A police officer being killed in the line of duty seems like something that would happen only in a big city. Such a death in Chicago or New York seems possible, but in our mostly rural area that seems far-fetched.

Unfortunately, it can happen here. The citizens and law enforcement officers of Algona can provide firsthand confirmation of that sad fact.

On Sept. 13, 2023, Algona Police Officer Kevin Cram went to a home where a man named Kyle Ricke was known to be staying. He went there to arrest Ricke on a warrant accusing him of third degree harassment. Cram found Ricke, who shot and killed him.

This was devastating to the Cram family, the police department and the larger Algona community.

Ricke was convicted of first degree murder and will spend the rest of his life in prison.

In the immediate aftermath of Officer Cram’s murder, a team from Iowa Concerns of Police Survivors arrived to help.

The organization is often referred to as Iowa C.O.P.S. It is dedicated to rebuilding the lives of families and co-workers affected by a police line of duty death. Its members can help with everything from assisting families with benefit applications to organizing the funeral procession.

Iowa C.O.PS. is a good resource that everyone hopes they never have to use.

Local residents will soon have a unique and fun opportunity to support Iowa C.O.P.S.

That opportunity is the Northwest Iowa Thin Blue Line Gala to be held April 25 at the Laramar Ballroom, 710 First Ave. N.

It will feature music by Spencer Suchan, a silent auction and presentations by Storm Lake Police Chief Chris Cole and Algona Police Chief Bo Miller.

All proceeds from the event will support Iowa C.O.P. S.

Organizers hope this event will be the first of many.

We encourage people to go to the gala. We also ask those who cannot go to consider giving a donation to Iowa C.O.P.S.

We hope in the future that there will not be much demand for the services of Iowa C.O.P.S. But its services are valuable and worthy of support.