Officer Honored, Remembered by Community

May 27 - Both tears and laughter filled the Hutchinson High gymnasium Saturday as hundreds of people from all over the state said a final goodbye to Rick Elliott. Elliott, a sergeant with the Hutchinson Correctional Facility, who ran the city's K-9 program. Most recently Elliott's dogs were used to uncover the mystery of a dead baby found near a Hutchinson home.

Around 350 members of law enforcement, who over the last 20 years worked with Elliott at the Hutchinson correctional facility or on various search and rescue efforts, attended the memorial. One officer says Elliott was one of the most professional people he ever worked with.

Elliott was known around the world as an exceptional dog trainer. He was also known as a great husband, father and friend. At the age of 50, some say Elliott was the picture of perfect health. They say that's what makes his sudden death so shocking.

Elliott passed away earlier this week. His wife went to the bathroom, to find her husband dead. A medical condition was likely to blame.

After the funeral, the procession made its way to Fairlawn Cemetery for the burial. As the K-9 truck carrying the coffin went by, dog handlers saluted and a line of German shepherds sat by their masters' sides, just as Elliott taught many of them to do.