Update: Body confirmed to be missing Glocester officer
5:07 PM Tue, Oct 13, 2009 | Permalink
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GLOCESTER, R.I. -- The body found by hikers in Casimir Pulaski Memorial Recreational Area late Monday afternoon is confirmed to be that of missing Officer Michael E. Hopton, said the state medical examiner's office. Hopton died of a gunshot wound to the head, a spokeswoman for the medical examiner's office said Tuesday afternoon. The state police have stated since Hopton disappeared last month that they did not suspect foul play, without elaborating on their reasons why. The Glocester Police Department is taking the discovery "very hard," Police Chief Jamie A. Hainsworth said Tuesday afternoon. Hopton left his Glocester home on the morning of Sept. 12 and failed to either return home or show up for work at midnight that Saturday. He was reported missing early the next day, after his fellow officers discovered his vehicle parked in the first lot at Pulaski Park. His keys were inside the car; his gun and driver's license were the only things missing. The clothes were the same as those worn by Hopton when he was last seen that morning, down to the Champion T-shirt and shoes, the state police said. Hopton's driver's license and his service weapon, a 40-caliber Glock firearm, were also with the body, the state police said.
On Monday, two hikers found the body on Border Trail at the power lines on the Burrillville side of the Pulaski Recreation Area, according to State Police Lt. Col. Steven G. O'Donnell. The park spans Burrillville and Glocester. The men found the body in a "really dense, swampy area," Hainsworth said. In a department where everyone works closely together, Hopton's disappearance and now the apparent discovery of his body has been "a shock to everyone," Hainsworth said. And even though a month has gone by since Hopton's disappearance, and the department has had time to prepare for whatever might have come, Hainsworth said the news is still tough to handle. "We just feel very deep sympathy for the family, that's for sure," Hainsworth said. "He has a wonderful family. ... Everyone wants to do everything they can for his family." The state police say they believe it is Hopton's body, but they are awaiting official identification and cause of death to be released by the state Medical Examiner's Office. The state police do not suspect foul play. Hopton was last seen on the morning of Sept. 12 by Wilbur Pond inside the George Washington Management Area in Chepachet, about a mile from where he'd left his car. Several people staying at the campground had also reported hearing gunfire that day, the state police said. Hundreds of searchers -- both volunteer and on-duty police officers, firefighters, correctional officers and other emergency personnel -- searched Pulaski Park and the George Washington Management Area in the days following Hopton's disappearance. Tuesday morning, state police were reviewing maps of the area searched at the time, trying to learn if the body was found in an area that had been searched, O'Donnell said. -- with reports from Journal Staff Writer Amanda Milkovits This story was originally published at 9:01 a.m. and was updated at 9:11, 9:25, 11:33 and 11:39 a.m., and at 1 p.m. 
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Ok I give up, where is Pulaski Park?
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So how did he die...
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LOL Pulaski Park is out by Chepatchet and Pascoag.
In all seriousness, My heart and prayers go out to the faliy of this officer. I hope they acn now begin to find closure in their greif.
May God bless them and guide them through this time of sorrow.
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I knew Mike, I grew up in Smithfield, an officer in town and neighbor, it is sad, Mike was allways allright by me. I last saw him down at the Providence Court house a several years back, he was a lawyer at the time. Life is just to short, R.I.P. Mike.
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Located within the 4000 acre George Washington Management Area, the 100 acre Pulaski Memorial Recreation Area is a "day use" facility offering users a multitude of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. From the first class trout fishing in the spring, to enjoying a picnic, a short hike, or a cool swim in the 13 acre Peck Pond in the summer, to cross-country skiing on the 10 miles of groomed trails into the adjacent George Washington Management area in the winter, Pulaski provides year round enjoyment for all ages.
Location: 151 Pulaski Road, Chepachet, RI 02814
Mailing Address:
George Washington Management Area Headquarters
2185 Putnam Pike
Chepachet , RI 02814-1705
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Pulaski is on 44- West Glocester. He probably shot himself- I truly feel for his family its such an awful thing.
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Pulaski is in the northwestern corner of the state, off Rt. 44 out near/on the CT border. It is a very popular hiking destination, along with cross-country skiing in the wintertime.
Considering the remains were just found yesterday (after many weeks), determining a cause of death will likely take a little time.
Renewed condolences to his family and friends....
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I am sorry to hear that the discovery of his body is the ending to this sad story. Was the gunfire that people heard, one shot or multiple shots..No matter..I hope that his family finds peace in the memory of a man who clearly tried to help others. Thanks to all of the people who dedicated their time to search for this man..
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Obviously Mr Hopton was a troubled person. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends.
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my heart goes out to all the members of his family. May they find peace in the closure. Such a sad story. RIP Mike
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I am glad they finally found him. My heart and prayers go out to his family, now maybe they can put some closure to this sad situation.
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RIP, hopefully the pain which haunted you is not more. +1.
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The human being absorbs bits and pieces of it's environment as we move through life. A police officer is exposed to life's normal work pressure and also to sights, sounds and smells that send "normal" people running the other way. The police officer moves toward those sights and sounds. As time passes these incidents become the individual. Many express concern over what might be occurring inside an officer, but in the end they are hanging in the wind. We know where you have been Michael, go in peace.
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What a waste of human life, I see people suffering from cancer fighting for life everyday and then you hear of someone taking their own life. You have to wonder what demons haunted this poor man ? From what I read about him during the search he was successful and admired. God Bless his family.
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He was a great man.
ad & Greg: As per the story's 2nd paragraph, he died from a gunshot wound to the head.
Also, "i" before "e" except before "c" (grief), and there's only one "l" in alright and always.
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