Full Notification

Versailles – The Indiana State Police Versailles post hosted its annual Memorial Service.

On Monday May 18, 2015 around 11:00 AM, the annual Memorial Service commenced on the lawn of the Post in Versailles. Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter, active and retired troopers, surviving family members of fallen troopers, city and county officers and a few local citizens stood solemnly on the lawn as 46 names and a short summary of the circumstances leading to their death were read by Versailles District Commander Lt. Ray Otter and Captain Anthony Scott. After the names were read, the fallen officers were honored with a 21-gun Salute and the playing of Taps by local high school students Mary Gorman (South Ripley) and Mary Cole (Jac-Cen-Del).

The Versailles District especially remembered five local troopers who have given the ultimate sacrifice: Trooper George A. Forster, appointed September 01, 1938, died May 17, 1941. Trooper Earl L. Brown, appointed October 16, 1940, died August 31, 1955. Trooper Robert Gillespie, appointed September 01, 1950, died June 08, 1962. Trooper William R. Rayner, appointed September 01, 1957, died December 18, 1966 and Trooper Andrew P. Winzenread, appointed December 04, 1994, died April 25, 1997.

According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEONF), some 900, 000 police officers in the United States currently put their lives on the line daily for the safety and protection of others. They serve with valor and distinction, the Fund says.

However, this protection comes at a price. In 2014, 117 police officers, including four from Indiana, died in the line-of-duty. Each year there are approximately 60, 000 assaults on law enforcement officers resulting in nearly 16, 000 injuries according to the Fund, Throughout United States history, more than 20, 000 have given the ultimate sacrifice in service of their citizens.

The NLEOMF is dedicated to honoring all of America’s law enforcement heroes – those who have died in the line-of-duty and those who continue to serve and protect. The Fund invites you to learn more about the heroes of American law enforcement and join with us in respecting, honoring and remembering them.