Montrose - Daily Press

MONTROSE �” The organizers of Saturday’s benefit for a fallen Montrose Police officer and his two wounded brethren expected community support.

They just didn’t expect so much �” more than $13,000 was raised to benefit the family of Sgt. David Kinterknecht, who died July 25 in the line of duty.

The money raised is also intended to help Officers Larry Witte and Rodney Ragsdale, who were wounded in the same incident, a domestic violence call. The man who shot the officers, Dennis Gurney, committed suicide.

Courtesy Photo/Nancy Moore Susie Ragsdale, left, Montrose Police Officer Larry Witte and Kathy Kinterknecht cut a cake, one of several desserts donated to the Elks fundraiser Saturday. The fundraiser benefitted Kinterknecht, whose husband, Montrose Police Sgt. David Kinterknecht, was killed in the line of duty July 25, and his daughters. The fundraiser was also held to help Witte and fellow officer, Rodney Ragsdale, who were injured in the same incident. Advertisement

Witte has returned to light duty, Montrose Police Cmdr. Gene Lillard said. Ragsdale continues recovery at home.

“It’s unbelievable, the amount of turnout we had,” Elks Treasurer Paul Moore said of the fundraiser.

From Saturday afternoon on, the Montrose Elks Lodge was full to the gills of people attending a pasta dinner and silent auction.

In the weeks preceding the fundraiser, a 100 or so advance tickets were sold, Moore said, but organizers publicized the fact that tickets would also be sold at the door. They’d hoped for maybe about 400 attendees. Instead, the event drew about 1,000 and some attendees paid far more than the dinner price.

�”�”�”

For the full story, see today's print edition. The online story may not reflect all relevant information that was reported. We encourage readers to obtain the full story by reading the print edition or our e-edition, To subscribe, call (970) 252-7081 or click on the subscription link on the main page.

Comments

luv 2 live here wrote on Nov 18, 2009 9:40 PM:

" Our community gathering together once again to support each other is what makes us special. I am proud to be a member of this giving community. We should all make time in our lives to give back and to serve, there are many options available, i.e. the Elks. Thanks to our officers and firefighters who serve us so well. "




Report Abuse

Brian wrote on Nov 18, 2009 7:17 AM:

" Quit qestioning this story people. We all should be praisig the elks for what they have done. How can people ask about the different compensation these families are getting? Is that really any of our business? I think not. Thank you to all of those who participated in the fundraiser. "




Report Abuse

what wrote on Nov 18, 2009 12:37 AM:

" to questions - first of all I am sorry that you lost your brother. I see that there were fundraisers held and donations made for your family. How do you know that these families will not donate some of their money that they receive but even if they don't it was intended for them. "




Report Abuse

thoughts wrote on Nov 17, 2009 5:54 PM:

" To questions-- IIt was nice that your family could donate funds to others that needed it. Maybe these families are not able to. I imagine the young officer that was injured needs all the help he can get since his wife is expecting a baby in Dec. Since you don't know their financial conditions just be glad of any help they can get. "




Report Abuse

Info wrote on Nov 17, 2009 5:38 PM:

" State comp pays 60 per cent of wages.It would be hard to make ago of it if your wages were cut by 40 per cent all of a sudden.Just feel grateful that we live in such a caring community and don't begrudge help to these family that are hurting both financially and emotionally. "




Report Abuse

Cant believe it wrote on Nov 17, 2009 10:30 AM:

" This story is something our community should be proud of, not questioning it ,and it's Validity. The Elks choose to do this event not carring what compensation was given, but to reach out and help these families. With all the negaitivity that surrounded this tragic event, it's effect on this community, and the time of year we are approaching you should be ashamed.
$ 13,000 between three families is nothing. The 1,000 people who showed their love and support is Priceless!! "




Report Abuse

Wondering wrote on Nov 16, 2009 11:08 PM:

" At a loss, didnt say fundraisers werent necessary I just questioned what other financial help these families receive. I just didnt know if these families were left high and dry after such a horrilble event. If my husband were killed or seriously injuried at his job I would expect financial help from his company for my family. "




Report Abuse

question wrote on Nov 16, 2009 2:35 PM:

" when i write it is generally because i do know facts, and what would be the problem with me stating that families are compensated for their loss?? i see a greater need for a fundraiser for many other causes where there is NO compensation, from ANY source, that this could have been donated to. and before i get more comments attacking this ,those are facts i know because my brother died in the line of duty 2001, and although fundraisers such as this was appreciated we donated our money because we did get compensated by various sources. "




Report Abuse

At a loss wrote on Nov 14, 2009 9:56 AM:

" It would not matter how many policies there are to "?compensenate"? a family for this type of loss and/or injuries. Fundraisers are held by caring people who want to do something, anything, to help these families, as well as show respect and give thanks for those wounded and for the loss of life. Of course, money will never, never bring back what is lost. But it may help during the healing process. Thank you Elks for caring!!! "




Report Abuse

What wrote on Nov 13, 2009 8:02 PM:

" Also, to "question" - no amount of money can make up the loss of life and even if there was a $250,000 policy from FOP which there is not - that would only make up for 3-4 years of an officers wages - then what? Why do you care if there is a fundraiser? If you do not want to participate don't but at least try and get the facts before you post. "




Report Abuse

What wrote on Nov 13, 2009 7:57 PM:

" To question- you are totally wrong. Look into the facts before you say something like that. Why do people blog if they don't know what they are talking about. From someone very close to this case! "




Report Abuse

question wrote on Nov 12, 2009 11:14 PM:

" correct me if i'm wrong but doesn't the police protective assosciation or fraternal order of police provide a compensation fund somewhere in the ball park of 250,000 dollars if not more for a fallen officers family?? and another life insurance policy through the montrose police department?? "




Report Abuse

wondering wrote on Nov 12, 2009 9:38 PM:

" that is terrible, they should all be fully compensated especially for the out of pocket medical travel expenses! There should also be a decent life policy for officers killed in the line of duty. "




Report Abuse

local wrote on Nov 12, 2009 6:32 PM:

" To wondering...I asked the same question. They are receiving the usual 60% or so workers compensation, and there are some other benefit programs that they are compensated by. As far as the wounded officers, there has been a lot of out of pocket medical travel, etc., that has been a hardship. "




Report Abuse

Continued Thank you Paul Moore wrote on Nov 12, 2009 12:34 PM:

" Paul is not only a great Elk, but one of the most carring people I have ever met. I admire and look up to all Mr. Paul Moore and his lovely Wife stand for and do. You make a difference Paul, Thank You!! "




Report Abuse

Thanks to Paul Moore wrote on Nov 12, 2009 12:34 PM:

" I want to give a well deserved thank you to Elk member Paul Moore. The week prior to this terrible tragedy Paul, along with many other Elks, put together a Police Officer and Fire Fighter appreciation Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner for our local Police Officers and Fire Fighters. We were able to meet the Officers involved and many others at this event. When Paul heard the news about this tragedy the following week Paul rallied the troops again and went right back to work putting this event together. "




Report Abuse

Elks r da best wrote on Nov 12, 2009 11:45 AM:

" did you know that the only organization that gives more scholorships than the Elks is some guy named bill gates? "




Report Abuse

Answer to question wrote on Nov 12, 2009 10:47 AM:

" The Elks Have been around since the late 1800"s, and the Montrose Lodge has been in Montrose since 1906. We are a faturnal organization, which focus on the helping our members and community. Veterns, 2nd behind Bill Gates in College scholarships awarded nationwide, youth prgrams like Boy and Girl Scouts, 150 Christmas baskets were given out to families in need here in Montrose, Fund Raisers ect. It is also a great way to meet good people here in the community. Stop by the lodge and get an application and check out the Elks. "




Report Abuse

Question wrote on Nov 11, 2009 11:00 AM:

" I have always wondered what the Elks Lodges do. I'm new to the area, and am interested in giving back to the community. How do you become an Elk, and what are some of the other things do the Elks do for the community? "




Report Abuse

Thank You Elks Volunteers wrote on Nov 10, 2009 3:45 PM:

" This is what Montrose is all about! Helping those who need it. Forget the money raised, for I know the people who showed up in showing their support is priceless!! "




Report Abuse

Thank you Elks wrote on Nov 10, 2009 3:39 PM:

" The Elks never get the credit they deserve for all they do for this community. My father is an Elk, and I guess I took all they do for granite. Thank you Montrose Elks Lodge!! I'll follow in my Fathers foot steps and help our community through the Elks!! "




Report Abuse

Wondering wrote on Nov 10, 2009 12:26 PM:

" I am very glad to see that there was a big turn out for this but I do have a question. Isnt there some type of life insurance benefit provided to the Kinterknecht family through the police department as well as a short-term/long-term disability benefit to the two wounded officers? Dont get me wrong I still think these types of events are needed but I just wondered what types of benefits these deserving offiecers are given? "




Report Abuse

A Wife of Montrose PD officer wrote on Nov 10, 2009 9:45 AM:

" As a wife of a Montrose PD officer, I want to personally thank all of those that came out to support the Kinterknect, Witte, and Ragsdale families. It goes to show we live a great community. There were so many officers affected by this tradegy and alot of them were in attendance Saturday. For them to see the community support still there is awesome. May we never forget what our law enforcement officers and other emergency personell do on a daily basis, protect our community. Thank you Montrose. "




Report Abuse