Ceremony Honors Fallen Officer Jake Laird 20 Years Later

Source: Ryan Hedrick / WIBC (pictured Jake’s Parents Debbie (L) and Mike (R))

INDIANAPOLIS — Almost 20 years ago, IMPD officer Jake Laird was shot and killed while responding to a call on the near south side of the city. Those who knew and worked with him continue to honor his memory, remembering his sacrifice for his city and country.

Hundreds of current and former officers gathered at IMPD’s southeast district near Fountain Square before a roll call on Friday. Jake Laird’s parents, Mike and Debbie, were also there. They started the Jake Laird Foundation in his memory.

“Since its inception, the Jake Laird Memorial Fund has donated over $1.3 million to police and fire agencies all over Indiana,” said IMPD Commander Ron Hicks. “That’s incredible, and I know that some of that money has come over to the Southeast District, so we thank you for that.”

Jake’s mother, Debbie, shared her memory of the last conversation she had with him before he was shot on August 18, 2004. His death led to the creation of a red flag law known as “Jake’s Law.”

Debbie found out about Jake’s murder early in the morning, around 5:00 a.m., just before she had her first cup of coffee before work. Officers from IMPD came to her home to deliver the news about her son’s death.

“For many of us who are here today, we remember what we were doing or where we were when we learned that Jake was gone and four other police officers had been injured in the line of duty,” she said.

Former IMPD officer Timothy Conley was also shot that day, taking a bullet to the abdomen. Despite the dangerous situation, firefighters risked going in to rescue him. Conley later promised Jake’s mother that as long as he was alive, he would make sure Jake’s memory would not be forgotten.

“I haven’t had to work much to do that,” he said. “The department honors their fallen officers, but in the event that it slips, I will be there to remind them.”

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