Last night, Topeka police officers Cpl. David Gogian and Jeff Atherly were killed in the line of duty. The horrific tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut on Friday shook us to our core. As we shared our grief with the families in Connecticut, our anguish only deepened with the loss of two law enforcement officers who gave their lives protecting Kansans.
Our hearts go out to the families in Newtown, and to the families, friends and colleagues of Cpl. Gogian and Officer Atherly. No words can truly express our sense of loss and heartbreak in the wake of these two tragedies. Our thoughts and prayers are with both communities at this time.