An overflow crowd remembered a beloved North Texas police chief who passed away last week.
There was not an empty seat at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home in Dallas for the memorial service for David Kunkle.
The former police chief in Dallas, Grand Prairie and Arlington died of Lewy body dementia earlier this month at the age of 72.
"We were thankful for every day that we had together, and we both recognized how truly lucky we were to have a once in a lifetime love built on deep respect and mutual adoration and admiration," Kunkle's wife, Sarah Dodd, told the packed congregation.
Kunkle made a strong first impression on Dodd, and that strong impression was reciprocated.
"After our first dinner together, he called me the next morning and he said, 'If we never spend time together again, I want you to know that you have changed my life in ways you will never understand.' Well, my love, it is you changed my life. I would not trade a single day," Dodd said through tears.
Retired Grand Prairie Police Chief Steve Dye, now the city manager, said Chief Kunkle was a huge influence on his law enforcement career.
"Professionally, I would not be here without his wisdom, support, guidance, friendship and knowledge given to me by Chief Kunkle," said Dye.
Kunkle was remembered for his innovative ways.
"He defined being progressive and innovative in policing and was well ahead of his time in areas such as police pursuits, mental health, and use of force," Dye said.
One of the policies Kunkle implemented during his time as chief of police in Dallas from 2004 through 2010 was ending high-speed chases except when only the most violent of offenders are involved.
At the time, the head of the Black Police Association of Dallas disagreed with that, but he later said Kunkle was right.
Kunkle was known for raising morale in the departments he helmed, and many officers who served under him ended up becoming police chiefs themselves.
"His most proud accomplishment may have been the over 30 police chiefs who served under him that went on to serve as chiefs across our nation," said Dye.
The 45-minute service ended with the playing of Taps and a last radio call.
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