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Slain Topeka officers to be laid to rest today

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by Rob Marin

KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

8:37 AM CST, December 22, 2012

(TOPEKA, Kan.)

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Flags flew at half staff in Kansas Friday and hundreds paid their final respects to two slain Topeka police officers. 

Funerals are today for Corporal David Gogian and officer Jeff Atherly.  The two were killed Sunday while investigating a possible drug deal in a store parking lot.    

Friday was visitation for the officers at the Kansas Expocenter in Topeka.  That's where funerals for both men will be held as well. The men's families spoke about their losses. 

"Dad loved each and every member of the Topeka Police Department and he had the utmost respect for all law enforcement officers nationwide. Dad lived as a hero, died as a protector and will continue to serve as a guardian angel," said Gogian's son Brandon Gogian.

"We always knew he was a great man, but have found out in the past few days we are not alone in this thought. So many people have told us what a kind and decent person Jeff truly was. We may have lost a son but we've gained hundreds if not thousands of new family members," said Atherly's father Steve Atherly.

Officers from Lawrence, Overland Park and Shawnee County will help patrol Topeka during the funeral services.  The Wichita Police Department will send its honor guard to Topeka for the services.



Family remembers slain Topeka officers