[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 6473]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING PATROLMAN BRYAN S. VERKLER

 Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today with great sadness and 
tremendous gratitude to honor the life of a brave law enforcement 
officer from Mishawaka. Patrolman Bryan Verkler was only 27 years old 
when his life was taken from him in an instant. He died during the 
predawn hours of December 13, 2003, in Mishawaka, while responding to a 
``shots fired'' call. After entering a home where an assailant was held 
up, Bryan was hit by the assailant's gunfire. He fought for his life, 
but the surgeon's efforts were to no avail. Bryan was a respected 
police officer who protected Hoosiers and served those in need. He 
fought for the values that we all hold close to our hearts.
  Bryan Verkler was the second officer killed that December morning 
while dutifully serving his city. Today, I join Bryan's family, 
friends, and the entire Michiana community in mourning his death. While 
our memories of Bryan shall certainly live on, so, too, will our 
sorrow.
  Before joining the Mishawaka Police Department, Bryan served on the 
St. Joseph County Police Department as a Special Deputy. He graduated 
from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 1999. Recognized as a 
``gentle giant,'' he had a generous heart without a mean bone in his 
body. Bryan loved to laugh and joke and was described as a laid-back 
man who was conscientious and caring. Yet as a police officer, he was 
bold and not afraid to fulfill the duties required by his job.
  Bryan graduated from John Glenn High School where he was a shot-put 
and discus athlete. After high school he attended Purdue University and 
Vincennes University, from which he graduated in 1996. While attending 
Vincennes, Bryan earned recognition as an All-American athlete while 
competing in track and field.
  Bryan leaves behind his wife of 7 months, Juli; his father, Randy, 
who is a Walkerton Police Officer; his mother Carolyn; and his brother 
Brett, who is also a Walkerton Police Officer.
  While Bryan's life on Earth has been cut short, his bravery and 
strength of character shall live on as a powerful and consoling force. 
May Bryan's life also serve as a clear reminder of the risks taken 
every day by law enforcement officers across the Nation who keep our 
cities and towns safe.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Bryan S. Verkler in the 
official record of the United States Senate for his dedication to 
public service and for his profound commitment to serve and protect. 
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 Bryan'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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