[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 18117]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING DETECTIVE DAVID RICH

  Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, today with a heavy heart and deep sense of 
gratitude I honor the life of a dedicated State trooper from Indiana. 
David Rich, 41 years old, died on July 5, 2007, from a gunshot wound he 
suffered in the line of duty as an Indiana master trooper detective. 
David risked his life every day to serve and protect Hoosiers in order 
to make Indiana a better place.
  David comes from, and leaves behind, a family devoted to Indiana law 
enforcement. His father, former Miami County Sheriff and retired State 
trooper Jim Rich, and his mother Linda, instilled in him a sense of 
public service and respect for the law. Along with his brother, Indiana 
State Police Captain Robert Rich, David followed in his father's 
footsteps, taking the oath to serve and protect. He is also survived by 
his sister, Kimberly, and three nieces and one nephew.
  David was an 18-year veteran of the State police and was well loved 
by his community. Although a great State trooper, he was best known for 
his devotion and loyalty to his family. He was a loving husband to 
Connie and took enormous pride in raising their 7-year-old daughter, 
Lauren, and 4-year-old twins, Carson and Connor.
  His final act exemplified what kind of person David truly was. While 
off duty, David pulled over to aid a man whom he thought needed help. 
In a senseless act of violence, David was tragically shot and killed by 
this man. Even when off duty, David showed his dedication to serve, 
protect, and help those in need. It is a terrible tragedy that this 
nonsensical act took the precious life of such an honorable man.
  SGT Tony Slocum, who worked with David, said Indiana ``lost a very, 
very good man,'' and described him as one of the nicest people he has 
ever met. David would have done anything to help anyone in need ``as 
he's done here on many occasions at the post,'' Slocum said. ``He might 
give you the proverbial shirt off his back.''
  Today, I join David's family and friends in mourning his death. While 
we struggle to bear sorrow over this loss, we can also take pride in 
the example he set, bravely serving to make America a safer place. It 
is his heroism and strength of character that people will remember when 
they think of David, a memory that will burn brightly during these 
continuing days of conflict and grief.
  When I think about David's profound commitment to protect and the 
pain that accompanies the unjust loss of this outstanding trooper, I 
hope that some comfort can be brought to all the loved ones David left 
behind through the words of Peter 3:14:

       but even if you should suffer for what is right, you are 
     blessed.

  Both David's final altruistic act, as well as his everyday lifestyle, 
epitomized doing ``what is right.'' May God be with all of you who 
mourn this tragic loss, as I know He is with David.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of David Rich in the record of 
the U.S. Senate for his service to the State of Indiana and the United 
States of America.

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