Five-year-old Dakota Pitts has returned to school for the first time since his father was killed in the line of duty last week.

But he didn't go back to his Indiana elementary school by himself on Monday as 70 of his father's coworkers were there in uniform to escort him.

Touching video shows the officers lining the side walk in support of Dakota while he donned his father's badge and was given a SWAT shirt as he made his way to the door of Sullivan Elementary School.

His father Rob Pitts, a 16-year veteran with the force, was tragically killed on May 4 in a shootout aged 45.

Dakota Pitts to went back to school on Monday since his father was killed in the line of duty last week

He was escorted by 70 of his father's coworkers while wearing his dad's badge

Officer Rob Pitts was killed in a shoot out with a homicide suspect last week in Indiana

The 16-year veteran leaves behind two sons and a daughter

'Dakota asked his mom if one of his dad's friends could take him to school, so she kind of reached out to Rob's friends and family,' said Les Ham, Terre Haute Police Department detective.

'He will definitely know that his dad was a hero. Blood doesn't always make family, and I think the blue family just went above and beyond,' said Kelli Jones, Officer Pitts' sister, told WHTI-TV.

The officers gave Dakota gifts and told him they would always have his back.

Pitts also leaves behind another son and daughter.

Officer Pitts and his team approached an apartment complex Friday evening where an armed murder suspect was barricaded inside.

Christopher Wolfe, 21, was suspected of shooting and killing a 26-year-old man at a home in Terre Haute.

A three-hour standoff ensued before Wolfe opened fire from the second floor of the apartment, fatally striking Pitts.

The officer was taken to Terre Haute Regional Hospital where he died.

Eventually a SWAT team entered the apartment and located the suspect, ending the standoff at 9.15pm.

Wolfe was also killed in the gunfire exchange.

On May 4 Pitts along with other officers approached the apartment complex on the south side of Terre Haute, Indiana, where he was fatally shot

A standoff between the shooter and officers ensued for three hours before a SWAT team entered the home to reach the suspect

The suspect Christopher Wolfe, 21, was also killed after striking Pitts

Police spokesman Ryan Adamson reported his death on Twitter and announced that his funeral will be held on Wednesday

Rob is deeply missed, but we are grateful for the time we had with him. Thank you for your continued prayers,' Terre Haute police spokesman Ryan Adamson said Saturday.

It is another tragic loss for the Wabash Valley and the Terre Haute Police Department,' Sgt. Joe Watts of the Indiana State Police said.

Chief John Plasse held a news conference to announce Pitts death.

'People are engaging law enforcement and we are losing our lives. He was a fine officer and he was going toward danger to help his fellow officers apprehend a homicide suspect,' he said.

Governor Eric Holcomb tweeted his condolences to Pitts' family.

'The sorrow @FLJanetHolcomb & I feel for the family of Patrolman Rob Pitts, the Terre Haute Police Department & the Wabash Valley region is beyond words. I ask Hoosiers around the state to join me in honoring Patrolman Pitts' service & dedication,' he said.

A vigil for the fallen officer was held that Sunday evening at the Sullivan Indiana Courthouse.

He is the first Terre Haute officer to die on duty since July 11, 2011.