Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To the family and loved ones of Corporal Paul Richard Deguch and his fellow officers with the South Bend Police Department:

On this the ninth anniversary of Paul's tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember him today. Paul's professionalism and dedication will never be forgotten, nor will his valor and courage.

In reading all the loving reflections about Paul left by family, friends, and co-workers, it is obvious he was an amazing young man. I hope that God is holding him in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

I am so sorry that Paul was robbed of his life so young and so tragically, but through his heroism and the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Paul gave to his community and the citizens of Indiana, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 24, 1997.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD
eow 4/24/05

August 24, 2006

Nine years have passed since your tour of duty ended. You have not been forgotten by your loved ones or the Blue Family nor will you ever be. I know even after all this time, the tears still flow from their broken hearts. All the future dreams, holidays with you there, ended when a youth who had no regard for human life caused all this pain and suffering and their lives were changed forever. They are not alone and others are out here to say, we know your pain as we are walking in your shoes. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten as heroes never die. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father

August 24, 2006

I found your name on the Soth Bend PD website.May you Rest in Peace and may Our Lord continue to comfort and strengthen your family.

June 10, 2006

You will never be forgotten

Thank you for your services. You are a true HERO

June 5, 2006

Paul
I never met you, I wasn't even in law enforcement when you lost your life, but yesterday I was a survior driver at Sev's funeral. Yesterday was very bittersweet... I had the biggest privilage of my law enforcement career, and the great honor of meeting and driving you parents to Sev's burial. They still miss and love you greatly.
Your mother is still so proud of you, I learned so much about you I now feel I know you. Your mom and dad have some great stories about pennies and nickles, you'll have to have them fill you in when you see them next, it made me cry. Your father is wonderful person as well, in such a sad situation he lightened the mood and had me laughing on several occasions.
I truly hope I make my parents as proud of me, as you obviously did on your short time on earth. Please take care of Sev and tell him I am sorry!

255
SJCP

April 30, 2006

I look at your picture and even still can't believe you're not here - looking in your eyes, I can almost grasp your spirit.
Our lives go on, but you are always missing. We live with the pain of your absence. But my pain and my loss is not what makes me suffer. It is knowing your life was tragically cut short, stolen from you so young. You deserved to live that life and see your children grow. We can no longer see you, but can only hope and have faith that somehow we are still a part of your life - you will always be a part of our lives.
All who knew Paul, knew the good, disciplined, gentle, determined, sensitive, strong, witty, caring person he was. I can tell you from growing up with him that that wasn't the kind of person he became - that was the kind of person he always was. And in his adulthood, he was able to be that person to the fullest with his family and as a police officer.

Thank you to all who have written and to all who will always remember Paul and share to others what an exceptional person he was.
Sadly for us here, another is joining you now.
Peace and love to 'the whole crew' in your heavenly realm.

'Suze'
Sister

April 29, 2006

paul....you are missed!!! you are NOT forgotten!!! please now take cpl severns with you on the streets of heaven!! you were both on loan to us and i guess God needed more officers in Heaven.

citizen

April 28, 2006

Paul was one of my team of back up officers while I was on a surveillance assignment> He always seemed to be the first one to respond whenever we needed something checked out. He was immaculate in his uniform and has personal stature, with alway a frienly respectful smile and easy going manner, although he could show the required control of a situation, while continuing to show respect to those he came in contact with. This was extemely obvious during his respectful investigation of a young person who ultimately took him from us.
You continue to have the love and respect that you always brought to your fellow man. Sunday August 24, 1997 lives as another day of infamy.
God bless and keep you from any further misery.,

Forest L. "Butch" Milbourn

Det. Sgt. F. L Milbourn (Retired)
South Bend, Indiana Police Department

April 25, 2006

Paul was a neighbor growing up. He came from a great family that cared deeply for one another. He was a teammate in athletics and a friend across the street. I admired him for his constant mature approach to everything he did. Paul is buried near my father in law(another former member of the SBPD)which allows me to visit him often. I never met Paul's children but I would like them to know their father was admirable ALL HIS LIFE!

Kevin Kowalski

October 28, 2005

I moved away from my home town of South Bend quite a few years ago, and only heard of the terrible tragedy that took Paul Deguch's life about a week after it happened, via long distance through mutual friends from both the SBPD and Washington High School. I wish that I'd known sooner, so that I could have sent my respects to his family at that time.

Even though I was a few years ahead of Paul and a year ahead of his sister Sue in high school, all three of us, and my younger brother Jim as well, who also counted Paul as a friend, were involved in some of the same school activities. Even though we were not close friends, I do remember Paul very well, because even then, in those awkward years we all go through as teenagers, when he was a soft spoken, rather shy, tall and thin young man, you could tell there was something special about him. You couldn't put your finger on what it was exactly, but you knew it was there. Others wanted to be around him, and he was very well liked by all who knew him. He was special in some way that the rest of us weren't. And perhaps he was even more special because he didn't seem to see it in himself.

I was not surprised when I found out that he had joined the SBPD. It seemed to me that protecting people; keeping the rest of us safe, must have been his true calling all along. Despite what happened, I still believe that. I have heard from some of his fellow officers and mutual friends that he was a fine man, a good husband and father, and an exemplary police officer. It is a privilege just to be able to say that I knew Paul.

To his family, I can only say that although none of us understands why such a fine person was taken so abruptly and so tragically from all those who loved and cared about him, and all those he too loved and cared for, I do believe that there IS a purpose; a reason for everything that happens in life, even though it is something we have no way of comprehending here and now.

I know that I, personally, certainly cannot begin to fathom what the reason was for Paul to be taken from the world so young, so soon, with so much to look forward to. Yet I believe that everyone who knew him; everyone who was a part of his life...no matter how briefly or how long...will, in our own time, see him again. I believe that he watches over all of the people that he loved and cared about, just as he did when he was here with them. There is comfort in that belief.

Still, it must be so terribly hard for those who knew and loved him best to deal with their loss and their grief, and to find a way to go on day after day after day. They say time heals, and that may be so, but there will always be scars. Paul may not be with you all in body, but he will always be with you in spirit. Through the memories you carry with you, he will always be alive in your heart, and he will always be a part of your life. Those memories are what will help you find a way to keep going, to keep living your life, as Paul would no doubt want you to do.

Rest well Paul...you are truly a hero in every sense of the word. It will always be an honor to be able to say that I knew you. I will never forget you. God Speed.

To Paul's fellow officers in South Bend, in St Joseph County, the State of Indiana, and across our entire country...thank you for what you do, and stay safe. God Bless.

Lori Russell Dodd, K9 and Handler Traine

May 6, 2005

While visiting a South Bend Church in 1996, I was driving the Chesterfield Chief of Police Caprice. While in church service, the car was vandalized and items were taken.

Corp Paul Deguch responded and was most professional. He provided all the necessary docs and offered support for my lost belongings.

Just a few months later, the Lord called him home. We'll miss your dedication, Paul, and your family is in our prayers.

Sgt Reggie Horner (Reserve Division)
Hamilton County Sheriff's Department

November 8, 2004

You died a hero Corporal Deguch. Rest in peace.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

May 11, 2004

Paul......God bless and thank you for your service.......from a fellow Hoosier.

Special Agent Dennis Duncan
Norfolk Southern Railway Police

March 5, 2004

Paul,

From the beginning, while we were going through pre-basic before I left to
the academy, you and Randy kept all of us on our toes with jokes and
laughter. I often reflect on our discussions (right before roll-call) about
"what you cooked" just prior to coming in for work and remembering me often
telling you, "Paul, I'm gonna have to come over and sample one of your
menus"! I remember so vividly when a group of us traveled to Gary Indiana
for a week for Field Training Officers School. I was fortunate to have you
as a roommate. What brings a chuckle to me immediately, though, is the
morning I was picking you up for the trip. You and I communicated on the
car-to-car police channel as I drove in circles searching for your home
while you constantly stated, "Moe, I can see your squad...turn right on the
next street". That went on for a while until I finally found you. I can
remember that while we were in Gary, as focused as you were on the training,
your heart and mind were back home with your family and then expecting wife.
I really appreciate that "one of many" values in you. On that day when your
life was taken-a Sunday, it was common knowledge that I wasn't at work
because I did whatever I could to take Sundays off to roller skate. You used
to always tell me to stick with that; find a day and event where you don't
have to be concerned about being a Police Officer so that you're able to get
away for a while. I'm still taking that advice. I received the "beep" from
my now wife informing me that you'd been shot while I was in Stevensville
Michigan (for which you would be so proud-you were always telling me to
marry her). When I think of that moment, my knees still buckle and my heart
skips a beat just as it did then. As much as I've taken the route from
Stevensville to home, I don't even remember the drive. I do remember that I
had no time to waste and I wasted none. I arrived home and my wife already
had my police t-shirt, gun belt, and keys to my squad car waiting at the
door for me saying right before I walked away, "Please be careful". My first
stop was the hospital where I immediately saw Kevin and Ty (loyalty)! I
entered and saw Scott and Annette and several other officers. I remember
that I wanted to do is "SEE PAUL". I wanted Paul to be okay! When I was
finally allowed to enter your room, you had already left us. I spoke with
your spirit for a little while and finally kissed you on the head good-bye;
that was so incredibly hard to do! With the help of many, many Police
Officers from several different Police Departments we found your killer. He
has now been found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
There is so much more events in between that I often discuss with you while
visiting your grave site. I often think of a little chats about family and
the job; you were a real inspiration and a true friend. Backing you up on a
call was ALWAYS my honor and having you show up on one of my calls left me
feeling privileged. I'm now away from the department but I can never be away
from the friends that I've made at our department and across the
country...and I wouldn't have it any different. We all had a lot of good
times doing Police work. We will always be there for your family while you
protect us from above. We'll miss you, Buddy. I love you, I miss you.....God
be with you!

Corporal Maurice McGee
South Bend Police Department (former)

Paul was an amazing guy. Supportive of the good. Weeding out the bad. Growing up down the street from him I saw him turn from a skinny nerdy looking teenager into a strong athetic man. I remember watching him run several times around the block on a daily basis to get his running in for baseball or just to get into shape. It's an image that I will never forget. I idolized Paul as I grew up. He was the boy scout that would help someone across the street. And he was the most supportive person when I decided not to go into law enforcement, which I had been contemplating for awhile. When I chose to enter a religous convent he told me: "Melissa, you are still doing the same work I am, but now you are a COP for God. The goal of my job is not to take bad people off the streets, but rather to make an impact on someones life to where they want to change to follow a better life."
I couldn't go to the funeral because I was in the convent at the time, but I know if I could have said one thing to Paul that day, and that I say everyday as I pray, "Paul, you changed my life. Yours is a job well done. Now you are a COP for God."

Melissa Lukaszewski

Success:

To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a little bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Paul,

You truely succeeded in life. I will always think of you.

Officer Gene A. Fimbianti
Evanston Police Department, IL

Yes, I did attend the Deguch funeral. It was actually one of the hardest things I ever had to do, mainly because Paul died such a premature, senseless death. At the funeral, there were several families represented. There was Paul's family: his wife, parents, and children. There was the law enforcement family--members of police departments from around
the country. I would also go so far as to classify the community as another family--they pulled together so well to offer anything they could: the constant words of support and encouragement, the monitary donations to the trust funds, and the thousands who lined the roads holding home-made signs and flowers along the procession route.

We all grieved in our own way. For most, the hype of the funeral and the surrounding
events prevented the true grieving process from actually taking place until several days
after it was over. Paul's children appeared to be coming to the realization that daddy was
no longer there, and we all realized that we would never again see that crooked smile walk
down the hallway.

Anonymous

Paul helped me file a report on a stolen bike 2 weeks before his untimely and senseless death. I will always remember his kindness and deep concern over my fright of someone breaking into my home. Paul, I will always remember your kindness.

South Bend Citizen

Paul rode with me when he first joined our department, and I couldn't help but think at that time how fortunate the South Bend Police Department was to still be able to recruit officers of his caliber. At his viewing, lines extended for two hundred yards outside the funeral home, as a community paid their respects to a fine officer, father, and friend. The funeral, one of the largest in South Bend's history, was held at St. Matthew's Cathedral, where as many as a thousand people had to stand outside and listen to the service on loudspeakers, and the funeral route was lined with citizens from all walks of life, who came together to honor him, and to show their respect to the family. The procession, over a mile long, stopped in front of the station, where he was called 10-42 for the last time.

Rich Redwine, Retired
South Bend Police Department

I remember Paul when he was getting married to Annette. After that I don't remember too much else but he was on the SBPD. He was one of my cousins, he was a great guy... may he rest in peace. I am grateful that he was protecting our community. The funeral was so sad it mad me cry, but now I'm getting better now that I know he is in heaven.

Chris Walkowiak

I never knew Paul, but after attending his funeral, I feel like I do. The words and emotions that flowed all throughout the service was a wonderful tribute to this fine officer. The show of support by the entire South Bend community is a tribute to every resident, you should all be proud of your city and your police department. Also touching was the huge number of officers from all over the country that showed up to pay respects to our fallen brother. Only two days after the funeral, my partner and I heard an officer needs assistance call with mention of a gun. My first thoughts were with what had happened not a week before. The situation was wrapped up with little trouble, with the angry mob successfully dispersed. As we were rolling away, I again thought of Paul, and said: "Five-0 wins again". His memory will be with me every time I go out on the street, I only hope I can honor his memory. Goodbye brother.

Cadet Captain Mike Hershberger
Elkhart Police, IN

The day Paul died is a day that I won't soon forget. I was off duty and missed the initial call of his being down. I only heard it as I made a routine trip to the grocery store. I knew by the traffic that I heard that something very bad had happened, but could not imagine how bad it was. I, like MANY other officers, came in off duty to search for the person that caused this tragedy. Fortunately he was caught and hopefully will receive the proper punishment for the hell he has caused a wife and three small children. The youngest will nver know what it felt like to have "daddy" to play with. I hope this county can field a proper jury to do the job it must. It can NEVER be allowed that a piece of street scum could take a productive person like Paul away. If thugs are allowed to shoot at a Police Officer, then no one is safe on the streets. Never let his death be in vane. Never let any officer's death be in vane. For the short time I knew you,
Paul, I could see that you were a strong, both physically and mentally, and that you were a person that any rookie could respect and be proud to know. I am proud to say I knew you. Thank you for that great honor, Paul.

Anonymous

I knew Paul from working at the red D Mart (Security)There in Southbend There was and is no finer officer he always stoped by to say Hi. He is why I started into Law Enforcement And why I Work And stand for what I Do. I Think about him and his wife and kids every day when I go to work he is always with me ...

Patrole
Buncombe County Sheriffs office

I was at the Police academy January - April of 1998. I remember hearing an officer from South Bend Police Department come and speak at the academy about this incident. It always stayed with me. I have been involved in 2 shooting in 2001, and I must give credit where credit is due. I want his family to know that after nearly 4 years on patrol I still keep my guard up. This is partly due to my own experiences, the teachings of others, and to the stories that have been relayed to me through ODMP and from the South Bend officer who spoke to me(the academy) about this tragedy. Officer Deguch was a true warrior in every respect according to his peers. His story keeps me and other officers on guard and alert to the constant threats out there. I want his family and friends to know that his story has made me a survivor. Thank You

Anderson Police Department

patrolman Ryan Lee Geer #281
Anderson Police Department