Deputy shot 4 times embarking on long road to recovery

Mike Hutchinson, the Deuel County sheriff's deputy who was shot four times in the line of duty in December, is continuing to recover from his injuries.

To help his family with expenses, the Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office is hosting a benefit pancake breakfast and 5-kilometer walk and run on Saturday.

Hutchinson, a 25-year law enforcement veteran, was shot in Big Springs on Dec. 3 while attempting to serve warrants on a 66-year-old man.

According to a Facebook page created by his family where updates on his recovery are posted, Hutchinson was shot in his left lung, right chest, abdomen and thigh. A bullet narrowly missed his aorta. There have been many ups and downs in his recovery, the family reported.

"Hutch is still on a recovery roller coaster," a late-December post stated, adding he was awake and alert.

"Even though he is not out of the woods, there is much to be thankful for," the post continued. "He is awake, alert and able to have conversations with family and friends."

He is currently being treated for an infection that was discovered last week.

Cheyenne County Sheriff John Jenson said all proceeds from Saturday's fundraiser in Sidney will be given to Hutchinson's family.

The event will take place at the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds. A breakfast, including pancakes, scrambled eggs, coffee and juice, will be served for a free-will donation from 7-11 a.m. A 5K walk will start at 8 a.m., followed by runners at 8:15 a.m. The walk and run each have a $20 entry free.

Jenson said the route for the 5K events will take participants along the city's bike and walking path from the fairgrounds to the intersection with 11th Avenue. A fire pit at the fairgrounds will help keep participants warm.

The sheriff said his office has received several donations – primarily from local businesses, but also from out of state.

"It's fabulous," he said. "The folks who provide the carnival at the fair for the past few years sent a check and donation."

The law enforcement community is like a family, Jenson explained.

"You take care of each other," he said. "When someone's family gets down, you come together."

While health insurance will cover medical bills, other expenses are being incurred by family members, he said.

"We want to make sure that his family can be with him when needed," Jenson said.

For more information about the event, contact the Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office at (308) 254-2922.