HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Museum is following up on its Hutchinson Heroes theme with a new exhibit honoring the Hutchinson Police Department.

A reception was held Thursday evening to open the exhibit. It’s the second installment in a series of exhibits that honors Hutchinson’s first responders and emergency personnel. Hutchinson Police Chief Jeff Hooper says it is great the museum is taking time to honor those who serve the area.

“I think it’s a great exhibit the museum has set up,” Hooper said. “I came and enjoyed the one for the fire department. Just the fact that the local museum is honoring the heroes of our community.”

The displays take people back to the 1800s and into present day with artifacts that came from both the museum archives and officers who donated to the cause. Museum Director Mike Ables says you will find just about everything.

“The various artifacts, it goes from the 1800s into present day and what they’ve used in the past from billy clubs to bulletproof vests and all the equipment in between,” Ables said.

Indeed, the exhibit does take you back through time, but as Hooper put it, the officer has changed along with the equipment.

“It’s not all of the outward appearance, it’s just law enforcement in general,” Hooper said. “I think we’ve advanced a lot more in technology in law enforcement. The things that are required of our officers these days . . . they’ve got to be computer experts, they have to be social workers, they’ve got to be parents who take care of kids. And they have to be tough enough to handle the worst criminals, but gentle enough to handle babies and children. So it’s just an amazing profession to be in.”

Along with several members of the police force, the two K-9 units were also on hand.