Permanent memorial for fallen police officer being sought

Local law enforcement officials are looking for a permanent memorial for Hutchinson Police Officer Michael Hogan, who lost his life in the line of duty on Dec. 15, 1989, while responding to a shoplifting call at JC Penney in Hutchinson.
To that end, McLeod County Commissioner Joe Nagel, also a Hutchinson police officer, brought before the County Board Dec. 15 a resolution of support to name a portion of Highway 7 in memory of Hogan.
Nagel didn’t have to argue for support of the resolution, as all of the commissioners wholeheartedly backed it.
Commissioner Doug Krueger said he knew Hogan through American Legion activities, and felt the designation would be an appropriate honor for Hogan.
Commissioner Ron Shimanski said he remembers well watching the police pursuit of Hogan’s killer, which traveled down Highway 7 east.
Hutchinson Police Chief Dan Hatten said that the police pursuit on Highway 7, which resulted in the capture of the suspect, was why it seemed appropriate to seek designation of part of Highway 7 as a memorial highway in honor of Hogan.
Each year on the anniversary of Hogan’s death, the Hutchinson Police Department has a ceremony remembering his service and ultimate sacrifice to the community. But a more permanent memorial is being sought.
The County Board voted unanimously to support the resolution. The actual designation will need to be made by the state of Minnesota.

For more from the meeting, see the Dec. 23 print edition of The Chronicle.