[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 6472]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE OF TOWN MARSHAL RICHARD M. CLAPP

 Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart and a 
deep sense of gratitude to honor one of Indiana's finest, Richard Mark 
Clapp, the New Richmond Town Marshal who lost his life in the line of 
duty on December 5, 2003.
  Mark Clapp and his son, Aaron, were responding to a domestic dispute 
in New Richmond. Aaron, a county jail officer, waited in the patrol car 
as his father accompanied the suspect into the home. Once inside the 
home, Mark Clapp became engaged in a struggle with the suspect and 
suffered a fatal heart attack. He was 45 years old.
  As Town Marshal, Mark Clapp devoted his life to selfless service for 
his community. He served as the New Richmond Town Marshal for 22 years. 
His desire to help people and defend what is right and just in our 
society was apparent to everyone in his passion for serving as Town 
Marshal. Mark never missed an opportunity to learn more about law 
enforcement and how to better protect his community.
  Born on April 7, 1958, in Greencastle, Mark Clapp graduated from Mt. 
Comfort High School and attended Vincennes University. On November 18, 
1978, he married Debbie Zentko. Mark and Debbie enjoyed 25 years of 
marriage and were the proud parents of their only child. Mark is 
survived by his mother Patricia; his father, Joseph; his wife, Debbie; 
his son, Aaron; and his two brothers.
  Mark Clapp was a dedicated family man and public servant. He touched 
many lives over the course of his career and will be remembered as a 
loving husband, father, and community leader.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Richard Mark Clapp in the 
official record of the United States Senate for his service to the 
State of Indiana and the community of New Richmond. His commitment to 
protecting and serving the public will not soon be forgotten. As Mark 
is laid to rest, let us never forget the courage and sacrifice he laid 
down on December 5, 2003.
  When I think about the daily sacrifices and risks that our law 
enforcement officers take each day, and the unfortunate pain that comes 
with the loss of our heroes, I hope families like Mark's can find 
comfort in the words of the prophet Isaiah who said, ``He will swallow 
up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all 
faces.''
  May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God 
bless the United States of America.

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