In Memory of Investigator Eddie B. Hutchison, III

Texas Loses Veteran Investigator to COVID19

Texas has been hit tragically hard by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. They have lost more law enforcement officers than any other state in the union. On Wednesday, February 10, 2021, authorities in Walker County came forward to inform residents that the virus had taken the life of one of their law enforcement officers. Investigator Eddie B. Hutchison, III, passed away due to complications of the virus.

For over 27 years, Investigator Hutchison served his community as a law enforcement officer. Over his career, he served with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the Walker County Sheriff’s Office, and the Texas Highway Patrol. His most recent assignment was with the Walker County Criminal District Attorney’s Office.

After graduating from a local high school, Hutchison received his associate’s degree from TSTI in Civil Engineering. After college, he returned home to Trinity, Texas, to help his father with the family construction business. After Hutchison lost his father and had a new daughter born into his life, Hutchison had a change of heart. He decided he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue a career in law enforcement.

After a year with the Houston Metro Transit Authority Division, he applied and was hired by the Walker County Sheriff’s Office. Once he started his career in law enforcement, Hutchison then applied to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Hutchison graduated from the TXDPS academy at the age of 33 and has been working in investigations ever since. His final position was as a polygraph examiner.

Walker County Criminal District Attorney’s Office

Hutchison’s most recent assignment was with the Walker County Criminal District Attorney’s Office. The Walker County District Attorney’s office consists of the “Criminal District attorney, eight assistants, three investigators, two victim/witness coordinators, and legal support staff.” In Texas, the state pays the District Attorney’s salary while the county pays all support staff.

According to their website, the Walker County Criminal District Attorney’s Office “provides a 24-hour on-call system for law enforcement. This allows law enforcement to have access to legal advice at any time. Our office encourages such consultation regarding arrests, searches, and the filing of appropriate charges to ensure that crimes may be prosecuted and punished. It is only through such cooperation that our legal system can function to serve and protect our community.”

Remembrances

COVID19 has been taking the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans and others worldwide. Tomorrow many families will face going forward without someone they are close to by their side. Investigator Eddie B. Hutchison, III, leaves behind his wife, daughter, and mother. It will take additional support from residents, fellow law enforcement officers, and extended family members to help the Hutchison family through their difficult times.

Joe Shelton, an executive board member of the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Committee, posted his shared condolences on Facebook. “As an Executive Board Member for the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Committee. I wish to express my condolences to the family of this Officer. Rest in Everlasting Peace Officer. Prayers for your family and friends in this terrible and tragic incident. #6965.”

The National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) announced the loss of Investigator Hutchison on their Twitter page. “Blessed Are the Peacemakers. Investigator Eddie B. Hutchison, III. Walker County Criminal District Attorney’s Office, Texas. EOW: Wednesday, February 10, 2021. #EnoughIsEnough #OfficerDown #EOW #ThinBlueLine #COVID19 #BeatTheVirus.”

Steve Wightman of The Big Shout Out posted a message to residents to honor the loss of Investigator Hutchison. “Honoring Walker County, Texas, Criminal District Attorney’s Office Investigator Eddie B. Hutchison, III, died February 10, 2021, after contracting COVID-19. Honor him, so he is not forgotten.”