Chief of Police Joseph Theophelus "Joe" Hutson

Joseph Theophelus "Joe" Hutson

Chief of Police Joe T. Hutson was fatally wounded when a fellow officer, Tom Hughes, accidentally discharged his pistol. Officer Hughes was placing his pistol into his scabbard when he accidentally shoved it into the loops, causing the pistol to fall and strike the floor as the chief entered the room. The bullet entered Hughes’ right ankle, broke his bone, and then ricocheted striking Chief Hutson in the thigh. Chief Hutson bled to death. Chief Hutson was a pioneer peace officer in the community. He was survived by his wife, five children, parents, 8 brothers and a sister. His brother, Lee, was also a member of the force. He was buried in the Borger Cemetery in Hutchinson County.