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Community, colleagues react to Southport police lieutenant's line of duty death

Community reacts to Southport officer's death
Posted at 10:05 PM, Jul 27, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-28 19:26:52-04

SOUTHPORT, Ind. -- Community members and colleagues of slain Southport Police Department Lieutenant Aaron Allan shared messages of support to his family and the police department on Thursday. 

Lt. Allan was shot and killed while responding to a vehicle accident near the intersection of Madison Avenue and Maynard Drive in Homecroft. It was the first line of duty death for the Southport Police Department. 

Southport Police Department Chief Thomas Vaughn said Allan was a six year veteran with the Southport Police Department with 20 years of experience in law enforcement. He is survived by a wife and children. 

“It is with a heavy heart that I say this afternoon we lost a brother, Lt. Aaron Allan," Chief Vaughn said in a Thursday evening press conference. "Lt. Allan was a hard worker and today was no different. He responded to a crash with urgency to preserve life. Tragically his was lost. We appreciate the community support as we continue to work through the loss of our brother. “

RELATED | Southport Police Lieutenant Aaron Allan dies after shooting in Homecroft

Allan was known for being active in the Southport community and was there in October when 3-year-old Sam Williams was named the newest recruit at the Southport Police Department and outfitted with a new set of wheels. 

Following the news of Lt. Allan’s death, law enforcement agencies across the state took to social media to offer their condolences. 

"Heartbroken over the senseless death of @SouthportPD Lt. Aaron Allan," said Indiana State Police Sgt. John Perrine. 

“We grieve with you,” wrote Fishers Police Department.

“Thoughts are with the family and fellow officers of Lt. Aaron Allan. We Stand United with you,” the Lawrence Police Department posted.

“Our condolences to the family of Lt. Aaron Allan of @SouthportPD and to our fellow brothers and sisters in blue,” wrote the Noblesville Fire Department.

"Thank you for your heroic service to our community," the Marion County Sheriff's Department shared on their Twitter page. 

The Butler University Police Department's post echoed the thoughts of many in the community Thursday evening: "May Lieutenant Allan & Deputy Chief Jim Waters rest in peace. Our thoughts & prayers are with the police departments, families and friends."

President of the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #86  released the following statement on Lt. Allan's passing:

“The Indianapolis Policing community is simply heartbroken by the tragic loss of Lieutenant Aaron Allan.  Lt. Allan leaves a loving family, friends and his sisters and brothers of the Southport PD and the entire Indianapolis police community.  Aaron made the ultimate sacrifice while actively trying to render help to his fellow man in need.  There is no greater sacrifice and our entire community is now absorbing the impact of such a tragic event.”