[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 116 (Friday, September 5, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1674]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN MEMORY OF OFFICER PAUL DEGUCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TIM ROEMER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 5, 1997

  Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my sorrow over the 
tragic loss of Officer Paul Deguch, a good friend and an outstanding 
public servant from South Bend, IN. I know Paul from when we worked 
together on the Impala sports program for children in public housing in 
South Bend. This is truly a sad time for the citizens of northern 
Indiana. While serving on duty during the evening of Monday, August 25, 
Officer Deguch made a self-initiated stop to investigate something he 
found suspicious. Suddenly and without warning, Paul was shot several 
times. Sadly, he died at St. Joseph County Medical Center shortly 
thereafter.
  Mr. Speaker, Paul was a great family man and a talented police 
officer. He was a devoted husband and father, and it was very clear to 
all who knew Paul that his family was always his No. 1 priority. He 
enjoyed playing with his children, building their treehouse, tending 
his garden, enjoying his other hobbies including wine making, and 
exercising at Lynch's Gym in South Bend. Having been a star high school 
and college athlete, he enjoyed taking his family to ``The Cove'' for a 
baseball game, and teaching his three young children how to play T-
ball. Additionally, Paul attended St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic 
Church and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 36.
  Paul's wife, Annette, his family, friends, and coworkers will miss 
his infectious smile, his laugh, and his ability to bring sunshine to 
the most cloudy day. He was a role model as a police officer and as a 
public servant, and a role model for adults and children alike. Our 
hearts and spirits are burdened by the loss of a true and dedicated 
friend. Paul's death reminds us of the dangers that all law enforcement 
officers bravely and constantly encounter.
  Mr. Speaker, Paul's 5-year-old son, David, summed up our feelings 
best, ''At my Daddy's funeral, everyone will be sad.'' I want his 
entire family and friends to know that we share their loss and their 
grief. We will remember Paul Deguch as a kind and caring community 
leader, an irreplaceable member of our city, whose memory will inspire 
us forever.

                          ____________________