Trooper Memorial Service

Indiana State Police in Fort Wayne held their annual memorial service Thursday. It was a sobering service as the men and women of the Fort Wayne District gathered to honor those who have passed away while on duty. The ceremony revolved around a roll call in which forty-five troopers who have died on duty since 1933 were named. Master Trooper, Gary Gerargot says “This is a reminder of what can happen, but at the same time to celebrate our fallen police men with our family and friends.” Both former and present officers came to the memorial to show their support and admiration. Sgt. Ron Galaviz, Public Information Officer, says “the department has traditionally and continues to be a very tight family group. And thats the reason we have these, because we want to remember.” Among the visiting retirees was the oldest living former trooper, William Booth. Booth says hearing the names called brought back many memories. “I knew several of them and a lot of them are pretty close friends. I fished with some of them and worked with a lot of them.” Booth was not the only officer touched by the service. Gerargot also knew some of the fallen troopers and says “Basically what it does is reminds you of the sacrifice that those troopers have made for the public, and for other officers, in doing the job that we do.” Galaviz says “Its set on a granite stone that the strength of the Indiana States Police Department lives within the integrity of its people, so those who have given their lives in the service of their duty embody that statement. It is incumbent upon us to come to work every day and put that uniform on and carry that tradition forward.” No one has been added to the list of fallen in two years. But Fort Wayne troopers will continue to honor those who have passed away every year, just as the granite stone outside Post 22 states.