MAY THEY REST IN PEACE
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December 13, 2003 Corporal Thomas Roberts and Patrolman Bryan Verkler were shot and killed after they responded to a call of shots fired. The suspect had a dispute with a neighbor, and during the dispute, he fired several rounds into the air, prompting residents to call the police. When Corporal Roberts and Patrolman Verkler arrived, they were led to a house where the suspect was hiding.
The officers attempted to lure the suspect out. When the suspect exited the house, he opened fire on the officers, striking them both. Corporal Roberts died at the scene, and Patrolman Verkler was transported to a local hospital where he died two hours later during surgery.
The suspect subsequently committed suicide.
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| Corporal Thomas Roberts had served with the Mishawaka Police Department for 14 years and was an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #91 | Patrolman Bryan Verkler had served with the Mishawaka Police Department for 2 1/2 years and was an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #91. |
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Corporal James Szuba
K9 Officer
Ricky
Mishawaka Police Department
End of Watch: Saturday, January 9, 2010
Our
brother,
Corporal James Szuba, and his canine partner,
Ricky, were killed when their patrol car was struck by a drunk driver. Brother
Szuba was en route to assist another officer when the drunk driver crossed the
center line of Byrkit/Fir, at McKinley Avenue, to pass a stopped vehicle.
The suspect's car impacted Szuba's patrol car nearly head-on, causing he and
Ricky to suffer fatal injuries.
All brothers and sisters of FOP Lodge 91 are deeply saddened at this tragic
loss.
Links to online tributes:
Since the services for Jim & Ricky there have been some very well done online tributes posted. Thank you to those who put together these moving videos.
Below are links to just some of those.
Mishawaka Cpl James Szuba and K9 Ricky Funeral
Thanks & Credits for this video go to:
Mike Kellems & Jeff Wright of LaPorte Co. Sheriff's Dept.
Chris Kobitz of Portage Police Deot.
Brian Phillips of LaPorte Police Dept.
Credit & Thanks to Jesse Davis & Family
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