[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 138 (Thursday, November 13, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S5984]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         REMEMBERING PERRY RENN

  Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize and honor the 
extraordinary service and ultimate sacrifice of Indianapolis, IN 
Metropolitan Police Officer Perry Renn. Dedicated, loyal, and above all 
compassionate to those in need, Officer Renn served with the 
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, IMPD, for 21 years.
  On Saturday, July 5, 2014, Officer Renn responded to a report of 
shots fired on the northeast side of Indianapolis, the district where 
he was a patrolman throughout his career with IMPD. When Officer Renn 
arrived, he joined another IMPD officer already on the scene, and they 
approached a group of individuals standing in a nearby alley. As they 
approached the group, one of the individuals brandished a gun and began 
shooting at the officers. Despite the fact that he was wearing a 
protective vest, Officer Renn was struck by the gunfire. After 
additional officers arrived and detained the shooter, Officer Renn was 
transported to Eskenazi Hospital in critical condition. Sadly, despite 
the best efforts of his fellow officers, EMTs, and medical personnel, 
Officer Renn, 51, succumbed to his wounds.
  A native of Indianapolis, IN and raised in Phoenix, AZ, Officer Renn 
joined the U.S. Army after graduating from high school. For the 
majority of his 10-year enlistment, Perry was stationed in Fort Bragg, 
NC with the 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper and jumpmaster, 
completing more than 100 jumps. He achieved the rank of staff sergeant 
and was awarded achievement and commendation medals during his tenure. 
Perry was stationed in Korea for 2 tours, spent 18 months in New York 
City as a recruiter, and served in Operation Urgent Fury, the military 
conflict in Grenada in 1983.
  Officer Renn was awarded two Medals of Bravery during his career with 
IMPD, in the years 1999 and 2003. Prior to becoming a police officer, 
he worked at the Marion County Sherriff Communications Department as a 
dispatcher and control operator. In 2011, Officer Renn received a 
letter of commendation for his efforts to assist individuals after a 
stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair injured 58 and killed 9 
people. Always seeking to help those in need, Officer Renn chose to 
serve in a district on the northeast side of Indianapolis because he 
knew it was an area of the city where many citizens would need help.
  Officer Renn is survived and deeply missed by his wife of 25 years, 
Lynn Sappenfield-Renn; mother Phyllis Renn; father David Renn (Tina); 
sister Sherri Jones (Michael); five nieces; two nephews; four great 
nieces; four great nephews; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; the 
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department family; and his beloved 
pets.
  Officer Renn loved his work, and he gave his life to serve and 
protect the citizens of Indianapolis. Although he would have never 
thought of himself as a hero, Officer Renn demonstrated his character 
daily by conducting himself with courage, bravery, compassion, honor, 
and integrity. Thus, he was a true American hero--in his everyday life 
as a police officer, husband, and community member--and in his final 
call to duty. Let us always remember and emulate the shining example 
this stalwart, modest yet brave man set for us, and honor him for his 
selfless commitment to serving his fellow citizens. May God welcome him 
home and give comfort to his family and friends.

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