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Mitchell Officers Who Died In Line Of Duty Honored Today

Last updated on Wednesday, September 21, 2011

(UNDATED) - Two Mitchell police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty will have their names engraved on the Indiana Law Enforcement Memorial Wall in Indianapolis.

Their service will be recognized today in Indianapolis.

According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, 36-year-old Chief George Bush was killed October 14, 1935 in an automobile accident while returning from an investigation near Orleans in Orange County.

Shortly after 1:00 am, Chief Bush was traveling northbound on State Road 37, just south of the Lawrence and Orange county line, when his vehicle left the roadway and sheared off a telephone pole. A passing motorist was able to summon local citizens to extricate Chief Bush who was pinned beneath the vehicle. Despite their efforts, which took over 45 minutes, Chief Bush died of a fractured skull and a broken neck. It was believed a blown right rear tire on his vehicle was the cause of the accident.

Chief Bush had served with the Mitchell Police Department as its chief for two years. He was survived by his wife, son, three daughters and father.

According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, 61-year-old Mitchell Police Officer William Sutherlin was shot and killed March 7, 1923, while attempting to arrest Morgan Pattison, who had shot out a street light at the intersection of Sixth and Warren streets.

The Pattison, was in a group of men who were acting disorderly. Officer Sutherlin and another officer responded to the gunfire and began chasing the subjects who were fleeing. When Pattison was being arrested, he fatally shot Sutherlin in the heart. 20-year-old Pattison was charged with murder.

Officer Sutherlin was survived by his wife, five sons and five daughters.

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