LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Louisville Metro Police Foundation is raising money for the family of a fallen officer. Mark Kordis died last Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, due to a medical emergency while off duty. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Louisville Metro Police Foundation is raising money for the family of fallen officer Mark Kordis

  • Kordis died Dec. 27, 2023, from an off-duty medical emergency

  • The foundation's executive director said it hopes to raise $15,000

  • It is accepting donations on its Facebook page and website

Rebecca Grignon Reker knew Kordis through her deceased husband, Peter Grignon, who was killed in the line of duty in 2005.

"He worked with my husband back before my husband was killed, and he came out every year to remember Peter with us," said Grignon Reker, executive director of the Louisville Metro Police Foundation. "He always gave me a hug, and he was an awesome guy." 

Kordis joined the force in 1991 before retiring. He then rejoined in 2017, serving for more than 32 years. He was 58 when he died last week.

"Mark was amazing," Grignon Reker said. "He kind of came across as gruff when you first met him, but you didn't have to talk to him long to realize what a kind and loving man he was. He was really in the police world to make a difference." 

The foundation is collecting donations to help his wife and two children cover the cost of the funeral.

"People think it's not going to make a difference to give $5," she said, "but if everybody gives $5, we could take care of the funeral for Angie, and she wouldn't have to worry about that, along with everything else she has on her plate right now." 

Grignon Reker said the foundation hopes to raise $15,000. So far, it has received more than $4,400.

"I think this fundraiser shows again how much Louisville appreciates its police, how much they value them and how essential they are," she said. 

Kordis' funeral will be in Louisville this Friday, Jan. 5. Donations are accepted on its Facebook page and website. 

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