Police officer David Whitson, an active member of the Lehman Avenue church in Bowling Green, Ky., was shot and killed Tuesday while answering a police call. A state investigation into the 34-year-old Whitson's death is ongoing. Officials say he was struggling with a suspect brandishing two knives and may have been struck by gunfire from another officer who was trying to protect him. He died from a single gunshot wound to the upper back. Whitson had been with the department for eight years, working in patrol. He and his wife, Holly, had two young children, and Whitson was “incredibly devoted to making sure Jacob and Hannah were at church each Sunday,” Lehman Avenue minister Dale Graham said. “He was an outstanding man,” Graham said. “David was very good at working behind the scenes and was really involved in the life of this church that way.

“He was always ready and willing to do whatever he could, whenever and however he was needed.”

Graham said several thousand mourners are expected to attend Whitson’s memorial services, which will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Hillvue Heights Church in Bowling Green.

Whitson was the son of the late George Whitson, a Church of Christ minister. In addition to his wife and two children, he is survived by his mother, Martha Whitson, two sisters, and several other family members.

Cards of condolence may be sent to the family via the Lehman Avenue Church of Christ, 1002 Lehman Avenue, Bowling Green, KY 42103. A fund also has been established through American Bank and Trust for the family to help with expenses.

Nov. 2, 2006