ISP Versailles Post honors fallen Troopers during Memorial Service

Photos by: Sandy Mahoney (In Motion Sports Photography)

(VERSAILLES, Ind.) – The Indiana State Police Versailles Post took time to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice on Wednesday.

The Post held a Memorial Service where every Indiana State Trooper who has been killed in the line of duty was recognized with their service as well as their End of Watch date. 

Several of those being remembered today had died while serving our local communities 

• Tpr. Andrew Winzenread –  The Osgood native was killed while helping a motorist on I-74 in Decatur County in 1997. 

• Tpr. William Rayner  – The Greensburg native was fatally wounded by gunfire during a traffic stop in Decatur County in 1966

• Tpr. Robert Gillespie – He was responding to an emergency in the town of Mitchell when his vehicle left the roadway to avoid a truck that slowed down in front of him. Gillespie struck another vehicle and died from his injuries. It happened in June 1962. 

• Tpr. Earl Brown – During a manhunt in Columbus, he located a suspicious person. While searching the suspect, he was shot and killed in 1955. The suspect was later judged to be insane and sentenced to a maximum-security facility for life. 

• Tpr. George Forster - He was patrolling near Paris Crossing in Jennings County when he was struck by a truck towing a horse trailer in 1941. 

“The strength of the Indiana State Police lies in the character of its men and women. You and I will remember the deeds of our deceased, who were ever mindful of their public trust. They have set the pattern we must follow in the days and years to come,” an ISP Trooper stated during the ceremony. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7Q3O0Gg0M0

The ceremony was attended by ISP Superintendent Anthony Scott as well past and present Troopers.

There was also a 21-gun salute before Milan sophomore Seth Thomas performed Taps. 

A meal followed the ceremony which was made possible by several local supporting businesses.

Russell Truesdell, of Batesville, provided smoked meats while Rolling Pin Bakery, Crossroads Restaurant and Versailles McDonald’s catered items as well. Gooseberry Florist also made a donation of flowers.

ISP Sgt. Stephen Wheeles thanked each organization that donated items to the Memorial Service and described the community support as incredible.

“The State Police is truly a tight-knit family and while we may not know all the troopers who have passed away in the line of duty, it is important for us to truly remember the sacrifice that each of them have made for the communities they love,” Sgt. Wheeles said. 

Sandy Mahoney of In Motion Sports Photography attended the ceremony and captured these photos: