Twelve years ago, Minneapolis Police Officer David Loeffler lost his leg to a drunk driver when he got out of his patrol car to help a drunk pedestrian. Last week, Loeffler lost his life. He was only 36 years old.
Loeffler's police family, friends and relatives packed a church in Richfield today to say their final farewell to the former officer. He had a full police funeral with an Honor Guard, headed by
MPD Lt. Bill Whisney. Loeffler's mourners also included
Officer Peter Hafstad who was on patrol with Loeffler that horrible night back in March of 1997.
It was heartbreaking to see all the photos of David Loeffler, whose dreams of being an officer were cut so brutally short. But it was also inspiring to see how he continued a career of public service by earning a law degree, working in the MN Attorney General's office and, most recently, working as a prosecutor in Aitkin County.
He did all that despite living with deep pain that never went away since the day he was hit. I ran into him several times at the Minnesota State Fair when he visited a friend who works at the SF Police Department. He also seemed upbeat and friendly.
Some of David Loeffler's friends hope someday to get his name included on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. I will keep track of how the process goes and post any developments.
Video: Funeral For Officer Who Lost Leg 1997File Video: Officer Loses Leg In 1997 CrashOfficer Who Lost Leg In 1997 Crash Dies At 36Video: Honor Guard Carries Loeffler's CasketVideo: Former Partner Talks About LoefflerVideo: Honor Guard On Loeffler FuneralNational Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
