The 11-year veteran of the Evansville Police Department passed away after a second fight with the disease in 10 years.

Schroer became an inspiration to many after his second diagnosis, serving as associate pastor at Northwoods Church, and dedicating himself to helping troubled youth. He started a local hip-hop record label focused on producing gospel-inspired music, and was recently honored as one of the Evansville “20 Under 40″ by the Evansville Business Journal for his positive contributions to the community.

Nathan's Facebook page has been inundated with comments today by those he touched over the years, offering thoughts, prayers, and support to his wife, Lindsay and the couple three children.

Yellow Ribbon with Blue Line Tribute
(Facebook)
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Several police officers and their family members, along with the Evansville Police Department, including Chief Billy Bolin, have changed their Facebook profile pictures to a yellow ribbon with a blue line through the middle as a tribute, and a way to remember their friend and colleague.

Billy Bolin went on to update his Facebook page with this comment,

I remember working the Freedom Festival back in 2002 and having this skinny rookie officer assigned to me. As we talked that day, he told me he was a guitar player in a Grunge Rock Christian Band. It was obvious to me that this rookie thought he was going to change the world. I had no idea how much change Nathan Schroer would really bring. Nathan became one of the best Sex Crimes Investigator's we had. When the doctors told Lyndsay Lindsay Schroer and him they couldn't have kids, they adopted one - before they defied the odds and had two more of their own. He started the Code 3 Ministries Bible Study for police officers. He became a youth minister. He went on overseas mission trips. He founded a Christian Hip-Hop label Nkosi Records. And through his bouts with Leukemia, he won over an entire community. Most recently, after finding out his Leukemia had returned once again, he called me to let me know he was praying for me and said he couldn't imagine how hard my job would had to be. He was fighting for his life and worried about me! I'm glad to have known him as a friend.

According to 14News, a memorial service for Nathan is being planned. Those interested in attending or sending well wishes have been instructed to check both the Evansville Police Department and Vanderburgh County Prosecutor Facebook pages.

The EPD will continue to accept donations in Nathan's name through their EPD Foundation.

Our hearts and thoughts are with Nathan's family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

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