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. The ceremony was held outside during the cool but mostly sunny morning.
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 Chaplain Reverend Ronald A. Rasmus. Members of the Lafayette District Honor Guard then displayed the national and state flags as Captain Dave Kirkham, 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” performed by the American Legion Post # 11. The closing benediction was given by ISP Assistant Chaplain Lee McReynolds.
Other attendees included ISP Superintendent Doug Carter and and other members of the ISP Primary Staff, retirees and family and friends of ISP personnel. The meal was provided by Outpost Catering and Sgt. Preston's and sponsored by Judge Donald Vaughn, Mulhaupt's Group, Tecumsech Dental Group, Spencer Construction, VAC Financial, Lafayette Instruments, First Financial Bank, Realty Advisors, INTAC Management Group, Mr. & Mrs. Brian Olehy. 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 www.in.gov/isp and click on the “In Memoriam” link on the left side of the page.
Pictures are of the troopers standing at ease as Captain Kirkham and Lt. McKee read the names of the fallen officers and employees of the Indiana State Police.
-30-
