South Bend Police Department, Indiana
End of Watch Sunday, April 23, 2006
Reflections for Corporal Scott Lee Severns
Cpl. Severns,
I didn't know you or ever meet you but I have always appreciated you, as I have every other police officer in the job. You gave the ultimate sacrifice and will always be considered a hero in my eyes. Walk your beat in heaven, rest in peace.
Rachel
Niece, Cousin, and Friend of Police Officers
April 26, 2006
Scott,
Although I did not know you, my sister was a very close friend of yours. I have learned so much about you in the last few days, from funny stories to heroic acts. I truly wish that I had had the honor of knowing you. My 4 year old daughter prays every night for you, your family, and friends and she now understands the true meaning of a hero. My sympathies to all of your family and friends. God bless you and your loved ones.
Kerrin Hetland
Denver, Colorado
April 26, 2006
From the moment I stepped out of FTO, you took me under your wing. You'd always tell me, "Watch this!" and with a grin on your face, you'd pull out the impossible. Everytime you called somthing out on the radio, either "10-12, foot pursuit, or vehicle pursuit" followed. I never once heard you yell or raise your voice to anyone, you didn't have to.
There's only a few guys on this dept that I give complete trust in protecting my back. You were on that list. The first one to jump into a fight and the last to leave the scene, you earned my trust.
I never realized just how much I learned from you. I, and some others who worked the NW side with you, will never, NEVER forget you.
You were a true friend, teacher, role model but most of all, HERO!
Later Sev-dog
2099
April 26, 2006
Scott:
You made our days so much brighter, always there to lend a hand, tell a joke, bring a smile to everyone's face. Your smile and humor will be with us forever. There are no other words to say but "hero". You did what you would do, lay down your life for another. That my friend is what Hero's are made of and that is what friendship is about. The words "officer down" will forever be frozen in my memory, but to know you are a Blue Angel will forever be in my heart.
God Speed my friend. You will continue to protect our community but now from above.
Wife of South Bend FireFighter/Paramedic
Wife of South Bend FireFighter
April 25, 2006
Scott,
The window to my office looks directly at the car set up as a memorial. I have watched people come and go. Even today when it was pouring rain, people walked up to the car and paid their respects. I've seen grown men cry and mothers hug their children. At www.southbendpolice.com the web page takes you directly to Scott's death announcment. At the bottom of the page is a button that says video. Click on that and watch the video, but make sure you have sound and tissue.
Somehow a flat screen monitor with speakers was placed in the driver's seat of the car and the video is playing in a continuous loop. I've watched as many as 20 people standing around the car watching and listening and crying. It has been hard to prepare for your funeral because I find myself just staring at the car and all the people.
Take care, Brother.
Sergeant Bill Kraus
South Bend PD
April 25, 2006
I would like to take a moment and share my deepest sadness with the loss of Scott. It makes me ill that the Law Enforcement world has lost another soldier. When you become a policeman you always share an unspoken bond with all regardless of rank, department city, state, county federal or otherwise. We all have the same common goal. That is to make our communities safe. From the things that I have read and heard of Scott he was a decorated and respected officer. That is I am sure all he ever wanted to be and he succeeded. Thats what we all want. Scott gave the ultimate sacrifice and will always be remembered by all who knew him. The officers that worked with Scott need still to hold strong through this tough time and hold your P.D. together. When Gary lost our officers the only thing that got our dept. through was the strenghth of the families and each other. Remember to keep Scotts spirit alive and he will never die. I will see you in the sky when I die brother!
Officer Greg Wolf
Gary Police Department
April 25, 2006
Indiana's Finest
I Heard The Call On "Point To Point"
10-0 "Indiana's Finest"
As I Swallow Deep And Take A Breath,
I Know A Fellow Brother Was Put To The Test.
I Sit And Listen As The Broadcast Goes Out
Not Knowing Why The "SHOTS" Rang Out.
Senseless Killing Of A Fellow Brother
My Heart Grieves For Their Mother.
You Did A Job And You Did It Well
Your Time Here On Earth Is No Longer Hell.
As Your Fellow Brothers Pick Up The Pieces,
Your Family Is Searching For Some Kind Of Reason.
"Indiana's Finest" Who Gave There All.
Will Now Answer ONE Last Call.
As We Stand Shoulder To Shoulder
The "Shots" Ring Out And The Bagpipes Cry
We Will Salute And Say Our Final Goodbyes.
Now "Indiana's Finest" Is Laid To Rest,
And Not Having To Face, Any More Test.
For Now They Are In Heaven
Patrolling on easy Street.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family members,friends, and co-workers of Crpl.S Severns.I did not have the pleasure of meeting Crpl.Severns, but he Will always be thought of as a TRUE HERO. God Speed Sir!!
Jail Officer Nick Yoder
Adams County Sheriff
Adams County,IN
Jail Officer Nick Yoder
Adams County Sheriff Dept
April 25, 2006
My condolences go out to the Severns family for their great loss. What a hero he was & will always be in the hearts of many. My prayer's are with you in this time of sorrow. He will be remembered by many & never forgotten.
May god bless you ~ his family & his fellow co`worker's.
Charlotte
Citizen Of Buchanan
April 25, 2006
Sev, As we morn the lost of you, our brother, we reflected on the times we have had the good and the bad... I have to say that I'm truly honored to have worked along side someone with such heart as yours.. I know you are watching over all of us! Thank you for putting your life before others.. GOD BLESS YOU! You are a true HERO! You will be missed! -Butts
Civ Jennifer Vanderbutts
South Bend Dispatcher
April 25, 2006
Even though I didn't peronally know Scott, I wanted to share my deepest thoughts and prayers with those this tragic loss has touched. Corporal Severns displayed amazing courage and bravery....I know God is proud. May God be with all he touched. Corporal Severns you will never be forgotten- Thank You
Angie
Michigan Resident
April 25, 2006
I'm so so so so sorry.... my heart goes out to all those who knew and loved you. I'm in Kentucky and I know Supporting Heroes covers Indiana and Kentucky and I'm so glad you're family will have that... I'm praying for the female companion that was with you. I pray she realizes that it wasn't her fault and you were merely doing what you were born to do... step in front of innocent people and put your own life at risk to protect them.
God bless you
April 25, 2006
Scott
They say time will heal all wounds but 31 years later this one it is still is open and deep. Losing my bigger than life uncle Tom in the line of duty 31 years ago, shattered my world and a piece of my soul. Then there was Paul and now you, that pain has not lessened and the wound remains unhealed.
Maybe this pain is not meant to go away until I expire too. Then I pray God will make me whole again, that I can give a big hug to my uncle who I miss so much and shake hands with you and others who have been willing to put it all on the line every day and have paid for our freedom with your lives and you've willingly done this all for the love of your community and country.
I thank you for your courage to do a sometimes thankless job. I hope this outpouring of support to you and the police force is not fleeting returning again only when another tragedy strikes.
Greg De Rue
Greg De Rue
April 25, 2006
Your a true warrior and hero. Thank you
fellow brother
Columbus OH Division of Police
April 25, 2006
Cpl. Scott Severns,
We only spoke a handful of times, but you've left me with a lifetime of wisdom. Your a true hero. You've made the ultimate sacrifice and turned in your cape for wings. Rest in Peace.
Ptlm. Capeles
SBPD
April 25, 2006
the severns and karczewski family our deepest sympathie is with you family rest in peace brother danny hixenbaugh ret isp
danny hixenbaugh
ret isp
April 25, 2006
THANK YOU SCOTT FOR MAKING OUR CITY A MORE WONDERFUL PLACE BY SERVING AND PROTECTING US ALL. WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU AND WILL FOREVER MISS YOU. I CAN'T SPEAK FOR EVERYONE BUT I APPRECIATE EVERYTHING YOU DONE FOR THE STATE OF INDIANA. YOUR FAMILY IS IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AND MAY GOD BE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. YOU'LL BE THE SHINING STAR IN THE SKY.
MRS. MICHELLE MURRAY
FRIEND
April 25, 2006
It is with deep sorrow and regret that I offer my condolences to the family of Corporal Scott Severns. Scott has been in my prayers from the moment I have heard the tragic news. His bravery and dedication will always be an example to those he left behind. The South Bend Police Department was honored to have him as part of their team and my son was honored to have him as a friend. He will be missed by many as he joins our fallen heroes.
Mary Ann Chamberlain
Mother of a South Bend K9 Officer
April 25, 2006
Thank you Corporal for your sacrifice, you are a hero. God Bless Your Family. RIP.
SA
FBI Little Rock
April 25, 2006
God Bless Cpl. Severns and his family. Our Honor Guard was arriving in Goshen IN for training when we learned of this tragedy. We will take the memory of these events back to Georgia and share the great stories and memories of Cpl. Severns' heroic career. We were fortunate enough to participate in the parade of lights on Monday night. The South Bend community was out to pay their respects for our brother, we were in awe. People do not show the respect that the great people in South Bend did, in our neck of the woods. Cpl. Severns' remarkable life is why we participate in the Honor Guard and we will do so until our time comes. See you in heaven Scott, thank you for all that you have done. Goshen Police Honor Guards slogan says it best; "For those who have gone before."
City Of Lawrenceville Police Honor Guard, Georgia
Honor Guard
Lawrenceville Police Dept, GA
April 25, 2006
Scott was most definitely an amazing person. He could put a smile on anyones face,the moment he walked in the room. Anytime I ever needed a favor from him,or just someone to lead me in the right direction he was always there for me. Thank You.... I don't think I have met to many people in my life as kind, and dedicated, as he was. He would have done anything for anyone. Now he is in a better place,and he is still watching over all of us,and protecting us with his spirit. May you rest in peace,and never have to hurt again. We love you Scott.
Jennifer Hall
Friend
April 25, 2006
My heart breaks for your family as they cope with your tragic, senseless death. My son Jay also was shot when 2 men tried to rob him when he was on duty in plain clothes. He died seven days later. You and Jay are the same age -- much too young to die. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace, Corporal Severns. You will never be forgotten. Heroes live forever.
Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Jay Balchunas, EOW 11/5/04
April 25, 2006
I am a good friend of the family and knew Scott very well, and he was always a happy guy and always great to be around. I know all of us are grieving because of his death. I know he will missed very much by me and my family. I know we all will keep Scott in our thoughts and prayers.
Lt. Morris DeGeyter and family
Retired SB Police
April 25, 2006
To the family and co-workers of Cpl. Scott Severns, our deepest sympathies go out to all of you, we pray God grants you peace that passes all understanding, Cpl Severns died a hero to all of us. He is the true example of a great police officer, God bless you all, and thank you Scott, for being the man you were.
There are times as Christians when we lose a loved one
who also knew Jesus as Lord.
Death took them on to see the face of their King
and by faith they saw their final reward.
But we wrestle and struggle with the heaviness of grief
and the sorrow that their absence brings.
We wonder if it's normal to feel such a sadness
when they're whole and in the sight of the King.
But the truth of it is..our faith doesn't prevent us
from feeling pain, deep anguish or sorrow.
For we are still human & our hearts still break
when the loneliness wakes us tomorrow.
And our faith is not lessened if we succumb to the grief
but in fact, it can be deepened with time.
For the season of sorrow can teach us of God's comfort
and His wisdom of perfect design.
The grief that we feel can change us for the better
giving a tenderness that does tend to stay.
For whatever salve Jesus puts on our wounds
we learn from..and then give away.
The pain and the sorrow will lessen with time
and more joy will move into its place.
For the same God who welcomed our loved one to glory
wipes our tears and holds us with grace.
The Craig family
La Porte, Ind
April 25, 2006
Scott,
How does one begin to say good bye to someone who has given so much love and understanding to everyone they meet. No words will ever be able to express the sadness I felt 31 years ago when I was faced with the difficult task of saying good bye to someone I loved very much (Tom DeRue, South Bend Police Department EOW November 14, 1974). Now I must once again say good bye to you Scott, a special friend. I know Tom will take care of you and DeRue and Severns together again just might cause a few problems in heaven. Scott like Tom you will definitely be missed but never forgotten. You both will be in our hearts forever.
Love Pat DeRue-Nemeth and Don Nemeth
Pat DeRue-Nemeth
widow
April 25, 2006
May God grant the Severns family the peace that only comes from Him, such a great tragedy has happened to someone trying to protect someone else. You can be very proud of your son, he was a very brave young man, serving his city well. South Bend is a better place today, because of people like him. God bless you all. Isaiah 41:13
Pat
La Porte, Ind
April 25, 2006
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