GARDNER, KS (KCTV) -
Friends and family gathered to remember a man who protected his community.
Gardner Police Chief Kenneth Francis died last Friday and was laid to rest a week later.
For the past 25 years, Francis served as the head of the police department.
With his passing, those who knew and loved him said what he did will long live on in their hearts.
Members of the greater Kansas City law enforcement wore mourning bands across their badges Friday as they attended the funeral service held for one if their own.
"Everybody had great respect for him, and he's truly going to be missed," Capt. Rick Simpson with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office said.
"He was very dedicated and loyal to his employees. He was just a great guy," Battalion Chief Michael Woorley with Johnson County Med-Act said.
"He was the kindest, gentlest man, but he got everything accomplished he wanted accomplished," said former chair of the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners Annabeth Surbaugh.
The accomplishments might have had something to do with Francis' approach to law enforcement. The chief claimed the key to success is a "cup of coffee" and would often sit down to chat with citizens about their concerns at a Gardner coffee shop.
A release from the city of Gardner said, in recent years, Francis told many that "whatever the successes I've enjoyed here has been the people. I've met a lot of nice folks. I can drink a cup of coffee with them and enjoy conversation. They care about me, I care about them."
"Look at this (motions to the amount of people at Friday's service). Obviously, he meant something to everyone," resident Ashley Vanlerberg said.
"He's just done a lot for our community, and we really appreciate it," resident Tammy Morgan said.
"There's some people who live in your minds until you go. And he's one of those. Super guy," Surbaugh said.
In addition to those KCTV5's Jami Brinton spoke with Friday about the type of person Francis was, several people who knew him have been posting their favorite memories of him on a local funeral home's website.
Perhaps the comment left by Fred Kirk sums up what many people are feeling when he wrote: "I cannot talk to Chief anymore, but all the memories with him will be in my heart forever. God got a great one when He got Chief."
Click here to read the condolences left for Chief Francis or to leave one of your own.
Copyright 2012 KCTV (Meredith Corp.) All rights reserved.
Jami Brinton/KCTV
Brett Hacker/KCTV
