CAPTION: Ellen M. Penner as the first female police officer on duty in 1954. CREDIT HUTCHINSON POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Hutchinson Police Department honored Officer Ellen M. Penner, who passed away Nov. 8, 2024, Wednesday in a Facebook post.
Penner was Hutchinson’s first female officer who first served in 1954 and worked with the department for four years until 1958. The department noted her as a “trailblazer.”
“How many police officers walk 12 miles a day during routine patrol? While the answer in modern times is a low percentage, it was standard procedure 70 years ago when Hutchinson’s first female police officer went on duty,” the post read.
Penner graced Hutchinson News’ front page, along with another female police officer, with the headline: “Twelve Mile Walk A Day Stint of Policewomen.”
Following her police career, Penner owned Penner Sewing Service for several years. She then had the opportunity to become a representative for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and was based in Winfield. Later in life, Ms. Penner worked for Imperial Vending in Hutchinson.
“Hutchinson Police Department currently has four female officers, including one sergeant, who are tasked with the same arrest, traffic and investigative duties as male officers,” the post read. “Several additional women are headed towards becoming officers’ through the department’s police service aide (PSA) program, which largely hires college students who are pursuing a career in law enforcement.”
Penner’s memorial service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 16th, 2024, at Elliott Chapel. Friends may sign her book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time Saturday at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Westside Baptist Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
