Police Officer and K-9 Laid to Rest

Hundreds of law enforcement personnel and community members gathered Wednesday to pay their respects to Kansas City Police Officer James Muhlbauer and K9 Officer Champ.

Police vehicles from departments across the region were involved in the procession that ended at Municipal Auditorium around 9 a.m. and where a private funeral was held at 11:30 a.m.

Following the funeral service, Muhlbauer and Champ were presented with full honors outside of the auditorium on 13th Street.

Muhlbauer, a 20-year veteran of the Kansas City Police Department, and K9 officer Champ were patrolling near the intersection of Truman Road and Benton Boulevard at the time of the crash. Their vehicle crashed into a pedestrian, 52-year-old Jesse Eckes, who also died.

KPGZ News - Jim Dickerson contributed to this story