Lafayette-The Indiana State Police Post at Lafayette held their annual memorial service today to honor those members of the department who gave their lives in the line of duty. Due to the rainfall today, the ceremony was held in the garage area.
Troopers were brought to attention and prepared for roll call by Lafayette District Assistant Commander First Sergeant Greg Dunkle. Opening prayer was given by Indiana State Police Assistant Chaplain Lee McReynolds. Members of the Lafayette District Honor Guard then displayed the national and state flags as Captain Ed Schroeder, Area 1 Commander and Lieutenant Tom McKee, Commander of the Lafayette District read each fallen member’s name, along with a description of the circumstances surrounding their death.
After reading the names of the fallen officers, “Amazing Grace” was played on bagpipes by Taylor Stirm with assistance from drummer Robert McAllister. The ceremony was concluded with the playing of “Taps” and the “21 Gun Salute” was performed by the American Legion Post # 11. The closing benediction was given by ISP Chaplain Daniel Coffey.
Other attendees included ISP Superintendent Doug Carter and Assistant Superintendent Colonel Mark French and other members of the ISP Primary Staff, retirees and family and friends of ISP personnel. The meal was provided by members of the Lafayette post and the Indiana State Police Alliance to all attendees to enjoy.
A total of 46 members of the Indiana State Police, both men and women, have died in the line duty since the department’s inception in 1933.
Since the early days of the Indiana State Police, memorial services have been held each May at all Indiana State Police districts to perpetuate the memory of those who have died in the line of duty. The service serves as a means of paying tribute to those who died in the line of duty, that their sacrifice was not made in vain, and as a reminder to those of us left behind that we should strive to maintain the level of professional service to the public our departed comrades so unselfishly gave their lives for. The first ever memorial service was held on Memorial Day of 1943 at the former Ligonier Post in northern Indiana.
For a complete listing of Indiana Troopers killed in the line of duty and a summary of their deaths, visit the Indiana State Police website at
For a complete listing of Indiana Troopers killed in the line of duty and a summary of their deaths, visit the Indiana State Police website at www.in.gov/isp and click on the “In Memoriam” link on the left side of the page.
Picture one is of Captain Schroeder and Lt. McKee reading the names of the 46 as the color guard stands at ease. Picture two is the Troopers standing at ease while the names of the 46 are read.
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