Memorial service held for 42 comrades
Versailles State Police Post honors fallen officers
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Community members gathered with Indiana State Police Officers on Thursday, May 12, to honor 42 comrades who gave their lives in service, including Versailles District 42 troopers William R. Rayner and Andrew P. Winzenread.

The annual memorial service took place near the monument dedicated to the memory of officers who were killed in the line of duty. It began at 11:00 a.m. with invocation by the Rev. Charles Flory, Indiana State Police Chaplain.

Major Edward Reuter and Lieutenant Marty McKinney presided at the roll call of each of the 42 fallen comrades, announcing name of the officer, post affiliation, and date of death.

Versailles District 42 listed Trooper William R. Rayner, who received his appointment on September 1, 1957, and was killed in the line of duty on December 18, 1966. He was shot and killed by escapees from a Kentucky State Prison, who were in a stolen car along 1-74 in Decatur County.

Trooper Andrew P. Winzenread, who was appointed on December 4, 1994, also lost his life on I-74 in Decatur County when a passing tractor-trailer struck him as he was assisting a stranded motorist. His death came on April 26, 1997.

Members of both the Rayner and the Winzenread families were present for the memorial service.

At the completion of roll call, South Ripley High School trumpeter Ryan Underwood played "Taps," and Dr. Danny R. Gabbard, Sr. of Kent Christian Church delivered the benediction.

The annual memorial service heightened awareness of the risk law
enforcement officers take each day in the protection of citizens in the State of Indiana. Those who gathered to remember their fallen comrades represented the district's law enforce ment, retired officers, families, and state and local government personnel.

The Versailles District 42 hosted a luncheon following the service.

A poem titled "A Part of America Died" was distributed with memorial service programs:

Somebody killed a trooper today,
And part of America died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect
Will be buried with him at his side.
The suspect that shot him will stand up in court,
With counsel demanding his rights,
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids,
And spend many long, lonely nights.
The beat that he walked was a battlefield too,
Just as if he'd gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half-mast,
To his name they will add a gold star.
Yes, somebody killed a trooper today,
In your town or in mine.
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,
A trooper put his life on the line.
Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
And he stands at each new rookie's side.
He answered the call,
Of himself he gave all,
And a part of America died.

MARY MARGARET MOORHEAD PHOTO

Indiana State Police from Versailles District 42 gather to honor fallen comrades at the annual memorial service on Thursday, May 12, at 11:00 a.m. Major Edward Reuter and Lieutenant Marty McKinney presided at the roll call of 42 officers in the State of Indiana who have lost their lives in service.