Community members, loved ones and police across jurisdictions attended a celebration of life in honor of Merrill Police Officer Riley Kurtz over the weekend.
Officer Kurtz died earlier this month on January 3rd at Aspirus Wausau Hospital due to medical complications.
Following the service, officials bestowed honors to Kurtz's family, including a flag presentation, the final call and an escort for Kurtz's remains.
"This is what they believed Riley would want. We are giving them that, we are definitely giving them that," said Merrill Chief of Police, Corey Bennett. "Hopefully, it is therapeutic for them hopefully it helps them deal with the loss."
Friends of Kurtz said he was an amazing and caring friend.
"He was such a fun guy to hang around," Bennet said. "No matter if you were the chief of police or one of his coworkers, anybody could go hang out with him and go fishing. He was just a great guy to be around. He made you feel like he was your best friend when you were with him."
Kurtz was an avid outdoorsman who clocked many hours hunting.
