The Reno County Sheriff’s Office and Hutchinson Police held their tribute to law enforcement who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Reno County.

The ceremony was held this morning in front of the Law Enforcement Center in Hutchinson.

The Key Note Speaker was Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter who has a special connection to this week when we honor law enforcement. It was especially memorable for him because of the tragedy that took his brother from him.

Sedgwick County Sheriff Deputy Kevin Easter was shot and killed during a vehicle stop where the driver had initially refused to yield. Wichita police officers backing up Deputy Easter, found all the juveniles next to the car with one of them suffering a bullet wound in the leg. All of the juveniles were arrested and a search for Deputy Easter was commenced. Deputy Easter was found suffering from a gunshot wound. He died later during surgery. The shooter was 14 years old.

Sheriff Easter stated during the service that the following his brothers death, it was the worst days of his life. His brother was killed on January 8, 1996.

As we mentioned, he was the keynote speaker and told us it was an honor for him to come to Hutchinson for this occasion.

“Taps” was played by Jeff Pelischek, Hutchinson Community College Director of Bands and accompanied with the flag by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, then Robert Calhoun sang the national anthem.

Hamburgers were provided by Reno County Crime Stoppers and Civitan Club for all Law Enforcement and support personnel during the noon hour Friday.