What was planned as a small ceremony attended only by the late Moody County Deputy Sheriff Ken Prorok’s family and colleagues, turned into a well-attended sign dedication event last Tuesday at the scene of the incident that claimed Prorok’s life on February 2nd.
Dozens gathered to pay their respects to the former coach, husband, father, and colleague, honoring his legacy and supporting his family.
Deputy Sheriff Prorok, as you may recall, had just deployed spike strips along Highway 34 near the I29 exit to stop a driver involved in a high-speed chase out of Madison, when the driver allegedly swerved and fatally struck him.
Just last week, a jury trial date was set for Joseph Gene Hoek of Sioux Falls, the man accused in Prorok’s death. Hoek faces the possibility of the death penalty if convicted. (See related story)
The signage placed along Highway 34 this past week differs from the signage and dedicated highway section initially sought by Moody County Sheriff Troy Wellman. Wellman noted that state guidelines typically require a five-year waiting period to apply for a Memorial Highway dedication, a process the county plans to pursue in the future.