Fallen Officer Remembered As A Man Of Courage

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Officer Perry Renn was laid to rest today, less than a week after he was shot and killed after responding to a call on the city’s east side.

More than 2,300 people came to Bankers Life Fieldhouse to pay their respects to IMPD Officer Perry Renn and his family.

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said not only did Renn die a hero, but he lived his life as one, too.

“He was a hero in thousands of ways large and small,” said Pence.  “The people of this state will always remember him as a man of courage and selflessness.

“Perry Renn, by all accounts from those who knew him best, was always there to lend a hand to a neighbor in need.."

U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly said Renn never shied away from tough situations, not only as a 22-year veteran of the police department, but also during his ten years in the United States Army.

“Everything Perry did was about serving others, serving our country, serving our city,” said Donnelly.  “When he served, he chose to do it in the most challenging places and with the most difficult missions because he wanted to know that his neighbors were safe.

Renn was remembered as a man who went about his duties quietly, but courageously.

He received two Medals of Bravery and Thursday was given the Medal of Honor and Purple Heart.
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard called his death a “tragic loss” and told the Renn family that the city can never repay them for their sacrifices.

But he hopes they take some comfort knowing Perry made the city a better place to live

“We are a better community because Perry Renn decided to wear that uniform,” said Ballard.  “There are untold numbers of people who have better lives today because of their interactions with Officer Renn."

Among those in attendance were 59 new IMPD recruits.  Department of Public Safety Director Troy Riggs says he hopes the next generation of officers can learn from Renn’s service.

”I can assure you they understand officer Renn’s valor, commitment, and sacrifice and they will remember it and they will remember it for the rest of his 30 year career,” he said.  “I believe, of the fitting goal for them, is that they strive to be as good an officer and as good an officer as Officer Perry Renn.”