CHARLOTTESVILLE — The Shirley Police Department (SPD), along with students, staff and administrators at Eastern Hancock Community School District and those in the surrounding community, are mourning the loss of a beloved school resource officer (SRO), Sgt. Zachary Fuhrman.
Fuhrman, 37, Greenfield, died unexpectedly Friday. An investigation into his passing is being conducted by officials from the Greenfield Police Department (GPD), who were called to 900 block of N. Mill Run Boulevard, Greenfield around 12:24 p.m. Friday.
“It’s devastating,” Shirley Police Department Chief Brian Pryor said. “To be real honest with you, I feel like I just lost a child. He was like a kid to me and I loved him dearly. He is the one individual who is irreplaceable in every aspect.”
Pryor is the one who found Fuhrman Friday afternoon at his home in Greenfield and said an autopsy was scheduled for Monday. Pryor was called by officials at the school district after Fuhrman didn’t show up for his duties at the district Friday morning and staff could not get a hold of him.
“I found him, and it was one of the worst feelings in my life,” Pryor said. “With him being one of my loved ones, my heart just breaks. He just had a heart of gold and he loved people. He was so infectious.”
Officials with the school district say they received official word Friday afternoon Fuhrman had unexpectedly died.
Eastern Hancock officials sent out a release to parents Friday evening informing the school community, Fuhrman who spent most days protecting and patrolling the campus, had passed away.
“Eastern Hancock School System is profoundly saddened by the unexpected loss of our esteemed School Resource Officer, Zach Fuhrman,” the release said. “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the passing of Officer Fuhrman, who was dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff and deeply invested in our school community. His unwavering commitment and positive influence will be sorely missed. During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues.”
Eastern Hancock Superintendent George Philhower said Fuhrman was a special person and they loved having him at the district.
“I just want everyone to know how much we loved Zach and how much we miss him,” Philhower said. “He was the person a lot of our kids really looked forward to seeing each day. He made us feel safe and he will be missed.”
Fuhrman, who worked as a full-time SRO for the district, was also a sergeant with the SPD. He was hired as the full-time SRO back in the summer of 2022 when he was working as a reserve for the SPD. Back then, he told the Daily Reporter how excited he was to become a part of the district on a full-time basis.
“It’s a perfect fit for me,” Fuhrman said at the time. “I’ve just had such a blast working with everyone out there because it’s a smaller, tight-nit community, and I love the idea of having K through 12 in one building so you can watch the kids grow throughout the years.”
Fuhrman’s path to law enforcement was a lengthy one. He spent four years in the U.S. Marine Corps right out of high school. He then went to IUPUI where he earned degrees in journalism and criminal justice. After traveling for a few years, Fuhrman was hired by Purdue University, where he did research and wrote a history book on the Purdue University Grand Prix, an annual go-cart race known as one of the biggest traditions on campus.
Fuhrman then made the decision to get into law enforcement and went to work for the Marion County Community Corrections program. That’s where he was when he teamed up with the SPD as a reserve officer. He then went through specialized training at the Indianapolis Law Enforcement Academy to prepare for the full-time SRO position.
Officials with Eastern Hancock schools opened the school building Saturday and Sunday afternoon and evening to support members of the school community who needed a place for solace, reflection and mutual support as they try to navigate what district officials are calling a “profound loss” together.
A community member wrote on social media, “So sad! He was a great guy! My kids loved seeing him at school and he always knew how to make them feel good! He will be missed by many!”
Officials with the SPD displayed Fuhrman’s police car in town. Community members dropped off flowers and posted prayers for the officer, who was well-liked. Officials with the SPD also put a photo of Fuhrman’s police car as their profile picture on social media.
One of the tribute messages stated, “Rest in peace sir. It’s heartbreaking. He was the first officer to talk to us as new neighbors to the Shirley PD. He always smiled and waved at us. Made us feel welcome and safe. Thank you for that. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends he will be missed.”
Another person wrote, “I used to go to Eastern and he definitely helped me through my dad passing away. He was a great listener and a great supporter by keeping me on track and it breaks my heart knowing he passed but knowing he is still in the line of duty in heaven is a little reassuring. He was one of the best SRO’s I could have ever asked for. Rest very easy and make the sky shines brighter than ever.”
Officials from the Shirley Volunteer Fire Department sent out a message saying their thoughts are with officials at the SPD.
“Prayers go out to our brothers and sisters on the Shirley Police Department. They have lost an incredible sergeant, friend, and brother. Sgt. Fuhrman will be missed beyond measure and will be in our hearts always. We grieve this loss of a great friend and will forever miss his smile.”
Funeral details are pending, Pryor said.
