Today, with family members and law enforcement among others that graced the crowed, the City of Elkins officially proclaimed today – Feb. 16, 2016 – “Derek Hotsinpiller Day” for the Randolph County municipality.

Today is the five-year anniversary of the passing of Hotsinpiller, a Bridgeport High School graduate and a Deputy United States Marshal. He was killed in the line of duty when a fugitive opened fire in an Elkins residence back in 2011.

 

“It was extremely nice and considerate of the City of Elkins to put for the effort and make it a priority to recognize (Derek) on the anniversary of his death,” said Bridgeport Police Chief John Walker, who was in attendance at today’s ceremony.

 

The proclamation was done by a mayoral decree. Van T. Broughton signed the proclamation today.

 

Broughton and other dignitaries were joined by Derek’s mother Pam Hotsinpiller and his older brother Dustin. Dustin, who previously served as a Bridgeport Police Officer similar to his father – the late Lt. James “Jim” Hotsinpiller – left the department to become a U.S. Marshal. The Hotsinpiller’s have long served the public in law enforcement, while Pam Hotsinpiller has been involved in numerous community activities on the same front.

 

“Part of what Elkins did today helps keep the memory of Derek alive for others,” said Walker. “His memory is always in the forefront of the minds of those of us in Bridgeport and Harrison County.”

 

Read Julie Perine's feature story about Hotsinpiller HERE. 

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Pam and  Dustin Hotsinpiller with Elkins Mayor Van T. Broughton, right, as the proclamation was made today. Middle photo shows the flags at half mast in Derek Hotsinpiller's honor, while Bridgeport Police Chief John Walker, middle, is shown with other law enforcement officials that took part in the photo below. VIPS representative Kerry Hess is to the left of Walker. Photos courtesy of the City of Elkins; Photos by Lucinda Barrick.