Photos by Matt Crane Members of the Jasper and Huntingburg Volunteer Fire Departments positioned ladder trucks near the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge in Jasper to hoist the garrison flag above Newton Street. The flag was flown over the bridge as the motorcade carrying Jasper Police Chief J. Michael Bennett took that route to Fairview Cemetery.The hearse carrying Jasper Police Chief Mike Bennett to Fairview Cemetery paused under the flag as Jasper Dispatcher Beth Herald ceremoniously signaled Chief Bennett as 10-42. Radio dispatchers across the state were asked to cease radio traffic for the moment as Herald signaled Bennett’s end of watch for the last time.Jasper Patrolman Greg Brescher stood as an honor guard near Veteran’s Memorial Bridge. After the motorcade carrying Jasper Police Chief Michael Bennett to Fairview Cemetery passed by, Brescher released his salute and closed his eyes in a moment of reflection. Brescher was one of the chief’s first hires for the department after Mayor Terry Seitz appointed Bennett as chief of the department in 2012.A large crowd of former and current police officers, family members and community members gathered for the service at Fairview Cemetery where the chief was laid to rest.As a veteran of the Vietnam War, Bennett was honored with a 21-gun salute by American Legion Post 147 during the service.Trooper Mark Green played Taps after the 21-gun salute during J. Michael Bennett’s service at Fairview Cemetery.An honor guard comprised of four state troopers and two Jasper officers—Indiana State Police Sgt. Philip Hensley, Senior Trooper Nathaniel Adams, Trooper Brett Walters, Trooper Ross Johnson, Jasper Police Officer Jon Fleck and Jasper Police Officer Caleb Chambers—carefully folded a flag that was draped over J. Michael Bennett’s coffin to present to his wife Ann.Assistant Chief Nathan Schmitt waited to receive the flag that had been draped over Chief Bennett’s coffin. An honor guard comprised of four state troopers and two Jasper officers—Indiana State Police Sgt. Philip Hensley, Senior Trooper Nathaniel Adams, Trooper Brett Walters, Trooper Ross Johnson, Jasper Police Officer Jon Fleck and Jasper Police Officer Caleb Chambers—carefully folded it to present to Schmitt. Schmitt then presented the flag to Bennett’s wife Ann.
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I worked with Mike at Gate 10 during the 500 for about 4 years in a row. Roger and Wayne were there too. We had a blast. Mike was a great guy. I will always have fond memories of him. He once threw his chewing tobacco at me. I laughed till my sides ached. We all did. Rest in peace Michael.
Remember that like it was yesterday Dan. Thanks for sharing.
Mike was my roommate during the 28th Indiana State Police recruit school that started in October 1972 and concluded in January 1973. He was a good man. I am sure his passing will create a huge “hole” in the Jasper Police Department that will be hard to fill. Rest in peace Mike.
I worked with Mike at Gate 10 during the 500 for about 4 years in a row. Roger and Wayne were there too. We had a blast. Mike was a great guy. I will always have fond memories of him. He once threw his chewing tobacco at me. I laughed till my sides ached. We all did. Rest in peace Michael.
Remember that like it was yesterday Dan. Thanks for sharing.
Mike was my roommate during the 28th Indiana State Police recruit school that started in October 1972 and concluded in January 1973. He was a good man. I am sure his passing will create a huge “hole” in the Jasper Police Department that will be hard to fill. Rest in peace Mike.
You were a class act, Mick…Godspeed.