Community, law enforcement honor fallen Tell City police officer Heather Glenn

TELL CITY, Ind. — Hundreds of law enforcement officers from across the United States honored fallen Tell City Police Sgt. Heather Glenn, who was shot and killed in the line of duty last week, during a public funeral Monday.

Speakers, including Tell City's mayor and police chief, mourned Glenn, who was described as a changemaker and "kind-hearted soul" who etched a unique impact in the tight-knit Indiana community.

Law enforcement officials held the funeral service at Tell City High School's auditorium. After a visitation period, services began at approximately 10 a.m. Monday.

Glenn served in Perry County law enforcement for nearly 20 years. On July 3, Glenn was reportedly investigating a domestic dispute when she and other officers found themselves in an armed altercation with 34-year-old Sean Hubert.

The Indiana State Police said Glenn suffered a fatal gunshot wound as she attempted to arrest Hubert, who was armed, at Perry County Memorial Hospital. Police then shot and killed Hubert.

The circumstances surrounding Glenn's death have proven particularly traumatic for a police department that has never lost an officer in the line of duty. Glenn was the first female in Tell City history to make the rank of sergeant.

More: Tell City police officer and suspect killed in gunfight at hospital

Glenn also hails from a law enforcement family: Her father, Bob, served with the Tell City Police Department and later became the Perry County Sheriff.

Tell City Police Chief Derrick Lawalin, speaking at Monday's service, noted the challenges Glenn faced in chasing her dream to follow in her father's footsteps.

"When Heather embarked upon her career in law enforcement, she faced the adversity of being a female in what was historically a male-dominated profession," Lawalin said. "Not only did Heather conquer these adversities, but she also inspired young women to join the profession as she served as a role model."

Lawalin said Glenn was quick to think on her feet and could deliver a searing punchline at a moment's notice — sentiments echoed by many others who knew and loved her.

Tell City Mayor Chris Cail described Glenn as a dedicated public servant who was willing to sacrifice her life for the protection of the community. As a striking symbol of Glenn's connection with her community, her flower-adorned squad car sits parked on display in central Tell City.

"I've known Heather, and the whole family, for my whole life and they're wonderful people," Cail said. "But July 3 was the day that changed all of us; it was the day that none of us will ever forget... I couldn't believe what had happened: not to our community, not here in Tell City and to our Heather."

Glenn, by all accounts, was an animal lover. At her funeral, speakers shared heartfelt stories of Glenn personally making sure abused animals found loving homes. According to Glenn’s obituary, members of the public can make contributions to the Rivers Edge Animal Shelter in her honor.

Indiana law enforcement officers are required to fill out what is known as an "end-of-watch packet." The documents outline an officer's wishes should they fall in the line of duty.

Lawalin said reading Glenn's end-of-watch papers was "difficult." But among her wishes was that her nephew, Trace, would be one of her pallbearers.

"While there are not many things in this world that I know with absolute certainty, I can tell you that the bond between Heather and Trace was as special as anything I have ever witnessed," Lawalin said.

In Glenn's "beautiful handwriting," Lawalin said Glenn went out of her way to stick her much-beloved nephew with "the heavy end." Glenn's joke resulted in a roar of laughter from the hundreds of residents, officers and deputies who came to honor her legacy.

Houston can be contacted at houston.harwood@courierpress.com

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Community honors fallen Tell City police officer Heather Glenn