Holly MatkinGrand Chute, WI – Mayville Police Department (MPD) Detective Dennis “Tug” Hockers died unexpectedly on March 12.
The Grand Chute Police Department is handling the ongoing investigation into the 53-year-old detective’s death, MPD announced in a Facebook post the following day.
No foul play is suspected.
“The Mayville Police Department is asking the community to keep Detective Hockers’ family and friends in their thoughts and prayers, and to respect their privacy during this very difficult time,” the post read.
Det. Hockers, a Green Bay native, earned a degree in police science from Oshkosh University prior to joining MPD 28 years ago, according to his obituary.
“He will be missed by many for his selfless services to the entire community,” the tribute read.
Mourners flocked to the beloved detective’s memorial page to express their condolences and to offer messages of appreciation.
“Officer Hockers was my hero,” Kelly Korth wrote. “My heart failed and he brought me back. He saved my life and spared my daughters from becoming orphaned. I am eternally grateful. I pray God helps those closest to him with this unimaginable loss.”
Nicole Lipofski said that she was “a huge troublemaker” during her teen years, and that she “never liked law enforcement” because she perceived that they felt she was a “lost cause.”
But her interaction with Det. Hockers changed her outlook.
“Tug had faith in me and saw my potential even through all the BS,” Lipofski wrote. “He listened to me, he never judged me and he always tried to help me. He changed my opinion of police officers and that’s something I’ve carried with me over the years. I’m so thankful for that.”
Jessi Tighe described Det. Hockers as “an amazing person.”
“He listened, he let you cry, he encouraged you. He was there in the midst of people’s hardest times, with a smile and the right words to say,” Tighe wrote. “He will be greatly missed.”
Det. Hockers leaves behind his son, Ty, as well as his father, brothers, and his special friend and her son, according to his obituary.
He is also survived by numerous friends and extended family members.
Det. Hockers will be laid to rest on Wednesday.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mayville Police Department Detective Dennis “Tug” Hockers, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.