Members of the Police fraternity in Samoa are in shock following the sudden death of long-serving Inspector, Lutz Keil.
Inspector Keil died on Thursday night after suffering from a “mini stroke” at the office earlier that day.
He was 54. Yesterday, colleagues praised him as a “humble” man and “leader.”
Acting Police Commissioner, Fauono Talalelei Tapu, said Inspector Keil’s death has come as a shock to the Police.
He said Mr. Keil will be greatly missed by the Ministry for the person he was as well as for the huge contribution he has made to the development of the Ministry of Police.
Inspector Keil did not show any signs of illness prior to being taken to the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital where he was treated, he said.
“We are in shock by his sudden passing – in fact I couldn’t believe it when I was informed of his death.” His family is also in shock, Fauono said.
“His family couldn’t believe that he has passed away.”
Inspector Keil will be most remembered for his discipline at work.
“You never know when he is angry, or whether he ever does get angry, because all he would do to indicate that something was amiss is shake his head.
“Whatever happens with Lutz, he is always smiling” and that’s one memory of Inspector Keil that will always stay with Fauono.
“He will be missed especially during those special operations.”
Fauono said Inspector Keil’s drive came from his time in the United States Marine Corp.
Inspector Keil’s main responsibilities included training officers in handling weapons from the armoury as well as giving them defensive driver lessons.
“No officer can drive a ministry vehicle without passing lessons with Lutz”.
Inspector Keil served in the Special Response Unit for many years, said Fauono. Prior to that he served for some years in the Traffic Division and the Criminal Investigation Division before being placed with the Special Response Unit where he led the team there.
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The Iate Inspector was scheduled to travel to Australia on Sunday for training. He was a year away from his retirement age when he died at 54. Inspector Keil has served the Ministry of Police and Prisons for 32 years. He is survived by 11 children.
Fauono said they are awaiting confirmation from his family as to when the funeral will take place. “If I had the power to have all the officers on a half-day for Lutz’ funeral that would happen but it’s unfortunate that this will not be the case.”
He is confident it will be a state funeral since Inspector Keil died while on the job.