Ofc. Brian Elliott was ‘the best of the best,’ Beech Grove police chief recalls

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Beech Grove Police Chief Michael Maurice fought back tears as he remembered the life and service of Officer Brian Elliott during a celebration of life on Monday at Beech Grove High School.

Elliott, 33, was fatally shot while responding to a domestic disturbance at a Beech Grove apartment complex on Monday, Feb. 16.

He was “the best of the best, and that’s why he was a Beech Grove police officer,” Maurice told the crowd of mourners gathered at Beech Grove High School.

“Brian came to us after serving six years with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. When we hired Brian, he already possessed the characteristics we expect officers to display–he was going to fit right in because he was the very best.”

Maurice praised Elliott and his partner, who was wounded during the shooting that took Elliott’s life. “They were everything we want and expect our officers to be — fearless, compassionate, eager, community-oriented, selfless with others, able to act valiantly in high-stress situations.”

In closing, Maurice said, “Officer Brian Elliott, it was an honor to serve alongside you. We will continue to carry on your sacrifice from here.”

At the conclusion of Monday’s funeral services, a procession will take Elliott to Crown Hill Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest.