Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department's North District officers gathered earlier this month, pausing their day-to-day enforcement to mark the legacies of two fallen law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty — their sacrifices now memorialized with new signage in the city they once served.
In a poignant ceremony last Monday, IMPD North District officers convened at 5900 E 82nd street. This location is more than just a set of coordinates; it now bears a sign which serves as a permanent reminder of Marion County Sheriff's Deputy, Gerald Morris. On January 2, 1981, Deputy Morris was tragically shot and killed while responding to a robbery. A social media post from North District IMPD shared the solemn moment, acknowledging the harsh realities faced by those in law enforcement.
Not even a week later, the IMPD North District once again stood in unison at the intersection of 26th street and Capitol Avenue. Here, a second memorial sign was unveiled in honor of Officer David S. Richards, who succumbed to the complications of a gunshot wound he sustained on July 2nd, 1879, while confronting a gang of horse thieves. The weight of history, and the recognition of sacrifice, once again brought the law enforcement community together to reflect and remember.
The initiatives for these memorials are supported by FOP Lodge 86, which generously funded the new signs. "We want to thank FOP Lodge 86 for funding the newly placed signs," announced the North District IMPD in their acknowledgment of this contribution.
