HAMPTON, Iowa - Many members of law enforcement from across the state gathered at the Church of the Living Word in Hampton Friday afternoon to pay their respects for Franklin County Sheriff Linn Larson, who passed away on Tuesday.
Nancy Knipfel is part owner of Willie's Sports Bar & Grill in downtown Hampton. She's known Sheriff Larson for about 25 years, and he actually helped her out after her vehicle broke down.
"He asked if everything was OK, and I said 'yeah, just broke down, tried to call him Willie [Knipfel's husband] and my daughter, nobody answered the phone', so Linn decided to take me all the way home and told them how much trouble they were in because they didn't answer the phone," Knipfel says jokingly.
She also notes that Larson was selfless.
"Linn's a really good guy, he's willing to help anybody out, he was always there for a person," Knipfel adds.
Megan Rosenberg is a lawyer with Cady & Rosenberg, and has been practicing law in Hampton for 9 years. She notes that Larson was an outstanding individual and professional, including when she first started.
"He was in charge of inventory issues for one of my criminal defendants, and he was really cooperative and helpful. I was new and he showed me the ropes and it was a good experience for me," Rosenberg says.
During Police Memorial Week, Knipfel notes that any law enforcement position is a big responsibility, and is thankful for the work they do.
"We have a lot of friends and family that are in law enforcement or has been, and it's a tough job. We appreciate everything they do for the community and us to stay safe," Knipfel says.