Related links
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -
The patrol car once used by Sgt. Mickey Hutchens has become a memorial where a city in mourning pays respects to one of its civil servants killed in the line of duty.
Per police tradition, Hutchens' car was parked outside police headquarters, where well-wishers quickly covered it with flowers, notes and cards.
"It makes me feel sad to see this," commented Elijah McNeil, as he paid his respects at the makeshift memorial.
Hutchens died Monday night at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, five days after he was critically injured during a chase and shootout near Peters Creek Parkway. He was 50.
Those who knew him, shared his passion to serve or worked with him shared their thoughts about the 27-year veteran of the Winston-Salem Police Department.
"He was a real friendly guy," said onlooker Philip Burleson. "(He) made sure he done his job real good.
At the order of Mayor Allen Joines, city flags flew at half staff Tuesday, the first of a four-day civic mourning period. U.S. and state flags were also authorized to fly at half staff in Hutchens' honor.
"I think a lot of the younger officers saw him as a real mentor," said Joines. "He could answer their questions and he was such a great community and family leader as well."
Described as a hard-working, caring and religious family-man, Hutchens' time on the force is clearly something the community is grateful for.
"The community I know is really upset over it and concerned about his family and so forth," said Burleson. "Every time I see one of the other officers, I will make sure I try and shake his hand and (tell him) I appreciate him being out there."
Students at Forbush High School worked with the Red Cross on Tuesday to hold a blood drive in memory of Hutchens, who attended the school in the tiny East Bend town of Yadkin County.
"The outpouring of support and concern is just wonderful," said Marty Sewell, a science teacher who had one of Hutchens' daughters in his class a few years ago. "I hate that it takes a tragedy like this to show this kind of outpouring of emotional support, but I'm pleased that the Forbush community has responded the way that it has."
Late Tuesday afternoon, the city announced that Hutchens' visitation and funeral at Wait Chapel on the campus of Wake Forest University would be open to the public. Visitation is Thursday from 2 to 5 p.m. and the funeral is Friday at 2.
Per police tradition, Hutchens' car was parked outside police headquarters, where well-wishers quickly covered it with flowers, notes and cards.
"It makes me feel sad to see this," commented Elijah McNeil, as he paid his respects at the makeshift memorial.
Hutchens died Monday night at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, five days after he was critically injured during a chase and shootout near Peters Creek Parkway. He was 50.
Those who knew him, shared his passion to serve or worked with him shared their thoughts about the 27-year veteran of the Winston-Salem Police Department.
"He was a real friendly guy," said onlooker Philip Burleson. "(He) made sure he done his job real good.
At the order of Mayor Allen Joines, city flags flew at half staff Tuesday, the first of a four-day civic mourning period. U.S. and state flags were also authorized to fly at half staff in Hutchens' honor.
"I think a lot of the younger officers saw him as a real mentor," said Joines. "He could answer their questions and he was such a great community and family leader as well."
Described as a hard-working, caring and religious family-man, Hutchens' time on the force is clearly something the community is grateful for.
"The community I know is really upset over it and concerned about his family and so forth," said Burleson. "Every time I see one of the other officers, I will make sure I try and shake his hand and (tell him) I appreciate him being out there."
Students at Forbush High School worked with the Red Cross on Tuesday to hold a blood drive in memory of Hutchens, who attended the school in the tiny East Bend town of Yadkin County.
"The outpouring of support and concern is just wonderful," said Marty Sewell, a science teacher who had one of Hutchens' daughters in his class a few years ago. "I hate that it takes a tragedy like this to show this kind of outpouring of emotional support, but I'm pleased that the Forbush community has responded the way that it has."
Late Tuesday afternoon, the city announced that Hutchens' visitation and funeral at Wait Chapel on the campus of Wake Forest University would be open to the public. Visitation is Thursday from 2 to 5 p.m. and the funeral is Friday at 2.
