FRANKLIN, Ind. — At a time of celebration for the birthday of the America, the town of Franklin held a moment of silence for a man who served his country and his state: Indiana National Guardsman and Indiana State Police Trooper Aaron Smith.
"I'm incredibly humbled to get to learn and know the Smith family," Indiana State Police Supt. Doug Carter said.
Some of Smith's fellow troopers, including Carter, were on stage Monday night to see the community of Franklin gather to honor Smith and his life.
"I didn't know what to expect in downtown Franklin today, but I am damn proud to be an American," Carter told the crowd, including members of Smith's family who were there, along with a man who worked alongside Smith almost every night, his shift partner, Trooper Cameron Bottema.
"When you think of a servant, I think of Aaron," Bottema said. "He dedicated his life to service as a trooper and then in the Indiana National Guard. He would give you the shirt off his back. He would do absolutely anything he could to help anybody, stranger, family, friend, foe, doesn't matter to him. He would do absolutely everything and anything to help anybody else. He truly was a servant at heart."
"He put his life on the line in many aspects, in the military and also as a trooper, and I think it's a fantastic thing to honor. It's really what the Fourth of July is all about," Franklin resident David Wooden said.
For Smith's family and his fellow troopers, this Fourth of July hits differently and likely always will.
"It's because of heroes like him that we truly enjoy the freedoms that we enjoy here, not only in Indiana, but across the country because of people like him," Bottema said.
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