Shondiin Silversmith
Arizona Republic
WHITERIVER, Ariz. — Inside a packed gym, fallen White Mountain Apache police Officer David Kellywood was honored by family, friends and fellow officers during his funeral service Saturday in Whiteriver, Arizona.
Kellywood was killed in the line of duty Feb. 17 while responding to a call near the Hon-Dah Resort and Casino.
”Today is about David,” said White Mountain Apache Councilman Jerold Altaha at the beginning of the service.
Hundreds of law enforcement officers and White Mountain Apache community members showed up at the Chief Alchesay Activity Center to pay their respects to Kellywood and his family.
”We recognize the ultimate sacrifice he made and the ultimate sacrifice his family made,” Altaha said.
Several people spoke during the service, each of them paying tribute to Kellywood’s character as a father, son, brother and officer.
”He demonstrated the heart of a servant,” said White Mountain Apache Chairwoman Gwendena Lee-Gatewood because he served his people.
”This tragedy has deeply hurt us,” she added.
Flags, signs and ribbons could be seen throughout the White Mountain Apache Community in honor of Kellywood. On every light post along Chief Avenue in Whiteriver hung a police flag.
Gatewood said in the days since Kellywood passed, “it is so humbling to see everyone come together as one.”
Kamellia Kellywood did not speak during the service, but she was escorted to her seat by an officer with the Arizona Department of Corrections. She wore a black top and white ribbon skirt with blue and black ribbons. Her two sons stayed by her side through most of the service as speakers shared stories in honor of her husband.
On the back of the program, Kamellia wrote a special thank you to the law enforcement community.
”My family and I have been devastated beyond description this week,” she wrote. “We lost a truly wonderful and loving husband and father. Our pain is immense, but in our grief we have been overwhelmed by your support and care.”
The letter talked about how her husband was incredibly proud to serve alongside many of them and that law enforcement was his true calling. She wanted them each to know that her prayers are with them and their families.
”I pray you each remain safe,” she wrote.
“Perhaps the greatest recognition of your service that I can give is to tell you that as they grow older, my young children will come to recognize their father in each of you.”
Kellywood’s family sat in the front row during the service. Sitting directly behind them were the White Mountain Apache Police Department and several other law enforcement agencies from across America.
Senior Constables Brice Iron Shirt and Hadiga Little Wolf from the Blood Tribe Police Service traveled from Standoff, Alberta, Canada to show their support for Kellywood and his family.
”On behalf of our chief of police, we express our deepest condolences,” Iron Shirt said. “We like to support our brothers and sisters as much as we can.”
White Mountain Apache Police Chief Ted Shaw gave the eulogy and took the time to share characteristics that made Kellywood a great officer and person.
“His smile could light up the room and his kindness will always be remembered,” he said.
“David loved this community and law enforcement, but more importantly he loved his wife Kamellia, his son Gabriel, David Jr., his mother Florence, his brother Kenny, his sister Delphina and his sister Rena,” he said. “Your husband, father, son and brother gave the ultimate sacrifice for his fellow man.”
”I give you my word this legacy and dedication to this community will never be forgotten,” he added.