FRANKLIN – Master Trooper Kelly Lazzell has retired from the Indiana State Police after serving 36 years. M/Tpr. Lazzell completed his final shift on Sunday, November 10th, and will turn in his equipment on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Although he has retired from ISP, he’s not going far; with his servant’s heart and dedication to service, he will continue his career in law enforcement as an Indiana State Police Motor Carrier Inspector at the Seymour scale-house. He will begin that job in January 2025.
M/Tpr. Lazzell is a native of Franklin Indiana and a 1978 graduate of Franklin High School. When Kelly was 17 years old he was pulled over by Trooper J.D. Richards, and Kelly remembers from that very moment he wanted to become an Indiana State Trooper. Upon graduation from the Indiana State Police Academy, Kelly received Trooper Richards’ same badge number and has worn the same badge for 36 years.
After high school, Lazzell attended Indiana State University. He returned home in 1985 and was hired as a Johnson County Sheriff’s Office deputy. He attended ILEA Basic Academy class 86-84. His goal was still to become an Indiana State Trooper, which he did in November 1988. After ISP Academy graduation, Kelly was assigned to the Indianapolis District, where he patrolled for 36 years, primarily working in Johnson County. During his career, M/Tpr. Lazzell is responsible for mentoring and training hundreds of troopers in different capacities. He has served as a firearms instructor for 21 years, was a member of the Mobile Field Force, a field training officer, a commercial vehicle inspector, and worked with the Franklin Schools on safety training.
M/Tpr. Lazzell is a beloved member of the Franklin Community and has served more than 39 years with integrity, professionalism, and courtesy.
In 1985, Lazzell was hired by Johnson County Sheriff Bob Haugh. Thirty-nine years later, he finished his career as ISP Sgt. Jon Haugh, the grandson of Sheriff Bob Haugh, is his squad sergeant.
Indiana State Police District Lieutenant Josh Watson said, “It has been an absolute honor and pleasure not only to work with Kelly but also to consider him a friend and a mentor. He has an incredible work ethic and desire to serve his community. His consistent and selfless service for the past 39 years is certainly commendable, and I wish him and his wife Jill the best in retirement.”
