An Audubon woman wants to let Chris Dewey know he will never be forgotten and thank him for making the "ultimate sacrifice."
The Mahnomen deputy who was shot in line of duty last winter is now on hospice care and has days to live, according to his family members.
Doctors said air in his chest cavity is putting too much pressure on his lungs and heart. His wife, Emily Dewey, wrote on his Caring Bridge website Saturday that he is still hanging on.
"My incredible husband is, once again, defying the odds. We continue to keep him comfortable, and he is remaining pain free," she said. "After watching him in agony for so many months, it is wonderful to see him so relaxed."
The website includes hundreds of tributes, among them Charene Vogel's of Audubon, who's inviting citizens from all over the area to participate in a candlelight vigil Thursday at 7 p.m.
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Vogel, whose son is currently serving in Afghanistan and will work for law enforcement when he returns home, said Dewey has been in her thoughts and prayers every day since he was shot.
"I'm a mom filled with an enormous amount of emotion," she said, tearing up.
Vogel wants to "honor Chris properly" before he goes. And even if he doesn't make it until Thursday, she said, "at least he'll be able to see it from heaven."
Everyone is invited to join Vogel and line up on Highway 59, starting at the bridge on the north side of Highway 10 in Detroit Lakes, going north toward Mahnomen.
She said to bring candles and signs and balloons for release at the end of the vigil.
"Let's stand shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand," Vogel said. "Let Chris know he will never be forgotten."
For more information, call Vogel at 218-439-3150.
