Chief of Police Vern Ervin died from a shotgun wound after responding to a man with a gun at Brownie's service station.

   An officer and the chief of police from the West Baden Springs Police Department were under fire and when Chief Ervin arrived he was killed instantly by the subject.

   The 38-year-old suspect was apprehended and charged with second-degree murder. He was later sentenced to life in prison where he died from natural causes in 1981.

   Chief of Police Ervin had previously served with the Orange County Sheriff's Department as a deputy for one year. He was survived by his wife, son, two daughters, three grandsons, three brothers and two sisters.