Haverford police officer dies days before his retirement
HAVERFORD >> Friends, family and members of the Haverford Township Police Department are mourning the loss of Police Officer Ken Krieg.
Krieg, 51, succumbed Jan. 1 to complications from an infection.
A Philadelphia resident, Krieg had served as a patrol officer in Haverford since 1993. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served as a forward observer 1984-86.
Deputy Police Chief John Viola said Krieg was due to retire Jan. 16.
“It’s very sad that at almost retirement time, when he could have enjoyed time together with his wife, he gets sick and passes away,” Viola said.
Viola described Krieg as “a good officer” assigned to patrol for a number of years.
“He did his job every day. He did a good job,” Viola said, noting that Krieg received nine letters of commendation over the course of his career.
Haverford Police Officer George Flynn said he and Krieg were hired at the same time and had worked together for many years.
Flynn said Krieg had been extremely ill for months but “remained positive all the way.”
“He was a great officer” and “made friends wherever he went,” Flynn said. “He enjoyed life” and will be missed, said Flynn.
Krieg’s wife of 25 years, Rose Krieg, said “I’m trying to stay strong. I’m very sad but ... he went through so much. He’s not hurting anymore. And he is at peace.”
Rose Krieg remembered her husband as “a loving person, always helping people. He reached out to everybody. He loved everybody. He’d do anything for anybody,” she said.
Rose Krieg said the couple had hoped to go on a cruise to Europe after Krieg retired.
Additionally, Krieg recently earned a Master’s degree in history from West Chester University. Krieg had aspirations of teaching or working in a museum.
“He loved talking about history. That was his passion,” Rose Krieg said.
Board of Commissioners Vice President Mario Oliva said he did not know Krieg personally but viewed his death as a “tragic loss.”
“It’s awful that he passed, and was only days from retirement. It’s got to be devastating,” Oliva said.
Viewings will be held 6-9 p.m. Thursday at Knoetgen Funeral Home, 746 Kedron Ave. in Ridley, and 9-10:45 a.m. Friday at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 1420 S. Third St. in Philadelphia, followed by funeral Mass at 11 a.m.
A fund has been established to help offset funeral expenses. Donations can be made at www.youcaring.com/ rose-krieg-496780.