WATCH: Funeral service for KCPD Ofc. James Muhlbauer, K-9 Champ

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Officer James Muhlbauer and his K-9 officer Champ will be laid to rest Wednesday following a visitation and funeral service.

They were killed in a crash last Wednesday in which an 18-year-old man was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter. The crash also left Jesse Eckes, a pedestrian in the area, dead.

A public visitation was held at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City from 9:30-11 a.m. Wednesday. The funeral followed at the same location at 11:30 a.m.

A procession from Municipal Auditorium to White Chapel Funeral Home in Gladstone took place following the funeral.

A former KCPD officer who retired in 1995, Ed Sanford, went to the procession on Vivion Road to pay his respects.

“You’re part of the family, even if you’re retired,” he said. “So, it hits home.”

“They need your respect,” Sanford continued. “They need your hope. 99% of the officers out here are good officers. They’re there to serve the public, and they love their job.”

Larry Hammes was also watching the procession.

“It made me feel good,” he said. “I couldn’t believe there was unlimited police. I even seen one from Branson. Very good showing.”

Janet Leone placed herself along the procession route.

“It made me feel so wonderful that people respect everybody so much and are here for everyone,” she said. “Looks like all the officers around, everybody that came. We had them from Kansas to Branson. They were everywhere. I think it’s very respectful and I think that we need more of that in our country.”

LIVE BLOG: Ofc. James Muhlbauer, K-9 Champ laid to rest

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