HOWARD COUNTY, Ind. -- When a police officer is killed, it affects more than just that community. The surrounding communities -- and the entire country -- mourn as well.
This is the case in Howard County, Indiana, where 27-year-old Deputy Carl Koontz was shot and killed while serving a warrant early Sunday morning.
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While the rest of the Howard County Sheriff's Department is coping with the loss of one of its own, other police agencies are picking up the slack in the area.
"It's a very sad day for this community, for this county, for this sheriff's department and for law enforcement across the nation," Sgt. John Perrine of the Indiana State Police said.
Perrine said Indiana State Police and sheriff's departments from around the area will help provide coverage for the county.
"Superintendent Doug Carter offered every resource available from State Police to Howard County," Perrine said.
ALSO READ | Howard Co. Sheriff: 'Deputy Carl Koontz was one of our family'
"Indiana State Police have been here by our side and helped us with this process," Howard County Sheriff Steve Rogers said.
Police departments across the state offered public condolences to Howard County after Koontz's death.
IMPD mourns the death of Howard County Deputy Carl Koontz. EOW 3-20-16 Rest easy brother...we will stay with you until you return home.
— IMPD (@IMPD_News) March 20, 2016
Lawrence PD Stands United with our Howard Co Sheriff's Dept Colleagues, & Deputy Koontz's family. https://t.co/hOhqe47RyE
— Lawrence Police Dept (@Lawrence_Police) March 20, 2016
We regret to inform you of the passing of Deputy Koontz. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with his family, friends & coworkers.
— Kokomo Police (@KokomoPolice) March 20, 2016
Prayers be with the Howard County Sheriffs Department.
Blessed are the peacekeepers.— Indiana State Police (@IndStatePolice) March 20, 2016
"I would like to recognize our community," Rogers said. "Our community has stepped up and recognized our agency in a big way. We've been receiving emails from across the country. I've received emails from even outside of the country over the death of Carl Koontz."
COMMUNITY | Remembering Carl Koontz
Grief counselors will also be on hand for police officers in Howard County to help cope with the loss.
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