Family, friends, and colleagues from around the state gathered at Carthage College Wednesday to mourn the loss of John Hetland, a 24-year veteran of the Racine Police Department.
Shot to death during an armed robbery on June 17 in a Racine bar, Hetland died trying to protect a bartender from an armed gunman. The suspect in the case remains at-large.
But Wednesday friends, colleagues and family members gathered to support one another during this difficult time and say good-bye.
Here are just a few of the messages people have left for Hetland and his family. If you were at the funeral and would like to share your thoughts, please feel free to in the comments section of this story.
WATCH LIVE: Committal Ceremony for fallen Racine Police Officer John Hetlandhttps://t.co/FQJZqoYtW8 pic.twitter.com/RkdkNGbbo9
— CBS 58 News (@CBS58) June 26, 2019
WATCH LIVE: Committal ceremony held for Racine Police Officer John Hetland https://t.co/UsvbyNofWz pic.twitter.com/pFNT0z27rH
— FOX6 News (@fox6now) June 26, 2019
Rest In Peace Officer Hetland. #BlueLine 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/Nk7IE86g0W
— Alexis Byrns (@MrzLexyDByrnz) June 26, 2019
Rest In Peace @RacinePD PO John Hetland who was shot & killed on 6/17/19 while off duty, trying to stop an armed robbery. He was a 24-year veteran of the department. Please retweet to honor him #NeverForget #BackTheBlue #BlueLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/6Pph83m25w
— Angel L Maysonet (@bigricanman) June 19, 2019
A memorial near the @RacinePD continues to grow for Fallen Officer John Hetland @SpectrumNews1WI pic.twitter.com/kFq4CAzd7y
— Alyson Bruner (@AlysonBruner) June 25, 2019
Today we honor and remember the life of Officer John Hetland. pic.twitter.com/x5l5yiwHiG
— Carthage College (@carthagecollege) June 26, 2019
Honoring and remembering Racine Police Officer John Hetland who laid down his life in service to his community. Rest easy brother, we’ll take the watch from here. pic.twitter.com/XEVRYbU03y
— Grand Chute Police (@GrandChutePD) June 26, 2019
A number of organizations are also hosting fundraisers for fallen officers:
My thoughts and prayers go out to John’s father, mother, sister, brother and especially hurt children, as well as the entire police Dept and everyone who know him. I didn’t know John but I knew several family members. Sounds like he was a great man!