INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana State Police Trooper Aaron Smith, who recently lost his life while trying to stop a pursuit, was recently honored for saving someone's life — in two separate situations that happened less than a month apart last year.
1st heroic effort
On Oct. 22, 2022, around 1 a.m., Indianapolis dispatchers received a call of a person shot on the exit ramp to Emerson Avenue of Interstate 70.
Smith and fellow ISP Trooper Hunter McCord responded to the call, according to ISP.
Smith reportedly arrived first and checked on the gunshot victim, who was sitting in the front seat of her vehicle with blood leaking from the driver's door.
Smith soon learned she had been shot in the left hip area.
McCord arrived soon after and quickly grabbed her first aid kit from her car, and ran up to give Smith medical supplies.
Smith advised McCord that they needed to pull the woman out of her vehicle to begin rendering aid because the gunshot wound was too high up on her left leg to apply a tourniquet.
Smith packed the wound with gauze and began applying pressure for the wound to stop bleeding. McCord then cut the victim’s pants and began to scan for an exit wound and for any other injuries.
Medical personnel arrived on scene, took over medical care and transported the woman to a local hospital. She survived.
The troopers were commended together for their "extraordinary conduct in saving the life of a fellow human being" back in April.
2nd heroic effort
A little over a month later, Smith would save another life.
On Nov. 16, 2022, around 2:30 a.m., Smith was patrolling the area of West and Washington streets in Indianapolis when he reportedly saw a vehicle disregard the red light for westbound Washington Street at West Street.
He stopped the car, and the driver quickly got out and told Smith he had been shot. Smith performed first aid to the man's upper left arm and left hand.
Smith also immediately applied a tourniquet to the victim’s left arm, which stopped the bleeding.
Medics arrived and soon took over life-saving measures. The victim survived his injuries.
"Smith is to be commended for his extraordinary conduct in saving the life of a fellow human being," ISP wrote in a release announcing the award.
Visitation and funeral arrangements for Trooper Aaron Smith have been announced.
Trooper Smith will receive police and military honors as he served both as a state trooper and a sergeant in the Indiana National Guard.
After the funeral, a police procession will escort Trooper Smith to Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis.
The procession route will be announced at a later date. Members of the community will be encouraged to line the procession route to honor the service and sacrifice of Trooper Smith.
- Visitation: Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
- Emmanuel Church Greenwood Campus, 1640 West Stones Crossing Road Greenwood, IN 46143
- Funeral: Friday, July 7, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.
- Emmanuel Church Greenwood Campus, 1640 West Stones Crossing Road, Greenwood, IN 46143
- Burial: Friday, July 7, 2023 following the procession
- Crown Hill Cemetery - Heroes of Public Safety Area
- 700 W. 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208
- Crown Hill Cemetery - Heroes of Public Safety Area
Memorial fund established
Donations in memory of Trooper Aaron N. Smith can be made at Indiana Members Credit Union branches or by calling 800-556-9268, Indiana State Police announced Thursday.
Donations can also be made via PayPal to the Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization at this link.
Companies and other organizations who are looking to provide donations to help with funeral and other final expenses can contribute directly to the Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation at:
Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation, Inc.
1710 South 10th Street
Noblesville, IN 46060
(317) 431-0755