Hundreds honor fallen Beech Grove police officer at funeral

Officer Brian Elliott remembered for his dedication to service and community

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Hundreds of officers and community members gathered at Beech Grove High School to honor the life of fallen police officer Brian Elliott, who was killed in the line of duty. Speakers at the funeral service remembered Elliott as a dedicated public servant who made a lasting impact on the Beech Grove community.

Why it matters

Officer Elliott's death is a tragic loss for the Beech Grove Police Department and the broader community he served. His funeral highlights the risks and sacrifices police officers make to protect the public, and raises important questions about criminal justice reform and youth violence prevention.

The details

The funeral service for Officer Brian Elliott took place at his alma mater, Beech Grove High School, where hundreds of police officers from across Indiana filled the parking lot. Speakers, including Beech Grove Mayor James Coffman and Elliott's best friend Joshua Shrum, remembered Elliott as a selfless public servant who was the first officer Coffman swore in as mayor. Outside the service, mementos like Elliott's motorcycle, trophies, and a Metallica hat were on display, reflecting his personal interests beyond law enforcement.

  • Officer Elliott was sworn in as a Beech Grove police officer on April 8, 2024.
  • Officer Elliott's funeral service was held on Monday, February 23, 2026.

The players

Brian Elliott

A Beech Grove police officer who was killed in the line of duty. Elliott studied criminal justice at IUPUI and previously worked with Eskenazi Police and the Marion County Sheriff's Office before joining the Beech Grove Police Department.

James Coffman

The mayor of Beech Grove, Indiana, who delivered one of the eulogies at Officer Elliott's funeral service.

Joshua Shrum

Officer Elliott's best friend, who spoke at the funeral service and remembered him as a person who always left a lasting impression.

Michael Maurice

The chief of the Beech Grove Police Department, who said that Officer Elliott was "the best of the best" and called for a conversation about criminal justice reform and youth violence prevention.

Erin Elliott

Officer Elliott's wife, whom he married in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“April 8, 2024, was a big day for the city of Beech Grove. Not only was this the day of the total eclipse, it was Brian Elliott's first day as a Beech Grove police officer. It was all hands on deck and every Beech Grove police officer was working that day, even the new guy.”

— James Coffman, Mayor of Beech Grove (wishtv.com)

“No spotlight, no applause, just steady, solid, there. Elliott didn't just service a community, he built one.”

— Joshua Shrum, Officer Elliott's best friend (wishtv.com)

“Was Brian so much more than a police officer? Absolutely. However, the man Brian was outside of work was on full display that night in his role of as a police officer.”

— Michael Maurice, Chief of the Beech Grove Police Department (wishtv.com)

“Officer Brian Elliott was the best of the best, and that's why he was a Beech Grove police officer. The question that remains, is how do we prevent this from happening in the future?”

— Michael Maurice, Chief of the Beech Grove Police Department (wishtv.com)

What’s next

The Beech Grove Police Department is expected to have a conversation about criminal justice reform and youth violence prevention in the wake of Officer Elliott's death.

The takeaway

Officer Brian Elliott's funeral service highlighted the profound impact he had on the Beech Grove community, both as a dedicated police officer and as a person who cared deeply about service and building connections. His tragic death underscores the risks and sacrifices law enforcement officers make to protect the public, and raises important questions about how to prevent such tragedies in the future.