Hutto Police Chief Earl Morrison becomes emotional while delivering remarks about the death of Sgt. Christopher Kelley[/caption]
The Hutto community is still in shock over the death of Sgt. Christopher Kelley, whose death June 24 marked the first time a Hutto officer was killed in the line of duty, according to police officials.
The incident is still under investigation, but City Manager Karen Daly said Kelley was apprehending a suspect when Kelley was killed.
Kelley, a veteran of the Air Force and a Hutto resident, leaves behind a wife and two children, Daly said.
“There were many who saw Sgt. Kelley dash out the door on his final call, and we’re still trying to understand why he never came back,” Police Chief Earl Morrison said. “We try to prepare as best we can for these moments, but let’s be realistic: How do you prepare?”
Morrison said the Hutto community has rallied around Kelley’s family and the Police Department with condolences, support and homemade meals.
Hutto charity organization Hutto Has Heart started a fund for Kelley’s family, and donations can be made through the group’s website at
www.huttohasheart.org.
In a statement, Kelley’s family members thanked community members for their support.
“The Kelley family is touched at the prayers, thoughts and offers of support from our community, the city of Hutto, the Hutto Police Department and families in departments across the country,” the statement read. “Chris was our rock. He was our protector, our strength and our joy. He was a son, a brother, a husband and a daddy, and he was taken away from us far too soon. Our hearts are broken.”
Morrison said Kelley made friends with everyone he talked to, was a bit of a jokester and “could tell a story like nobody else.”
“Hutto lost a true hero,” Morrison said. “[Kelley] was passionate about his job, his country, his kids and his community. He had a servant’s heart and a leader’s intuition. He was the ultimate professional.”
Hutto Police Chief Earl Morrison becomes emotional while delivering remarks about the death of Sgt. Christopher Kelley[/caption]
The Hutto community is still in shock over the death of Sgt. Christopher Kelley, whose death June 24 marked the first time a Hutto officer was killed in the line of duty, according to police officials.
The incident is still under investigation, but City Manager Karen Daly said Kelley was apprehending a suspect when Kelley was killed.
Kelley, a veteran of the Air Force and a Hutto resident, leaves behind a wife and two children, Daly said.
“There were many who saw Sgt. Kelley dash out the door on his final call, and we’re still trying to understand why he never came back,” Police Chief Earl Morrison said. “We try to prepare as best we can for these moments, but let’s be realistic: How do you prepare?”
Morrison said the Hutto community has rallied around Kelley’s family and the Police Department with condolences, support and homemade meals.
Hutto charity organization Hutto Has Heart started a fund for Kelley’s family, and donations can be made through the group’s website at www.huttohasheart.org.
In a statement, Kelley’s family members thanked community members for their support.
“The Kelley family is touched at the prayers, thoughts and offers of support from our community, the city of Hutto, the Hutto Police Department and families in departments across the country,” the statement read. “Chris was our rock. He was our protector, our strength and our joy. He was a son, a brother, a husband and a daddy, and he was taken away from us far too soon. Our hearts are broken.”
Morrison said Kelley made friends with everyone he talked to, was a bit of a jokester and “could tell a story like nobody else.”
“Hutto lost a true hero,” Morrison said. “[Kelley] was passionate about his job, his country, his kids and his community. He had a servant’s heart and a leader’s intuition. He was the ultimate professional.”
