SANDPOINT — Longtime Sandpoint Police Cpl. Michael “Mike” Christopher Hutter, 63, passed away suddenly Thursday, Oct. 16, while being treated for health-related issues at Kootenai Health in Coeur d'Alene.

The news was announced by the Sandpoint Police Department on its social media pages.

“Mike served this community with honor, compassion and unwavering dedication, both as an officer for the Sandpoint Police Department and as the former chief of police in Ponderay,” Sandpoint Police Chief Corey Coon wrote in the post.

“He was more than a fellow officer; he was a friend, a mentor and someone who cared deeply about the people he served.”

Coon said Hutter will be deeply missed by his family, friends and the many lives he touched throughout his years of service.

“His kindness, steady presence and commitment to doing what is right have made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him,” Coon said.

Hutter began his law enforcement career in 1987 as a reserve deputy for the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office before being hired full time by the department a year later. He transferred to the Sandpoint Police Department, where he worked for seven years before joining the Ponderay Police Department in 1997. He served as police chief until retiring in 2016. He then rejoined the Sandpoint Police Department, working in a variety of roles, including patrol and motorcycle officer. At the time of his death, he was a corporal with the department.

Hutter was honored by the Sandpoint Lions Club as one of its Fourth of July grand marshals in 2018. He was one of four law enforcement officers selected, all of whom had been injured in the line of duty. The Lions chose the group in part to thank them for their service and to show the community’s appreciation.

The post garnered hundreds of responses and reactions from everyone from community members, fellow law enforcement officers and friends.

"Such a good man gone way too soon," wrote Alisa Hunt. "He had a great sense of humor and always made me smile. I've known Mike since 2000, when I worked as his insurance agent. From 2003-2013 I worked at the DMV and laughed every time I renewed his motorcycle registration. The license plate for his Harley (Hog) was BADPIG. Only Mike. … I will truly miss that man."

The longtime officer will be missed, Joshua Smith wrote. 

"He was a true human and amazing peace office of the Sandpoint community," Smith added.

Theresa Heberer wrote that Hutter gave her a chance and hired her fresh out of the academy.

"He was kind, patient and a good mentor. I'll never forget the lessons he taught me about service and compassion," she wrote.

Longtime Priest River Police Chief Drew McLain agreed, writing Hutter was a great person who will be missed by all.

Coon said the department will share information at a later date on how the community can support Hutter’s family.