01-04-2025
Vilonia community mourning loss of police lieutenant
VILONIA, Ark. – A flag flies at half-staff at the Vilonia Police Department on Monday to honor the life of Lt. Tony Hartwick, who spent 20 years serving the people of Vilonia.
His wife Tara said they had known each other since she was 12 years old.
'He just put everybody before himself,' she said. 'He was a very giving, very loving person.'
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She said he died from a heart attack around midnight on Saturday.
'It happened instantly,' Tara said. 'We didn't even have time to think. He just looked at me and said, 'I can't breathe.'
And now, a whole community is grieving the loss. For Steve Austin at the police department, it's the loss of someone who felt like family.
'He was, like I said, a brother,' Austin said. 'And I spent most of my career with him. So, it's been tough on us. We took a gut punch.'
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And for so many others, it was someone to count on.
Tara said she's feeling the impact her husband had on so many as they reach out and offer prayer and support.
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