UPDATE
Governor set to attend services set for fallen officer

MONTROSE — Services for Montrose Police Sgt. David Kinterknecht will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 31, at the Lloyd McMillan Gymnasium, Montrose High School.

Gov. Bill Ritter and an estimated 1,000 others are expected at the services, funeral directors said.

Kinterknecht, 41, died late Saturday in the line of duty, after he was shot by a domestic violence suspect, who is also dead.

Two other officers were wounded by shotgun blasts in the incident. They are recovering. Specific details about the initial call and the fatal incident have not yet been released.

"His lifelong ambition was to be a peace officer," Montrose Police Cmdr. Gene Lillard said, remembering the award-winning Kinterknecht, who was involved with law enforcement since his Boy Scout days, as part of the MPD's Explorer program.

"Dave was very well thought of. Everyone at the police department liked him. He would do anything that was asked of him. He was generous. He came across as a tough guy, but he was a very gentle person. He had a huge heart and was just a wonderful human being."

Floral tributes and cards lined the police department office, and Lillard thanked the community for all its support.

The Colorado Fraternal Order of Police has established a memorial fund on behalf of Kinterknecht's family, which includes his wife and two daughters. Donations may be made to the Colorado State Lodge FOP, Public Safety Awareness Foundation, Reference Montrose Sgt. David Kinterknecht, 2701 W. 84th Ave., Suite 211, Westminster, CO 80031.

All donations received will be transferred to the family. A tax ID number or further information about the memorial fund can be obtained by calling (303) 591-3842. Be sure to note Kinterknecht's name on the donation so it can be properly credited.

For detailed coverage, see Tuesday's Daily Press.