history

Our Lodge earned its charter status on May 27th 1933. Society and law enforcement has changed a lot over the years.  One thing that has not changed through the decades is our strong dedication to helping members of law enforcement and the community they serve.

Earl l. brown

Indiana State Trooper

​End of Watch: Wednesday, August 31, 1955

Trooper Earl Brown was shot and killed while searching a suspicious subject who was walking with a shotgun in Jackson County.

Trooper Brown and Columbus police officer Bill Weddle were called to investigate a suspicious man walking with a shotgun along U.S. 31-A. Upon locating the subject, about 400 feet south of the Bartholomew and Jackson county line at 5:00 am, he surrendered the shotgun without resistance. As he was being searched, he pulled a pistol from his hip pocket and shot Trooper Brown twice.

The suspect was shot three times and critically wounded by the Columbus police officer. He was later judged to be insane and was committed to a maximum-security facility for life. 

Trooper Brown had served with the Indiana State Police for nearly 15 years and was assigned to the Seymour post. He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, parents, and two brothers, one of which was a detective with the Columbus Police Department. He was preceded in death by a daughter.

Source: Officer Down Memorial Page

The Earl L. Brown Memorial Mile is located on State Road 11 near the Bartholomew County/Jackson County line.