"It will be a strong community:" Preparing to say goodbye to State Trooper Trevor Casper
Preparing to say goodbye to State Trooper Trevor Casper
Preparing to say goodbye to State Trooper Trevor Casper
KIEL (WITI) -- A small community is getting ready for a big service. The city of Kiel is preparing to say goodbye to State Trooper Trevor Casper. The 21-year-old was shot and killed while on the job last week.
More than 3,000 people live in Kiel, but many more are expected to fill the small community on Sunday, March 29th. They'll be paying their respects to the fallen trooper.
"It hits almost everyone is some way or another," said Noah Draxler, Kiel resident.
From the moment you enter the small community of Kiel, signs of support, gratitude, and mourning are all around.
"We didn't want to believe that it was real," said Draxler.
The city of about 3,000 lost one of its own earlier in the week. State Trooper Trevor Casper was killed during a shootout with a suspected bank robber -- he was just 21 years old.
"It was just very sad to hear," said Draxler.
At the Dairy Queen, daily specials are replaced with a sign of pride as the entire city prepares to say goodbye.
"It will be a strong community, a strong turnout for the service," said Draxler.
Sunday evening, Kiel High School will host a public memorial service for the fallen trooper. And on Monday, March 30th, a state patrol procession will guide Casper's family to Saint's Peter and Paul Cemetery.
At the Shopko Hometown, blue lights are being given away for free. So that everyone has a chance to memorialize the young man.
"We would really love to see all of the lights on," said Nicky Akright, Shopko Hometown Manager.
Whether you knew him or heard his story, each person in Kiel is changed. Leaning on each other, grieving together -- supporting a family in need.
"They know the entire community is with them and if they need something, they can rely on the community for anything," said Draxler.
People from across the country are expected to attend Sunday's service. Showing the small community this loss is being felt everywhere.