Jennifer Diener, 48 died on 2/15/20 nearly a week after she was critically injured in a car crash during a snow storm at approximately 4:30 pm on 2/9/20 near the Village of Yorkville, Wisconsin.The accident happened when a vehicle traveling eastbound crossed the center line and struck a westbound vehicle .Elizabeth Olszewski, 32, of Mount Pleasent also died on the way to the hospital the day of the crash and was an attorney at the Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard law firm. Diener was considered a veteran officer, with plans to retire in the next two years. Diener, her husband and 15-year-old daughter had just gotten back from a ski trip to Colorado, picking up their dog from her mother’s home. After picking up her dog within 10 minutes her mother got the call that there was a bad accident on Highway 20 near 63rd Drive in Yorkville. Two people died in the multi car crash and nine were injured. Diener was an active member of the Racine Police Department for 24 years. She leaves behind her husband Brian and daughter Taylor.
Officer Kenneth Reid Lester
February 10, 2020 – Richmond, Indiana – Age 62
Officer Kenneth Reid Lester, 62, of the Richmond Police Department died in the line of duty on Feb. 10. nearly 25 years to the day after he suffered career-ending injuries while responding to an alarm call. Officer Lester was traveling southbound on Eighth Street on Feb. 17, 1995, when a semi-tractor trailer traveling next to him turned right from the left lane toward H street, striking Lester’s patrol vehicle. Officer Lester’s patrol vehicle became trapped beneath the trailer, resulting in severe internal injuries and head trauma. His partner, K9 Cheri, suffered minor injuries during the collision. The devastating crash ended Officer Lester’s 14-year law enforcement career. For the next 25 years, he required around-the-clock care. Officer Lester died at the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital due to complications from the injuries he suffered during the collision. Kenny worked for the Centerville Police Department prior to attending the Indiana Police Academy. After graduating from the academy, he joined the Richmond Police Department in 1980. Officer Lester was a “mountain of a man” who weighed over 275 pounds and stood six-foot, four-inches tall. Officer Lester, the son of an Indiana state trooper, received many commendations and awards during his years of service. He leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Polly Jane Kaiser Lester, as well as his son, Andrew, and his daughter, Kendra. Memorial contributions may be made to the Richmond Police Department, K9 Fund, 50 North 5th Street, Richmond, Indiana 47374.
