[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 76 (Tuesday, May 9, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E977]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      TRIBUTE TO CPL BRUCE BARDELL

                                 ______


                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 9, 1995
  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
distinguished police officer who is retiring as a hero from the Allen 
Park, MI, Police Department. Cpl. Bruce Bardell was honored last month 
by the city he has served with bravery and skill for 29 years.
  Since being wounded by a gunshot fired by a fleeing felon in 1978, 
Corporal Bardell has undergone four major surgeries, the most recent of 
which was in January of this year. I would like to share with my 
colleagues a little about the incident that led to this injury because 
it reveals much about the character of this officer, and the other 
officers on the Allen Park police force.
  On June 3, 1978, Corporal Bardell was among the officers dispatched 
when a larceny was reported in the north end of the city. The suspects 
fled in a car. After the police gave chase, the suspects abandoned 
their vehicle and escaped through back yards on foot in the dark. When 
a resident reported a prowler, Officer Bardell responded. Upon arriving 
to the area of the report, he viewed a shadowy figure darting in a 
nearby yard, and gave chase on foot. Officer Bardell was surprised by a 
second suspect hiding behind a garage, who fired two shots at point 
blank range, striking Officer Bardell in the abdomen. He managed to 
return fire, striking the suspect, who was immobilized until other 
officers arrived on the scene.
  Officer Bardell returned to duty following his recovery from his 
injuries, and I am pleased to be able to report that his assailant is 
still imprisoned, serving a 60- to 100-year term. However, I must also 
note that Corporal Bardell has suffered continuing health problems as a 
result of this craven criminal act. Despite these problems, he has 
continued to serve with distinction and honor.
  For his years of dedicated service to the people of Allen Park, for 
his bravery in the face of great danger, and for his record as a good 
and faithful citizen, I call upon my colleagues in the House to join me 
in saluting this great American.


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