Ceremony honors Olathe Officer Michael Kern, who died preparing for Obama visit

Family, friends and members of the law enforcement community gathered on Tuesday to honor Olathe Police Officer Michael Kern, who died last Tuesday of a heart attack while he prepared his motorcycle to be part of an escort for President Obama’s visit to Lawrence.

Kern, 43, had been with the Olathe Police Department for more than 13 years after previously working for the Cass County Sheriff’s Department. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son.

Law enforcement officers gathered Tuesday morning with their motorcycles outside of the Life Church Worship Center in Olathe, where the funeral service was taking place.

A procession traveled from the church to the Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Overland Park, and the ceremony also included the display of the U.S. Honor Flag, which was flown above the wreckage of 9/11 at Ground Zero. It is displayed during ceremonies of fallen officers and first responders and servicemen and women.

This story was originally published January 27, 2015 at 10:25 AM with the headline "Ceremony honors Olathe Officer Michael Kern, who died preparing for Obama visit."