Please join the Rising Sun Police Department as we remember fallen, Chief of Police, David P. Hewitt. As we draw near to the one year anniversary of Chief Hewitt’s E.O.W. (2/13/19), we invite you to honor his memory by lowering flags to half-staff and to observe a moment of silence at 1:35 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2020.

Along the trail

            It’s hard to believe it’s almost been a year without David in our lives. Each of us have thought about this day and what it’s going to mean to us. As February 13th draws closer, the emotions we felt on that day are slowly beginning to resurface. That day was one that shook our little city to its core. We remember where we were the very moment we found out our leader would no longer be the guide on this trail we call life.

Our Police Department has been trained for moments like this. They’ve helped the public navigate through some of the most traumatic times of their lives. There have been times these events have affected their family, friends, neighbors, classmates, and many other loved ones. They handled each of those events with the professionalism and care that the public deserved. No doubt, several of these events left their own scars on our department.  This one was different. David was our guy. He always supported us when we needed it most. If it was a friend we needed, he was there. If it was guidance we looked for, he was there. The reality was starting to set in: how can we navigate this trail without our leader?

As difficult as those early hours and days were, something profound occurred not only with our Police Department but also for everyone blessed to know David.  Though the pain was still fresh, we would forge ahead on this trail because of our experiences with him in it. He opened his arms to so many and showed us his favorite trail. The experience would never be the same but that trail, it’s truly something special. That trail has so much terrain and it’s not always easy to navigate. What we appreciated most about David is the encouragement along the trail of life. He knew through all the twists and turns on that trail, that persistence would lead to moments. Moments when nature aligns and you take your best shots. What we wouldn’t give just to hear him say, “Send it!”  While hearing his encouraging words is no longer a possibility, we also recognize how knowing David made us more comfortable in taking those shots. Henry David Thoreau once said, “You must not only aim right, but draw the bow with all your might.” David, we want to thank you for not only helping us improve our aim but also how to draw all of our strength when the moment presents itself. We miss you, friend!  Until we meet again….

……….Brent Bascom