Deputy John Durm was honoured during his funeral as a “unsung hero” of the police

Indianapolis, Indiana – Deputy John Durm was honored as an “unsung hero” of law enforcement during a solemn graveside service.

Because they are concealed behind the walls of the institutions and jails they staff, Ron Barnes, the chair of the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation, claims that law enforcers who work with the prisoners frequently go unrecognized.

“You’re not in the public’s eye. You’re kind of an unsung hero behind the walls so you go to work every day, you raise your family, you keep them safe, you keep the inmates away from the public, you keep people safe,” Barnes said. “That’s what I’m looking at as far as unsung heroes.”

According to Barnes, the organization was started to support anyone involved in the criminal justice system so that their families would not be forgotten.

“It’s an honor to be here. It really is to support the Durham family. I met them last night and I had a chance to talk to his mother and the son and you know it’s just a great family and it’s really unfortunate what happened,” Barnes said. “Here’s a gentleman that worked 38 years in the department. He was 61 years old. He was probably looking forward to retiring and here in a moment an inmate takes his life.”

According to Barnes, the work of these prison officials and sheriff’s deputies is extremely risky since they frequently deal with violent criminals who have been convicted or are under investigation for a crime.

“They really protect the public and we don’t get the recognition that the police officers and firefighters and those folks that’s are out there in the public get,” Barnes said.” But it’s just as important and dangerous a job.”

Project 2000, an annual event held by the foundation in memory of police officers who died in the line of duty, takes place every June.