Montrose - Daily Press

MONTROSE  — Friday morning, Montrose stood silent as American flags waved at half-mast. Offices were empty and traffic was at a standstill as a community came together to hold a service — most likely one of the largest in Montrose's history — for fallen Montrose Police Sgt. David Kinterknecht.

Anticipating hundreds of people at the funeral and graveside service, local organizations and individuals have been occupied the last several days making sure everything ran smoothly.

"There is such a list that you hate to make one in fear of leaving one out," city spokesperson David Spear said. "But a number of individuals and organizations have pitched in in a number of ways."

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With hundreds attending the services, the city, school district, fire protection district, county and law enforcement agencies have coordinated signage, street closures and parking areas.

The majority of law enforcement attended the funeral, so the Montrose Police Department was closed. The Montrose County Sheriff's Office, Delta Police and Grand Junction dispatch took on the extra duties and responded to calls.

"The police were busy as they were assigned to working with the family," Spear said. "They did the lion's share of the work setting up the facility and have been the point of contact and approval to follow the wishes of the family because that is really the priority, helping them fulfill their expectations."

Local companies have also offered their services and as well as equipment.

Montrose Chamber Redcoats was to hold a free luncheon for employees and the police department after the service, Spear said.

In addition to law enforcement agencies, Valley Lawn Funeral Home and those with whom the business contracts for certain services, provided assistance.

Funeral director Debbie Tucker said the funeral home does not charge for the services of public servants who are killed in the line of duty.

"We are doing this as a gesture of respect and, frankly, as a point of privilege," she said, thanking several other entities for their help, including: Dave Hause of D2 Enterprises for his technical support, the Montrose Daily Press, Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, Randy Stockbine of Alpine Floral, Scott's Copy, the city of Montrose, Montrose Police Department, with special thanks to Cmdr. Keith Caddy for his leadership, consideration and cooperation; the MCSO, Colorado State Patrol and Montrose Fire Protection District.

Tucker also cited the efforts of Montrose High School and its staff, particularly Jason Arebalos and John Grady. She also acknowledged local caterers, the Montrose Pavilion and many others whose names she did not immediately know.

"All of these people are contributing to the success of this event to honor Sgt. Kinterknecht. My staff and all the contract people I've called in for something of this magnitude are not passing this cost on to me, because I am not passing it on to the family," Tucker said.

"It really is a community effort."

Daily Press Senior Writer Katharhynn Heidelberg contributed to this story.

Comments

Gunnison County Deputy wrote on Aug 1, 2009 6:31 PM:

" I was honored to patrol with your Montrose County Deputies on Friday. I was awed by the support you all gave the Kinterknecht's, the Montrose fire and law enforcement familes, and eachother. It was an honor for me to serve you in my small way. Those memories will be with me for life.

Thank you. "




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