Funeral service honoring a Kentucky officer 9 years after his death in the line of duty

RICHMOND, Ky. (WKYT) – The Richmond Police Department held its ninth annual memorial service for Officer Daniel Ellis, who died in the line of duty on November 4, 2015.

Ellis was shot while investigating an attempted gas station robbery.

Officer Ellis' widow, Katie Ellis Desimone, tells WKYT that the city of Richmond has continued to support her family over the past nine years.

“When Daniel was killed in the line of duty, Richmond rose up in a big way. They supported my family from the first moments until nine years later,” she said.

“It was just an honor to work with him. Even in the short time I knew him, I knew he was a great guy,” said Richmond Police Chief Rodney Richardson.

Chief Richardson says police training and tactics changed after Officer Ellis' tragedy.

“Entering a building, how we do it.” The tactics we use when responding to certain things. I’m just trying to move that thought process along in a timely manner,” Richardson said.

Over the years, Ellis' cruiser has been part of the memorial.

Katie Ellis Desimone says returning to the memorial takes her back to that tragic day.

“I will never forget going to the UK Hospital. It's like everyone knows. Nobody made eye contact, but nobody left me there alone either,” she said.

Her son Luke was three years old at the time, now 12. She says Luke doesn't remember his younger years with his father, but they try to keep his memory alive through pictures and stories.

“I just make sure he continues to see people who knew his father,” Ellis Desimone said.

In time, Luke, Richmond and central Kentucky will know Officer Ellis' story at annual commemorations like this.

“He will live on forever, and I'm not sure I believe in 'time heals.' However, I believe that over time we understand how important someone was to us,” said Chief Richardson.

Officer Ellis was 33 years old. The Officer Ellis Memorial 5K Run took place on Saturday. The fundraiser honors the life and legacy of Officer Ellis while helping those in need in Madison County.

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