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Mourners gather to honor the life of the late Sen. Jack Sandlin at the Indiana Statehouse. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

By WHITNEY DOWNARD

Indiana Capital Chronicle

September 29, 2023

Dozens of lawmakers, Statehouse staffers, family members and state leaders gathered at the Statehouse Friday to honor the service of Sen. Jack Sandlin, 72, who died unexpectedly earlier this month.

“Let me be clear: he would have hated this,” Sen. Aaron Freeman, a close colleague and fellow Republican, said, jokingly.

Sandlin’s service lasted just 30 minutes, at the strict request of the family, Freeman noted, and was held on the main floor of the Indiana Statehouse.

Freeman and others described Sandlin as someone who dedicated his life to public service, including decades with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and, eventually, politics. He first served on the Indianapolis City-County Council and then as a state senator representing the south side of Indianapolis.

Freeman said he employed Sandlin’s private investigative firm as part of his legal practice so the two worked together in both the private and public sector.

“Law enforcement lost a huge ally in Jack Sandlin,” Freeman said, addressing the crowd on behalf of family members. “He was absolutely dedicated to this city; he loved Indianapolis. … I am just grateful for the time I got with my friend Jack.”

Members of the public who’d like to send their support to Sandlin’s family can send cards to P.O. Box 47802, Indianapolis, Indiana 46247. Sandlin’s obituary can be found here.

Indiana Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Indiana Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Niki Kelly for questions: info@indianacapitalchronicle.com.