Richard Edgar Oliver, Chief of Police

Canute Police Department 

On Monday, July 4, 1983, Chief Richard Oliver and Christopher Spitzer, a friend who had applied to be a reserve officer, were patrolling the streets of Canute.  Witnessing a motorist run a stop sign, the officers started a pursuit. James Jennings, 23, was driving a pickup truck southbound.  About three miles south of Canute, Jennings turned his truck around and headed northbound back toward the officers.  Just as the vehicles met at the top of the hill, Jennings was left of center and hit the chief’s patrol car head on. Chief Oliver and Christopher Spitzer were both dead at the scene.  Chief Oliver was survived by a nine year old daughter, Rae Ann.  Oliver had just been appointed Chief in June.