The Indiana State Police Post at Lowell held their annual memorial service today to honor those members of the department who gave their lives in the line of duty.
Troopers were brought to attention and prepared for roll call by Lowell District Assistant Commander First Sergeant Terrance Weems. Opening prayer was given by Indiana State Police Chaplain Coffey. Members of the Indiana State Police Honor Guard then displayed the national and state flags as Captain Dave Kirkham, Area 1 Commander and Lieutenant Terry Gose, Commander of the Lowell 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 Lake County Pipes and Drums. The ceremony was concluded with the playing of "Taps" by Indiana State Police Sergeant Brian Schnick. The closing benediction was given by ISP Chaplain Warren.
Other attendees included ISP Assistant Superintendent Colonel Mark French and other members of the ISP Primary Staff, retires and family and friends of ISP personnel. The meal was provided by Larry Fegaras of Galveston's Restaurant (Michigan City) and the Indiana State Police Alliance.
A total of 46 members of the Indiana State Police, both men and women, have died in the line of 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 that our departed comrades so unselfishly gave their lives for. The first ever memorial service was held on Memorial Day 1943 at the former Ligonier Post in northern Indiana.
For a complete listing of Indiana Troopers killed in the line of duty and a summery of their deaths, visit the Indiana State Police website at www.in.gov/isp and click on the "In Memoriam" link of the left side of the page.