INDIANAPOLIS — Family, friends and fellow officers came to honor the life and legacy of Officer Jake Laird outside of IMPD's Southeast District headquarters Friday, on the very street dedicated to him and his sacrifice.
Laird died Aug. 18, 2004.
"A day in which Timothy 'Jake' Laird made the ultimate sacrifice and four other officers, Tim Conley, Pete Koe, Leon Essig and Andy Troxell were shot while protecting and serving our community," said IMPD Cmdr. Ron Hicks.
The incident continues to weigh heavy on many hearts. That day, Laird and other officers responded to reports of a man firing a rifle in the street. Timothy Conley was shot twice while sitting in his patrol car.
"The third shot that came through my car kind of ricocheted off my window and went up above me, Conley said. "I thought I was hit in the head. Training tells you you have about 11 to 12 seconds to live. In that 12 seconds I tried my best to get on the air and warn people."
As Laird got out of his patrol vehicle, he was hit by gunfire. Koe would arrive on the scene and return gunfire against the shooter, Kenneth Anderson.
Police would later find Anderson fatally shot his mother, Alice Marie Anderson, 66, inside their home.
Conley says Laird will always be remembered for his bravery.
"To give one's life for another it's overwhelming. I think about it every day. I dream about it every night," said Conley.
Laird's mom, Debbie, recalled the last time she and her husband, Mike, spoke with him, Aug. 17, 2004.
"Jake called and talked to both of us. As he and I were wrapping up our conversation, he received a police call, told me he had to go and told us he would talk to us tomorrow," Debbie Laird said. "But more importantly, the last thing Jake said to me was, 'I love you mom.'"
As Debbie Laird remembers her son, she encouraged others to reflect on the good that came from such tragedy.
"Maybe we've all learned just how precious life really is and fully understand that we are not guaranteed tomorrow," Debbie said. "Maybe all of us live our lives with a little more kindness and understanding for others."
Family and friends are reminding us all to carry forth Officer Laird's spirit of service.