Aim Media Indiana

Indiana State Police Trooper Aaron Smith of Franklin was remembered July 7 as a humble public servant and a hero to many. He died doing his job — a calling he’d known since childhood he wanted to answer, following in his father’s footsteps.

As reported by our sister publication, The Daily Journal of Franklin, Smith was killed on June 28 while on duty in Hendricks County, trying to stop a fleeing vehicle. Police say the car, which was stolen, intentionally veered into Smith. One person has been charged with murder in connection with the incident, while another is accused of theft.

Hundreds paid their respects to Smith, 33, at his funeral in Greenwood. Among them were fellow law enforcement officers, firefighters, family, friends and others who simply felt moved to honor one of the few among us whose lives are shaped by giving of themselves through selfless devotion to public service.

“He was constantly seeking new ways to serve, more dangerous ways to serve, knowing exactly what he signed up for,” Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said of Smith during his funeral. “On behalf of the state, we are forever grateful and we are forever indebted.”

Holcomb noted Smith had twice received life-saving awards for helping victims of gun violence and constantly sought and seized opportunities in life, including rising to the rank of sergeant as a member of the Indiana National Guard.

“Let us strive to honor his sacrifice through a renewed appreciation for the liberties we enjoy and by collectively working towards a better world,” Guard Major Gen. R. Dale Lyles said.

In remembering Smith, the toll of this tragic year has given us pause. He is the fifth Hoosier law enforcement officer to die in the line of duty so far this year. That’s more than all of 2022, when four died in the line of duty.

Just days after Smith was killed, Tell City Police Sgt. Heather Glenn was killed July 3 as she attempted to arrest a domestic violence suspect. Both she and the suspect were fatally shot.

Then on July 10, Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy John Durm died in an attack by an inmate.

In March, ISP Master Trooper James Bailey died in a vehicular assault and Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Deputy Asson Hacker died as a result of a duty-related illness, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.

We are, as Holcomb said, forever indebted to those who serve and protect.

What we can do is support the memorial funds set up for the families of these fallen officers. You can make donations to funds in their names as follows:

For Smith: At any Indiana Members Credit Union branch or at indianafallen.org/fallen-heroes.

For Glenn: At any German American Bank branch or at indianafallen.org/fallen-heroes.

For Bailey: At indianafallen.org/fallen-heroes.

For Hacker: At any Old National Bank branch.

A fund for Durm will be established.

Indianafallen.org is a nonprofit volunteer-driven organization recommened by law enforcement agencies. All donations benefit the families of fallen officers.

To law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to serve and protect us, we say simply, with respect and gratitude, thank you.