On an otherwise somber day, Banneker Elementary students brought some light to KCKPD officer Hunter Simoncic's funeral procession.

Simoncic was killed in the line of duty on Aug. 26 while deploying stop sticks during a vehicle pursuit.

During his free time, Simoncic volunteered weekly at Banneker Elementary through Lead to Read KC. He mentored a second-grade student.

Principal Amirah Pughsley said she had to gently tell students about Simoncic's passing.

Its been a really hard week, a lot of emotions, but just wanting to make sure we can honor him the best way that we can here at Banneker," Pughsley said.

Teachers could not hush students' excitement expressed through cheers as their local heroes drove by on Wednesday. Many were dressed in blue, some held signs and drawings of the Amer

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