South Bend, IN – The South Bend community is mourning the passing of retired South Bend Police Department Lieutenant Phil Trent, a well-known figure who spent more than three decades serving residents in St. Joseph County and the greater northern Indiana region.
According to the South Bend Police Department, Trent served 33 years in a wide range of assignments, including both the patrol division and detective bureau. Throughout his career, he rose to the rank of Captain and became one of the department’s most visible public figures while serving as its longtime spokesman.
Trent frequently appeared on local television and in newspapers, offering updates on criminal investigations, community safety, and major incidents across South Bend. His communication work became one of his most recognized contributions, helping bridge information between police and the public.
SBPD noted that Trent retired in 2021 as a day-shift Lieutenant assigned to the patrol division. The department described him as a dedicated officer whose work shaped public understanding of law enforcement activity in the region.
Trent’s funeral services are scheduled for next weekend, and additional details about his life and memorial plans are available through Palmer Funeral Homes. The obituary can be viewed at: https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Philip-Trent
Community members and former colleagues have begun sharing condolences online, remembering Trent as both a committed officer and a reassuring public voice during high-profile events.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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