Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My family and I live in the area where Deputy Sheriff Robert Kenneth Kunze, III sacrificed his life in the line of duty. We are constantly reminded of the service of this great man and all those that have served with him, and continue on serving all of us, all without the recognition they truly deserve. I drive by his roadside memorial every single day, and the memory of that day is always fresh in my mind with thoughts of his absolute courageous selflessness, something we all should strive for from his example. Thank you to Deputy Sheriff Robert Kunze, we pray for you often. God bless his family who suffered a great loss, and God bless all those that continue to serve this community and beyond.

Chris Helten
Neighbor of Roadside Memorial

September 11, 2024

It was a honor to know you. Your laughter and quick retorts are greatly missed. You were a friend to a lot of people and touched so many lives. You and my brother were so close. I thought of you today as hunting season is upon us. I know he misses his hunting buddy and just having you around to enjoy a beer in the mancave. I just wanted you to know that you have not been forgotten and my prayers still go out to you and your family. Rest easy my friend.

Butler County Friend
Sister of WPD Detective

December 1, 2023

One of many Deputies that made a big impact on me when I was a new Officer in Goddard.

Very knowledgeable, but always humble about it. A great mentor, Deputy, and friend.

Think of you often brother, Rest In Peace.

Officer Justin Griner
Wichita Airport Police Dept.

November 26, 2022

Sacred Ground

by

Sgt. Oscar R. Thomasson (Ret.)

Look solemnly upon this ground, where the blood of valor can be found.

See a roadside in the farmland, where a brave men took a stand.

A place in time where history was made, where the bloody price of freedom was paid.

A good man lay down his life, leaving behind a daughter and a wife.

The rain comes from above
Tears straight from God’s love
Helping to ease our pain
For our loss is heaven’s gain

Remembered without regret
His sacrifice we will never forget.
To our oath hold forever true
Like him, we wear the silver and the blue

Remember that sad day
Let everyone who passes this way

Look solemnly upon this ground, where the blood of valor can be found.

Sgt. Oscar R. Thomasson II (Ret.)
Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office

September 15, 2021

Isaiah 6:8

Thank you.

I specifically miss the example you set through your actions and words. You always found a way to light up a dark room using both as an example on how to treat others in this life, as it was happening.

Your flame shall never be extinguished, for you truly are your brothers keeper.

Rest easy...

J.m.

September 17, 2020

Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 16, 2020

On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Robert was killed in the line of duty.

To the Kunze family, fellow officers, and all who call Robert beloved, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in our area embraced us in a circle of love and support. I hope that as the first anniversary of your loved one's untimely death approaches, that you continue to receive that same kind of support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Deputy Kunze gave to his community and the citizens of Kansas and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 16, 2018.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

September 6, 2019

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Kunze.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 25, 2019

Holding the Line

Dedicated to the memory of Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Kunze III
EOW: 09/16/18

When the history of America is told
They will speak of a courageous band.
Of brave men and women who took a stand.
Against the evil that threatened this great land.
Holding the line.

Answering the call both night and day
They stood between their beloved homes and crime’s desolation
Running to the fight without hesitation
The living hope of this nation
Holding the line.

Warriors battling on the home front
Willing in an instant to give their all
Sad far too many in this conflict must fall
For freedom and liberty they stood tall
Holding the line

We honor their sacrifice
In solemn tribute we stand
Sharing a quiet grief few can understand
In every corner of this great land
Holding the line

Sgt. Oscar R. Thomasson (Ret.)
Sedgwick County Sheriff’ Office

April 4, 2019

God Speed brother and may our Heavenly Father bless your family through this senseless loss

Deputy Tim Duvall
Boyd County KY Sheriffs Department

October 20, 2018

I’m thinking the WiFi in heaven is spectacular. You’ve probably seen everything on social media. You’ve probably seen the messages we have posted. I’m sure someone up there will give you access to our reports...there are not secrets. You are a hero. You met a serious case of evil and handled it. You saved multiple lives. Thank you.

Detective Jon Gill
Sedgwick County Sheriff

October 10, 2018

Thank you for your service, my prayers are with your family, co-workers, and friends. Rest in peace.

Sergeant Howard Giddings (Ret.)
Virginia Port Authority PD

October 1, 2018

Thank you for your service. Rest in peace. My prayers are with your family, co-workers and friends

Sergeant Howard Giddings (Ret.)
Virginia Port Authority PD

October 1, 2018

Rest in peace brother. You are a true hero.

Jamie D Davis
Pittsylvania County Sheriffs Office

September 30, 2018

Every morning I go to my knees. During that time I pray Psalm 91 over all LEO’s and this prayer also:

“Lord, Be with all law enforcement officers. Keep them safe and free from harm. They are Your soldiers on the front line of the battle against evil. If one should fall this day - wrap their family in your loving arms. Surround them with Your angels, loving family, friends, neighbors and caring people to comfort them. Ease their pain. Help them to mourn well. In Jesus' name and for Your Glory, Amen.”

I know that God sends those angels to watch over our officers, sometimes to protect them and sometimes to whisk our officers into His presence.

Feel His presence as God answers the prayers of many who have fallen to their knees on your behalf. Since the day of my son's death, I have carried every law enforcement officer and their family in my heart.

I have lifted your family to God every morning for over seven years. I pray that Robert's life and death will bring glory to God.

Trust those prayers. God is with you; He knows and will ease your pain.

Pamela Hotsinpiller
Mother of
Deputy United States Marshal
Derek W. Hotsinpiller
EOW 2-16-2011

September 28, 2018

Rob.... No words can express how truly grateful I am to have gotten to know you. I will always think back hear your voice as you would come into the station.... Rebekah Rebekah Rebekah. You were a great man and a true hero. Thank you.

Rebekah Rickstrew
Caldwell Police Dept. Caldwell, Kansas

September 28, 2018

Thank you for your protection, for your service, for your commitment to serve others. May God watch over your family and fellow officers. Rest In Peace, we will not forget your sacrifice.

Detective Cpl Amy Morgan
Boise Police Department
Boise, Idaho

September 25, 2018

Rest in Peace My Brother in Arms

Anrae Godley-Cooper
U.S. Army Military Police

September 25, 2018

My heart goes out to each and everyone of you ... My friend Terry litton retired from the Sheriff department I worried everyday for him .Now his son that I jave known almost all his life has fallowed in his fathers footsteps and now my worry is for him and gis family and friend . I pray for his safty along with all of you ...my thought and prayers are that you stay safe and out of harms way ...

Lori Yarbrough
Friend of an officer

September 23, 2018

I’m proud to be able to say I’ve known you personally. It was truly an honor to be able to work beside you and occasionally under your mentorship. Your influence and professionalism will always stick with me. Rest In Peace brother. You will always be remembered for the hero you are.

Officer Johnie Ogden
Goddard Public Schools Police

September 23, 2018

Thank you for your service. May your family find eventual peace and comfort in the nobility and humility of your sacrifice. May the the public never forget the lives saved by your actions, not only on the day your watch ended, but each day of your career. May your loved ones be watched over by our Lord and by our community. And may you rest in eternal peace, now that your watch is complete.

Lt. Jeremy Mitchell
Kansas Department of Corrections (EDCF)

September 22, 2018

On behalf of the men & women of the Abilene Police Department, I extend our condolences to the family, coworkers, and friends of Deputy Sheriff Robert Kunze following his death. May the comfort of Divinity surround you during this difficult time. We are grateful for the service rendered from Deputy Sheriff Kunze.

Beth Reeves, Chaplain
Abilene Police Department

September 21, 2018

On behalf of the Potwin Volunteer Fire Department. Our thoughts and prayers go out you the family of as well as his family of blue with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department. We are her f ok r you all if you ever need anything.

Rest in Peace Sheriff Robert K. Kunze, III

Deputy Sheriff’s Prayer

When I start my tour of duty God,
wherever crime may be,
As I drive the darkened streets,
let me be close to thee.

Please give me understanding
with both the young and old.
Let me listen with attention
until their story’s told.

Let me never make a judgment
in a rash or callous way.
But let me hold my patience,
let each man have his say.

Lord if some dark and dreary night,
I must give my life,
Lord with your everlasting love
protect One I love.

Heath W Austin
City of Potwin Volunteer Fire Department

September 20, 2018

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Deputy Sheriff Robert Kunze who was tragically killed in the line of duty as well as the officers who continue to put themselves in harm's way.

CBP Officer(retired), Luis Otero
Department of Homeland Security/Bureau of Customs & Border Protection

September 20, 2018

My heart goes out to your family. I have felt the pain myself . Because of his service many of us can live the safe life we do. So sorry for your loss

George

September 20, 2018