Prayer Vigil Honors Korby Kennedy's Memory

A prayer vigil was held today in honor of Korby Kennedy on the anniversary of his death. This vigil included the unveiling of a sign honoring Kennedy in the 3100 block of Knickerbocker Road.

Before the sign was unveiled, Brian C. Bylsma, President of Blue Knights in San Angelo, spoke to those who gathered at the prayer vigil. The Blue Knights are an International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club.

“Not long after Korby was killed, the Blue Knights decided they wanted to do something on the anniversary date,” Bylsma said. “We’ve solicited some help from the community, and we have a memorial sign that is being unveiled today.”

According to Bylsma, Danny Bahlman, owner of Bahlman Cleaners, owns the property and gave permission for the sign to be placed on the site. Furthermore, Jason Gothard of Fastline Fabrication and Anthony Pope of Concho Fence created the sign and set the post, respectively. All of this was done at no cost to the Blue Knights or Kennedy’s family.

“Without their help, this wouldn’t have been able to happen today, so I want to thank them,” Bylsma said.

For the vigil, candles were placed around the sign. Georgana Kennedy, Korby’s wife, was among the first to light a candle. Others include Bylsma, police chief Tim Vasquez, Sgt. Cade Solsbery, and Korby’s immediate family.

After the candles were lit, Blue Knight Chaplain Russ Frazier led a prayer for those in attendance.

“They say that people like Korby are heroes, and indeed he is,” Frazier said in the prayer. “We never realize that, sometimes, until the ultimate price is paid. I pray Father that these other officers, these men and women, our armed forces, those in emergency services, no matter what the public says, no matter what people may say, every day they’re a second from being a hero. So Father, bless them. Keep them. Watch over them and may we never forget those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

San Angelo LIVE! asked retired Police Sgt. John E. Rodriguez what he would like to say to those who attended the vigil.

“First and foremost, thank you on behalf of not just us as the Blue Knights, but for Korby’s family,” Rodriguez said. “I’m sure they are very pleased to have people come out and remember Georgana’s husband and the girls’ daddy.”

When Rodriguez and his wife were in DC for police memorial week, they had the privilege to see Korby’s name put on the national wall. A week before that, he was put on the wall in Austin, Texas.

“The things that we do keep his memory alive, and that helps, especially the girls, to remember their dad and remember that other people have not forgotten him,” Rodriguez said.