While serving as a Deputy with the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Jacob “Jake” M. Pickett was killed in the line of duty on Friday, March 2 in Lebanon. Since then, several communities have given time and resources to help his family.
Saturday at Morse Park and Beach, 19777 Morse Park Lane, Noblesville, the Noblesville Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge No. 198 and the Hamilton County FOP Lodge No. 103 played host to a full day of softball and family activities as a fundraiser for the Pickett family.
Malachi’s Magnificent Lemonade decided to run a free lemonade stand at Saturday’s event. (Reporter photo by Stu Clampitt)
FOP Lodge No. 103 President Scott Hazel, along with Greg Kehl from FOP Lodge No. 198 and Ashley South were the organizers for the event.
According to Hazel, not only is all the money collected going directly to the Pickett family, but everything available was donated. Food including ice cream and desserts, water, soft drinks, adult beverages, silent auction items and the personal time of many volunteers were all given freely.
Eight law enforcement teams from across the region participated: Noblesville Police Department, Carmel Police Department, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Howard County Sheriff’s Office, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Blackford County Sheriff’s Office, the Indiana State Police and Chicago Metro.
While Chicago Metro came out on top in the tournament, the real winners were all those who showed up to help Pickett’s family. The event raised a total of $12,000, with all proceeds going directly to the Pickett Foundation.
If you would like to donate to the Deputy Pickett Memorial Fund, you can find details on how to do so at this link.
Reporter photos by Stu Clampitt