Hundreds gather to remember Officer Dave Langfels

The Fountain Police Department and the community are mourning the loss of Officer Dave Langfels, who died from cancer Jan. 10.

People gathered to remember him Wednesday night, and his life of service.

“Great American, great police officer, husband, father,” Fountain Police Chief Chris Heberer said.

Langfels spent 44 years of his life in law enforcement, always maintaining a love for his family.

“Him and I were like best friends,” his son David Langfels said. “He taught me everything. Woodworking, how to fix a car, everything, so I don’t have to call a professional. He was my professional,” Langfels said.

Many others, touched by his more than 20 years as a DARE officer, working since 2001 with the Fountain

Police Department, he worked in school district eight.

“I’ve grown up my whole life hearing about Officer Dave,” student Kaytlin Coesy said. “He (was) just a random act of kindness coming from everywhere.”

A mentor, officer, and father, Officer Dave leaves an enormous legacy behind.

“Just like I was always trying to please my dad, I was always trying to please Dave,” Heberer said.

“My dad was a huge inspiration to everyone here,” David Langfels said.

The family said they plan to start a scholarship in his honor.