[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 35]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                  TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT DENNIS W. FINCH

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise to pay homage to Sergeant 
Dennis W. Finch of the Traverse City Police Department. Sergeant Finch 
was not only a great family man, police officer, and Michigander, he 
was a great American. The day of May thirteenth 1998 will forever be a 
day of mourning for the Traverse City community, a tragic day that will 
leave an indelible change on the fabric of life in Traverse City. 
Sergeant Finch lost his life in the line of duty, protecting a 
community that he loved. His dedication and pride is a testament to the 
extremely difficult and admirable role that police officers play in 
this country. Sergeant Finch protected us proudly with the shield of 
the Traverse City Police Department, and we will be forever thankful.
  Sergeant Finch lived the life of hero, before becoming a Traverse 
City Police Officer, Dennis served proudly in the United States Marine 
Corps in Vietnam. Dennis distinguished himself as a soldier, and was a 
decorated combat veteran. In his thirty years of service to the 
Traverse City Police Department, Sergeant Finch was the Department's 
most seniored Sergeant. He was a command officer in both the 
Investigative Services Division and the Patrol Division for twenty-four 
years.
  During this difficult time, my thoughts and prayers go out to 
Sergeant Finch's family, friends and all police officers who risk their 
lives every day in this country. Thank you and God bless.

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