Major Paul Ernst was killed in a single-vehicle accident while on duty.

   He and another motorcycle officer had just escorted the Richmond High School boys basketball team to Hinkle Fieldhouse at Butler University for the evening semi-state tournament.

   They were returning from their assignment when Major Ernst lost control of his motorcycle and crashed. He was taken to Wishard Memorial Hospital where he died.

   Major Ernst, from Indianapolis, was second in command of the Law Enforcement Division and survived by his wife and daughter.

  

Sagamore of the Wabash In 1991, Major Ernst received the distinguished award from Governor Evan Bayh. The Sagamore of the Wabash, created during the term of Governor Ralph F. Gates (1945–1949), is an honorary award bestowed to those who have contributed greatly to Hoosier heritage. Major Ernst is the only known fallen officer of our state who has been a recipient of this award.

The responsibilities of the Marion County Sheriff's Department – Law Enforcement Division (1822–2006) are now under the jurisdiction of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.