By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council approved the public art portion of the law enforcement center project.
"We were really impressed with Mr. Warren," said Hutchinson Police Chief Jeff Hooper. "This is a project that he normally wouldn't take on. It's way below the size and scope of the projects that he usually takes on here, much grander projects. His father was a former police chief and so, it kind of touched his heart being able to do a sculpture for us and honoring fallen officers. That's why he's chosen to take on this project."
Thomas Jay Warren has over 30 years full-time professional sculpting experience and is an elected member of the National Sculpture Society. His work for Hutchinson will be unique to the city.
"The sculpture will be life-size, but kneeling, so that you're basically at eye-level with the officer," said Justin Combs, Director of Parks and Facilities.
The sculpture will incorporate the city's official patch and the equipment on the officer's duty belt, molded from originals and reproduced on the figure. The city approved $50,000 for the project Tuesday.