KOKOMO, Ind. (WTHR) — Police officers from across the state and across the country are in Kokomo to pay tribute to one of their own.
They are offering condolences and support to the family of Indiana State Trooper Peter Stephan. Officers joined with dignitaries and friends during a visitation at Crossroads Community Church.
Some came from as far away California. Kari Clark, assistant chief of the California Highway Patrol, said the department has lost two officers this year.
"All we can say is we will stand shoulder to shoulder and everybody...we will get through this," Clark said. "We will be stronger."
Stephan died while on his way to help another officer. For some yet-to-be-determined reason, his car veered off the road and hit a utility pole. The 27-year-old trooper and his wife have a 5-month-old daughter.
Jennifer Byers was just 6 when her dad, ISP Trooper Roy Jones, died in the line of duty. She remembers, "just that people were there. They remembered our dad. They cared to this day."
For 40 years, Jones' death has been part of his widow's life.
She is remarried, but Betsy Jones Taylor hasn't forgotten.
"It is on your mind 24/7. It never goes away," she said.
Several officers said their presence is to send a clear but loving message to Stephan's family.
"No matter where they go, troopers are there for them," Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Jonathon Boyd said. "We also grieve with them."
Hundreds of police officers are expected to join the community for Friday's funeral, a final tribute to the service life and sacrifice of Trooper Peter Stephan.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Crossroads Community Church in Kokomo. Burial will immediately follow at the Russiaville Cemetery. The services are open to the public and state police are encouraging people to line the procession route.
The procession from the Crossroads Community Church to the Russiaville Cemetery will travel north on State Road 931, west on State Road 26 and north on County Road 775 W to the cemetery.