Roll of Honor
Incident
Chief of Police Vern Ervin was shot and killed at the French Lick Police Station at 5:50 am. The subject had an argument with his family, and the women fled to French Lick Police Station to receive the aid of the police. The subject went through West Baden and French Lick, firing a 12- gauge shotgun as he followed them in his vehicle. When West Baden Police officers arrived at the station, he shot out the windshield of a West Baden Police Department cruiser. As Chief Ervin arrived on the scene and approached the subject, the man shot him in the head, killing him. The subject fled across the street and surrendered at 6:15 am. The suspect was sentenced to life in prison, where he later died from natural causes. Chief Ervin was a United States World War II Army veteran who had served with the French Lick Police Department for 16 years and had previously served with the Orange County Sheriff's Office for one year.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two daughters, a son, three grandsons, and five siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IN-E65C189F- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Vern. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Chief of Police Ervin gave the French Lick Police Department 17 years.
Thank you for your service to the French Lick community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Vern L. Ervin served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Chief of Police Vern L. Ervin is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In IN, 311 of 503 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.8% of this state's fallen. That is 7.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At French Lick Police Department, 1 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Vern L. Ervin's cause is highlighted.
How Vern L. Ervin Compares
Offender Outcome
Died in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Vern L. Ervin is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Vern L. Ervin was killed by shotgun; 12 gauge.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from French Lick Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
