FISHERS — Funeral services for fallen Elwood Police Officer Noah Shahnavaz were held on August 6. You can watch the service below.
Dozens of law enforcement officers gathered at ITOWN Church in Fishers to pay their respects. More than 1,300 people total attended the service and some attendees had to go an overflow room.
Noah's mom, Laurie Shanavaz, gave the eulogy, which was also printed in the program.
A message from Officer Shahnavaz’s parents. “A good, honorable, and kind man was senseless leaving taken from the world. We should all seek to honor Noah’s life and sacrifice by choosing to move forward, do hard things, and always strive to make the world a better place.” pic.twitter.com/1iHGrb1Njf
— Kaitlyn Kendall (@KaitlynReports) August 6, 2022
Noah's grandmother, Barbara Batson and sister Sarah Shahvanaz also spoke. Sarah's brother stood next to her as she shared family memories.
"To those of you who have asked what you can do, I'll tell you. I have one more thing to ask of you — remember Noah," Batson said.
Sarah says Noah was always the funny one in the family who got everyone to laugh at his jokes.
"Life is too short. Perhaps humans' biggest mistake is believing that everyone will live to the average life expectancy. Life is too short to let misunderstandings be misunderstood and life is too short not to tell people you love them every chance you get," Sarah said.
She also shared the story of a candy jar and water jug's significance.
Marion County Sheriff's Office Captain Bryan Wolfe sang "Amazing Grace, The Policeman's Tribute."
White carnations with a red dot were worn by every officer taking part in the funeral. The carnation will hang upside down and be tucked behind the officer's badge.
The white symbolizes a good life and a good career, while the red dot in the middle symbolizes the blood that Shahnavaz shed for his community and country.
Shahnavaz joined the Elwood Police Department in August 2021 after graduating from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in April 2021.
He was a U.S. Army Veteran and served for five years, ranking as a sergeant and earning his air assault badge.
At the funeral's conclusion, Shahnavaz will be escorted to Crown Hill Cemetery, 700 38th St., Indianapolis, for internment. You can view the procession route here.
The procession stopped at the Elwood Police Department for his final 10-42.
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Shahnavaz entered Crown Hill Cemetery where he will be laid to rest will full military and police honors. He was met with hundreds of people including, family, law enforcement, and community members.
The Crown Hill bell tolls as the procession enters the gates.
Indiana State Police firing party line themselves up for the salute.
The bagpipes and drums lead Shahnavaz through Crown Hill Cemetery.
Shahanvaz's flag-draped casket is taken out of the hearse and brought out.
His casket is placed in front of the Heroes of Public Safety statue.
The burial ceremony begins.
These memorials will mark the spot where Elwood police Officer Noah Shahnavaz will be laid to rest at Crown Hill Cemetery.
People line up to place a white carnation on Shahnavaz's casket.
The burial ceremony ends with dozens of carnations on his casket.
A memorial fund has been created for him by the Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation.
Donations can be made by visiting www.indianafallen.org and clicking on "FALLEN HEROES" to select NOAH SHAHNAVAZ. Donations can also be made at any First Merchants Bank.
