Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

NEVER FORGET! Please help me honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Michael Raymond Hutchison of the Mansfield Police Department, Ohio and the additional 64 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

February 6, 2024

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Michael Raymond Hutchison of the Mansfield Police Department, Ohio and the additional 62 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

February 6, 2023

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Michael Raymond Hutchison of the Mansfield Police Department, Ohio and the additional 58 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

February 6, 2022

I need to visit here more often. The reflections of my brother Mike are heart warming.

Lt. Paul Hutchison (Ret.)
Ohio State Highway Patrol

September 18, 2021

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorney Generals Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Michael Raymond Hutchison of the Mansfield Police Department, Ohio
and the additional 56 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

February 6, 2021

I still remember the day like it was yesterday. A good man and officer and Vietnam vet. I just hope Charles cotton never sees light of day again

Deputy Rick Weikle
Richland county sheriff department

January 1, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice are always remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 21, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Hutchison.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 5, 2019

I was a deputy with Richland county sheriff department when MIke was killed. We was running blood to hospital when they announce his death. I pray Charles cotton never gets released

Deputy rick weikle ( retired)
Richland county sheriff department

April 20, 2018

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Michael Raymond Hutchison of the Mansfield Police Department, Ohio and the additional 53 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

February 6, 2018

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Michael Raymond Hutchison of the Mansfield Police Department, Ohio and the additional 53 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

February 3, 2018

I was on duty that day when call came. A bad check was the issue. It ended with two officers shot. Hutch didn't make it. I had to gather his family and get them to MGH. That was long time ago. I still shed tears thinking about it. Last week was the police memorial here in the Fort Lauderdale area where I retired after another 12 years in law enforcement. I was a guest speaker. My story ended after remembering Hutch and tears welled and could not speak. All these years and it seemed like just yesterday.

Jim Notarianni
Mansfield PD/Lauderhill Florida Code

May 20, 2016

I remember like is was yesterday. Mike was a customer and friend. He would stop by the uniform store I owned just to chat. I sold him the uniform he was buried in. It broke my heart.

John D Fusco

February 6, 2016

Rest in peace Hutchison, your ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

retired Police Officer
Midland Texas Police Department

February 6, 2016

Prince Charles Cotton is scheduled for release 12/1/2015

famiy friend

January 14, 2015

BENJAMIN JIMERSON-PHILLIPS STOPPING BY AGAIN, JUST TO SAY THANK YOU! I HAVE GONE ON TO PRODUCE 5 MOTION PICTURES, SEVERAL TELEVISION PRODUCTIONS & AUTHOR 4 BOOKS. MY LIFE COULD HAVE EASILY ENDED AT 16 YEARS HOLD HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR YOUR COMPASSION & KINDNESS.

YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!!

BENJAMIN JIMERSON-PHILLIPS
CHILD WHO'S LIFE HE SAVED

May 2, 2014

Hello again, Hutch...
It is this time of the year, even more often than during each of the remaining eleven months, that I find you occupying my thoughts and heart. Thirty-eight years after you sacrificed your life for the citizens you served so admirably, I can still picture that big, loveable grin you so often flashed ~ and hear your voice as clearly as if you were right here, right now. Though the pain of your loss remains keen, the thought of you and Jack and so many others I've held so dear, together and enjoying a beautiful, well earned life beyond the bonds of earth, lends untold comfort, serenity, and hope. The only riches we carry beyond the grave are the love we gave and received, the memories we've created, and the decency with which we've led our earthly existence. In each and every of ways, Hutch ~ you entered Heaven a wealthy man, indeed. You will forever be remembered and cherished in many grateful hearts.

Kelly Long, M.P.D. #099
former Uniformed Patrol Officer

February 14, 2014

Hiya, Hutch. I drop by here often in remembrance of you, and just wanted you to know that regardless of how many years have passed, your loss is as keenly mourned as it was that terrible, bitterly cold February day in 1976. I remember how Jack wept at recalling that day's events and how torn he felt about having to protect the man who caused your death when he was brought in to be booked. But I always assured him that you would have wanted it that way; you both were men of incredible honor and served accordingly. I know the two of you have met up again... in a much better world far beyond that we mortals inhabit. And even though he did not have to face the death penalty, the man who stole you from us will still have God to face when all is said and done. For taking such a pure, decent, and valued life, I know he'll have an immensely high price to pay. You will never be forgotten, Hutch ~ never.
Thinking of you,
~Kelly Long

#099, former Patrol Officerr
Mansfield, Ohio Police Department

September 2, 2012

i was at the grocery store the day michael was shot. many of us customers hid in a back room when we heard someone yell "he has a gun" later i went to the parking lot where micheal was all alone on the cold cement parking lot. therre were a lot of bystanders but no one close. i was a registered nurse at mansfield general at the time but i knew unfortunately from his agonal breathing and color that cpr but be of no avail. howevere i just stood there with him until the ambulance came. no one should have to die alone

carolyn mosier, registered nurse
with michael till ambulance came

August 5, 2011

Standing guard o'er Heaven's bounds, to duty called by God,
hearkening when trumpets sound Saint Michael's call aloud ~
is a holy, brave brigade of men and women bold...
though their earthly life they've paid, o'er none has death a hold.

Heroes all, in virtue steeped, immune to evil's touch ~
they now with angels vigil keep, and still watch over us...
partnered with Almighty God, alive for evermore ~
members of His Honor Squad and free on wings to soar.

Each fell in bloody battle hard that we might e'er live free...
sacrificed on razored shards of cruel destiny.
Let not the banner they held proud, their caskets now which grace,
lie in tatters as a shroud ~ forgotten, soiled, disgraced.

Raise it high and in their names join those who carry on...
those still battling Satan's flames, their numbers few but strong.
Keep alive their legacy as they would wish it done;
their sacrifice to keep us free uniting us as one...

fight on for them, these Heroes all, and with each setting sun,
pray for those who still stand tall and from no evil run.
Remember as Taps softly plays and peaceful evening comes,
the price so many dearly paid ~ as many will to come.

Let we for whom they shed their blood e'er hold their memory dear;
champion well their fight for good and keep them ever near,
comfort those who brave their tears ~ protect their sacred cause;
in their darkest hours draw near and to their foes give pause.

Each time a comrade in their ranks is torn from earth's safe keep,
pay full your debt of lasting thanks as for each loss they weep.
And for the soldiers left behind to carry bravely on,
let us honor each in kind until the final dawn ~

until the fight in victory ends and they may finally rest...
to each your sworn support extend ~ these Finest, Bravest, Best!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

... Composed in memory of Patrolman Michael J. Hutchison of the Mansfield, Ohio Police Department, who the angels carried from the stark, wintry scene of a "Shooting-Officer Down" call into the warmth of Heaven's light and the waiting arms of God ~ a fallen hero whose name joins so many enshrined in The Final Roll Call. In Michael's name and everlasting memory, this poem is dedicated with tears and a grateful heart to every honest, caring, and dedicated man and woman of Law Enforcement throughout the world who, to keep us ever safe, daily risk their all. A heartfelt Thank You to you all , each and every one. ~ Kelly Long

Kelly Long (former Patrol Officer)
Formerly Mansfield Police Department, Mansfield, Ohio

July 28, 2011

Just two Months before his death, Officer Hutchison saved my life. We oftin take forgranted the work our law enforcement officers do. We grumble at getting a ticket, but fail to say thank you for risking your lives daily, so my life is a little safer.

I was just a 16 year old kid back then...but I will never forget him!

Benjamin Jimerson-Phillips
none

May 7, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 6, 2011

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 4, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 3, 2008

OFFICER HUTCHISON, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

October 15, 2007