Recently retired Elkhart Police Captain Brent David Long, #188, passed away suddenly but peacefully within the familiar confines of his own home following a medical event on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 5:37 pm. Brent was 54 years old.

He was born in Waverly, Iowa on August 11, 1969 to the late James M. Long and Pamela (Jack Alliss) Miller, who reside in Lake Village, Indiana. In 1990, Brent married his sweetheart (together from the age of 14) Lori A. Bailey, who now survives Brent at home.

Also surviving Brent are his children Alex J. (Abigail "Abby" Miller) Long of Elkhart and Taylor R. (Forrest) Glogouski of Goshen; his brother Kory J. Long of Lake Village; sister Lisa (Wayne Frayer) Brinker, also of Lake Village; grandsons Griffen and Grady Glogouski; his sidekick "Rex" the German Shepherd and a loving host of extended family, good friends, neighbors, law enforcement colleagues and an entire community who will miss Brent and will cherish the memory of his presence in their lives. Additionally, we certainly cannot forget his "most favorite mother-in-law ever", Debbie D. Harpole of Niles, Michigan, with whom he enjoyed a wonderful, fun and joking relationship that was anything but stereotypical for mother/son-in-laws!

In accordance with the wishes of Brent's family, a public celebration of his life will take place at Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart on Thursday, August 1, 2024 from 2pm – 8 pm, followed by a Homegoing Service scheduled to begin at Billings on Friday, August 2 at 11:00 am. An hour of visitation will begin prior to Brent's homegoing service on Friday at 10 AM. Elkhart Police Chaplain Jason Brooks will officiate the services, and departmental honors will be rendered by the Elkhart Police Department Honor Guard.

Publicly, Brent retired in January of 2021 from a career with the Elkhart Police Department that spanned over 27 years, ultimately achieving the rank of Captain. During that time, he served as a patrol officer, on the detective bureau, on the drug task force and on the bomb squad. He graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 1994 (#113), and, over the years, he made many, many friends and acquaintances on and off the job and was well thought of by his law enforcement colleagues.

Despite Brent's years on the police department and the many accolades and accomplishments Brent achieved as a police officer, his family would be the first to say that, while stellar, his law enforcement career did not define Brent at the core.  Brent was so, so much more, and was much more compassionate, complex, loving and understanding than his exterior would lead you to believe.

Brent absolutely LOVED and doted over his two grandsons. They were his greatest passion. In fact, one of his most favorite pastimes was to sit with his grandson Griffen for hours and pose with him while snapping dozens of pictures with silly snap-chat filters. He loved cuddling with Grady who is six months old. It is our understanding that the police electronic forensic team is still trying to crack Brent's phone for one of those snap-chat pics!

Earlier, we mentioned that Brent knew just about everyone, and after 27 years on the beat, that's no lie! But it was because Brent made time for you. He listened to what you had to say and responded to you. He wanted to hear your story. His family will jokingly tell you that they had to tell Brent that family events were an hour earlier than their actual time because Brent would always get caught up in a conversation with someone somewhere and be late. If you ask any friends or colleagues, he was always on "BD Time".

He was an AMAZING cook and specialized in prime rib and chicken wings. In fact, he catered and cooked for his daughter Taylor's wedding and still had the time to walk her down the aisle. We can also assume that the loss of the family's prime rib connoisseur is directly connected with "Rex's" sad mood.

Brent loved boating, fishing, and cruising on Lake Michigan with those he loved. He loved listening to everything from 80's classic rock to current country and everything in between. He loved karaoke and DJ mixing. He loved vacationing in Florida with his beautiful Lori and his family. He was humble and kind. He loved to give. He loved golf, bowling and knowing the answer to (truthfully) EVERY trivia question. He loved to cruise around in his '01 yellow corvette with his license plate reading "IAM1042".  He loved and cherished his community, but most of all loved his wife and his dear children. Deep down, every first responder has an innate desire to contribute to the big picture, and Brent spent 27 years being at the right place at the right time. His family shall remain ever blessed for their loved one's selfless service to everything that matters.

On behalf of Brent's memory, donations may be made out to the Elkhart Police Department or to the "Tunnel to Towers Foundation" for Gold Star and Fallen First Responder families.

Elkhart Police Department
175 Waterfall Drive, Elkhart IN 46516
Tel: 1-574-295-7070
Web: https://elkhartpolice.org/

Tunnels to Towers Foundation
2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island NY 10306
Tel: 1-718-987-1931
Email: donationsupport@t2t.org
Web: https://t2t.org/donate/