Mourners remember THPD officer who 'gave all he had' in service

Photo courtesy of Sullivan County Sheriff's Office

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

A large crowd gathered at Hulman Center in Terre Haute  Wednesday to remember a local hero killed  in the line of duty last week.

THPD photo

The community continues mourning Terre Haute Police Department Offcier Rob Pitts, 45, after he was shot down by a wanted homicide suspect Friday afternoon at the Garden Quarter apartment complex. The funeral today was an emotional gathering.

​The death comes as yet another loss for THPD, Mayor Duke Bennett said, speaking at the funeral. He thanked Pitts and his family for his service.

"Job well done, Officer Pitts. I pray that you will rest in peace," he said.

Lt. Gov. Susan Crouch and Senator Joe Donnelly also spoke at the service to show respects to the family and department.

"He gave all he had," Donnelly said..

Hulman Center, located downtown, was filled with friends, family and the public. Mourners from all over the state and the country filed in to show their respects in a building with a seating capacity of 8,500.

Police Chief John Plasse said the overwhelming community support has helped  Pitts' family to cope. 

Pitts had no enemies , no fear.  He was liked by everyone and a professional role model, Plasse said.

"Rob ran toward danger to assist his partner, giving his life," he said, asking the crowd to keep his memory alive.

"We love you, Rob.  I miss my friend," Plasse said.

Noting that Vigo County is always supportive of police, he urged his fellow officers to stay vigilant in a time where some "want to cause us harm."
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Law enforcement officers from all around came to be in attendance. The ceremony was broadcast live on local TV stations. 

The Blue Knights, a group of active and retired police officers were at the service with an American Flag and Thin Blue Line Flag. Pitts' was a country music fan, with that genre of music in the program today. Also played, the police tribute version of "Amazing Grace."

Pitts was a 16- year veteran of the THPD and a six-year veteran of Sullivan City Police Department. He sacrificed for both counties. A garrison flag was flown at county line. His name soon will forever be etched in the marble memorial in Washington, D.C.

THPD Officer Ryan Adamson gave  the eulogy.

He spoke directly to the family, which he said he spent time  with "non-stop for last 5 days. "

​"I want you all to know, (listing individual family members' names,) saying he "loves all of you, like you're my own."

Pitts was described as a family man, an outdoors man and dedidated police officer.

"He always had your  back,"  Adamson said, adding that Pitts was born to be a police officer.

The community has taken Pitts' untimely death hard.

"It's one of the darkest days for all of us." he said.

Assistant Chief Shawn Keen explained that Pitts' accomplishments gained him the respect of the department. He said Pitts had satisfaction catching " the criminal"  --- and in all his other heroic actions.

"He represented the best of the best," Keen said, speaking to the audience.

Around 700 cars and 40 motorcycles were in the funeral procession for Officer  Pitts. 

A dozen Pallbearers,vehicles and motorcycles surrounded the funeral coach as it made its way through Terre Haute to the cemetery in Pitts' hometown, Sullivan. It was a 26-mile journey to his final resting place.  Pitts' best friend rode Pitt's motorcycle during the procession. 

The funeral coach will stop along the way at headquarters on Wabash Avenue for the final call for Pitts by Central Dispatch. The dispatcher thanks Pitts for his service.

Gov. Eric Holcomb has ordered flags in the state to be flown half-staff until sunset.

Just seven years ago, the THPD lost Officer Brent Long also shot and killed serving a warrant.
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