FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne community is mourning the loss of a respected police officer and devoted family man after Officer Justin Koehl passed away on December 9, 2025, following a courageous battle with a brain tumor. He died peacefully at Stillwater Hospice, surrounded by loved ones who remained by his side throughout his illness.
Koehl, widely admired within the Fort Wayne Police Department, dedicated his career to serving and protecting the city with integrity, compassion, and unwavering professionalism. Colleagues describe him as a steady and calming presence on difficult calls, a mentor to younger officers, and a public servant who approached even the most challenging situations with empathy and resolve.
Throughout his years of service, Officer Koehl earned a reputation for going beyond the call of duty — whether supporting community members in crisis, lending guidance to new recruits, or offering quiet acts of kindness that rarely made headlines but left lasting impressions.
Beyond his badge and uniform, Justin Koehl was the heart of his family. Loved ones say his greatest joy came from the time he spent with those closest to him. To them, he was not just an officer but a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. His battle with illness, marked by strength, dignity, and determination, reflected the same courage he showed every day in his work and personal life.
His passing has left a profound void within the department and the broader community. Fellow officers have shared tributes honoring his character, noting that his compassion, fairness, and deep commitment to service made him one of the department’s most respected figures.
As Fort Wayne reflects on the life of Officer Koehl, the community is reminded of the lasting impact one individual can have through service, kindness, and integrity. His memory will be carried forward in the many lives he touched — on the job, at home, and throughout the city he proudly served.
Officer Justin Koehl’s legacy lives on in the values he embodied and the example he set, leaving Fort Wayne and its police force forever changed by his presence.