INDIANAPOLIS – Dozens of lawmakers, Statehouse staffers, family members, and state leaders gathered at the Statehouse Friday to honor the service of Sen. Jack Sandlin, 72, who died unexpectedly earlier this month.
“Let me be clear: he would have hated this,” Sen. Aaron Freeman, a close Republican colleague, said jokingly.
Sandlin’s service was held at the Indiana Statehouse and lasted just 30 minutes, at the strict request of the family.
Freeman and others described Sandlin as someone who dedicated his life to public service, including decades with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, and, eventually, politics. He first served on the Indianapolis City-County Council and then as a state senator representing the south side of Indianapolis.
“Law enforcement lost a huge ally in Jack Sandlin,” Freeman said, addressing the crowd on behalf of family members. “He was absolutely dedicated to this city; he loved Indianapolis.”
Members of the public who’d like to send their support to his family can send cards to P.O. Box 47802, Indianapolis, Indiana 46247. Sandlin’s obituary can be found here.
