Three Hutchinson Police Department officers recently returned from a solemn and meaningful mission in the nation’s capital, where they served as motorcycle escorts for the families of fallen law enforcement officers during National Police Week.
Lieutenant Levy Harris, Sergeant Matt Rucker, and Patrol Officer Cole Gilmore spent a week in Washington, D.C., supporting memorial events by transporting grieving families between airports, hotels, and various ceremonies honoring their loved ones. Their presence was part of a collaborative effort alongside the Wichita Police Department’s motor unit.
“This really came to fruition about a year ago,” Lt. Harris said. “We began training with Wichita PD, and their positive experience at Police Week last year opened the door for us to join them this year.”
The officers transported their motorcycles to Washington with the help of Wichita PD’s trailer, as well as a patrol unit from Hutchinson. Once in D.C., their duties varied, from escorting children to the FBI Academy to guiding entire families to memorial services and events honoring their fallen loved ones.
“For me, it was a huge honor,” said Officer Gilmore. “We did a lot throughout the week, and it was really about being there for the families who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”
The experience was emotional and humbling for all three officers. While each had different backgrounds and paths into law enforcement, they shared a deep sense of purpose during the trip.
“We got to see the monuments and the museums in our downtime, but being there for something so meaningful really made it special,” Harris said, noting it was his first time visiting D.C.
Although plans for next year’s event remain uncertain due to logistics and costs, all three officers expressed interest in returning.
“I don’t think it’s something we’ll be able to do annually, but we’d definitely like to go again,” Harris said.
Each officer’s journey to the motor unit was different. Sgt. Rucker, a Marine Corps veteran and lifelong Hutchinson resident, has been with the department for over 17 years and has served on the motor unit intermittently since 2017.
Officer Gilmore, who previously worked in fire and EMS services, joined Hutchinson PD after a stint with the State Fire Marshal. He described the motor training as physically demanding, involving hours of riding and even dropping — and lifting — 900-pound motorcycles.
Despite the challenges, Gilmore and his colleagues said the opportunity to participate in Police Week was a highlight of their careers.
“Training was tough, but the experience in D.C. made it all worth it,” Gilmore said.
The Hutchinson Police Department is near full staffing, with only a few vacancies and many new officers currently in training. Lt. Harris encouraged young people considering law enforcement to see it as a fulfilling path.
“It’s a tough but rewarding job,” Harris said. “You never know what each day will bring, and you truly get to serve your community.”
As the summer season begins, officers are reminding residents to stay safe, especially on the roads and during holiday travel. Enforcement efforts like “Click It or Ticket” remain in focus to promote safety.
The department also hopes to continue community engagement by making more regular appearances on local radio and in the public spotlight, helping build transparency and trust.
For now, the three officers carry the memories of their time in Washington — and the families they served — with a renewed sense of duty.
“It was an honor,” said Sgt. Rucker. “Something I’ll never forget.”