Holly MatkinTerre Haute, IN – Terre Haute Police Department (THPD) Detective Greg Ferency was murdered in the line of duty in an ambush attack outside a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) building on Wednesday.
The fatal shooting occurred outside the FBI Indianapolis Resident Agency near First Street and Wabash Court at approximately 2:15 p.m., according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
Agents ran to help the fallen detective and returned fire, striking the suspect before he fled the scene.
The gunman later drove himself to a local hospital and was taken into custody.
Police said he underwent surgery and remained hospitalized in unknown condition on Wednesday night, the Tribune-Star reported.
Det. Ferency was rushed to Union Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, THPD Public Information Officer Sergeant Ryan Adamson confirmed on Wednesday afternoon.
The 30-year veteran of the THPD was assigned to the FBI Taskforce at the time of his murder, his department said in a Facebook post.
The FBI is leading the investigation into the deadly attack.
“Please keep the Ferency family in your prayers,” the THPD said. “Thank you for all of the kind emails, posts, and calls. It is truly appreciated.”
Det. Ferency hired on at the THPD on May 14, 1991, the Tribune-Star reported.
He had been assigned to the FBI Taskforce since 2010.
Many of the fallen detective’s cases involved criminal networks, human trafficking, and illegal narcotics, the Tribune-Star reported.
Det. Ferency also gave presentations to the public regarding human trafficking and penned a book in 2003 discussing the culture of the illegal drug trade and drug enforcement.
Investigators said the gunman waited outside for Det. Ferency and shot him as he left the FBI building, WTHR reported.
“We’re used to taking those types of risks as law enforcement officers, all of us are. When we’re conducting arrests, doing searches, etc., but to have somebody come, as you say, to our front door and commit this kind of act is a step beyond and affects us all immensely,” FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan said. “It’s a small office, a tight-knit group of people, so it’s definitely a difficult situation.”
Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter described the veteran detective as “a good man,” WRTV reported.
“We lost a true public servant today and I don’t say that as a cliche statement,” Superintendent Carter said. “We owe Greg a debt of gratitude that will likely never be able to be repaid.”
“It’s not a good time to be a police officer in America,” he added. “But this is an example of someone who would die for someone who hates who they are. We’re not bad people.”
A police procession escorted Det. Ferency’s body from Union Hospital to Regional Hospital for an autopsy on Wednesday evening, the Tribune-Star reported.
“The tragic events that unfolded today are senseless,” Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb tweeted on Wednesday night. “Our heart breaks for Detective Greg Ferency’s family, loved ones and those who served with him every day protecting the residents of the Wabash Valley.”
“Janet and I are thinking of the Terre Haute Police Department, the community and Detective Ferency’s family as I know they will be steadfast in honoring his life, service and dedication to the residents of Vigo County,” the governor added.
Indiana Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch released a statement saying attacks on law enforcement officers will not be tolerated, WRTV reported.
“Detective Ferency was an honorable servant, who kept drugs off our streets and partnered with federal authorities to defend Hoosiers and his community,” Crouch wrote. “I am keeping Ferency’s family and those who worked side by side with him during his 30 years of service in my thoughts as we come together to honor his commitment to making Indiana a safer place.”
Det. Ferency leaves behind two adult children, WTHR reported.
— Sgt. Ryan Adamson (@THPDPIO) July 8, 2021
A dear friend and supporter of the program, Detective Greg Ferency passed away today. Our hearts go out to the Ferency family. Holloway will not be quite the same without you.
Rest in peace, Greg. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/NKlZabIJ09
— Purdue Volleyball (@PurdueVB) July 8, 2021
It is a sad day in Terre Haute. Greg Ferency was not only a great police officer, but a caring and loving family man. Our thoughts and prayers are with Peyton and all the Ferency family. Greg was a great man who defended what was right in the world. pic.twitter.com/2o36xa3g4r
— COA Volleyball (@COAvball) July 8, 2021
Detective Greg Ferency, was outside of a Federal Building when he was ambushed by the suspect and killed. @BlueLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/fkwekKjNKr
— BrotherhoodFWTX (@Brotherhoodfwt2) July 8, 2021
HAPPENING NOW: processional escorting Terre Haute officer Greg Ferency pic.twitter.com/fV81uWEKgv
— Allen Carter (@CarterNews) July 8, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Terre Haute Police Department Detective Greg Ferency, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Detective Greg Ferency, your life mattered.
