PAYING TRIBUTE

Remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice

Chief Mike German joined in the Prairie City Police Department in 2014, taking over as police chief in 2020. He died of complications from COVID-19 Jan. 13, 2022. His death was considered a line of duty death. His badge number, 292, was retired by the Prairie City City Council.

Lieutenant Patrick Richardson joined the Newton Police Department July 28, 1990. He was promoted to lieutenant May 10, 2010. Lieutenant Richardson suffered a fatal heart attack Sept. 1, 2013, when he was exercising for the department’s agility test.

Officer Bobby Barrickman joined the Newton Police Department July 1, 1974. Officer Barrickman was killed Sept. 30, 1979, in a traffic accident while on

Officer Dan McPherren joined the Newton Police Department Dec. 4, 1973. Officer McPherren was shot and killed Sept. 13, 1985, when he responded with other officers to a robbery at a grocery store.

Officer Donald Rusty Hewitt served the Prairie City Police Department until the time of his death Dec. 3, 1977. Officer Hewitt was killed in an automobile accident during a high-speed pursuit.

Reserve Captain Howard Holdefer served the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office until the time of his death Oct. 30, 1973. Reserve Captain Holdefer suffered a fatal heart attack while assisting other deputies in the arrest of three individuals near Reasnor.