Chris Willems, 30, an officer of the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department, was killed in the line of duty on May 12, 1991.
It all occurred about 11:00 p.m. Sunday at 1104 West 31st Street south. Willems had made a routine traffic stop, though the exact reason for the stop may never be known. Willems had pulled over a van with three occupants. While questioning them he was suspicious of one of them. This man had an outstanding warrant and gave Willems his brother's name. Officer Willems was given permission to search the vehicle and found a small amount of marijuana. As he placed the suspect under arrest, a struggle occurred. At that time, another man grabbed a .357 revolver, shooting Willems twice, killing him. All three men were soon located and two were arrested and charged. Both were convicted of murder.
Chris Willems had more felony arrests, misdemeanor and custody arrests than anyone in the division. In less than four years with the department, he had been awarded 2 bronze medals for meritorious conduct and 4 letters of commendation for performing above and beyond the call of duty. Chris Willems was survived by his wife, Julie, daughters Tess Shanelle, 3, and Molly Paulina, 1 1/2, mother, Joan, of Wichita, and grandmother, Phillis Zongker of Payson, Az. The funeral was held Wednesday, 10:30 am. at Central Community Church.
As a kid, Chris Willems lived at 425 North Athenian Street, just across the street from the Westside Athletic Field in Wichita. While living there he attended Martinson Elementary School located just 2 blocks to the south at Athenian and 2nd Street. Some of his neighborhood and school friends at that time included my brothers Chuck and Ken Barnes. Chris grew to be a tall guy, later attending Truesdale Jr. High and South High School in Wichita, playing on their basketball team. Many people, including family, fellow officers and friends, childhood friends Chuck, Ken and other members of our Barnes family visit Chris' grave site during Memorial Day.
Chris gave up his life protecting the public. Though we can't fully realize the dangers they face we need to understand that without law enforcement our society would quickly fall into total chaos. It's pretty amazing, when you think about it, that all you have to do is call for help and they come running. We depend on them every hour of every day. Serve and protect, that really is what they do.
A memorial dedicated to the 28 Wichita police officers and sheriff deputies who gave their lives in service to Sedgwick County was completed and dedicated in 2011. It is located at the southwest corner of Central and Main Streets in Wichita. The memorial is the design of local artist Connie Ernatt.
Christopher Willems is listed on the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D. C. on panel 25, W-18.
It all occurred about 11:00 p.m. Sunday at 1104 West 31st Street south. Willems had made a routine traffic stop, though the exact reason for the stop may never be known. Willems had pulled over a van with three occupants. While questioning them he was suspicious of one of them. This man had an outstanding warrant and gave Willems his brother's name. Officer Willems was given permission to search the vehicle and found a small amount of marijuana. As he placed the suspect under arrest, a struggle occurred. At that time, another man grabbed a .357 revolver, shooting Willems twice, killing him. All three men were soon located and two were arrested and charged. Both were convicted of murder.
Chris Willems had more felony arrests, misdemeanor and custody arrests than anyone in the division. In less than four years with the department, he had been awarded 2 bronze medals for meritorious conduct and 4 letters of commendation for performing above and beyond the call of duty. Chris Willems was survived by his wife, Julie, daughters Tess Shanelle, 3, and Molly Paulina, 1 1/2, mother, Joan, of Wichita, and grandmother, Phillis Zongker of Payson, Az. The funeral was held Wednesday, 10:30 am. at Central Community Church.
As a kid, Chris Willems lived at 425 North Athenian Street, just across the street from the Westside Athletic Field in Wichita. While living there he attended Martinson Elementary School located just 2 blocks to the south at Athenian and 2nd Street. Some of his neighborhood and school friends at that time included my brothers Chuck and Ken Barnes. Chris grew to be a tall guy, later attending Truesdale Jr. High and South High School in Wichita, playing on their basketball team. Many people, including family, fellow officers and friends, childhood friends Chuck, Ken and other members of our Barnes family visit Chris' grave site during Memorial Day.
Chris gave up his life protecting the public. Though we can't fully realize the dangers they face we need to understand that without law enforcement our society would quickly fall into total chaos. It's pretty amazing, when you think about it, that all you have to do is call for help and they come running. We depend on them every hour of every day. Serve and protect, that really is what they do.
A memorial dedicated to the 28 Wichita police officers and sheriff deputies who gave their lives in service to Sedgwick County was completed and dedicated in 2011. It is located at the southwest corner of Central and Main Streets in Wichita. The memorial is the design of local artist Connie Ernatt.
Christopher Willems is listed on the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D. C. on panel 25, W-18.
Chris Willems, 30, an officer of the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department, was killed in the line of duty on May 12, 1991.
It all occurred about 11:00 p.m. Sunday at 1104 West 31st Street south. Willems had made a routine traffic stop, though the exact reason for the stop may never be known. Willems had pulled over a van with three occupants. While questioning them he was suspicious of one of them. This man had an outstanding warrant and gave Willems his brother's name. Officer Willems was given permission to search the vehicle and found a small amount of marijuana. As he placed the suspect under arrest, a struggle occurred. At that time, another man grabbed a .357 revolver, shooting Willems twice, killing him. All three men were soon located and two were arrested and charged. Both were convicted of murder.
Chris Willems had more felony arrests, misdemeanor and custody arrests than anyone in the division. In less than four years with the department, he had been awarded 2 bronze medals for meritorious conduct and 4 letters of commendation for performing above and beyond the call of duty. Chris Willems was survived by his wife, Julie, daughters Tess Shanelle, 3, and Molly Paulina, 1 1/2, mother, Joan, of Wichita, and grandmother, Phillis Zongker of Payson, Az. The funeral was held Wednesday, 10:30 am. at Central Community Church.
As a kid, Chris Willems lived at 425 North Athenian Street, just across the street from the Westside Athletic Field in Wichita. While living there he attended Martinson Elementary School located just 2 blocks to the south at Athenian and 2nd Street. Some of his neighborhood and school friends at that time included my brothers Chuck and Ken Barnes. Chris grew to be a tall guy, later attending Truesdale Jr. High and South High School in Wichita, playing on their basketball team. Many people, including family, fellow officers and friends, childhood friends Chuck, Ken and other members of our Barnes family visit Chris' grave site during Memorial Day.
Chris gave up his life protecting the public. Though we can't fully realize the dangers they face we need to understand that without law enforcement our society would quickly fall into total chaos. It's pretty amazing, when you think about it, that all you have to do is call for help and they come running. We depend on them every hour of every day. Serve and protect, that really is what they do.
A memorial dedicated to the 28 Wichita police officers and sheriff deputies who gave their lives in service to Sedgwick County was completed and dedicated in 2011. It is located at the southwest corner of Central and Main Streets in Wichita. The memorial is the design of local artist Connie Ernatt.
Christopher Willems is listed on the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D. C. on panel 25, W-18.
It all occurred about 11:00 p.m. Sunday at 1104 West 31st Street south. Willems had made a routine traffic stop, though the exact reason for the stop may never be known. Willems had pulled over a van with three occupants. While questioning them he was suspicious of one of them. This man had an outstanding warrant and gave Willems his brother's name. Officer Willems was given permission to search the vehicle and found a small amount of marijuana. As he placed the suspect under arrest, a struggle occurred. At that time, another man grabbed a .357 revolver, shooting Willems twice, killing him. All three men were soon located and two were arrested and charged. Both were convicted of murder.
Chris Willems had more felony arrests, misdemeanor and custody arrests than anyone in the division. In less than four years with the department, he had been awarded 2 bronze medals for meritorious conduct and 4 letters of commendation for performing above and beyond the call of duty. Chris Willems was survived by his wife, Julie, daughters Tess Shanelle, 3, and Molly Paulina, 1 1/2, mother, Joan, of Wichita, and grandmother, Phillis Zongker of Payson, Az. The funeral was held Wednesday, 10:30 am. at Central Community Church.
As a kid, Chris Willems lived at 425 North Athenian Street, just across the street from the Westside Athletic Field in Wichita. While living there he attended Martinson Elementary School located just 2 blocks to the south at Athenian and 2nd Street. Some of his neighborhood and school friends at that time included my brothers Chuck and Ken Barnes. Chris grew to be a tall guy, later attending Truesdale Jr. High and South High School in Wichita, playing on their basketball team. Many people, including family, fellow officers and friends, childhood friends Chuck, Ken and other members of our Barnes family visit Chris' grave site during Memorial Day.
Chris gave up his life protecting the public. Though we can't fully realize the dangers they face we need to understand that without law enforcement our society would quickly fall into total chaos. It's pretty amazing, when you think about it, that all you have to do is call for help and they come running. We depend on them every hour of every day. Serve and protect, that really is what they do.
A memorial dedicated to the 28 Wichita police officers and sheriff deputies who gave their lives in service to Sedgwick County was completed and dedicated in 2011. It is located at the southwest corner of Central and Main Streets in Wichita. The memorial is the design of local artist Connie Ernatt.
Christopher Willems is listed on the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D. C. on panel 25, W-18.
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