TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Friday, the Terre Haute community came together to honor city and county law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty.
Every year, the Terre Haute Police Department (THPD) and Vigo County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO) gather to honor 20 fallen police officers from the community.
“They gave the ultimate sacrifice for our community. For their brothers, their sisters, in law enforcement. For family members,” said THPD Lieutenant Justin Sears.
During the ceremony, officers were commemorated through prayer, a ceremonial flag folding, a 21-gun salute and a performance of taps. Then the name of each officer and their end of watch date were read out loud to honor their life and community involvement.
“When someone lays their life down for a fellow officer, for a community member, we owe it to them. It’s just that simple. We owe it to them, we owe it to their families to remember their legacy, the work they did, the sacrifices they made,” said VCSO Sheriff Derek Fell.
It’s been over one hundred years since the first fallen officer, but Lieutenant Sears says they are all as equally important.
“There is 20 names we read off today,14 of that from the Terre Haute Police Department, as early as the late 1800s. And, their all as equally important. Equally important to the Terre Haute Police Department and equally important to the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office,” said Lieutenant Sears.
For Sheriff Fell and Lieutenant Sears, these fallen officers weren’t just coworkers, they were friends.
“Three of the city officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, I knew each of them… So it definitely hits home. And I think it does from many of us who have been around and serving for a number of years,” said Sheriff Fell.
“The three statues behind me, Greg, Rob, Brent, are three very good friends of mine. So, it hits home every single day. Especially just coming into work, you see the statues of your friends, but know that they were excellent officers. Some of the best I’ve ever seen,” said Lieutenant Sears.
Today wasn’t just about honoring these heroes in our community, Sheriff Fell said, it’s about never forgetting them.
“It’s a way for us to say thank you again for those who have lost their lives protecting our community. It’s also a way to let the family members know, who have lost loved ones, we are still here for you, we have not forgotten about your loved one, and we will never forget about them,” said Sheriff Fell.
Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun was also in attendance and read a proclamation declaring next week Police Week to honor our local law enforcement officials.
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