[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF CORPORAL BLAKE REYNOLDS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. VICTORIA SPARTZ

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 12, 2026

  Mrs. SPARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Corporal 
Blake Reynolds, a devoted law enforcement officer of the Delaware 
County Sheriff's Office who lost his life in the line of duty on 
November 12, 2025. Blake's life was marked by faith, joy, and a deep 
love for the ordinary moments that quietly shape a meaningful life. He 
met his wife, Allison, online in their late twenties, though they later 
realized their paths had likely crossed many times before, including 
swim lessons as children. With more near misses than they could count, 
they came to see their story as one written by God's perfect timing, 
bringing them together when both were ready to build a life rooted in 
faith, laughter, and purpose.
  Blake carried a playful spirit that made him instantly recognizable 
to those who knew him. He loved stories where good stands firm against 
evil, especially Batman and Star Wars--a love he lived out fully, 
whether by dressing as Batman for a child's birthday party or proudly 
hanging wife-approved Star Wars artwork in their home. He was goofy and 
ornery in equal measure, quick to laugh at the world around him, but 
most often at himself. His humor was never careless; it was generous, 
grounding, and deeply human.
  Outside of his service, Blake found joy in simple, shared pleasures: 
loud '80s rock music, ice cream straight out of the container, long 
game nights with friends, and dreaming aloud about a backyard firepit 
and outdoor kitchen: a place where his wife could host and he could 
create warmth, both literally and figuratively. He was also a devoted 
``cat dad'' to Nightwing, his black, dog-like cat who followed him 
faithfully and reflected Blake's gentle, attentive nature.
  These personal joys were not separate from Blake's public service, 
but foundational to it. His faith, steadiness, and love for people 
shaped the way he served his community: quietly, consistently, and 
without expectation of recognition. Those same qualities were first 
nurtured by his loving family--his parents, Bruce and Melissa Reynolds, 
and his brother, Dustin--whose support and guidance helped form the 
character and compassion that defined Blake's life.
  Long before the public knew his name, Blake Reynolds lived as a hero 
through faithful service, offering his life day by day to the people he 
was called to protect. We are deeply grateful for his dedicated service 
to Indiana's 5th Congressional District and the lasting impact he made 
on our community.

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