Danny Hughes 1

Back in 1978, a lot of Oakland residents were running around in either diapers or Converse sneakers. The average cost of a house was just over fifty thousand, and a gallon of gas cost about sixty five cents. That was thirty years ago, when Patrolman Daniel J. Hughes died.

All the residents with kids today who go down to the Pre-School Playground, between the river and the Rec Fields, are familiar with the name Danny Hughes. Thirty years ago, these parents were just kids themselves, so they probably don’t know the full story behind Ptl. Danny Hughes.

On the night of March 4, 1978, Danny Hughes and several other officers responded to the report of a brawl at a local bar. The officers arrived on the scene and attempted to break up the fight. In the course of fulfilling his duties, thirty-three year old Danny Hughes, an eight year veteran of the force, was thrown to the ground by a group and kicked in the face, the abdomen, and the ribs, repeatedly.

Patrolman Hughes died on April 22, 1978 from those injuries.

Dedicating the Pre-School park to Danny Hughes is very appropriate, not just as a memorial to his service, but as a reminder of the values we hold. Thirty three year old Danny Hughes left behind a wife and two children.  Oakland came together to provide emotional support, and also responded by setting up a fund to assist Danny’s family. In 2001, the playground equipment was purchased from this fund and other donations from friends, town organizations and residents, businesses, and fellow officers and their families. The daughters he left behind, now a pediatric physical therapist and an early childhood educator, designed this wonderful space, and bring their own children to play there.

Oakland Police Chief Ed Kasper tells The Oakland Journal, “Although I never worked with Danny I do remember him from growing up in town. He was a kind and caring individual who was well liked and respected by the members of the Oakland Police Department and the community as a whole. His untimely and tragic death left a void in this department that is still felt today. It is with deep sadness that we pay tribute to this hero officer who made the ultimate sacrifice serving his community.”

On the Officer Down Memorial Page, there are reflections of people who knew him and some who didn’t, but not surprisingly they are all fellow officers. The following are reprinted with permission.

Danny,
You were a 4 year veteran when I joined the force. I was assigned to work with you on the same squad. Happy were those years we worked together. You and Judy were at my wedding. We remember all the PBA balls we all went to together. So soon did we have to part. I have retired now, but all through the years on the job, we never forgot you Danny. As long as we live, we will always think of you.
Rest in peace.
Det. Joe Zimmerman
Oakland PD, Retired

Officer Hughes,
I moved to Oakland as a child in 1978, shortly after your passing and did not know of your service until today. Your service and sacrifice made it possible for us to grow up in a safer town. I have served as a SLEO II officer and am currently a 15 year verteran of our career EMS department. You gave all so we could give some. It is an honor to leave this reflection to a true hero! Your memory lives on through the rest of us who continue to serve.
A. Thompson
Glassboro EMS

There are other reflections to Danny Hughes, but the first one his memorial page received was by a young patrolman in Minnesota.

Officer Hughes:
I see that you do not have any reflections. I am glad that I am able to give you your first. I was born on April 22, 1978. The same day your watch ended. I am now a deputy sheriff in Goodhue County, MN. I hope to walk as proudly as you did when you wore your badge during your tour of duty. You will always be remembered.
Deputy Dave Windels
Goodhue Co. Sheriff