[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 24, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E273-E274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN MEMORY OF OFFICER STEVEN MICHAEL JERMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN E. PETERSON

                            of pennslyvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 24, 1999

  Mr. PETERSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, like many communities in 
my district, Kane, Pennsylvania is a town of less than 6,000. It is a 
quaint and quiet community where residents share similar values, 
beliefs and a strong work ethic. Sadly however, Kane residents must now 
share in their pain, sorrow, and sense of loss.

[[Page E274]]

  Last weekend, Kane lost one of its finest individuals. Kane Police 
Officer Steven Michael Jerman was killed in the line of duty. Officer 
Jerman was a 23-year veteran of the small-town police force and was 
regarded with the utmost of respect by all who knew him. He devoted his 
career to helping youngsters by steering them away from the destructive 
path of drugs and alcohol. Officer Jerman ran a drug-prevention program 
which is credited for saving the lives and livelihoods of dozens of 
teens in the Kane area.
  Ironically, it would be the issue about which he had the most passion 
that would take the life of Officer Jerman. He was shot and killed by a 
teenager who got drunk, got behind a wheel and became violent--the very 
behavior he fought so hard to stop.
  This incident, which has devastated the community, is an eerie 
reminder that drug and alcohol abuse by our nation's youth is all too 
prevalent. I believe the best way to honor the life of Officer Jerman 
is for the community, police force, and for family and friends of 
Jerman to carry out his legacy by continuing the fight against drugs 
and alcohol among our youth.
  My wife Sandy and I offer our heartfelt and sincere sympathy to 
Jerman's wife and two children for this tragic loss. We also share in 
the sorrow of the town of Kane and entire Commonwealth.

                          ____________________