A dedication ceremony will be held to name the REC Center gymnasium in honor of former Chief of Police and St. Joseph Deputy Mayor Mike Hirter.

According to the City of St. Joseph Mike Hirter is a name that is well-known in the city, both for his career in law enforcement and his community service to the citizens of St. Joseph. In a news release the city said Mike committed his life to protecting the lives of our citizens as a member of the St. Joseph Police Department, mentoring many of our youth through the boy scouts and New Generation singers, and serving the residents of St. Joseph as a member of the City Council.

Mike served the city of St. Joseph for more than thirty years in the police department, proudly and respectfully as Chief of Police for the last six years of his career. On April 4, 2006, Mike was elected to an at-large position on the City Council. Receiving the highest number of votes in the election, Councilmember Hirter was voted as Deputy Mayor by the City Council, an honor that he reverently held until his passing on July 18, 2009.

His true passion was his service to others, and he touched the lives and hearts of many with his kindness and his smile. In appreciation for his service to St. Joseph, a dedication will be held at the REC Center, naming the west gymnasium in Mike’s honor. The dedication will be held on Tuesday, November 4, at 4:30pm, at the REC Center, 2701 Southwest Parkway. The public is invited to attend.