What is it about the police force that draws people in? For some people, it's the chance to protect and serve their communities. For others, it's an opportunity to legally chase adrenaline rushes. But what about the rest of us? Many people in Kansas City try to avoid those dangerous situations, and rightfully so.

Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we cannot always avoid law enforcement officers who are trying to do their jobs. Because of a situation like that, one family suffered a tragic loss when their 16-year-old son was killed because of the negligence of a police officer.

The teen was killed when the police officer sailed through a red light traveling at 90 mph. Although the officer was responding to an emergency call, that does not mean she had the right to put the lives of others in jeopardy.

The teen's parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit, and they were awarded more than $525,000, which is just shy of the full amount they asked for in the lawsuit. The money can be put toward the teen's funeral expenses, or it could be used to support the parents if they need to take time away from work. But the money cannot bring their son back or erase the grief parents feel when they lose a child.

As part of the settlement, the teen's parents, heirs and estate are prohibited from filing any further claims related to the death. The police officer was acquitted of homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle, and she was fired for violating department policy.

Source: LaCrosseTribune.com, "County settles Jennings claim; $525K to be paid in fatal crash," Betsy Bloom, Jan. 20, 2012