TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — Hundreds of police officers from around the nation turned out Monday for the funeral of a Terre Haute officer killed while serving a warrant last week.
Officer Brent Long, 34, was remembered as a dedicated public servant who made a lasting impact on his community during his six years with the Terre Haute Police Department.
He was fatally shot July 11 while serving a warrant at an apartment, and his K-9 partner, Shadow, was injured. The suspect died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Dozens of the officers attending the funeral brought their police dogs, and they filed past Long's flag-draped casket at Indiana State University's Hulman Center for more than an hour before the service. The final salute came from members of Terre Haute's K-9 unit and their dogs, including Shadow, who wore a blue muzzle to protect the jaw broken by the gunman's bullet.
Police Chief John Plasse said Long made a lasting impression in his short time on the police force, where he also served as a member of the SWAT team and was trained as a sniper.
"There were no limits to what Brent would do on our department," Plasse said. "Brent wore his badge proudly. He was a rising star who will never know just how bright he would become."
Speakers described Long as a mischievous man whose easygoing nature belied his dedication to public safety.
Honey Creek Fire Chief Jean Frankel said Long spent a decade as a volunteer, cleaning the station, waxing the fire trucks and testing hoses.
"He always wanted to be in the heat of the battle," she said.
Police officers said Long quickly established a reputation after joining the police department.
Sgt. Terry John said Long's narcotics work would have been a lifetime achievement for many officers. But Long, he said, "was just hitting his stride."
"They were a tremendous crime-fighting team," Assistant Chief Marc Eldred said of Long and Shadow.
Shadow was released from a Purdue University veterinary clinic last week and will spend several weeks in rehabilitation with the K-9 unit before being retired and given to Long's family.
"We should take great pride in knowing that Shadow protected Brent to the very end," John said.
Vigo County Sheriff Greg Ewing recalled meeting Long while he was working security at the high school Long attended. He later served in his wedding.
"I watched that young man grow as a snot-nosed freshman in high school to become an outstanding police officer with the city of Terre Haute," Ewing said, fighting tears.
"I am so happy that his dream of being a police officer finally came true."