Mike and Debbie Laird recently welcomed 424 golfers from all over Indiana to the 19th annual Jake Laird Memorial Golf Outing. The weather was perfect and both courses at the Pebble Brook Golf Club were in pristine condition, which made for the most successful outing since its inception in 2004 after their son, Jake Laird, an Indianapolis police officer, was shot and killed in the line of duty.
The money raised benefits police and fire agencies in Indiana with the purchase of new equipment, the support of instructional programs, and financial assistance to officers injured in the line of duty. To date, the Lairds have donated over $1 million to police and firefighter agencies.
Joining them during the opening ceremonies were Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen, Noblesville Chief of Police John Mann, and Mary Allen, who represented Congresswoman Victoria Spartz.
Mike and Debbie Laird’s work over the past 19 years has resulted in more than $1 million donated to police and fire departments. (Photo provided)
Branch Sales Manager Angie Turley, Title Sponsor from Fairway Mortgage, said, “My team donates to and sponsors the Laird outing because public safety employees are a huge part of our business. We enjoy helping to give back to them! We are honored to be a part of this event.”
IMPD Police Officer Kellie Leigh said, “As an officer, I watch as we die and despite doing heroic things or people having the best intentions, the rest of us move on. We don’t forget, but we move on because we can’t spend too long thinking that we may be next. The fact that 19 years later, Jake’s name is still drawing so much remembrance and helping so many is just unheard of and amazing. So, thank you. This tournament means so much to so many.”
Mike and Debbie Laird say they are looking forward to new opportunities to serve the police and fire communities and thank everyone for their participation in this year’s outing. For additional information please visit thejakelairdmemorialtourney.org.