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Indianapolis laid fallen IMPD Officer Breann 'Bre' Leath to rest after day of tributes

Fallen Officer Breann "Bre" Leath will be laid to rest Thursday. Follow below for live updates.

INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) — Fallen Officer Breann "Bre" Leath will be laid to rest Thursday. State and city leaders, family and loved ones will tribute Leath with a funeral service with full honors. Follow below for live updates.

4:56 p.m. - Officer Leath has been laid to rest.

4:52 p.m. - Fellow officers lay flowers on Officer Leath's casket.

4:15 p.m. - The graveside service for fallen Officer Bre Leath is beginning.

3:53 p.m. - The procession for Officer Leath is nearing Crown Hill Cemetery where she will be laid to rest.​

3:19 p.m. - The 10-42 was made which is a code used to indicate an officer's end of tour.

3:07 p.m. - The procession has made its way to IMPD East District headquarters.

2:45 p.m. - The procession has gone through Monument Circle and will continue on to IMPD East District headquarters.

2:25 p.m. - The procession is approaching downtown to go around Monument Circle.

A speech Mayor Joe Hogsett previously gave is playing over the speakers.

1:45 p.m. — The hearse carrying Leath's body has left IMS. It will now go to Monument Circle downtown.

1:15 p.m. - The procession for Officer Leath is about to leave the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on its way to Monument Circle.

It will then travel past her East District headquarters and end at Crown Hill Cemetery.

12:25 p.m. - Dr. Chris Holland gave the Leath's eulogy. He said he's talked about that famous smile around the world.

He told funny stories about Leath's childhood and how they prepared her for career in law enforcement — like using her investigative skills when her sister would sneak and steal cookies.

Holland called Leath the "perfect parent" with how she showed her love to her son.

He remembered how Leath said said wanted to be more than just a pretty face, she wanted to serve and protect her community.

After a closing prayer, there was a 21 gun salute and the playing of "Taps."

12:20 p.m. - There was a video tribute shared in memory of Leath.

12:07 p.m. - Leath's sister, Tiana, spoke about some positive memories she has with her sister.

"She wasn't just a police officer," she said. "She was there for me at some of my lowest points in life."

Tiana said reading scripture has comforted her since her sister's death.

"We know we're going to see her again."

Tiana spoke about Bre's loving relationship with her son, and said he'd be well taken care of with kisses and tickles while she's gone.

11:35 a.m. - Law enforcement officers paid their respects to Officer Leath.

IMPD Chief Randal Taylor said Leath would be extraordinarily remembered.

"Bre gave her life so that all of ours might be better," Taylor said.

Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal shed some light on Leath's family, who lost a daughter and a sister.

Three members are part of the Marion County Sheriff's Office. Her sister, Tiana, is a corrections officer. Her mother, Jennifer, was a dispatcher for 15 years before recently leaving her position, and her father, Tom, is part of the reserves division.

IMPD East District Commander Richard Riddle said in the span of a week to think about his words, he realized he was with Leath both on her first day on the job, and on the run on her last day.

Riddle spoke about a homework assignment Leath had as an IMPD recruit in the training academy — writing an autobiography. He shared excerpts from the essay, where she talked about moving to Indianapolis, joining the military and her son changing her life.

She also wrote at length about how her relationship with her parents led her to wanting a career in law enforcement.

Riddle said he has authorized the retirement of Bre's middle shift number: 231.

Lastly, Riddle spoke to Leath's son, saying he hopes the boy can watch it when he gets older.

"She died a hero," Riddle said.

IMPD East District Lieutenant Michael Leepper was the last colleague to speak about Leath. He remembered first meeting her, saying she was a shining star from the beginning.

He shared the story of Leath helping an elderly man in need, whose family member had taken advantage of him and drained his bank accounts. Leath took the time to explain ways he could practice financial independence, like by using online banking. Then, she went and bought him dinner from his favorite restaurant.

Leepper closed remarks by sharing advice to Leath's East District colleagues and her family during this tough time.

11:30 a.m. - LaShelle Turner, deputy warden of the Indiana Women's Prison spoke about her time with Leath on her staff. Turner talked about how good of a worker she was, and hoped her time at the prison helped her become the officer she was with IMPD.

11:20 a.m. - Gov. Eric Holcomb spoke about Officer Leath, calling her passionate about her work and compassionate for others. He gave well wishes to the family, specifically to Leath's 2-year-old son.

Holcomb said on behalf of the state, Hoosiers are the ones who were blessed to have her.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett recalled the commencement ceremony for Leath's recruiting class. He remembered her warm smile standing out against the others.

"My prayers go out to Bre's family and friends," Hogsett said. He sent condolences to Leath's family both by blood, and by badge.

"Last week wasn't the end," Hogsett said. "Today is the beginning of the journey we take on behalf of Bre."

11:10 a.m. - Lt. Bryan Wolfe of the Marion County Sheriff's Department sang "How Great Thou Art" in a musical tribute to Leath.

11 a.m. - Fellow officers are remembering Leath's smile. Prior to joining IMPD, Leath worked at the Indiana Women's Prison.


Hundreds of squad cars lined up around the track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway so officers could pay their respects.


7 a.m. - Police led an escort from Crown Hill to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where the funeral service will take place.

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