[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 160 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2378-E2379]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   A HERO'S DEATH IN THE LINE OF DUTY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 13, 1997

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to take a moment to 
honor a man, a husband, a father, and a police officer. Officer Bruce 
Vanderjagt was not only a dedicated member of the Denver Police 
Department, but he was also a loving husband to Anna Marie and father 
to his 2 year-old daughter, Hayley. Unfortunately, Officer Vanderjagt 
can no longer be any of these things because he was fatally wounded in 
the line of duty yesterday, Wednesday, November 12, 1997.
  Officer Vanderjagt, a man who served his country in Vietnam as a 
marine, faithfully answered someone's emergency call yesterday. On this 
wintery day, thieves were tearing through the property of another's 
home. When Officer Vanderjagt arrived at the scene, these callous 
thieves were escaping in their vehicle. Officer Vanderjagt, because of 
his oath as a police officer and his dedication to justice, pursued the 
criminals. The chase brought them into the city of Denver where the 
shrill sound of gun fire filled the air. This was not just one or two 
shots, but several. At least 30 shots were fired directly at Officer 
Vanderjagt and other fellow officers. Officer Vanderjagt was fatally 
injured. What a heavy price for society to pay. It was a burglary that 
brought Officer Vanderjagt to his tragic death this cold and snowy day. 
As a result Denver has not only lost an outstanding police officer, but 
also a faithful citizen, husband and father.
  Many, but of course not all, of Officer Vanderjagt's accomplishments 
include: earning his PhD from the University of Denver at 47 years of 
age this year, winning Denver's Distinguished Service Cross twice for 
his courageous work in the line of duty and, as already mentioned, 
serving his country in Vietnam as a marine. Officer Vanderjagt had a 
great deal to offer his family and the community.

[[Page E2379]]

  Our thoughts go out to his wife Anna Marie and daughter Hayley who 
are missing and grieving for a man they deeply loved. At only 2 years 
of age, Hayley is forced to grow up without her father all because some 
vicious criminals were afraid they would be held responsible for their 
crime. A close knit family has now been separated because these 
villains could not see behind the police uniform to a man who was 
loyal, honest and loving. I ask you to remember Officer Vanderjagt and 
all he did to serve his community and his family. This tragic loss is 
being felt all over the State of Colorado. His family needs our prayers 
and concern today as they grieve his loss.
  The Congress of the United States expresses its sympathy for a brave 
officer who gave his life for the freedom of his fellow citizens.

                          ____________________