While evil does exist, so do heroes’: Vigil honors Brian Elliott
More than an hour before the Feb. 18 vigil for Brian Elliott, his fellow officers and his Beech Grove community began gathering, until they stood a thousand strong.
They held candles outside the Beech Grove Police Department, where Elliott’s squad car had been parked for the two days since he was killed in the line of duty.
“I did not write anything down, because I just wasn’t sure what to say anymore,” Beech Grove Police Chief Michael Maurice said as he stepped up to the microphone.
“But now, I’m seriously at a loss for words,” he said, surveying the enormous crowd. “…Thank you for being here. It means the world.”
Just before 5:45 p.m. on Feb. 16, Elliott was shot while responding to a domestic disturbance. According to court documents, Elliott heard a woman scream for help, broke down a door and was immediately met with gunfire. He and his colleague were both hit and taken to Eskenazi Hospital, where Elliott died. He was 33 years old.
Maurice said that over the coming days, the department hopes to share more stories about Elliott.
“He was more than just a badge,” Maurice said.
Elliott was a “guys’ guy.” He was funny and at times unassuming, Maurice said. Elliott loved motorcycles, bourbon and rock music – he played the bass guitar – and was the president of a cigar club.
He was “full of courage,” Maurice said.
Rick Snyder, president of the Fraternal Order of Police, led the crowd in prayer and spoke about the gathering as a powerful symbol of support.
“This candlelight vigil is to send a clear and convincing message. That while evil does exist, so do heroes, like Brian Elliott,” Snyder said.
The vigil has not been the only visible outpouring of support from the community. Businesses along Beech Grove’s Main Street have Elliott’s picture in their windows, and a banner hangs out front of O’Gara’s Irish Pub. Meanwhile, 5th Ave. Grill and Bar is offering free lunch to uniformed police officers all week.
On Feb. 19, Beech Grove City Schools are asking all students, staff and families to wear blue in support of the police department. The Central Indiana Police Foundation is hosting the official fundraiser for Elliott’s family. He is survived by his wife and family.
For some in this southern Marion County city, Elliott’s shooting brings back painful memories. On Sep. 29, 2000, Beech Grove Officer William “Bill” Toney was shot and killed while chasing a man driving a stolen van.
“We lost Officer Bill Toney 25 years ago, but the chapter – that sadly never closes. We have never forgotten Bill or his family,” Mayor Jim Coffman said at the vigil.
The department hosts an annual memorial fundraiser in Toney’s memory, and his name is engraved on the Beech Grove Peace Officers Memorial.
“We lost Brian Elliott just 48 hours ago. And I assure you, he will never be forgotten,” Coffman continued. “… But I want his family to know, we are your family now. We will never, ever forget you or our beloved Brian. Our city is who we are because of the people who are gathered here today.”