Holly MatkinGreenfield, IN – Indiana State Police (ISP) Sergeant Mitchell “Mitch” Blocher died on Jan. 2, following a nine-month battle against brain cancer.
The 49-year-old sergeant began feeling ill in April of 2020, and doctors soon discovered tumors on his brain, according to the Daily Reporter.
His community rallied around him and his family in the wake of his diagnosis, to include holding a fundraising cookout and law enforcement parade past his home early last month.
A team of more than 30 friends and family members cooked up over 1,200 burgers in Sgt. Blocher’s front yard as the patrol vehicles continued to stream by for about three hours, the Daily Reporter reported.
Sgt. Blocher sat outside and watched the tribute that day and downed five burgers during the festivities.
He said at the time that his main goal was to enjoy one more Christmas holiday with his family, according to the Daily Reporter.
Sgt. Blocher passed away on Jan. 2, according to his obituary.
“We are all very sad about Mitch,” his longtime friend, Aaron Spaulding, told the Greenfield Reporter. “However, we’re glad that he is no longer suffering.”
Sgt. Blocher attended the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy immediately after graduating from Ball State University in 1994, according to his obituary.
He was sworn in as an ISP trooper on Christmas Eve, 1995.
During his 25-year law enforcement career, Sgt. Blocher served as a sniper on the Emergency Response Team and was also a dive master for the Underwater Search and Rescue Team, according to his obituary.
He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2013, and spent the rest of his career assigned to the Electronic Surveillance Team.
Sgt. Blocher received numerous awards throughout his years of service, to include the U.S. Secret Service Certificate of Appreciation, the Sherlock Award for Fraud Investigation, The International Association of Auto Theft Investigators Award for 2010, the ISP Outstanding Investigator of the Year, and the U.S. Attorney’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to a Prosecution, according to his obituary.
He was also honored by the Mothers Against Drunk Driving organization on multiple occasions.
Sgt. Blocher leaves behind his wife off 22 years, Angeline, as well as their sons, Samuel and Joseph.
He is also survived by his parents, sister, and his in-laws.
Sgt. Blocher was laid to rest on Saturday.
The Indianapolis Field Office and the entire Secret Service sends our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of fallen Indiana State Police Sergeant Mitch Blocher. pic.twitter.com/6U28bqJVYL
— U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) January 4, 2021
Our hearts go out to the Blocher family this evening. Earlier today we lost a true EH friend and supporter, Mitch Blocher. He fought the good fight against cancer but is now in a better place. We love you Mitch and the EH family will miss you! #MightyMItch #EHRoyalPride
— E. Hancock Athletics (@ehroyals) January 3, 2021
Thank you so much on behalf of Mitch Blocher and his entire family for all your prayers. Mitch has made it to his 25th anniversary date with the Indiana State Police and with the good lord willing, will be here to spend Christmas with his family.
— Todd McComas (@toddmccomas) December 23, 2020
Many of you have asked how you can help my brother Mitch Blocher’s family. The Indiana State Police Alliance is accepting donations on their behalf. Just click the link below, check ISPA Benevolence Fund and write “Mitch Blocher” in the comment field. https://t.co/QHEiAOjusY
— 10-41 with Todd McComas (@1041podcast) December 21, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Indiana State Police Sergeant Mitchell “Mitch” Blocher, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
