GOSHEN, Ind. — With a full Honor Guard and the sound of “Taps” in the air, Goshen gathered Tuesday, May 13, for a memorial service honoring lives lost in the line of duty.
The Peace Officers Memorial Day ceremony brought together officers, families, and residents outside the Police and Courts Building. The annual event honored fallen officers nationwide and paid special tribute to Officer Thomas Goodwin, the only Goshen police officer ever killed while serving.
Assistant Chief Shawn Turner delivered the keynote address and reflected on his personal connection to Goodwin, who served as his first Field Training Officer. He recalled Goodwin’s joy, selflessness, and the grief that followed his loss, which still lingers nearly three decades later.
“It felt impossible to ever think that we would get back to normal at the police department,” Turner said. “I couldn’t imagine ever telling a joke or sharing a story because we were so wrapped up in our own grief, but that’s the first time I also felt and experienced the brotherhood and sisterhood that exists in law enforcement and in Goshen Police Department.”
Honoring those we lost
Turner also honored five other Goshen officers who died while actively serving, though not in the line of duty:
Richard Bowman, Sept. 7, 1951
Phil Russo, Feb. 4, 2014
Wade Branson, June 15, 2018
Kevin “Hollywood” Koontz, July 22, 2019
Kristen Carich, May 14, 2020
Mayor Gina Leichty thanked officers for their daily sacrifices. “Peace Officers Memorial Day is not only about those we’ve lost,” she said. “It’s about those who continue to serve, often at great cost.”
The ceremony included remarks from Mayor Leichty, Rose Kettlebar, and Chief Jose Miller, with additional participation from Officer Shayne Miller, Police Chaplain Jim Caskey, and the GPD Honor Guard. Chaplain Gregg Lanzen offered the invocation, and the Goshen High School choir performed the national anthem. Military honors, a roll call of the fallen, and the retiring of the colors followed. Attendees placed flowers at Goodwin’s memorial in remembrance.
Honoring Officer Thomas Goodwin
The Goshen Police Department honors the memory of Patrolman Thomas Goodwin, who made the ultimate sacrifice on December 11, 1998. A dedicated officer with eight years of service, Goodwin remains a lasting part of the Goshen community.
The department’s Honor Guard, formed in his memory 25 years ago, continues to serve with distinction. Known for its precision and grace, the unit stands vigil over those who went before and keeps their legacy alive.
In 1999, 1,800 volunteers came together to build Tommy’s Kids Castle in just three days. The playground stands as a living tribute to Goodwin’s commitment to service and community.
Scholarship Recipients Recognized during Memorial Service
The Thomas Goodwin Memorial Scholarship was created to honor the life and service of Officer Goodwin by supporting students who plan to pursue careers in law enforcement or criminal justice. It is awarded annually to individuals who demonstrate a strong sense of public service, leadership, and a desire to serve their communities with integrity.
Goodwin’s aunts, Rose Kettlebar and Sharon Johnson, presented the 2025 awards during the ceremony.
The newest recipient was Brianna Lechlitner, a 2025 graduate of Northridge High School. Returning recipients included Chase Buckholz, Andrea Aguilar Rodriguez, Daniel Burch, Natalie May, and Cecelia Mendoza.
Kettlebar said each recipient had shown a deep commitment to public service, whether through student leadership, mentoring, volunteer work, or military preparation.
Photo Gallery
View scenes from Tuesday’s memorial service below.
