Honor, Service and Sacrifice Remembered at Memorial Ceremony

The ceremony, led by Deputy Sarah Schultz, recognized the sacrifice and service of fallen officers from Reno County and across Kansas. A wreath presentation and opening remarks from Reno County Sheriff Darrian Campbell set the tone for the morning, followed by an invocation from Chaplain Adam Wooten.

Kansas Speaker of the House Daniel Hawkins served as the guest speaker, sharing remarks on the importance of supporting law enforcement and remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.

Throughout the ceremony, attendees listened as the names and stories of fallen officers were read aloud, including Reno County Undersheriff Edward Metz, Deputy Thomas Simpson Fowler, Officer Reason Sherman Monroe, Officer Kenneth Kennedy, Trooper Conroy O’Brien and Kansas City, Kansas Police Captain Robert “Dave” Melton. Each story served as a reminder of the courage and dedication carried by law enforcement officers across generations.

The Reno County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard and Hutchinson Police Honor Guard presented the colors during a moving tribute that included the playing of TAPS and the lowering of the flag to half-staff in honor of the fallen.

Hutchinson Police Chief Brice Burlie closed the ceremony by thanking those in attendance and encouraging the community to continue supporting local law enforcement and the families of fallen officers. Following the service, law enforcement personnel and support staff were invited to a luncheon in the park hosted by Crime Stoppers of Reno County and the Civitans Club.