FLORENCE, Ky. -- When the telephone rang early Tuesday morning at Chris Webster's Erlanger home, he recognized the number and knew something was wrong.
Emily Campbell was calling to break the news that her husband Tony – Webster's best friend since sixth grade – had been killed while fighting with his Air Force Reserve unit in Afghanistan.
"I thought it wasn't real – your life-long friend is gone," Webster related while standing outside the Campbell's Florence home with another long-time friend, Chris Terrell.
Terrell said he started crying because the news was so shocking.
That's the sort of reaction that emerged from all over the Tri-State. Family, friends, former teachers and Cincinnati Police Department leaders recalled his service to the City of Cincinnati and to the United States.
Campbell served in the Air Force for four years after graduating from Boone County High School in 1992. Then, he worked as a pipefitter for 10 years, but never gave up on his dream of becoming a police officer.
That dream became reality in December of 2008 when Campbell graduated with the 102nd Cincinnati Police Recruit Class. He was assigned to District One, patrolling Downtown Cincinnati, the West End and Over-the-Rhine.
Just a few months later, his Reserve outfit from Scott Air Force Base in Illinois was called to active duty in Afghanistan. His mission as an EOD technician was to diffuse explosives.
"He was excited. He was wanting to serve his country," Terrell added.
It was hazardous duty.
"Any job in the military is dangerous, but with EOD you take a little more risk," Terrell stated. "Tony was willing to take those risks so that everybody could enjoy their freedoms back here."
Webster recalled Campbell as a proud husband, proud parent of three children, proud son and a good friend.
"He was a great guy – outstanding," Terrell commented. "He would do anything for you or his family and friends."
Cincinnati Police Assistant Chief Jim Whalen said Campbell was one of eight members of the department currently on active military duty. The department has never had one not come back from service in decades – until now.
"It's horrible news for the police department," Lt. Col. Whalen said.
Whalen described Campbell as a tremendous young man who obviously had a huge commitment to his country and community.
"Unfortunately, he made the ultimate sacrifice," he stated.
Because he was 35-years-old, Campbell brought a great deal of maturity to his work on the streets, according to Whalen, who added that Campbell had done well on the academics, physical training, field training and was out on his own.
"He brought a lot to the job," Lt. Col. Whalen recalled. "He was exactly what we were looking for when he arrived here and it's a tragic loss to us."
Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory issued a statement offering sincere sympathies to Officer Campbell's family and friends.
"We honor his deep commitment to public service both at home in Cincinnati and abroad," the Mayor wrote.
That's what long-time Boone County High School teacher and coach Nell Fookes will remember as well.
She taught Campbell in physical education classes when he was a sophomore.
"I remember Tony as a real fun-loving young man who just enjoyed life," Fookes said. "He also had a competitive side to him, but at the same time, he always seemed to keep it in perspective."
Fookes called Campbell's death tragic, but plans to use his life's work of service above self as a lesson for other students.
"You never take anything for granted – that life is short and even if you have a short time on this Earth – to be able to serve it like Tony did is admirable and something they should try to model themselves after," she said.
The Campbell family next travels to Dover, Delaware for a final homecoming for this son, husband, father, police officer and patriot.
