Why are deputies wearing black bands on their badges today?

Sedgwick County sheriff’s deputies are wearing black bands over their badges on Friday in tribute to a slain comrade.

Deputy Chris Willems was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop on Mother’s Day in 1991. He pulled over a van at the northwest corner of Seneca and 31st Street South at about 11 p.m. on that May 12.

While questioning the three people in the van, Willems grew suspicious when one — who had an outstanding warrant — gave the deputy his brother’s name instead of his own. Willems was given permission to search the van and found a small amount of marijuana.

A struggle ensued as he placed the suspect under arrest, and one of the other men grabbed a .357 revolver from the van and shot Willems in the leg and then the head, killing him.

Fred Deavers Jr. is serving a life sentence for killing Willems execution-style. He was denied parole at a hearing last year.

Garland Deavers, Fred’s younger brother, was convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of marijuana and battery of a law enforcement officer for his role in the incident.

The third suspect, who had run from the scene prior to the shooting, was not charged. Willems had served with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department for more than seven years at the time he was killed.

This story was originally published May 12, 2017 at 3:45 PM with the headline "Why are deputies wearing black bands on their badges today?."