Day After Officer Slain, Brother Back On Patrol

LIBERTY, Ind. -- Sixty miles east of the city where his brother was shot, Chris Laird is dealing with the death of Indianapolis police Officer Timothy "Jake" Laird the best way he knows how.

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Deputy Says He's Proud Of Slain Brother

Chris Laird, chief deputy sheriff in Union County, was back at work Thursday, patrolling roads just a day after 31-year-old Timothy Laird died in a gun battle on Indianapolis' southeast side.

At his desk at the sheriff's department, the background of his computer screen displays a picture of his fallen brother. The words "Officer Timothy Jake Laird" appear on the bottom left.

Sitting at the desk, Chris Laird, 33, told RTV6's Derrik Thomas that participating in the same profession as his brother won't ease the pain of losing him. Still, he said, his fervor for law enforcement won't waver.

Officer Timothy 'Jake' Laird 1972-2004 Slideshow: Officer, Suspect Die In Gun Battle IPD Officer, Gunman Slain In Shootout Day After Officer Slain, Brother Back On Patrol Flags At Half-Staff For Officer Info On Wounded Officers, Suspect Trust Fund Established For Officer's Daughter Suspect, Officer Killed Police Returned Man's Guns In March Union: Officers Need More Firepower

"It could happen to any of us," he said. "I don't think that he'd want any of us to sit around and dwell on it. He knew the risk just like the rest of us, and we need to continue on."

Chris Laird was in Indianapolis Wednesday to be with his family. The fact that he was back in Union County the next day didn't escape Sheriff Steve Leverton.

"That to me is, in many ways, a greater tribute to a fallen officer than all the other accolades, all the other things that can be done," Leverton said.

The Laird family has been committed to service. Each of the Laird brothers -- including the youngest, Gaben -- has served in the U.S. Marines Corps.

"I'm proud of (Timothy)," Chris Laird said. "I think the whole family is proud of him. He paid the ultimate sacrifice."