Warsaw Police Department honors retiring lieutenant

WARSAW, Ind. -- The Warsaw Police Department celebrated the retirement of Lt. Steve Rockey as he completed his last day of duty for the city on Wednesday.

Lieutenant Rockey served on the Warsaw Police Department for 36 years after starting his career in the U.S. Army.

Rockey was rewarded with the department’s Medal of Honor and Meritorious Conduct for his role in a massive 1994 manhunt after a burglary suspect shot and killed Detective Sergeant Phil Hochstetler and two children and went on the run for three days, eventually being killed in a firefight after a slow speed pursuit.

In addition, Lieutenant Rockey received a Purple Heart award for his efforts after he was seriously injured when a suspect ran him over twice while attempting to evade arrest in the fall of 2000.

Lieutenant Rockey was an original officer and served as a breacher and team leader for Kosciusko County’s first SWAT team from 1995 until 2009.

Rockey was also instrumental in reviving the city’s Motorcycle Patrol Unit, and served as a Corporal, Sergeant, and Patrol Commander while working on all shifts for the Warsaw Police Department.