[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 30, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S5126]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   REMEMBERING JEFFREY B. WESTERFIELD

  Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize and honor the 
extraordinary service and ultimate sacrifice of Gary, IN police 
department officer Jeffrey B. Westerfield. Dedicated, loyal, and above 
all compassionate to those in need, Officer Westerfield served with the 
Gary Police Department, GPD, for 19 years.
  On Sunday, July 6, 2014, Officer Westerfield was found shot and 
unresponsive in his patrol car. Sadly, despite the best efforts of his 
fellow officers, EMTs, and medical personnel, Officer Westerfield, 47, 
succumbed to his wounds.
  A native of Owensboro, KY, Officer Westerfield joined the U.S. Army 
at the age of 18. Jeffrey was stationed in Georgia for basic training, 
where he earned the nickname ``Rambo'' after sustaining a leg injury 
and surviving alone in the wilderness for 2 days during a training 
maneuver.
  After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, Jeffrey began 
his career in law enforcement. In August 1995, Jeffrey fulfilled his 
dream when he was sworn in as an officer with the Gary Police 
Department. Officer Westerfield served in various capacities during his 
career with the GPD, including with the patrol division, traffic 
division, K-9 handler, and as a field training officer.
  Known for his quiet demeanor, Officer Westerfield was a man of few 
words and genuine in his actions. ``He was very soft-spoken. He was 
like a huge teddy bear. [H]e was able to actually go to any situation, 
and calm the situation down immediately, just by his presence and his 
voice,'' said Gary deputy police chief Gary McKinley.
  Officer Westerfield is survived and deeply missed by his fiancee 
Denise Cather, and his five children: Allie, Katie, Cheyenne, Rachel 
and Brady.
  Officer Westerfield loved his work, and he gave his life to serve and 
protect the citizens of Gary. He was a quintessential Hoosier and a 
true American hero. Let us always remember and treasure the memory of 
this stalwart, brave man and honor him for his selfless commitment to 
serving his fellow citizens. My thoughts and prayers, along with those 
of fellow Hoosiers, are with Jeff's family and friends.

                          ____________________