Overwhelming Support: The Lake Community Continues Helping Fallen Officer's Family

OSAGE BEACH, Mo. — The tragic death of Osage Beach Police Officer Phylicia Carson is still impacting the Lake of the Ozarks. And as the community continues to rally behind the grieving family, a national organization has even offered to help.

Carson, a 33-year-old mother of six, was killed in a car crash Aug. 31 while responding to assist another officer during a pursuit. Her patrol car veered off the road and struck a tree before catching fire.

Donations have poured in from across the community and beyond since her passing.

On Friday, Sept. 20, Super Cat Fest presented a $10,000 donation for the Carson family to OBPD Chief Todd Davis. This was made possible by the recent event in August, which brings offshore marine hardware to the Lake for a weekend of fun and raising money for local charities.

Super Cat Fest Donation To Carson Family

"I'll tell you what, this community is overwhelming," Davis said. "We received $10,000 today, and keep getting donations right and left."

Tunnel To Towers has also chipped in support, offering to build a mortgage-free home for the Carson family. The national foundation has provided mortgage-free homes to Gold Star families, fallen first responders, and catastrophically injured veterans, while also working to eliminate veteran homelessness since 9/11. Plans are still in the early stages for the Carsons.

Chief Davis spoke to this overwhelming support, noting the nearly $58,000 donated in Officer Carson's honor to the Chief Mason Griffith Foundation. This was originally established to honor Detective Sergeant Mason Griffith, who was killed in the line of duty, by supporting former and current first responders in crisis and providing scholarships for aspiring first responders, reflecting Griffith's dedication to his community.

This doesn't include the help from many other Lake area organizations, like Tucker's Shuckers fundraising event, Surdyke Motorsports' raffle, the Central Bank memorial fund, and donations from other local businesses and individuals.

A meal train organized by the community is also fully booked through the end of the year, and a fishing tournament organized by Bassing Bob is set for October.

"It's not something that we'll get over. It'll take a long while," Davis said. "Every day you hear, 'Phylicia did this for us.' She touched a lot of people."

Just one example of this was her love for "bling," which started with her work laptop and made its way through the department. Chief Davis had once jokingly threatened to put her on foot patrol if she decorated his office, but after her memorial, he walked in to find his office dazzlingly adorned in pink by her former squad. Now, in her honor, he can't bring himself to remove any of it — each sparkle a reminder.

Officer Carson’s legacy of service and kindness continues to inspire those around her, as support for her family grows through countless local efforts.