INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - Every moment including the silence at Bankers Life Fieldhouse during Southport Police Lt. Aaron Allan's funeral showed just how much the fallen officer is loved and will be missed by family, fellow officers and friends.
The slideshow on the jumbo-tron showed Lt. Allan lived bigger than life itself.
During the funeral, IMPD Chaplain Pat Holman set the stage, saying "This is a celebration of life...We don't pay tribute because of how he died. He is a hero because of how he lived.”
Allan's wife, Stacy, and their children watched thousands paid respect inside the area.
The ceremony included two officers doing watch shifts at the slain officers side.
During the eulogy, Pastor Chris Holland used a hammer to depict Allan's strength and talked about his softer side.
"He had such a caring side that even if your car needed a battery he would take money out of his pocket and buy one," said Pastor Chris Holland.
Allan's uniform, Flowers and the American Flag served as a backdrop as dignitaries comforted Allan's family.
Governor Eric Holcomb said, "Aaron Allan is what love looks like, certainly his hands helped countless others."
"He was a devout volunteer, leader an incredible role model in Southport who believed in community policing," said Indiana Sen. Joe Donnelly.
Allan’s boss pushed through tears while speaking at the funeral. Southport Police Chief Tom Vaughn knew Allan for six years.
"I lost a friend, not just an employee," said Vaughn.
The funeral services included a musical tribute of "Amazing Grace" performed Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy Bryan Wolfe.
But perhaps the most moving words came from Lt. Allan's running buddies from his days at the sheriff's department. Sergeant Christopher Berry, Deputy Lonnie Helton, Deputy Robert Lane and Lt. John Livingston shared fond memories of times with Allan. The five of them spent thousands of hours together fishing, camping, hunting and so much more.
Berry said, “Right before he took off I said 'Love you brother, be safe.'"
A motorcycle escort of four officers surrounded the hearse that carried Lt Allan’s flag-draped casket.
The family also allow civilians to drive in the procession from the Bankers Life Fieldhouse to Southport and eventually to Crown Hill Cemetery.
The procession included hundreds of cars from police departments in the metro area, the state and from around the country.