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Father of Lt. Aaron Allan speaks for first time during Southport's National Night Out

Posted at 10:15 PM, Aug 01, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-02 10:12:15-04

SOUTHPORT, Ind. – The Southport police department honored the life of Lt. Aaron Allan, who was fatally shot last week, at their National Night Out event Tuesday.

While the annual event is traditionally known as a community-focused gathering, this year’s occasion held a little more significance. For the first time since the shooting, Allan’s father spoke to the community.

"I would like to thank the community for their support of myself, Sharri, Aaron's family and the complete Allan family,” said Jim Allan.

Allan was shot and killed in Homecroft July 27 while responding to an accident. The man inside the vehicle – Jason Brown – was charged with murder Tuesday after police said he allegedly began shooting Allan 11 times while upside down in an overturned car that the police officer was trying to help him from.

PREVIOUS | PC: Driver shot Lt. Aaron Allan 14 times, 'as the officer tried to crawl away' |  Owner of shop where suspected cop killer Jason Brown worked: "Please don't condemn us all" | Who is Jason Brown? Woman who's known him his whole life says shooting suspect is 'shy & timid' | Family of Lt. Aaron Allan issues statement | Remembering Southport police Lt. Aaron Allan: A father, a husband & first to rush to those in need | Fellow officer on Lt. Aaron Allan: "The footprints he left are huge"

Despite the tragedy, the Southport and Indianapolis community have continued to rally around Allan’s family.

To keep tradition, Jim took his son’s spot at the event’s dunk tank. Allan was known to participate in the activity each year.

“Your support of Aaron, the Southport Police Department, and the City of Indianapolis has been amazing,” said Jim. “The respect given to all officers by the community has been heartfelt. All that knew my son know our loss. God Bless everyone!"

The city of Southport also renamed Derbyshire Road “Aaron Allan Way” during the event.

PREVIOUS | Street renamed after fallen Southport police officer Aaron Allan