The town of Algona, Iowa mourned the loss of one of their favorite police officers who lost his life while executing a warrant. Kevin Cram died after being shot by a criminal as he sought to protect his community by serving that warrant.
Many in the town and in the state of Iowa made statements about the death of officer Kram. Some comments, mainly those from residents, were about the impact that Cram had on their lives specifically. Others, like Public Safety Commissioner Stephan K. Bayens, explained that Cram died while valiantly serving his community and selflessly seeking to keep his neighbors safe.
Public Safety Commissioner Stephan K. Bayens said, “Algona Police Officer Kevin Cram died serving his community. Algona Police Officer Kevin Cram died because he answered the call to serve. Algona Police Officer Kevin Cram died because he chose to be a beacon of light. Algona Police Officer Kevin Cram died because he was willing to stand between the gap of good and evil. Algona Police Officer Kevin Cram died a hero.”
The Algona Police Department’s Facebook page shared images and messages from many in the town who came out to show their support for the Cram family and to pay their respects to the officer who paid the ultimate price to protect and serve.
The town will be gathering on Sunday to mourn the loss further, as the Algona PD invited the town to a funeral service for the fallen officer.
Suspect Kyle Ricke has been arrested and detained, but prior to his capture, the town of Algona was at a standstill as residents were asked to shelter in place. Police managed to save the day, but not before residents grew worried about the gunshots that were heard. Those same gunshots were the ones that hit officer Cram and ended his life.
One resident described the scene, saying, “We were on edge. We were worried. And we have cop cars going up and down the road.”
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Former Algona police Chief Kendall Pals knew Cram for years and was as good a judge of his character as any single man could be. His report on the character and the person that Cram was describes a man that shined bright and made the lives of those around him better than they were when he found them.
Chief Pals said,“You know it’s tough. Because when you lose a friend, that’s always — that’s always difficult.” Pals in not the only person who is missing Officer Cram. The town of Algona has a growing shrine of flowers and messages left in honor of Cram.
Blue ribbons were placed around trees all through the town, according to the Algona PD’s Facebook page. Also, the Algona Law Center has become the site of a growing memorial for the Officer.
Featured image: Iowa Department of Public Safety