RICHMOND — Hundreds of people gathered outside Richmond's City Hall building Sunday to honor and remember fallen police officer Seara Burton.
Before the visitation, a flag presentation ceremony was done and the flag, along with a shadow box, was placed at a memorial near her casket. Many people who came today their respect reflected on officer Burtons police work. They say she exemplified what it means to protect and serve.
“She was just honest and full of integrity," Anthony Smith the Captain of Centerville Fire Rescue said. "She was a police officers, police officer. She was highly involved in the community and just one of the young people that was going to bring change to the law enforce community in the future.. that’s now not going to happen.”
Jesse Berger who waited in line to pay his respects grew up with officer Burton. His sister and her played basketball together. He says seeing her on the streets brought him a sense of comfort.
“I use to see her on the streets every once in a while and seeing her on the streets was really comforting," Berger said. "I grew up with her and stuff, and it was just good to know that there was a good cop out there. Especially in these times you know there is one that’s going to have your back and be there and do the right thing all the time. It's a shame she didn't deserve what happened to her."
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in the Tiernan Center at Richmond High School, 308 Hub Etchison Parkway.
After the funeral, there will be a procession to Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis where Burton will be laid to rest in the Heroes of Public Safety Section. The procession route is as follows:
- Richmond High School to Southwest G Street
- East (Left) on Southwest G Street to South 5th Street
- North(Left) onto South 5th Street to North A Street (US 40)
- West (Left) onto North A Street (US 40) to East Main Street
- West(Right) on East Main Street to Southwest 5th Street
- South(Left) on Southwest 5th Street to US 40
- West (Right) on US 40 to Illinois Street
- North (Right) on Illinois Street to 34th Street
- West (Left) onto 34th Street into Crown Hill Cemetery
The procession will pause in front of the Richmond Police Department, located at 50 North 5th Street in Richmond for the final 10-42 call.
Gov. Eric Holcomb has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff to honor slain Richmond Police Officer Seara Burton.
The order lasts from sunrise to sunset Monday, Sept. 26, the day of her funeral.
