September 19, 2022
It is with profound sadness that we announce that Officer Seara Burton #140/K9-2 passed away at 9:59 p.m. tonight at Reid Health surrounded by her family. She succumbed to the injury she received in a criminal act that occurred on August 10th, 2022.
Final arrangements are pending and will be announced when the details are available. Please join us in keeping Seara and her family in our thoughts and prayers.
We would sincerely like to thank the Richmond community, and those who have supported Seara, her Family, and the Department from near and far. Thank you to all of those who have shown unbelievable support throughout this very difficult time including the Dayton Police Department, The Indiana State Police, Indiana State Fraternal Order of Police, Richmond Fire Department and Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, as well as many other agencies.
The family is extremely grateful for the massive amount of support from the community. We kindly ask that you respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.
Respectfully,
Chief Michael Britt
Major Jon Bales
Major Aly Tonuc
On Monday, September 19, 2022, the Richmond Police Department along with multiple other agencies will be escorting the remains of Richmond K-9 Officer Seara Burton back home from Dayton. The escort is set to leave the Dayton area at 1:30 pm.
The escort will make its way onto I-75 North from Dayton and onto I-70 West. Once the escort reaches Richmond it will follow U.S. 40 from the interstate to North 5th Street (passing Officer Burton’s police car at the city building) and then onto East Main Street and back to U.S. 40 to Doan & Mills Funeral Home located at 790 West National Road, Richmond, Indiana. (See attached map)
If you wish to show your support for the family of Officer Seara Burton and the Richmond Police Department, please find a location that is safe along the route. Remember not to stop or park along the interstate.
Once the funeral arrangements have been finalized, they will be released.
Members of the Richmond Police Department, along with Seara’s family and friends would like to express their sincere gratitude for the outpouring of support from the Richmond Community and beyond during these difficult times.
Our hearts are shattered as we learn of the passing of Officer Seara Burton.
Officer Burton fought like a warrior through every minute of this battle. Her endearing spirit, professional service, and shining personality will live with us for years to come. She’s been an exemplary representative of our Police Department and our city. Officer Burton took an oath to protect and serve Richmond without fear or favor; it was an oath she took seriously and paid the ultimate sacrifice to fulfill.
Officer Burton is a hero and an example to all of us for her selfless service and unshakable commitment to her duties as an officer of the Richmond Police Department. As of now, an Officer will escort Officer Burton at all times to ensure our hero is never alone through her final journey.
The lights at our Richmond City Building will be turned off starting tonight, as we mourn. Also, I am lowering flags at all City Buildings, and asking Governor Holcomb to request all flags across our Hoosier state be lowered on the day of her funeral. The time will come that we can gather together as a community to grieve and support each other through this unfathomable loss.
Until then, please give Seara’s family privacy and space while we all continue to pray for them and her fellow first responders.
Dave Snow
Mayor of Richmond
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