(KNZA)--A memorial plaque honoring longtime Hiawatha Police Officer Michael Thompson was unveiled during a ceremony held prior to the beginning of Monday evening’s Hiawatha City Commission meeting.

The plaque sits at the foot of a pole located in a planter on the east side of city hall that now fly's the Kansas flag.

Members of Thompson’s family raised the flag while Greg Bryant sang the Kansas anthem.  That was followed by a volley salute by the Hiawatha American Legion Honor Guard and the playing of taps.

Police Chief John Defore dedicated the flag and pole to the city in memory of Thompson's 37 years of service with the Hiawatha Police Department and 20 years with the Kansas National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery unit . 
       
Donations were raised to fund the memorial plaque, flag and pole.

Thompson died in January at the age of 57.