‘A gentle giant’: Ludlow police sergeant remembered after sudden death

‘A gentle giant’: Ludlow police sergeant remembered after sudden death Advertisement Updated: 5:43 PM EST Nov 11, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Aaron Thomas Anchor/Reporter ‘A gentle giant’: Ludlow police sergeant remembered after sudden death Updated: 5:43 PM EST Nov 11, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Aaron Thomas Anchor/Reporter LUDLOW, Ky. — First responders are remembering Ludlow police Sgt. Brian Koenes as a devoted father and colleague who would go out of his way to help others. Koenes, 55, died shortly after completing his shift, according to the police department. Advertisement During that shift, Koenes had responded to a robbery and other calls for service. “We think he had a massive heart attack. We think he pretty much died right away,” Chief Bart Beck said. Northern Kentucky SWAT Commander Mike Brock, who served alongside Koenes on high-risk missions, said he was shocked by the sudden loss. “He was a gentle giant,” Brock said. “He was one of those guys that would do anything for you.” Koenes previously served with the Federal Air Marshal Service and the Erlanger Police Department before joining Ludlow police. He was promoted to sergeant in 2025. His colleagues remembered his love of going to the gym and making others laugh, as well as his dedication to his community and family. “His goal was to be the best father to his kids that he could. That was the legacy he really wanted,” Beck said. “He was a great cop, great for the city.” Koenes leaves behind three children and became a grandfather to two grandchildren this year. He will be buried in Fort Wayne, Indiana, according to chief Beck. Make WLWT a preferred source on Google Add Preferred Source Share Infinite Scroll Enabled Top Picks JoBe Cerny, who voiced the Pillsbury Doughboy, has died Lessie Benningfield Randle, the last known Tulsa Race Massacre survivor, turns 112 They longed to hold their fragile NICU babies. A new device made it possible 106-year-old WWII veteran reflects on his service and provides life advice