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Community members honor Deputy Pickett with luminaries, notes of thanks

Posted at 9:38 PM, Mar 07, 2018
and last updated 2018-03-08 12:26:06-05

BOONE COUNTY, Ind. -- From luminaries to t-shirts, goodie bags and heartfelt notes of thanks, people living in Lebanon, Zionsville and across Boone County are finding ways to show their support for Deputy Pickett's family. 

Volunteers set up more than 2,000 decorated luminaries along the walk-ways in Heritage Trail Park in Zionsville Wednesday evening to honor Deputy Pickett. 

"I think it's a way for the community to feel like we're paying respect to the family," said Kristen Kelley. "But also during this devastating time for our community, it's a way for us to heal and feel like we're doing something."

PHOTOS | Luminaries light up Heritage Trail Park in Zionsville for Deputy Pickett

Kelly organized the luminary memorial. She said it started with a post on Facebook and quickly grew as the entire neighborhood and the community wanted to join in. 

"We were going to decorate a street with luminaries," said Kelly. "Then it became a neighborhood - then all of a sudden it became a community effort."

But Zionsville isn't alone, black and blue ribbons adorn the doors at White Lick Elementary School where Deputy Pickett's wife, Jen, works as a teacher. The words "Pickett Strong" are also visible on the school marquis. 

READ | Funeral,procession route for Deputy Pickett

"Our first priority here at White Lick Elementary is to support Jennie Pickett and her family," said Vicki Murphy. "To make sure she has everything she needs. She's a part of the White Lick family and she's a part of the Brownsburg schools family."

Student at White Lick Elementary School are also writing cards of thanks to law enforcement oficers. Those cards will be laminated and then left on the windshields of officers cars during the funeral services on Friday. 

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The school is also putting together hundreds of goodie bags to give to officers that will be driving during the long procession. 

"Those officers, 400-700 of them, will be in the procession a really long time. They just need to know they're supported," said Murphy. 

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