Educators Honor Fallen Beech Grove Police Officer

Community mourns loss of Officer Brian Elliott, a hometown hero who grew up in Beech Grove and attended local schools.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Beech Grove community is mourning the loss of Police Officer Brian Elliott, who was killed in the line of duty. Elliott was a lifelong resident of Beech Grove, attending local schools and participating in athletics. Educators and former classmates are remembering Elliott's kind personality, academic achievements, and dedication to serving his hometown as a police officer.

Why it matters

Officer Elliott's death has deeply impacted the tight-knit Beech Grove community, where he was known as a hometown hero. His passing highlights the risks and sacrifices made by law enforcement officers who protect their local communities. The memorials and tributes from Elliott's former teachers, coaches, and classmates demonstrate the community's strong bonds and desire to honor his legacy.

The details

A growing memorial outside the Beech Grove Police Department features flowers, signs, and mementos honoring Officer Elliott. He was a standout athlete in high school, known as the "flying tomato" for his fast running and bright red hair. Elliott studied law enforcement at the Central Nine Career Center and graduated in 2011 before joining the Beech Grove Police Department. His former teachers, coaches, and classmates have held vigils and are providing condolences to his family.

  • Officer Elliott was killed in the line of duty in February 2026.
  • Elliott attended South Grove Intermediate School, Beech Grove Middle School, and Beech Grove High School growing up.
  • He graduated from the law enforcement program at Central Nine Career Center in 2011.

The players

Brian Elliott

A Beech Grove police officer who was killed in the line of duty. He was a lifelong resident of Beech Grove and attended local schools, where he was known as a standout athlete and kind-hearted person.

Ellen Collinsworth

Elliott's former track coach, teacher, and close family friend who described him as a "very smart young man" with a "great personality" who grew up wanting to serve his hometown community.

Tami Watson

The Criminal Justice Instructor at Central Nine Career Center, where Elliott studied law enforcement and graduated in 2011 before joining the Beech Grove Police Department.

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What they’re saying

“We called him the flying tomato. He had the most amazing red hair that just would flow behind him when he was running wicked fast.”

— Ellen Collinsworth, Former track coach, teacher, and family friend

“Not that long ago, I ran into him at the middle school, and it just took me by surprise, you know, like I knew he was around, but to see him in his uniform and to get that chance to give a great big hug was wonderful, and to see him just so happy.”

— Ellen Collinsworth, Former track coach, teacher, and family friend

“He started his career path here. We're proud of that.”

— Tami Watson, Criminal Justice Instructor

“Usually the mission is for us all to go home at the end of the day, and when that doesn't happen, we step up.”

— Tami Watson, Criminal Justice Instructor

What’s next

The cross and sign from the memorial at Central Nine Career Center will be given to Officer Elliott's wife, along with handwritten letters from each student expressing their condolences.

The takeaway

Officer Elliott's death has deeply impacted the Beech Grove community, where he was known as a hometown hero. The outpouring of tributes from his former teachers, coaches, and classmates demonstrates the strong bonds and community pride in Beech Grove, as they work to honor Elliott's legacy of service and dedication to protecting his local area.