By Courtney Klaus, Editor- In- Chief
At 1:40 p.m. today, officers heard the Final Call over the police radio for Deputy Robert Kunze, who was shot and killed in the line of duty on Sunday.
Final Call, also known as End of Watch Call or Last Radio Call, is a tradition where an officer’s death is honored with one final call to the officer from the police radio operator. The officer is called once, followed by a period of silence, and then called one more time. After another period of silence, the operator announces the officer has failed to respond, and may deliver some words in memoriam.
Head of Campus Security Mo Floyd said Final Call is an important tradition among officers, one that brings them all together even when they’re miles apart.
“Some officers still have to be on duty during the funeral,” Floyd said. “It’s for the guys that couldn’t go.”
Kunze’s Final Call was made at the end of his funeral service as Taps played.
“Deputy Kunze made the ultimate sacrifice to protect his family, his friends, and his community. Deputy Kunze, we will show your 10-7 and may you rest in peace. We will take it from here,” the dispatcher said, ending the call.
According to The Wichita Eagle, thousands turned out for Kunze’s funeral this morning at Central Community Church in west Wichita to honor the late officer.
Courtesy Photo, Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office
