National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Announces September 2021 Officer of the Month
WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 19, 2021) — The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum (NLEMM) is pleased to announce September 2021 Officer of the Month, Deputy Sheriff Michael Hutton, of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (CO). Deputy Hutton was shot three times while responding to a theft-in-progress.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, around 3:00 a.m., a professional truck driver was awakened by unusual noises and noticed a man in the process of stealing items from the back of a forcefully opened semi-trailer. Deputy Hutton responded to the 911 call, beginning an investigation after arriving on the scene.
Within minutes of his arrival, however, Deputy Hutton was met with rapid gunfire and struck several times. After falling, Deputy Hutton was able to hide to avoid further injury. Though he was wearing a bulletproof vest, it was not hit during the encounter. His body camera did not receive any damage and was able to record the exchange, producing vital information on the suspect.
Deputy Hutton was rushed to the hospital and admitted to the intensive care unit, where he miraculously survived three gunshot wounds to the torso and arms. Upon his release, Deputy Hutton was met with a special homecoming from the local community and sheriff’s department.
The man who is believed to have shot Hutton was later found deceased in a field from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“Deputy Hutton demonstrated exemplary courage during this incident, and we are deeply honored to present him with this award,” said Marcia Ferranto, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “His bravery and willingness to serve is an inspiration, and we are, once again, grateful to highlight his story.”
The Officer of the Month Award Program is sponsored by the Police Unity Tour and recognizes federal, state, and local officers who distinguish themselves through exemplary law enforcement service and devotion to duty.
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About the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum
Established in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to telling the story of American law enforcement, and making it safer for those who serve. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial (LawMemorial.org) contains the names of 22,611 officers who have died in the line of duty throughout U.S. history. The National Law Enforcement Museum (LawEnforcementMuseum.org) expands and enriches the relationship between law enforcement and the community by sharing true stories of service and sacrifice from across the nation. Through immersive, educational exhibitions and insightful programs, we preserve the history of law enforcement for generations to come.
About the Police Unity Tour (www.policeunitytour.com)
The Police Unity Tour is a four-day bicycle ride from New Jersey to Washington, DC, whose mission is to raise public awareness about law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, and to raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. The Tour is made up of nine chapters consisting of nearly 2,600 members nationwide. Since its inception, the Police Unity Tour has donated more than $30 million to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
Colby Jordan
@cirlot.com
(601) 664-2010