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Incident
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.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, five children, parents, 8 brothers and a sister.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Hutson served with the Borger Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Borger community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Hutson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Borger Police Department has lost 4 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Joseph is one of 657 officers lost to accidents in TX, 27.1% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Joseph 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 1929, 5 officers in TX were lost to accidents, the 54th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1994, with 14.
In 1929, 118 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
In 1929, 130 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 2nd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Joseph was 40. Of the 626 lost to accidents in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 46; the middle age was 36.
Joseph was 40. 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.
Joseph was 40. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
February holds 6.1% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 11.7%. Sundays: 12.6%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Sundays: 14%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 25% of all 4 deaths at Borger Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 27.1% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Borger Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Joseph among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 36-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Borger Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
