In the quiet city of Montrose, Colorado, a decorated police sergeant's life was tragically cut short in the line of duty. David Joseph Kinterknecht, a 41-year-old male, served his community with dedication, a commitment that ultimately cost him his life. His career in law enforcement was extensive, having worked with the Telluride Marshal's Office, the San Miguel County Sheriff's Office, and the Montrose County Sheriff's Office before joining the Montrose Police Department, where he had been a
valued member for ten years.
On the evening of July 25, 2009, Sergeant Kinterknecht, along with other officers from the Montrose Police Department and deputies from the Montrose County Sheriff's Department, responded to a domestic violence call at a residence on 64.50 Road. As officers were speaking with the complainant, a male suspect opened fire with a shotgun from an adjacent garage. The sudden eruption of violence left Sergeant Kinterknecht fatally wounded, struck in the chest in an area not protected by his ballistic vest. Two other officers also sustained gunshot wounds in the attack.
The gunman, after his deadly assault on the officers, barricaded himself inside the garage. The standoff concluded with the suspect taking his own life. The investigation confirmed that the suspect acted alone, and no arrests were made in connection with the incident. The community of Montrose mourned the loss of a dedicated public servant, who was remembered not only as a police sergeant but also as a volunteer firefighter. In a lasting tribute to his sacrifice, the Montrose Post Office was officially renamed the Sergeant David Kinterknecht Post Office in November 2018.
