MARAIS JACON-DUFFY
NEWS EDITOR

An air of mourning clouded the Butler University Police Department after Friday’s shooting in Indianapolis.
Officers have covered their badges with a black elastic band since Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer Rod Bradway’s death.
BUPD Sergeant Chris Marcum’s eyes filled with tears while reflecting on the dangers and possibility of death for police officers.
“This is just one of those things that comes with donning the uniform,” Marcum said. “You have to do what you have to do, but knowing this doesn’t make it any easier.”
Marcum recited a Facebook post written by a fellow law enforcement officer in light of Bradway’s death.
“He was just trying to help a citizen screaming for help,” the post said. “This was just a senseless act of violence.”
Bradway was responding to a domestic dispute and
acted according to protocol, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Bradway entered an apartment at 2 a.m. on Friday on the northeast side of Indianapolis to aid a woman who had been held at gunpoint for three hours. A small child was also present in the home, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Bradway was shot and killed by a man hiding behind a door in the apartment. The gunman, 24-year-old Steven Byrdo, was later killed after pointing his gun at another IMPD officer.
Customary action for honoring a fallen officer is to wear a black elastic band over badges on uniforms.
Bill Weber, BUPD assistant police chief anticipated the memorial for Bradway would be “a large procession, and BUPD officers will surely participate.”
A police vigil was held on Friday evening for Bradway. Numerous BUPD officers attended.
Weber said one member of BUPD, Officer Bill Kennedy, went to the police academy with Bradway.
Officer Kennedy volunteered to stay with Bradway’s body in the early hours of the morning. It is tradition for police personnel to stay with a fallen officer’s body until burial.
BUPD officers have dealt with similar tragedies over the last few years with the death of IMPD Officer David Moore in 2011 and BUPD Officer James Davis in 2004. Davis’ death occurred exactly nine years ago yesterday.
Marcum said BUPD will likely take calls from IMPD beats to help lighten their workload as memorial arrangements are made. BUPD took IMPD calls after Moore’s death as well, Marcum said.
Weber said IMPD has a Police Office Support Team, that specializes in helping families and coworkers deal with the harm or death of a loved one in the line of duty.
“These people are specially trained to help with grief training and respond to traumatic experiences,” Weber said. “They are highly qualified to help comfort those affected by this horrible tragedy.”