Sgt. Christopher Kelley of the Hutto Police Department[/caption]

Hutto Police Sgt. Christopher Kelley was killed in the line of duty June 24 while apprehending a suspect.

Kelley, 37, had been a member of the Hutto Police Department for seven years and leaves behind a wife and two children, according to City Manager Karen Daly.

In 2012, Kelley was promoted to criminal investigations sergeant, Daly said. Previous to joining the HPD, Kelley was a technical sergeant in the Air Force, where he served on active duty until 2004, she said.

“Chris was an amazing person; he brought compassion and professionalism to our city,” Daly said. “His quick wit always left a smile on our faces.”

Kelley was out of uniform when he responded to an incident in Hutto around 10 a.m. on June 24, Daly said. He is likely the first Hutto police officer to have been killed in the line of duty, she said.

The suspect is in custody, and the incident is under further investigation by the Texas Rangers, Daly said. Donations to Sgt. Kelley's family can be made through Hutto Has Heart, www.huttohasheart.org.