Prev
Incident
Police Officer Rusty Hewitt was killed in an automobile crash during a high-speed pursuit on Iowa Highway 163, two miles east of Prairie City, at about 11:45 pm. He had joined the pursuit to assist the Iowa State Police and was attempting to position his vehicle in front of the suspect's car in order to slow it down. His vehicle was struck broadside during the maneuver and both he and his passenger were killed. Officer Hewitt had served as a part-time officer with the Prairie City Police Department for only seven months.
Survivors
He was survived by his son, parents, brother, and grandparents.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtmzr0d386y0xk5523cay- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Donald. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Hewitt served with the Prairie City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Prairie City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Hewitt.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Prairie City Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Donald is one of 71 officers lost to accidents in IA, 31.4% of the 226 remembered there.
Donald is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Donald is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1977, 3 officers in IA were lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
In 1977, 64 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 66th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1977, 88 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 41st heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Donald was 24. Of the 69 lost to accidents in IA whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 48; the middle age was 38. Donald had served 0.6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Donald was 24. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Donald had served 0.6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Donald was 24. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Donald had served 0.6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 1.4% of these deaths in IA; June holds the most, 16.9%. Saturdays: 9.9%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Prairie City Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 31.4% of all 226 deaths in IA, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
His people
Prairie City Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Donald among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 30-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Prairie City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
