July 10, 2023 started as any other day for Deputy John Durm and his family. He reported to work as a deputy with Marion County Sheriff Department (MCSD), just had he had done for the past 38 years.

On July 10, his life was ended at the hands of an inmate during an escape attempt.

Deputy Durm was known to be the life of the party, the one who showed up to work with donuts to share. He had a reputation for being kind and fair to everyone. Those who crossed his path both in custody and not. He raised four grown sons with his ex-wife and friend Ramona. He loved animals, feeding strays and treating them like his own outdoor pets. He was a five-sport star athlete in high school, not only excelling in football, basketball, baseball, track, and golf, but also passing that passion down to his sons.

A visitation for Deputy Durm was held Sunday, July 16, 2023 at Scottish Rite Cathedral in Indianapolis, IN. His  funeral service occurred Monday, July 17 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN.  His funeral service was well attended and included eulogies from his two eldest sons. Sheriff Kerry Forestal said, “a poignant reminder that the work of our police officers is not merely a profession, it is a calling.” Durm’s father, brothers and ex-wife have all worked for the sheriff’s office.  Mayor Joe Hogsett offered brief condolences on behalf of the city to Durm’s family, and Reggie Miller (Former NBA star who spent his entire 18-year career with the Pacers) made a video appearance, telling Durm’s family that any time he crossed paths with the deputy, all he could talk about was his overflowing love for his family.

“Your father was incredibly proud of each of you guys,” Miller said directly to Durm’s four sons.

At the end of the ceremony, sheriff’s deputies served as pallbearers while other officers saluted and Durm’s casket was brought out of the arena.

When CPOF first began, it began for officers like Deputy John A. Durm. It began to give resources to those left behind after an officer is killed in the line of duty. It began to give pride and honor to the profession and awareness to the public for the unsung heroes around us. In 1984, CPOF did not have an honor guard team to send to the services of those killed in the line of duty. It became a mission of the founding board members to ensure that CPOF was there to part or on it’s own to give respect and dignity to our fellow officers. In 2007, the CPOF National Honor Guard Team became a reality.

We thank the CPOF National Honor Guard Team, led by Commander Ray Gonsalves, for representing CPOF at the services of Deputy Durm.

Chairman and National Director Ron Barnes also represented the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation proudly and with honor. When asked what it meant to be an unsung hero, his answer could not have been more accurate.  Watch his response when asked by local news Wish.TV

To the family of Deputy John Durm and his brothers and sisters protecting the public, we send our deepest condolances and sympathy.