This is a story about a cop’s cop. A hometown kid who devoted his life to keeping his community safe, a man who took on the duty no one should have to do — to minister to the murdered and help seek justice for their families.

This column is dedicated to the late Lt. Ken Landwehr, commander of the homicide unit of the Wichita, Kan., police department because he epitomizes the determination, integrity and ingenuity that all great detectives possess. His deeds will live on in the annuals of America’s crime and justice history.