RICHMOND, Ind. — It is one of the most emotional parts of saying farewell to a fallen police officer.
The procession carrying Officer Seara Burton to Indianapolis stopped in front of the Richmond Police Department Monday afternoon for her 10-42 End of Watch call.
It marks the final time an officer is called out of service and is one of the most striking parts of an officer’s funeral.
“The way that everyone has shown their support is amazing. The town has come together incredibly,” said Judy Maddox, who brought her granddaughter with her to pay their respects on Monday.
Maddox was one of the hundreds of people who gathered along North 5th Street near the police department. Some, including Walt and Rebecca Stanley, arrived hours before the procession began.
“This is a terrible thing to happen, and we wanted to show our support to the department and also to the family,” said Walt.
The Stanleys said their son is also a law enforcement officer. This tragedy hits too close to home for them and so many others.
As the procession approached, underneath the rumblings from motorcycles leading the escort and the engines of emergency vehicles, silence fell over this stretch of road in Richmond. Soft weeps could be heard as people stood with their hands over their hearts in support of a fallen hero.
“Growing up, my parents volunteered for the police force, so ever since then it’s been a big thing for me with officers and when this happened, I mean it just took a toll on everybody,” said Jenny Mullins, a Richmond resident who said she didn’t know Burton personally, but was impacted by her story.
Since August 10, Officer Burton remained out of service on the run she marked out on — a traffic stop where she was shot — and ultimately led to her valiant fight for her life for the next 39 days.
The community has wrapped Officer Burton and the department in support since that night and continued to show that on Monday during the observation of the final call and other portions of the funeral services.
The moment a control operator radios a final call, is perhaps one of the most difficult and emotional parts of any funeral for a fallen first responder.
From the radio call:
On August 10, 2022, K9 Officer Seara Burton answered her final call. After being shot in the line of the duty, on Aug. 10, 2022, and following an incredibly strong and valiant 39-day fight, K9 Officer Seara Burton succumbed to her injuries on Sept. 18, 2022.
Scripture says in John 15:13, ‘Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.’ K9 Officer Burton demonstrated, commitment, professionalism and dedication, every moment of every day and proudly wore the badge as a warrior for her community.
Thank you for your service, Seara, your bravery and your commitment to your department and your profession as a K9 officer. She has gone home now for the final time. K9 Officer Seara Burton, K9-2, of the Richmond Police Department is 10-42.
After pausing for the 10-42, the procession continued toward U.S. 40 to transport Burton to Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis.