[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 89 (Friday, June 28, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         BAY CITY POLICE CAPTAIN DAVE BRUBAKER: A LAWMAN'S LIFE

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                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 27, 2002

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me 
in honoring the life and mourning the death of retired Bay City Police 
Captain Dave Brubaker. When Dave passed away, his three children lost a 
wonderful father, his wife, Diane, lost a loving soul mate, the 
citizens of Bay City lost a committed public servant and I lost a 
friend.
  Dave befriended all who crossed his path, including me. In fact, I 
often crossed his path as he was patrolling the streets of Bay City. 
His greeting was always the same. He immediately activated the flashing 
lights of his squad car. Whenever Dave saw me ever so-slightly 
exceeding the posted speed limit, he'd pull me over. We'd share our 
latest deer hunting stories, then he'd let me go with a stern warning 
to slow down, a warning I naturally ignored until the next time Dave 
pulled me over.
  Anyone who knew Dave quickly developed an appreciation for his good-
natured sense of humor. Wherever he went, his natural charisma and 
outgoing nature drew people to him. He was always the center of 
attention and the life of the party. In fact, no one would have 
appreciated more than Dave the notion to pay tribute to him with a 
Fourth of July celebration and fireworks display.
  Dave was also a serious and dedicated public servant who never swayed 
from his duty to protect and defend our community. He was a devoted 
husband, father and grandfather. Above all, Dave cared deeply about 
people and never missed an opportunity to show it. The sense of loss 
for his wife, Diane, his three daughters and their husbands, his 
grandchildren and extended family certainly will never go away. Perhaps 
Dave's family can take solace in knowing that his fellow officers, his 
friends and the entire community are better off for having made Dave's 
acquaintance. We all miss him.
  Mr. Speaker, in the aftermath of the tragedies of Sept. 11, every 
community has a better understanding of the debt owed to law 
enforcement officers like Captain Dave Brubaker. Dave did his duty with 
a firm hand and understanding heart. His life's work is his badge of 
honor and his legacy will continue to inspire all public servants. 
Please join me in remembering and honoring Captain Dave Brubaker.

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