The Ultimate Sacrifice: Ceremony honors Terre Haute police, Vigo sheriff's deputies who have died

May 9—On Thursday, law enforcement, families and community members gathered outside the Terre Haute Police Department to honor 14 police and six sheriff's deputies who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting their communities.

Every day in America, "We can be thankful for the integrity and courage of our law enforcement officers," said Dan Walls, THPD chaplain and retired city police detective.

"Today, we give thanks for that special courage of our fallen whose watch ended with their lives," he said.

The nation and community "can never fully repay our debt to them or to their families. We can only acknowledge that debt, which we do so today," Walls said during his invocation and comments.

There are 708,000 full time law enforcement officers in the U.S., he said. "These brave men and women took an oath to serve and protect; they also accepted a great responsibility and they accepted a great risk."

Even in the most routine moments on patrol or on the quietest of days, the next call could put them in extreme danger, Walls said. "We as a nation and a community are ever so grateful."

As someone who served in law enforcement for many years, Walls said, "I don't know anyone who goes into police work for the money, nor anyone who puts on the uniform expecting a life of ease.

"They take this job because they are answering a higher calling — a calling from God to do the challenging work of enforcing law and order."

He spoke in front of a memorial that includes statutes of three fallen THPD officers: Brent Long, killed in 2011; Robert Pitts, killed in 2018; and Greg Ferency, killed in an ambush in 2021.

The memorial lists the names of the 14 police, 14 firefighters and six sheriff's deputies who died in the line of duty.

"I can't help but notice the names of our local heroes engraved on these memorial stones that took that oath to serve and protect," Walls said. "And today, as we read those names, let their names be etched on our hearts."

During the ceremony, Terre Haute Police Chief Kevin Barrett and Vigo County Sheriff John Plasse read the names of the fallen sheriff's deputies and city police officers.

Mayor Brandon Sakbun read a proclamation designating the week of May 10-16 as Police Week in Terre Haute.

At the conclusion of the program, an Honor Guard ceremony took place with representatives from city police, the sheriff's office and Seelyville town marshal.

Those attending included many representatives of law enforcement, families and friends of fallen officers, elected officials and citizens.

After the ceremony, Sgt. Justin Sears, Terre Haute police public information officer, said of the turnout, "It's nice to see the outpouring of support. As law enforcement officers we don't always get that. Days like this remind us why we do our job. It also reminds us of the risks that come with doing our job. But we still come to work every day."

Among those who attended the ceremony were Greg Ferency's sister, Shelley Klingerman, and his daughter, Payton Ferency.

"Anytime we see the community coming out to honor and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, as well as continue to stand behind those who are putting the uniform on, it is always comforting," Klingerman said. "It gives you hope, and the unspoken message means more than anyone really could understand."

Continued community support for those still serving "means a lot to the families who send their officers out every day," Klingerman said.

Terre Haute is a community that shows a lot of support for law enforcement, she said. "I think lots of communities could use Terre Haute as a model on how to stand by and with your law enforcement departments."

Payton Ferency appreciated the turnout to honor her father and other fallen officers.

"It's nice to see so many people from the community come out and provide support. ... The past three years, the community has just been amazing for us. I'm never alone when I'm out here."

On May 15, Sears said, there will be a wreath ceremony at THPD headquarters as part of Peace Officers Memorial Day. That day, the Honor Guard will stand watch over the wreath from 4 p.m. until midnight.

Sue Loughlin can be reached at 812-231-4235 or at sue.loughlin@tribstar.com. Follow Sue on X at @TribStarSue.