[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15314]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING NICKOLAUS SCHULTZ

 Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize and 
honor the extraordinary service and ultimate sacrifice of Merrillville, 
IN police officer Nickolaus (Nick) Schultz. Dedicated, loyal, and above 
all compassionate to those in need, Officer Schultz was sworn into the 
Merrillville Police Department in 2013.
  On Friday, September 5, 2014, Officer Schultz responded to an 
unwanted party call at Tempe Lake Condominiums in Merrillville. Upon 
arriving at the condominium where the suspect was believed to be 
hiding, Officer Schultz led a group of four Merrillville police 
officers into the unit. Moments after entering, the officers were 
ambushed. Two shots were fired at Officer Schultz, with one striking 
him in the head. Despite the best efforts of his fellow officers, EMTs, 
and medical personnel, Officer Schultz, 24, succumbed to his wounds on 
September 7, 2014.
  ``He led by example . . . It was no surprise to everyone that he was 
the first officer to approach the door on that night,'' said Reverend 
Peter Muha.
  An Indiana native, Officer Schultz grew up in Lowell, where he 
attended Lowell High School. Known for his
outgoing, gregarious personality, athleticism, and concern for others, 
Nick was a varsity member of the championship Lowell football team. 
Nick went on to play football at Franklin College, where he became co-
captain of the team. In 2013, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in 
sociology and criminal justice.
  ``He always wanted the best for people, and he always watched out for 
people,'' said Kristen Mikesell, a friend since childhood. According to 
many of his peers and Merrillville family members, Officer Schultz 
always wanted to help other people. ``He was a teddy bear, but a strong 
man who wanted to make a difference,'' said Merrillville Police Chief 
Joseph Petruch. It was with this in mind that Officer Schultz's family 
allowed him to be of service one last time by choosing to donate his 
organs.
  Officer Schultz is survived and deeply missed by his parents Dale and 
Coleen Schultz; sister Heather Schultz; paternal grandmother Charlotte 
Herring; maternal grandparents Rich and Pat Shields; girlfriend Emilee 
McInnis; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; the Merrillville Police 
Department family; and Hoosiers throughout the State.
  Officer Schultz loved his work, and he gave his life to serve and 
protect the citizens of Merrillville. Although he would have never 
considered himself a hero, Officer Schultz demonstrated his character 
daily by conducting himself with courage, bravery, compassion, honor, 
and integrity. Thus, he was a true American hero--in his everyday life 
as a police officer, son, brother, and friend--and in his final call to 
duty. Let us always remember and emulate the shining example this 
stalwart, brave man set for us and honor him for his selfless 
commitment to serving his fellow citizens. May God welcome him home and 
give comfort to his family and friends.

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