KOKOMO, Ind. -- Howard County Deputy Carl Koontz earned the respect of everyone he met, Sheriff Steve Rogers said Tuesday.
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Rogers spoke at Koontz's funeral, along with Gov. Mike Pence and fellow deputies from the Howard County Sheriff's Department.
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"We were all better for having had Carl with us," Rogers said. "Though Carl was just beginning his career, he exhibited maturity beyond his age and experience. I speak for all when I tell you he earned our respect for who he was and how he did his job."
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And, Rogers said, that respect extended beyond the sheriff's department.
"On several occasions I too have encountered people who came into contact with Carl at Northwestern High School," Rogers said. "They all wanted me to know that Carl was truly respected and a special person for them."
Watch the full speech from Sheriff Rogers in the video player above.
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