[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17023]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



               MEMORIAL TRIBUTE TO DEPUTY JAKE KUREDJIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. HOWARD P. ``BUCK'' McKEON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 13, 2001

  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, it grieves me to speak of a senseless 
tragedy that recently occurred in my district. On August 31st, a Santa 
Clarita sheriff's deputy lost his life in the line of duty. Deputy 
Hagop ``Jake'' Kuredjian was killed as he assisted agents from the 
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. As they attempted to serve a 
search warrant at the home of a person suspected of impersonating a 
federal agent and for stockpiling weapons, the suspect mortally wounded 
Jake.
  A native of Alepo, Syria, Jake immigrated with his mother and two 
brothers to Michigan in the 1970's after the untimely death of his 
father. He became a citizen of the United States at the age of 21. Jake 
felt his job was his calling and proudly wore badge #4144 when the Los 
Angeles County Sheriff's Department hired him in 1984.
  Jake was a courageous deputy who worked diligently to make our 
community a better place to live. He was awarded the sheriff's Gold 
Meritorious Conduct medal in 1988 for rescuing a woman from the side of 
a cliff. Shortly before his death, Jake finally realized his long held 
dream of becoming a motorcycle officer.
  Deputy Kuredjian was a hero in the true sense of the word. He 
willingly put his life on the line when he put a badge on his uniform. 
Yet he was more than a deputy; he was a good neighbor and a good friend 
who attempted to make a positive impact on the Santa Clarita Valley. He 
readily gave his time to volunteer for the SCV Special Olympics and to 
help organize events such as the Downed Officers Support Ride. Jake was 
an eternal optimist, a devout Christian and a positive role model for 
our youth.
  Jake is survived by his mother, Anahid Kuredjian, his two brothers, 
Garo and Raffi Kuredjian, and his fiancee, Theresa Richardson. He left 
many friends and coworkers who will miss, but never forget him.
  There are no words to express the magnitude of our sorrow nor the 
depth of our gratitude. We can only say a simple and heartfelt thank 
you to Jake Kuredjian and to all the men and women who courageously 
protect and serve the citizens of America.

                          ____________________