Jasper Mayor Terry Seitz Monday afternoon issued an executive order asking that all United States, State of Indiana as well as Jasper City Flags within the Jasper community be lowered to half-staff this Thursday in memory of the late Michael Bennett the city’s Chief of Police.
Bennett passed away last Friday at Memorial Hospital in Jasper.
Bennett who turned 70 earlier this year had been the department’s chief since he was first appointed by Seitz in January of 2012.
He was a graduate of the Indiana State Police Academy. He worked with the Indiana State Police for 33 years, where he advanced to the position of Assistant District Commander after holding positions of Trooper and Squad Sergeant.
He was a parole agent for the Indiana Department of Corrections from 2008 to 2012 when he was appointed Jasper’s Chief of Police.
The order says flags are to be lowered only on Thursday which is the day of Bennett’s funeral from sunrise till 2 o’clock Thursday afternoon.
The action applies to all government offices, businesses and private residences.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 am Thursday at Redemption Christian Church in Jasper with burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery.
The American Legion Post #147 in Jasper in conjunction with the Jasper Police and Indiana State Police will conduct Military gravesite rites.
A visitation will be held from 12 noon till 8 pm Wednesday at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper.
Also residents please note that Jasper City Hall will be open on Thursday, August 31st.
However please note some offices within City Hall will be closed for Bennett’s funeral.
The Jasper Municipal Utility Office will remain open with normal business hours of 7:30 am till 4 pm.
