ELWOOD — Over 300 motorcycles and Jeeps from all over Indiana made their way to the town of Elwood on Sunday to honor fallen police officer Noah Shahnavaz.
They did so through a fallen LEO Rose Ride. These rides are something Vince Blas has been doing for over 10 years.
A veteran himself, he is passionate about making sure those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
"Rose Ride or rose drop is basically a symbolic symbol that is your last respect your last upmost respect and salute," Vince Blas with the American Veteran Riders Association said.
Roses and flowers were placed one by one in front of Shahnavaz’s memorial, which sits in front of the police station. Some people were emotional as the flowers hit the ground. Some were left with not a lot to say after seeing how many people showed up to pay their respects.
Brian Engelhardt organized the Jeeps coming to the memorial ride.
“We just want to honor this young man who offered his life in the military and gave his life to protect ours as a police officer," Engelhardt, said.
While many of those who attended were veterans themselves, a family friend who knows the Shahnavaz family well came and shared a message from Noah’s dad.
“He sent me a text before I came here,” Damon Heasley said. “If you have an opportunity to chat with anyone in the Elwood community please let them know my family feels their love and we love them back.”
Those close to him and his family hope he is remembered for more than his service to the community.
“Noah was a jovial person,” Heasley said. “Many times, it was talked about his smile and his laughter so whenever Noah is remembered, that’s what we want people to remember is how full of life he was and how he enjoyed life and we hope others can do the same.”
-
Fishers debuts free indoor holiday event Jingle Bell Junction for families
Fishers is bringing holiday magic indoors with its first-ever Jingle Bell Junction, a free winter wonderland event running through the next few days at the Nickel Plate Amphitheater.
Northridge neighbors push for safety upgrades as Brownsburg grows
Neighbors in the Northridge subdivision say speeding has gotten out of control, and town leaders are now moving toward safety upgrades they hope will slow drivers down before someone gets hurt.
IU's DE Stephen Daley expected to miss the rest of this season, playoffs
Defensive end Stephen Daley is expected to miss the College Football Playoff after getting injured during No. 1 Indiana’s Big Ten championship celebration.
Coach Steichen says Colts will decide Rivers' playing status by week's end
The Colts will decide by the end of the week on whether newly signed practice squad quarterback Philip Rivers will be available for Sunday's game in Seattle, head coach Shane Steichen said Wednesday.
