Service honors law enforcement officers

ANDERSON, Ind. (WISH) - Each year the Grace Baptist Church in Anderson sets aside a service to honor all law enforcement officers. Sunday they paid tribute to two who were killed in the line of duty and one who performed a heroic rescue.

"We want them to understand the sacrifice that many men and women make to serve and protect us," Pastor Josh Crockett said.

They came from Fishers and Pendleton, even Madison County Sheriff Ron Richardson was in a pew.

Officers were scattered among members of the Grace Baptist Church congregation being honored on this Sunday for wearing the badge.

"Sometimes its not the bullets or the knives its the vehilces. Anybody in this auditorium the most dangerous thing you ever do is drive," Officer Norm Tate said.

Officer Tate spoke of two officers who lost their lives in traffic accidents. One was Monroe County Sheriff's deputy, Sarah Jones.

"She was 27-years old and had been employed 2 years and 2 months with the sheriff's department. She succumbed to injuries sustained 2 days earlier when she was struck by a vehicle while directing traffic," Officer Tate said.

Members also paid tribute to Indiana State Trooper Daniel Barrett.

"Trooper Barrett was killed in an automobile accident while he was traveling northbound on U.S. 31 south of State Road 110 near Rochester," Officer Tate said.

They also took time to honor an Indiana State Trooper who risked his life to save a young woman. It turns out that rescue changed his life.

"The rest of the story was not too long after that they continued dating, they got married," Pastor Crockett said.

The congregation presented Trooper Nate Raney and his wife with a Bible and flowers. For the rest of the officers in the church, a thank you for wearing the badge.

This is the 17th year for the special Blue and White Service.