[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 13, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E19]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF CORPORAL JAMES SZUBA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE DONNELLY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 13, 2010

  Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to 
Corporal James Szuba, a nearly eight year veteran of the Mishawaka 
Police Department, who gave his life in the line of duty.
  On Saturday, January 9, 2010, an intoxicated driver, in the act of 
fleeing from a pursuing officer, struck Corporal Szuba's patrol car as 
he was responding to a call for assistance. On board was his eight-
year-old canine partner, a German Shepherd named Ricky, who was also 
killed upon impact.
  Mishawaka Police Assistant Chief Mike Samp noted ``He was very 
dedicated. He was one of those officers who would step up and help an 
officer if they needed anything. He was an outstanding officer who is 
going to be greatly missed around here.'' In 2004 he and three fellow 
officers were presented the Officer of the Year Award by the Indiana 
Council of Fraternal, Veterans and Social Societies after they rescued 
a five-year-old boy from drowning in a frozen neighborhood pond. Cpl. 
Szuba also received several letters of commendation and his performance 
evaluation noted that he ``is one of the most dependable and 
trustworthy officers . . . he has leadership skills and is well 
respected by his peers and supervisors.''
  James followed a family tradition of service; his late father, Floyd, 
was an officer and his brother, John, is a sergeant with the nearby 
South Bend Police Department. Cpl. Szuba was trained in patrol tactics 
and narcotics searches. He was also an Indiana Law Enforcement Academy 
firearms instructor for the Mishawaka Police Department.
  Corporal Szuba leaves behind his mother, Gerri, his wife, Debbie, a 
son, Joshua and daughter, Stephanie, two brothers and two sisters as 
well as many friends, relatives and fellow officers. Madam Speaker, we 
grieve for the loss of Corporal James Szuba. Let us always value that 
America's police officers serve to protect our country, day in and day 
out, regardless of the dangers they face. May God welcome him home and 
give comfort to his family and friends.

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