Smith
A new online store will support a fallen Indiana State Police trooper’s family and provide a scholarship in his honor.
The Central Indiana Police Foundation announced the launch of an online store through Franklin-based Spotlight Strategies with clothing and decals to remember Trooper Aaron N. Smith on Monday. The 33-year-old Franklin resident died in the line of duty on June 28 after police say a man intentionally veered into the lane where he was deploying stop sticks to strike him during a police pursuit in Hendricks County.
The online store was created following a fundraiser in Smith’s honor at CGX CrossFit in Bargersville last month. At the fundraiser, the CIPF sold hats and shirts honoring Smith, many of which had been paid for by one person, said Lisa Rollings, CIPF executive director.
However, they ran out of the larger sizes and while there were some sizes left at the gym, people had expressed an interest in having more made. So the foundation said they could recreate the shirts and create an online store, Rollings said.
“Whenever an officer is killed in the line of duty, their family or friends, they really like to have these clothes and wear them to support their friend and family member,” she said. “And then a lot of people who are just pro-law enforcement really like to have them as well.”
Items for sale include adult sweatshirts, crew necks and short sleeve tees. Youth tees and sweatshirts are also available, according to the foundation.
On the front of the clothing, there is a graphic of Smith’s ISP badge featuring his name, badge number, his date of birth and his End-of-Watch date. The back features a full graphic of an ISP Thin Blue Line flag with the words “Duty. Honor. Courage,” and a Biblical passage: Joshua 1:9, according to the website.
A vehicle decal of Smith’s badge is also available, the website says.
The CIPF is managing the online store on behalf of Smith’s family. Proceeds from the sales will go to support his wife Megan and a future annual scholarship to be made in Smith’s honor, the organization said.
Smith’s wife is still working on the plans for the scholarship, which will involve using invested funds. But the CIPF will likely not be managing the scholarship, Rowlings said.
Rowlings did not know Smith personally, but over the last few weeks she has gotten to know his wife and his family. He was one of the best, she said.
“We need to remember that our officers are out there putting their life on the line every day,” Rowlings said. “This is a huge sacrifice for his family, but he was doing what he loved and that was taking care of us so we need to remember him.”
Orders will be processed on Monday mornings. Once they are ready, they can be picked up from Spotlight Strategies, 170 Commerce Drive, Franklin, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday or from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. Orders can also be shipped for an additional fee, the website says.
To access the online store, go to trooperaaronnsmith.itemorder.com/shop/home/.
