Elwood Police Department

05/25/2026

Today, our department lost more than a K9 — we lost a loyal partner, protector, and member of our family.

K9 Digo served with unwavering courage, loyalty, and heart. Through every call, every track, and every moment beside his handler Officer Mills, Digo gave everything he had to protect both his fellow officers and the community he served.

The bond between a handler and a K9 is something words can never fully describe, and today we mourn alongside everyone who had the honor of knowing and working with him.

Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your loyalty, Digo. Your watch may be over, but your impact will never be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother. We’ll take it from here. 🖤🐾

05/16/2026

Established in 1962 President John F. Kennedy commemorates this week every year as National Police Week to remember law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty & to express gratitude to those still serving our communities. The men & women of the Elwood Police Department have been honorably serving the citizens of Elwood for 132 years. As we come to the end of National Police Week we pause to honor & remember our own who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our great city.

Patrolman Willard VanHorn
EOW July 5, 1932
Officer VanHorn was shot & killed in the line of duty while attempting to apprehend a robbery suspect on the north side of town.

Patrolman Noah Jacob Shahnavaz
EOW July 31, 2022
Officer Shahnavaz was ambushed during a routine traffic stop on the south side of town.

Today the men & women of the Elwood Police Department continue to answer your daily call to service with pride, integrity & professionalism.

Isaiah 6:8
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said, Here am I, Send me!”

05/15/2026

During this National Police Week, we proudly recognize the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of the men and women in law enforcement who serve and protect our community.

This week, we also pause to remember and honor the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. We will never forget:

Patrolman Noah Shahnavaz
Elwood Police Department
EOW: Sunday, July 31, 2022

K-9 Kilo
Anderson Police Department
EOW: Thursday, July 26, 2012

K-9 Magnum
Anderson Police Department
EOW: Monday, August 20, 2012

Patrolman Henry Hall
Anderson Police Department
EOW: Saturday, May 18, 1957

Patrolman Frank M. Levy
Anderson Police Department
EOW: Monday, November 25, 1935

Patrolman Willard Van Horn
Elwood Police Department
EOW: Tuesday, July 5, 1932

Chief Opal Hughes
Alexandria Police Department
EOW: Thursday, February 17, 1927

Patrolman Leonard Clay
Anderson Police Department
EOW: Monday, May 31, 1926

Turnkey Johnathan Armstrong
Madison County Sheriff's Department
EOW: Sunday, March 9, 1919

Constable Albert Hawkins
Madison County Sheriff’s Department
EOW: Wednesday, July 9, 1913

Chief John Ellis
Alexandria Police Department
EOW: Monday, March 6, 1911

Patrolman Virgil Kirkman
Alexandria Police Department
EOW: Saturday, March 4, 1911

Patrolman George Lee
Alexandria Police Department
EOW: Thursday, December 7, 1899

05/02/2026

04/17/2026

Last evening EPD held our annual awards banquet where we recognized officers for outstanding achievements during 2025. We would first like to show our appreciation to the Elks Lodge of Elwood for continuing to host our event year after year & the Elwood Pizza King for providing our dinner for the night. The following officers were presented awards:

15 Year Service Award Officer Alex Gray

10 Year Service Award Detective Ben Gosnell

10 Year Service Award K9 Officer Matt Mills

Public Relations/Positive Officer Award Officer Doug Stanton

Animal Rescue Award Officer Alex Gray for risking his own life & running into a house fire to save a family dog.

Life Saving Award Officer Brandon Wilkinson for successfully providing the Heimlich Maneuver to a subject who was choking.

Threat Response Award Officer Brandon Wilkinson for quickly & successfully de-escalating a dangerous & threatening subject during a high risk call.

EMS Assistance Award Officer Caleb Smith for consistently providing outstanding assistance to local EMS crews on calls when time & citizens lives are on the line.

Traffic Safety Commendation K9 Officer Matt Mills

Criminal Arrest Commendation Captain Tyler Irwin

Officer of the Year Detective Ben Gosnell

03/17/2026

02/24/2026

https://www.copherfeslermay.com/obituary/rowlena-blackford

Rowlena Sue Blackford, age 85 of Elwood, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. She was born October 8, 1940, in Anderson to Donald and Mary Jane Aynes Trissel. Rowlena was a proud 1959 graduate of Alexandria High School and spent many formative years attending Frankton

02/22/2026

Physical agility & written aptitude testing for the Spring 2026 hiring process today. All applicants put a ton of effort & time into testing this morning & it was great to see such an interest in Elwood PD!

02/17/2026

We are deeply saddened today over the loss of Beech Grove Officer Brian Elliott. Our thoughts & prayers go out to his wife, his family, his department & everyone affected by this senseless tragedy. Rest in peace brother & may we always honor your selfless sacrifice.

01/28/2026

Tonight Mayor Jones sworn in Officer Ryan Ransford as EPD’s newest full time Police Officer. Ryan comes to us with over a decade of experience as a Corrections Officer with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office & has been active with the United States National Guard for 15 years! We are excited for the experience & skillset that Ryan is bringing to our team.