RICHMOND, Ind. — A community came together Wednesday afternoon to remember a fallen hero.
More than 100 people honored the legacy of Richmond Police Officer Seara Burton, who was shot in the line of duty two years ago this week.
Burton died about a month later.
On Aug. 14, Burton’s family, fellow officers and the Richmond community helped dedicate a bridge renamed in her memory.
While that dedication ceremony was going on, preparations were underway to put signs up, marking the Officer Seara Burton Memorial Bridge that runs over Interstate 70.
The community and Burton’s loved ones hope it will provide a lasting reminder of her sacrifice.
“The loss of Seara is nothing short of devastating, but in her time with us, she left a lasting mark on our community,” Richmond Police Chief Kyle Weatherly said.
Now, that community will have a chance to remember Burton every time they drive across the renamed bridge.
“This bridge will stand as a gentle reminder of all who pass, of the hero who gave her life for our community,” Weatherly said.
Burton’s family, fellow officers and lawmakers were on hand for the dedication.
Richmond Police Sgt. Ami Miller, who is Burton's stepmother and fellow officer, remembered Burton’s laugh and the dedication with which she served.
“She gave her life to protect the city. I promised her before she passed that I would never let her be forgotten, and I have adopted the hashtag, 'until my last breath' to promise just that,” Miller said.
For Burton’s family, the bridge dedication is the first of many ways they hope to keep her memory alive in years to come.
“Every time you cross over or under her bridge, may her spirit touch your heart,” Miller told the crowd.
The decision to rename the bridge in memory of Burton had unanimous support from state lawmakers.
Some of them were at Wednesday’s dedication ceremony.
Burton’s stepmother made to a plea to them. She asked lawmakers to pass legislation to tighten penalties for violent offenders.
The man accused of killing Burton had a long criminal history.
“Too often, violent offenders are back on the street due to lighter sentences for a multitude of crimes," Miller said. "It is of vital importance that families and stakeholders ban together to reduce inadequate plea bargains in early release drastically. If we ban together in this fight and make real change, we can hopefully prevent these types of tragedies from devastating other families and communities."
Recounting the shooting
Burton was shot around 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022. The day after the shooting, Richmond Police Chief Michael Britt said Burton was in "extremely critical" condition after suffering a gunshot wound to her head.
At the time, she was helping other officers with a traffic stop. When her K-9 partner, Brev, went to check Phillip M. Lee's moped, Burton went to talk to Lee. That's when he allegedly pulled out a gun and shot several rounds toward officers.
Court documents say Lee was aiming at the officers' "head and facial areas."
Burton was shot at close range, and the officer next to her was nearly shot in the head. Other officers returned fire, and Lee shot at them as he ran away.
The shooting happened less than two weeks before Burton's wedding day.
Officer Burton taken off life support, transferred to hospice
Major Jon Bales announced Burton would be taken off life support on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022. He said her injuries had been determined to be "unrecoverable" and that she would live on through organ donation.
Days later, Burton was transferred to a hospice facility in the Richmond area on Sept. 3, 2022.
"Seara will live on and continue to be a hero with her selfless gift of organ donation. Officer Burton will continue to serve others long after her passing," Bales said.
When taken off life support, Burton continued fighting.
Officer Burton's death
Burton died the night of Sunday, Sept. 18, more than five weeks after she was critically injured in the shooting, Britt announced.
In a statement, Britt said Burton died at 9:59 p.m. at a hospital surrounded by her family.
"We would sincerely like to thank the Richmond community, and those who have supported Seara, her Family, and the Department from near and far," Britt said in the statement. "Thank you to all of those who have shown unbelievable support throughout this very difficult time including the Dayton Police Department, The Indiana State Police, Indiana State Fraternal Order of Police, Richmond Fire Department and Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, as well as many other agencies."
The Richmond Police Department updated that K-9 Brev visited Burton on multiple occasions.