Shootings highlight hazards of police work - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

The video of the ambush on Fortville Officer Matt Fox is difficult for Mike Laird to watch.

"It was so quick. The guy got out of his car and just started shooting. He had nothing else on his mind except to kill a police officer," said Laird, who is the father of fallen Indianapolis Metro Police Officer Jake Laird.

See the video here.

Nearly eight years have passed since Officer Laird was shot to death in his patrol car on the south side. For his family, line-of-duty shootings revive memories of that horrific night.

"You scratch your arm and it's right there. It's underneath the surface just that quick and it will bring it back in a heartbeat," said Laird.

Officer Laird's killer, 33-year-old Kenneth Anderson, had been treated for schizophrenia. Police removed weapons from his home months before the shooting but by law had to return them. On August 18, 2004, Anderson killed his mother before going on the rampage that left Laird dead, and four other officers injured.

IN 2005, the Jake Laird Law was passed allowing officers to remove guns from people who they have reason to believe could pose a threat.

While the law may not have helped in Saturday's shooting of Officer Fox, it could have made a difference with James Bailey, who shot an innocent man as well as an Anderson police officer in Pendleton last Friday morning.

According to Bailey's record with the Henry County Sheriffs Department, Indiana State Police troopers were investigating death threats Bailey made towards his wife's coworkers. The memo also stated ISP had knowledge multiple guns, including an AK-47 stashed in Bailey's home.

The Jake Laird Law was never utilized and no charges were ever filed.

Laird says the law is meant to be a tool, not a catch-all.

"It's a step to get things done. It's not the solution," he said.

Despite efforts to make the job safer for officers, Laird says he reality is that people can be unpredictable.

"Oh my gosh, I just don't understand it. I wish I had a magical answer to solve the problem but I don't. I pray for these guys every night," said Laird.

Officer Laird's parents now hold a golf outing in his honor. More than $270,000 has been raised, providing much needed safety equipment to departments all over the state as well as helping officers injured in the line of duty. The ninth annual outing is set for August 24th.

More information on the golf outing