers' concerns seriously. "A funeral is not the place for conversations about compensation and benefits," he said, emphasizing the importance of supporting one another and highlighting available crisis resources for officers.
Officer Bradford was remembered as a devoted officer, a loving father of two, and a loyal friend. A GoFundMe page noted that he left behind two young children and a third child who was on the way. Countless officers attended Bradford's funeral service to pay their respects.