Bloomington: The Indiana State Police Bloomington Post held its annual memorial service to remember those ISP employees who have given their lives in the line of duty.
Troopers were brought to attention and the Indiana State Police Honor Guard presented the colors. Roll call of the fallen was read by Area Captain Robert Priest and District Commander, Lieutenant Paul Bucher. After the service, troopers and other attendees enjoyed a luncheon provided by the Indiana State Police Alliance and fellowship at the post.
Guests at the service included the family of fallen Indiana State Trooper Robert C. Gillespie who was killed in the line of duty near Bedford on June 8th, 1962, as well as several Indiana State Police retirees. After the luncheon, the retirees were kind enough to share several memories from their careers at the delight of the active Troopers in attendance.
A total of 46 Indiana State Police employees have lost their lives in the line of duty since the Department was formed in 1933. Trooper Gillespie worked Lawrence County at the time of his death which was in the former Seymour District.
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.
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.
Attached photos- Courtesy of Matailong Du, Indiana University
Photo 1 – L to R Sgt Brian Beauchamp, F/Sgt Jeff Yoho, Sgt. Brad Ayers and Trp. Ryan Belcher
Photo 2 – Lt Paul Bucher, Reads the Roll of the Indiana State Police Fallen
Photo 3 – Trp. Kevin Getz and the ISP Honor Guard stand at attention as the Roll is read.
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