Montrose - Daily Press

MONTROSE — “A hero in our hearts.”

That’s how two young girls are remembering their father,

decorated Montrose Police Sgt. David Kinterknecht,who was

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killed Saturday in the line of duty.

Kinterknecht, 41, responded to a domestic violence call at

16915 64.50 Road Saturday night. Details were still murky

Monday afternoon, but what is known is that a man at the residence,

owned by David and Pam Gurney, barricaded himself

in a garage.

“They tried to negotiate with the suspect for 20 to 45 minutes,”

Montrose Police Cmdr. Gene Lillard said Monday.

Instead of surrendering, the man opened fire, hitting Kinterknecht

and officers Larry Witte and Rodney Ragsdale.

Kinterknecht was pronounced dead of a gunshot wound at

Montrose Memorial Hospital and his death was ruled a homicide.

Witte and Ragsdale sustained shotgun wounds to their legs; Montrose Police Chief Tom Chinn said they could be released from hospital in the next few days.

Chinn on Sunday called the loss of life and the injuries “a waste.”

The shooting suspect, who had not been identified Monday, was killed as well. Cause and manner of death are pending his autopsy.

“We would like to thank the police department and the community for all their love and support that they’ve given us,” Brenda Percival said, speaking on behalf of Kinterknecht’s daughters, ages 12 and 16.

“It’s very important to the girls. My girls say that ‘Our dad will always be a hero in our hearts.’”

Percival is Kinterknecht’s former wife. His wife, Kathy, could not be reached for comment and a woman who answered her telephone said the family is releasing statements through the Montrose Police Department.

The sergeant’s young daughters are not alone in viewing Kinterknecht as a hero.

Floral tributes filled the Montrose Police Department Monday. One rose bouquet was left on the steps of the home where Kinterknecht’s grandmother once lived.

“May God bless you and keep you in His hands,” the card, signed by the Retas family, read.

“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.”

Kinterknecht was honored for his service several times, including with the MPD’s Lifesaving Award in 1999 and with the Medal for Meritorious Service in 2001. Kinterknecht, who was a hostage negotiator with the SWAT team, had defused a volatile situation — one that involved a man with a gun.

He also received the Police Merit Citation in 2008 for his work during the robbery at Vectra Bank, and several commendations for assisting with the Special Olympics torch runs in Montrose.

Kinterknecht was a Montrose High graduate and NJROTC member whose mother worked as a dispatcher and as a clerk for the sheriff’s office.

Lillard said that after attending Mesa State College, Kinterknecht graduated from police academy at the Delta Montrose Technical College and went to work as a deputy marshal for Telluride before joining the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office.

At the marshal’s office, flags were at half-staff in Kinterknecht’s honor.

“It’s difficult to see any officer killed in the line of duty or injured like these two (Ragsdale and Witte) were,” Telluride Marshal Jim Kohler said. “Recognizing that these things happen sometimes doesn’t make it any easier.”

San Miguel County Sheriff Bill Masters knew Kinterknecht as a deputy in the 1990s, before he transferred to the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office and from there, the Montrose Police Department.

“He was a great young man.We hated to see him go to Montrose, but Montrose being his hometown, that’s where he wanted to go. It’s a real sad day for us, too, to have such a fine guy murdered like this,” Masters said.

“I’m sorry for the town of Montrose. It’s a real senseless act.”

Kinterknecht had also served as a volunteer firefighter for the Montrose Fire Protection District from 1987 to 1992, then again from 2000-2005, when he retired as a lieutenant.

“We’re a little numb,” MFPD Chief Bob Pistor said. “It’s hard to get going again when you’ve responded to someone you worked with and liked. It was hard on the other two police officers. We’re not used to going out and seeing people we know and work with. It’s tough.”

Lillard thanked the community on behalf of the MPD — everyone from residents, the city council, county commissioners, Colorado State Patrol and agencies throughout the state.

“Everyone has been above and beyond and it is greatly appreciated by the police department,” he said.

“Everyone thought the world of Dave Kinterknecht. He had a tremendous smile that was a hard one to beat.”

Counseling has been made available to Kinterknecht’s fellow officers and the department has appointed a liaison for the Kinterknecht family.

“A lot of (officers) are having a rather hard time. It’s devastating to lose a brother officer and also to have two others wounded in the same incident,” Lillard said.

“We think about it every day we put on a badge or put on a gun, that we might lose our life or have to take another’s life.”

Comments

family member of sgt. wrote on Aug 9, 2009 7:22 PM:

" i think everyone just needs to stop putting in their negative opinions. its not welcomed. david was a relative. and you have NO IDEA how hurtful it is to read the crap some are saying. its hard enough to lose a loved one, then to add on "it was his fault". makes it that much harder stop. no one wants your opinion. gurney was not a good man. good men DO NOT KILL PEOPLE, cops at that. i'm sorry for his family's loss, but he should have just gone, and not taken my family with him. it was unnecessary. "




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A. Wells wrote on Aug 6, 2009 12:21 PM:

" Thank you, thank you, and thank you to the four members of our law enforcement agencies that attended Dennis's funeral!!! What an amazing show of support by Chief Chinn, Sheriff Dunlap, Cmd Lillard and the fourth we did not recognize. This meant the world to the Gurney's... God Bless. "




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JS wrote on Aug 5, 2009 3:59 PM:

" No one has any business telling Kathy how she should feel or not feel, or what kinds of feelings she should have about the guy who did this or toward his family. As anyone knows who has ever lost a loved one, grief is a process with many different feelings involved. "




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stop the blogs wrote on Aug 4, 2009 10:23 PM:

" The blogs need to stop about this and let people heal in peace. Kathy we love you and are praying for the whole family.
We also miss Dave alot but will keep him with us forever. we can not know what you are going through but just know you have friends and we will keep you in our hearts and prayers. "




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JS wrote on Aug 4, 2009 10:14 PM:

" GOOD PEOPLE DO NOT KILL OR HURT OTHER PEOPLE . SORRY HE HAD PROBLEMS BUT HE HAD NO RIGHT TO TAKE THE ACTION HE DID. IT IS ALL IN GOD'S HANDS NOW. JUST KNOW THAT MORE THAN KATHY ARE UPSET ABOUT THIS. LEAVE HER ALONE TO HER FEELINGS "




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Daves Friend wrote on Aug 4, 2009 10:10 PM:

" Stop telling Kathy she shouldn't feel the way she does. If this would have been the person you loved I believe you might have a different feeling about Dennis.

God bless Kathy and her family we LOVE YOU ALL "




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Amanda Perez wrote on Aug 4, 2009 8:06 PM:

" I had the privlige of knowing David Kinterknecht for a brief time while I was on the MPD explorer program not too long ago. He was a good person and did what he could to help out. I am sorry he is gone. His famiily will be in my thoughts and prayers. "




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just hold on wrote on Aug 4, 2009 11:03 AM:

" Daves wife, you have suffered a great loss. Now is not the time for forgiveness for you, as you and your family need time to heal. However, there is another family who has suffered a loss as well. Lets try to help each other out, and have some compassion! "




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cmon wrote on Aug 3, 2009 10:58 PM:

" Dave's wife,
Great people can change especially after alcohol and pain meds, plus such a devastating accident in which Dennis was involved in, burned in a fire. He was probably not himself for a long time. Nobody's dishonoring David's memory, I just hope you can all find some compassion for the family of Dennis as well. everyone's grieving but instead of pointing fingers or blame you should be sticking together to get through this loss. Montrose lost two great men. "




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concerned wrote on Jul 31, 2009 1:51 PM:

" that was dennis and pam's kids standing outside the garage. "




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PD wife part 2 wrote on Jul 31, 2009 1:21 PM:

" They have to make split second decisions, some of which might not be the best in hindsight. I would challenge these negative posters to try to do a police officers work. I'm not sure they could handle it. My thoughts and prayers are with the officers involved, and I want to thank Sgt. Kinterknect for his loyal service and ultimate sacrifice. "




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PD wife part 1 wrote on Jul 31, 2009 1:20 PM:

" I feel very frustrated that there are a lot of after thoughts from people who were in no way involved. I have the deepest respect for these officers. They are out on the streets every day sacrificing their lives for people they may have never met. They are forced with situations that would make the strongest man cry, and they have to "show no emotion." "




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concerned wrote on Jul 31, 2009 7:26 AM:

" there was nobody in the garage with dennis, his kids were on the out side along with the officers. dennis' daughter was on the phone with him tring to get him to come out. he shot in their direction and the officers were hit. "




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WOW wrote on Jul 30, 2009 11:05 PM:

" "concerned- I heard other relatives were at the home, so he not only killed an officer and wounded two others but he shot in the direction of his niece and nephew, WOW how selfish he could of killed or wounded them too. He only thought of himself. I believe the officers may not of felt as threatened since they had been there so many times for the same thing. That was there only mistake being to kind and naive. "




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Think wrote on Jul 30, 2009 10:47 PM:

" "Why the rush- Have you not read? the Sgt. was a SWAT negotiator. That man was not alone in his garage, his adult children were there and his grandkids and wife. You don't know what torture might of been going on before police got there. That is why they were called, some one at that home did not feel safe. There were a lot of people in that house also trying to get him to give up. He did not want to go to jail so he took the selfish way out. "




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Montrosian wrote on Jul 30, 2009 9:23 PM:

" I'd like to express my heartfelt condolences to everyone involved in this terrible tragedy. "




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rick wrote on Jul 30, 2009 6:30 PM:

" yes i feel sorry for all involed but i think MPD learned some thing was no reason to kick that door in!!! "




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What wrote on Jul 30, 2009 5:47 PM:

" "Note to self" keep mouth shut, show compassion, have some respect for others feelings, thank the MPD for what they do everyday, issues can be addressed in a more sympathetic manner. "




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concerned wrote on Jul 30, 2009 3:48 PM:

" to mrs. kinterknect, i know you are angry at the world right now, but don't blame pam for all you anger. she did not pull the trigger. she is also a victim of violence along with her children and your step-daughters. "




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concerned wrote on Jul 30, 2009 3:37 PM:

" concerned comments about the officers doing the right thing. one of the officers wives said unless you were ther then you don't know the circumstanses. well my niece and nephew were standing right along the side of the officers outside the garage. the officers never made contact with dennis. my niece was on the phone with him. they never tried talking to him. they nodded their heads and broke through the door then dennis started shooting. my niece was standing right by kinterkencht. my nephew pulled him ouy of the line of fire once he was hit. "




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Jeannie wrote on Jul 30, 2009 1:36 PM:

" I am amazed at the disrespect of officers who do their best to protect EACH and EVERYONE OF US daily. At NO POINT should someone having issues with domestic violence have access to a gun/s. Someone should have locked the guns up at someone else's home so this could not have happened to begin with. HInd sight is always better than foresight, this can't be undone. So it's time to thank our police officers for their heroic efforts, offer condolences to ALL who have lost someone, and praise God for HIS love and wisdom. "




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Please wrote on Jul 30, 2009 7:21 AM:

" Please stop disrespecting the memory of Dave Kinterknecht!! Please stop Monday morning quarterbacking what happened! Please remember that "Sarg." lost his life protecting this City!! Please have the respect you would want if you were in his shoes! I for one will never forget Dave, he was and is a true hero in my eyes and the eyes of many! What a waste for this person especially to now be gone!! Please pray for all involved!! "




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Daves wife wrote on Jul 30, 2009 7:10 AM:

" I have read your comments that the murderer of my husband is a great guy but great guys do not murder someone. There was continued domestic violence at this house between both parties, and I blame them for my husbands death, not a lack of training. The MPD has some of the best training programs around. I love my husband, please don't dishonor him with your unqualified assertions. "




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Officers wife pt3 wrote on Jul 29, 2009 11:17 PM:

" All of these officers are trained. They put in well over 40 hours a week, they are not people to just "go in guns blazing". Please keep your mouths shut if you want to complain about the way our officers react. If you really and truely think you could do better, why don't you get your happy butts into the Academy do something about it. Otherwise, keep these wonderful men and women and their families in your hearts and prayers everyday and remember to thank them. "




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Officers Wife Pt2 wrote on Jul 29, 2009 11:15 PM:

" That it takes an incident like this for people to remember that these men and women are husbands, wives, fathers, mothers grandfathers and friends. Believe me, these officers are trained. Dave was a SWAT negotiator he had been in law enforcement for a long time. You all can say why did this happen or that happen and I can ask the same questions but again, you simply can not make assumptions unless you were there no one can. I trust Sgt. Kinterknect's judgement. "




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Officers wife wrote on Jul 29, 2009 11:13 PM:

" I can not tell you how angry and saddened I am by this situation and for the most part, I feel Montrose is showing some awesome support for our local Law Enforcement. It really is too bad that it takes something like this for people to realize how wonderful these men and women are and how they really do sacrifice their lives everyday to protect EVERYONE even the disfunctional crazy idiots that threaten the community everyday. "




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Jill wrote on Jul 29, 2009 6:34 PM:

" I understand having compassion for the Gurneys who lost a father and husband BUT, he chose that path. Dave did not choose to die that day. Lets honor the men who have protected us and quit second guessing their actions. There are 2 young girls who are reading posts about their daddy and I can't believe there is so little compassion and respect! There are other officers who have to walk through those doors EVERYDAY!! Honor THEM!!!! "




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Native wrote on Jul 29, 2009 2:46 PM:

" Agreed no more coulda shoulda neither of which can fix anything now. Its a tragedy of the times,the main thing is that we learn something from it. Sure we can say SWAT could have been used but then the same few thats not happy with the way this was handled would be on here writting, what a waste it was of taxpayer money to use them. Its bad enuff we lost an Officer as well as a civilian, lets not make it any worse.. My thoughts and prayers out to everyone envolved "




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NOTE TO SELF wrote on Jul 29, 2009 1:50 PM:

" 3 OFFICERS SHOT, ONE DEAD, A HUMAN TRAGEDY. MORE ANSWERS ARE NEEDED. WHAT/HOW MANY PROCEDURES WERE COMPROMISED TO PUT 3 OFFICERS LIVES IN DANGER AT THE SAME TIME. THIS SEEMS INEXCUSABLE AND IT FALLS INTO THE LACK OF TRAINING ISSUE THAT IS ARRIVED AT IN SO MANY INCIDENTS THIS POLICE DEPARTMENT IS INVOLVED IN. LOOK TO THE TOP OF THE CHAIN OF COMMAND FOR THE REASONS THIS AND MANY OTHER POLICE SITUATIONS END UP BAD. "




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Wife of another officer wrote on Jul 29, 2009 10:01 AM:

" Wife of an officer-My husband was there too. I agree absolutely!!!! Don't throw in the "Could of should of" at this. It is an all around tragedy for both sides. If you don't know the facts....don't be so quick to point the finger. It is definitely NOT WELCOMED!!!!!!!
Pray for everyone involved instead. "




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britt wrote on Jul 28, 2009 7:59 PM:

" dont forget to pray "




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cadet hawkins of u.s civil air patrol wrote on Jul 28, 2009 7:42 PM:

" Everyone at civil air patrol will miss officer kinterknecht. All of civil air patrols hearts will never forget officer kinterknecht. MAY HE REST IN PEACE. "




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Montrose Person wrote on Jul 28, 2009 6:48 PM:

" I feel for dave I knew him also know david Gurney and the MPD i feel in my belief went in to fast,guns drawn I feel it was a mistake to move that fast and this mistake cost a life of a good man that had two daughters and a wife "




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What wrote on Jul 28, 2009 5:14 PM:

" 20 to 45 minutes to try and talk to this person.. are you kidding me?? Why wasnt more time used to talk to this person before the officers broke down the door? Wow, someone needs to start asking some important questions... "




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Friend of the Gurneys wrote on Jul 28, 2009 3:33 PM:

" I also think that the Montrose Police Department made a hasty decision in the matter of entering the garage. My heart goes out to the family of the police officers, but don't forget about the Gurney's. They have lost a husband, father, and grandfather, and all his children were there to witness what happened that day. David Gurney was a good man, that was in a dark place. For the sake of the Gurney's just remember that they are also grieving at this time and could use your prays. "




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shortstack wrote on Jul 28, 2009 1:17 PM:

" Hey, why the rush. The absolute worst thing you can do after a shooting is Monday Morning Quarterback it. These men had a lot of experience and training and you need to trust that for whatever reason, they felt immediate action was necessary. You weren't there, so be still! "




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policeRheroes wrote on Jul 28, 2009 11:46 AM:

" why the rush- you were not there. don't talk about things you don't know anything about. i think the news that talked to the gurney's wife was thoughtless and careless. montrose lost a great man and officer and family man. i believe the officers were following all rules and going by the book, there was no reason they wouldn't have. but what happened is a tragedy, things like these sometimes happen but it is not the officers' faults. these men are still heroes...always. "




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Wife of an officer wrote on Jul 28, 2009 11:38 AM:

" Please halt all of the "Could have beens". My husband was on the scene at the door. You were not there and your opinion is unwelcomed. No one has openly pointed fingers thus far... Do not start now. Only cowards hide in the dark! "




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why the rush 3 wrote on Jul 28, 2009 9:48 AM:

" What’s the worst thing that could happen by waiting, he kills him self only and Officer Kinterknecht would still be here? I feel sorry for all the families involved and feel strongly that most of this could have been avoided if not all of it. "




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why the rush 2 wrote on Jul 28, 2009 9:47 AM:

" Why would three officers go in after only on hour, without giving someone trained to talk him out a chance? In the garage by himself he was only a threat to himself, not the three officers, or the rest of town. Kicking in the door and going with guns drawn should have been a last resort, after hours of someone trained to talk to him trying to talk him hours, not just after one hour. "




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why the rush 1 wrote on Jul 28, 2009 9:46 AM:

" After listening to Pam Gurney last night on the news, it makes me question the actions of the Montrose PD. Yes I feel for the families of all three officers, but if what she says is true, why didn’t they wait for the swat team to go in, or a negotiator to talk to him if they thought he was that unstable. Looking at the garage in the pictures it makes me believe that they kicked the door in and went in. "




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Roman H. wrote on Jul 28, 2009 8:29 AM:

" I worked with David on numerous child welfare matters throughout my 9 years with DHS. He was a professional in all facets of his very stressful occupation and had a heart of gold. He also had a wonderful sense of humor. I am shocked by his departure and still have a hard time believing he is no longer with us. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his co-workers who will greatly miss him. "




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