MADISON, S.D. (AP) — Law officers from across South Dakota and out of state flashed their emergency lights in unison as hundreds of mourners packed a sports stadium to honor a South Dakota deputy killed in the line of duty.
Moody County Chief Deputy Ken Prorok, 51, of Wentworth, was remembered Thursday as a coach, mentor and a giving member of his community, the Sioux Falls Argus Leader reported. The funeral was so large that it took place at the Dakota State Fieldhouse in Madison.
Prorok was killed Feb. 2 when he was struck by a suspect’s vehicle while placing spike strips during a police chase. Prosecutors charged Joseph Gene Hoek, 40, with first-degree murder and aggravated eluding. He is jailed without bond.
Roads leading to the fieldhouse were lined with flags at half-staff, and with people showing support for the fallen deputy and his family. At the fieldhouse, the dozens of police vehicles had their emergency lights on in tribute to Prorok.
“Ken was a quiet difference maker and an influencer to all who crossed his path, whether they knew it or not,” his sister-in-law, Robin Eich, said prior to the service. “Ken always told Renee (his wife) that he would be home after every shift no matter what. He just didn’t know that this time ‘home’ would be Heaven.”