A big thank you to F.A.G. member Steve for sponsoring this memorial!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Officer Jim Szuba's K-9 partner Ricky, an 8-year-old German Shepherd
Ricky was born June 20, 2001, and brought into the Szuba home in 2003. He was a police officer, a partner to Jim, and a family dog. The job is what he lived for, getting excited and riled up when it came time to get into the car and head off to work. The family spoiled him, making it seem like he was a harmless puppy. When he was home he followed Jim around, never leaving his side, constantly protecting his partner. The wife, son and daughter of Jim not only lost their beloved husband and father, but also their beloved family dog. They will truly be missed and always remembered.
Ricky's partner Jim Szuba's F.A.G. memorial here:
Corporal James "Jim" Szuba
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Solemn cemetery service conducted for Cpl. Szuba and K-9 Ricky
January 15, 2010|By Kristin Bien ([email protected])
MISHAWAKA — The services to honor Cpl. Szuba and his K-9 partner Ricky continued to St. Joseph's Cemetery after an emotional funeral service. Friends, family and fellow police officers from around the state and even surrounding states said their final goodbyes. More than 400 police cars, hundreds of people and about 130 K-9 handlers and their dogs, all in support of the two officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. There, they would say their final goodbyes. K-9 officers and their dogs stood proud as the funeral coach carrying Cpl. Szuba and his K-9 partner Ricky made its way into the cemetery. More than 120 of them paying their respects to two officers killed in the line of duty. "As K-9 officers we are very close knit much more than other officers are. So we are always backing each other up and we want to honor those that fall, says Patrolman Bob Diorio of the Tinley Park, Illinois Police Department. "Paying my last respects and also show my support to the Mishawaka Police Department," said Cpl.l Nick Kruger of the Elkhart County Police Department. Following a solemn tradition, the Honor Guard led the way as bagpipes played a song of sadness. The funeral coach followed a riderless horse as those who watched saluted Cpl. Szuba and K-9 Ricky for their service and bravery. "K-9 officers are every bit the officer as others are and in addition they bring a specialized skill which increases their value to the department," says Scott McDaniel, a DNR officer and memorial team member. Mishawaka Police officers carried the remains of Szuba and Ricky and the weight of their fellow officers' deaths. No doubt a burden for them and the Szuba's family. "To recognize they not only lost Cpl.l Szuba, but they also lost the K-9 officer Ricky as well," says McDaniel. Friends, family and fellow officers paid their respects to Szuba and Ricky one last time. Everyone was honored and saddened to be a part of something that happens far too often. "It is very upsetting and disheartening. But at the same time it is a reality we very much hope in the future we never have to do again," says McDaniel. At the end of the cemetery service, officers were placing white carnations, each bearing a red droplet, on the cremains of Ricky and the casket of Cpl. Szuba. The carnations symbolize purity and service and the blood the two officers shed.
http://articles.wsbt.com/2010-01-15/cemetery_24801494
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mishawaka Cpl James Szuba and K9 Ricky Funeral on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TTNl5VsVFXo#!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mishawaka Police Department
End of Watch: Saturday, January 9, 2010
Date of Incident: Saturday, January 9, 2010
Cause of Death: Motor Vehicle Accident (Pursuit)
Time in Service: 8 years
Age: 42
Survivors: His wife Debbie, son Joshua, and daughter Stephanie.
Corporal Szuba was responding to assist another officer who had just initiated a vehicle pursuit when the fleeing SUV crashed into his marked police unit. Corporal Szuba and his K-9 partner Ricky were both killed instantly. The blood-alcohol content of the fleeing driver was reported to be .239 (3X the legal limit). His injuries were not life-threatening. The suspect was on probation for an 18-month sentence for delivery and manufacturing of marijuana. He was later convicted and sentenced to 32½ years for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death, resisting law enforcement and possession of controlled substances.
Read more: http://www.odmp.org/officer/20224-corporal-james-john-szuba#ixzz1sUjXCD5f
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Community lines street during procession for two fallen police heroes"
January 15, 2010 by John Paul
MISHAWAKA — A long procession stretching for miles involved officers from neighboring counties. Law enforcement from as far north as Michigan, and as far south as Evansville were in attendance. "It's very emotion, it's very tough," said Mike Talbot Assistant Chief for Mishawaka's Fire Department. As firefighters prepared the Garrison flag, members moved the stars and stripes carefully to honor two fallen heroes. "He was a member of ours," said Talbot. "He was a brother." And as the red, white and blue waved, the crowd also lined up along Church Street. Sharon Moo-Smith was among them. "I've been heart-sick ever since I heard about it," Moo-Smith said. "I cry every time I hear it on TV; it's just so sad." Outside the Mishawaka Police Department, a black drape marked two losses. Jamie Boyer felt compelled to bring his dog, Newt, to remember Officer Szuba and Ricky — partners on the force for more than six years. "He doesn't understand, but I understand," said Boyer. "If something ever happened to him (Newt), I'd be crushed." As shades of red and blue lights flickered as police cars drove by, the crowd stood silent. As people stood on the sidewalks with hands over their heavy hearts; they found it hard to imagine what Szuba's family both on and off the force must be going through. "It's got to be horrible for them and I just wish all the best for them," said Marcia Montgomery. "We got to be here for them." Montgomery continued, "Their reason for being is us — the citizens." As car after car passed; followed by the roar of the motorcade with Szuba's body, Montgomery was brought to tears. "I'll be thinking of my nephew hoping nothing like this happens to him," she said. And the contributions of Officer Jim Szuba and Ricky will never be forgotten.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Father:
James Szuba #46529025
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SOUTH BEND — More than 100 officers and their K-9 partners from police agencies as far away as Illinois and Wisconsin bid a special goodbye Friday to Cpl. James Szuba and K-9 partner Ricky at St. Joseph Cemetery. A swath of snow had been cleared on each side of the road leading into the cemetery so the K-9 teams could line the entranceway. Following the pair's funeral at Bethel College's Everest-Rohrer Chapel/ Fine Arts Center, hundreds of police officers and community members, along with Szuba's family, said their final farewell to the pair during a service inside a mausoleum at the cemetery. Szuba, 42, and Ricky were killed Jan. 9 during a collision with alleged drunken driver Shawn Devine, 31, of Mishawaka, on that city's northeast side. Mike Sprunger, with the LaGrange Police Department, and his dog, Maci, were among the K-9 teams who participated in the cemetery services. He said the bond between K-9 officers and their partners can be even tighter than the one between officers. "It's the best partner you could have," he said. For Patrolman Shane Daniel, from the Niles Police Department, Szuba and Ricky's deaths were extra difficult.
Daniel was involved in Devine's arrest in Niles last July for an attempted marijuana sale in a Wal-Mart parking lot. It was his K-9 partner, Riggs, Daniel said, who sniffed out the drugs. Meanwhile, hundreds of police cars from Hammond, Carmel and Berrien County, Mich., to name just a few, along with rescue vehicles from neighboring areas, took part in a procession that traveled from Bethel College, past the Mishawaka Police Department for a 10-42 call, to the St. Joseph Valley Parkway and finally west on Indiana 2 to the cemetery in South Bend. Pipes & Drums, a Lake County Sheriff's bagpipe group, along with a color guard and a rider less horse accompanied the hearse into the cemetery as the K-9 officers all saluted. A service took place inside a mausoleum at the cemetery, as hundreds of police officers stood outside. All of the officers in attendance wore upside down white carnations, each with a red dot. The white was to symbolize purity and service and the red dot symbolized the blood Szuba shed. As the event came to a close, each officer filed by the casket and placed their carnation on it. Sgt. Chad Dick, a member of the Indiana FOP's Critical Incident/Memorial Team, helped organize the service. For him, the task is never an easy one. "It kind of hits home when we have to take care of our own," he said.
http://www.petmemorialcards.com/mem2010-R.html∼11:45 a.m. â€" Authorities believe alcohol was a factor in the crash Saturday night that killed a Mishawaka Police Department officer and his K-9 partner, according to a press release today from the St. Joseph County Police Department.
James Szuba, 42, who had been with Mishawaka police nearly seven years, died in an accident near the intersection of McKinley Highway and Fir Road around 9:20 p.m. Saturday. He was on-duty at the time and the accident also claimed the life of Ricky, an 8-year-old German Shepard police dog.
The driver of the car that collided with Szuba's patrol vehicle has been identified as Shawn Devine, 31, of Mishawaka. He was injured in the wreck and taken to an area hospital for treatment.
"It is believed alcohol is a factor in the crash," said today's press release. Toxicology tests have been taken and the Fatal Alcohol Crash Team was called to investigate.
FACT investigators are expected to refer all reports and toxicology results to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office by Monday for review and consideration of criminal charges.
10 a.m. â€" A Mishawaka Police Department officer was killed during a pursuit Saturday night, according to WNDU-TV, the Elkhart Truth's reporting partner.
The officer, who was on-duty, has been identified as 42-year-old James Szuba. The driver of the SUV the officer was pursuing has been identified as 31-year-old Shawn Devine of Mishawaka, according to a story by WNDU reporter Stephanie Stang.
The crash happened at the intersection of McKinley and Fir around 9 p.m. Police say Officer Szuba and his K-9 unit were responding to a call for assistance from another officer.
Officer Szuba and his K-9 unit dog, "Ricky", were both pronounced dead on the scene. Devine was in serious condition at an area hospital.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Officer Jim Szuba's K-9 partner Ricky, an 8-year-old German Shepherd
Ricky was born June 20, 2001, and brought into the Szuba home in 2003. He was a police officer, a partner to Jim, and a family dog. The job is what he lived for, getting excited and riled up when it came time to get into the car and head off to work. The family spoiled him, making it seem like he was a harmless puppy. When he was home he followed Jim around, never leaving his side, constantly protecting his partner. The wife, son and daughter of Jim not only lost their beloved husband and father, but also their beloved family dog. They will truly be missed and always remembered.
Ricky's partner Jim Szuba's F.A.G. memorial here:
Corporal James "Jim" Szuba
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Solemn cemetery service conducted for Cpl. Szuba and K-9 Ricky
January 15, 2010|By Kristin Bien ([email protected])
MISHAWAKA — The services to honor Cpl. Szuba and his K-9 partner Ricky continued to St. Joseph's Cemetery after an emotional funeral service. Friends, family and fellow police officers from around the state and even surrounding states said their final goodbyes. More than 400 police cars, hundreds of people and about 130 K-9 handlers and their dogs, all in support of the two officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. There, they would say their final goodbyes. K-9 officers and their dogs stood proud as the funeral coach carrying Cpl. Szuba and his K-9 partner Ricky made its way into the cemetery. More than 120 of them paying their respects to two officers killed in the line of duty. "As K-9 officers we are very close knit much more than other officers are. So we are always backing each other up and we want to honor those that fall, says Patrolman Bob Diorio of the Tinley Park, Illinois Police Department. "Paying my last respects and also show my support to the Mishawaka Police Department," said Cpl.l Nick Kruger of the Elkhart County Police Department. Following a solemn tradition, the Honor Guard led the way as bagpipes played a song of sadness. The funeral coach followed a riderless horse as those who watched saluted Cpl. Szuba and K-9 Ricky for their service and bravery. "K-9 officers are every bit the officer as others are and in addition they bring a specialized skill which increases their value to the department," says Scott McDaniel, a DNR officer and memorial team member. Mishawaka Police officers carried the remains of Szuba and Ricky and the weight of their fellow officers' deaths. No doubt a burden for them and the Szuba's family. "To recognize they not only lost Cpl.l Szuba, but they also lost the K-9 officer Ricky as well," says McDaniel. Friends, family and fellow officers paid their respects to Szuba and Ricky one last time. Everyone was honored and saddened to be a part of something that happens far too often. "It is very upsetting and disheartening. But at the same time it is a reality we very much hope in the future we never have to do again," says McDaniel. At the end of the cemetery service, officers were placing white carnations, each bearing a red droplet, on the cremains of Ricky and the casket of Cpl. Szuba. The carnations symbolize purity and service and the blood the two officers shed.
http://articles.wsbt.com/2010-01-15/cemetery_24801494
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mishawaka Cpl James Szuba and K9 Ricky Funeral on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TTNl5VsVFXo#!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mishawaka Police Department
End of Watch: Saturday, January 9, 2010
Date of Incident: Saturday, January 9, 2010
Cause of Death: Motor Vehicle Accident (Pursuit)
Time in Service: 8 years
Age: 42
Survivors: His wife Debbie, son Joshua, and daughter Stephanie.
Corporal Szuba was responding to assist another officer who had just initiated a vehicle pursuit when the fleeing SUV crashed into his marked police unit. Corporal Szuba and his K-9 partner Ricky were both killed instantly. The blood-alcohol content of the fleeing driver was reported to be .239 (3X the legal limit). His injuries were not life-threatening. The suspect was on probation for an 18-month sentence for delivery and manufacturing of marijuana. He was later convicted and sentenced to 32½ years for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death, resisting law enforcement and possession of controlled substances.
Read more: http://www.odmp.org/officer/20224-corporal-james-john-szuba#ixzz1sUjXCD5f
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Community lines street during procession for two fallen police heroes"
January 15, 2010 by John Paul
MISHAWAKA — A long procession stretching for miles involved officers from neighboring counties. Law enforcement from as far north as Michigan, and as far south as Evansville were in attendance. "It's very emotion, it's very tough," said Mike Talbot Assistant Chief for Mishawaka's Fire Department. As firefighters prepared the Garrison flag, members moved the stars and stripes carefully to honor two fallen heroes. "He was a member of ours," said Talbot. "He was a brother." And as the red, white and blue waved, the crowd also lined up along Church Street. Sharon Moo-Smith was among them. "I've been heart-sick ever since I heard about it," Moo-Smith said. "I cry every time I hear it on TV; it's just so sad." Outside the Mishawaka Police Department, a black drape marked two losses. Jamie Boyer felt compelled to bring his dog, Newt, to remember Officer Szuba and Ricky — partners on the force for more than six years. "He doesn't understand, but I understand," said Boyer. "If something ever happened to him (Newt), I'd be crushed." As shades of red and blue lights flickered as police cars drove by, the crowd stood silent. As people stood on the sidewalks with hands over their heavy hearts; they found it hard to imagine what Szuba's family both on and off the force must be going through. "It's got to be horrible for them and I just wish all the best for them," said Marcia Montgomery. "We got to be here for them." Montgomery continued, "Their reason for being is us — the citizens." As car after car passed; followed by the roar of the motorcade with Szuba's body, Montgomery was brought to tears. "I'll be thinking of my nephew hoping nothing like this happens to him," she said. And the contributions of Officer Jim Szuba and Ricky will never be forgotten.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Father:
James Szuba #46529025
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SOUTH BEND — More than 100 officers and their K-9 partners from police agencies as far away as Illinois and Wisconsin bid a special goodbye Friday to Cpl. James Szuba and K-9 partner Ricky at St. Joseph Cemetery. A swath of snow had been cleared on each side of the road leading into the cemetery so the K-9 teams could line the entranceway. Following the pair's funeral at Bethel College's Everest-Rohrer Chapel/ Fine Arts Center, hundreds of police officers and community members, along with Szuba's family, said their final farewell to the pair during a service inside a mausoleum at the cemetery. Szuba, 42, and Ricky were killed Jan. 9 during a collision with alleged drunken driver Shawn Devine, 31, of Mishawaka, on that city's northeast side. Mike Sprunger, with the LaGrange Police Department, and his dog, Maci, were among the K-9 teams who participated in the cemetery services. He said the bond between K-9 officers and their partners can be even tighter than the one between officers. "It's the best partner you could have," he said. For Patrolman Shane Daniel, from the Niles Police Department, Szuba and Ricky's deaths were extra difficult.
Daniel was involved in Devine's arrest in Niles last July for an attempted marijuana sale in a Wal-Mart parking lot. It was his K-9 partner, Riggs, Daniel said, who sniffed out the drugs. Meanwhile, hundreds of police cars from Hammond, Carmel and Berrien County, Mich., to name just a few, along with rescue vehicles from neighboring areas, took part in a procession that traveled from Bethel College, past the Mishawaka Police Department for a 10-42 call, to the St. Joseph Valley Parkway and finally west on Indiana 2 to the cemetery in South Bend. Pipes & Drums, a Lake County Sheriff's bagpipe group, along with a color guard and a rider less horse accompanied the hearse into the cemetery as the K-9 officers all saluted. A service took place inside a mausoleum at the cemetery, as hundreds of police officers stood outside. All of the officers in attendance wore upside down white carnations, each with a red dot. The white was to symbolize purity and service and the red dot symbolized the blood Szuba shed. As the event came to a close, each officer filed by the casket and placed their carnation on it. Sgt. Chad Dick, a member of the Indiana FOP's Critical Incident/Memorial Team, helped organize the service. For him, the task is never an easy one. "It kind of hits home when we have to take care of our own," he said.
http://www.petmemorialcards.com/mem2010-R.html∼11:45 a.m. â€" Authorities believe alcohol was a factor in the crash Saturday night that killed a Mishawaka Police Department officer and his K-9 partner, according to a press release today from the St. Joseph County Police Department.
James Szuba, 42, who had been with Mishawaka police nearly seven years, died in an accident near the intersection of McKinley Highway and Fir Road around 9:20 p.m. Saturday. He was on-duty at the time and the accident also claimed the life of Ricky, an 8-year-old German Shepard police dog.
The driver of the car that collided with Szuba's patrol vehicle has been identified as Shawn Devine, 31, of Mishawaka. He was injured in the wreck and taken to an area hospital for treatment.
"It is believed alcohol is a factor in the crash," said today's press release. Toxicology tests have been taken and the Fatal Alcohol Crash Team was called to investigate.
FACT investigators are expected to refer all reports and toxicology results to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office by Monday for review and consideration of criminal charges.
10 a.m. â€" A Mishawaka Police Department officer was killed during a pursuit Saturday night, according to WNDU-TV, the Elkhart Truth's reporting partner.
The officer, who was on-duty, has been identified as 42-year-old James Szuba. The driver of the SUV the officer was pursuing has been identified as 31-year-old Shawn Devine of Mishawaka, according to a story by WNDU reporter Stephanie Stang.
The crash happened at the intersection of McKinley and Fir around 9 p.m. Police say Officer Szuba and his K-9 unit were responding to a call for assistance from another officer.
Officer Szuba and his K-9 unit dog, "Ricky", were both pronounced dead on the scene. Devine was in serious condition at an area hospital.
A big thank you to F.A.G. member Steve for sponsoring this memorial!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Officer Jim Szuba's K-9 partner Ricky, an 8-year-old German Shepherd
Ricky was born June 20, 2001, and brought into the Szuba home in 2003. He was a police officer, a partner to Jim, and a family dog. The job is what he lived for, getting excited and riled up when it came time to get into the car and head off to work. The family spoiled him, making it seem like he was a harmless puppy. When he was home he followed Jim around, never leaving his side, constantly protecting his partner. The wife, son and daughter of Jim not only lost their beloved husband and father, but also their beloved family dog. They will truly be missed and always remembered.
Ricky's partner Jim Szuba's F.A.G. memorial here:
Corporal James "Jim" Szuba
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Solemn cemetery service conducted for Cpl. Szuba and K-9 Ricky
January 15, 2010|By Kristin Bien ([email protected])
MISHAWAKA — The services to honor Cpl. Szuba and his K-9 partner Ricky continued to St. Joseph's Cemetery after an emotional funeral service. Friends, family and fellow police officers from around the state and even surrounding states said their final goodbyes. More than 400 police cars, hundreds of people and about 130 K-9 handlers and their dogs, all in support of the two officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. There, they would say their final goodbyes. K-9 officers and their dogs stood proud as the funeral coach carrying Cpl. Szuba and his K-9 partner Ricky made its way into the cemetery. More than 120 of them paying their respects to two officers killed in the line of duty. "As K-9 officers we are very close knit much more than other officers are. So we are always backing each other up and we want to honor those that fall, says Patrolman Bob Diorio of the Tinley Park, Illinois Police Department. "Paying my last respects and also show my support to the Mishawaka Police Department," said Cpl.l Nick Kruger of the Elkhart County Police Department. Following a solemn tradition, the Honor Guard led the way as bagpipes played a song of sadness. The funeral coach followed a riderless horse as those who watched saluted Cpl. Szuba and K-9 Ricky for their service and bravery. "K-9 officers are every bit the officer as others are and in addition they bring a specialized skill which increases their value to the department," says Scott McDaniel, a DNR officer and memorial team member. Mishawaka Police officers carried the remains of Szuba and Ricky and the weight of their fellow officers' deaths. No doubt a burden for them and the Szuba's family. "To recognize they not only lost Cpl.l Szuba, but they also lost the K-9 officer Ricky as well," says McDaniel. Friends, family and fellow officers paid their respects to Szuba and Ricky one last time. Everyone was honored and saddened to be a part of something that happens far too often. "It is very upsetting and disheartening. But at the same time it is a reality we very much hope in the future we never have to do again," says McDaniel. At the end of the cemetery service, officers were placing white carnations, each bearing a red droplet, on the cremains of Ricky and the casket of Cpl. Szuba. The carnations symbolize purity and service and the blood the two officers shed.
http://articles.wsbt.com/2010-01-15/cemetery_24801494
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mishawaka Cpl James Szuba and K9 Ricky Funeral on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TTNl5VsVFXo#!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mishawaka Police Department
End of Watch: Saturday, January 9, 2010
Date of Incident: Saturday, January 9, 2010
Cause of Death: Motor Vehicle Accident (Pursuit)
Time in Service: 8 years
Age: 42
Survivors: His wife Debbie, son Joshua, and daughter Stephanie.
Corporal Szuba was responding to assist another officer who had just initiated a vehicle pursuit when the fleeing SUV crashed into his marked police unit. Corporal Szuba and his K-9 partner Ricky were both killed instantly. The blood-alcohol content of the fleeing driver was reported to be .239 (3X the legal limit). His injuries were not life-threatening. The suspect was on probation for an 18-month sentence for delivery and manufacturing of marijuana. He was later convicted and sentenced to 32½ years for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death, resisting law enforcement and possession of controlled substances.
Read more: http://www.odmp.org/officer/20224-corporal-james-john-szuba#ixzz1sUjXCD5f
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Community lines street during procession for two fallen police heroes"
January 15, 2010 by John Paul
MISHAWAKA — A long procession stretching for miles involved officers from neighboring counties. Law enforcement from as far north as Michigan, and as far south as Evansville were in attendance. "It's very emotion, it's very tough," said Mike Talbot Assistant Chief for Mishawaka's Fire Department. As firefighters prepared the Garrison flag, members moved the stars and stripes carefully to honor two fallen heroes. "He was a member of ours," said Talbot. "He was a brother." And as the red, white and blue waved, the crowd also lined up along Church Street. Sharon Moo-Smith was among them. "I've been heart-sick ever since I heard about it," Moo-Smith said. "I cry every time I hear it on TV; it's just so sad." Outside the Mishawaka Police Department, a black drape marked two losses. Jamie Boyer felt compelled to bring his dog, Newt, to remember Officer Szuba and Ricky — partners on the force for more than six years. "He doesn't understand, but I understand," said Boyer. "If something ever happened to him (Newt), I'd be crushed." As shades of red and blue lights flickered as police cars drove by, the crowd stood silent. As people stood on the sidewalks with hands over their heavy hearts; they found it hard to imagine what Szuba's family both on and off the force must be going through. "It's got to be horrible for them and I just wish all the best for them," said Marcia Montgomery. "We got to be here for them." Montgomery continued, "Their reason for being is us — the citizens." As car after car passed; followed by the roar of the motorcade with Szuba's body, Montgomery was brought to tears. "I'll be thinking of my nephew hoping nothing like this happens to him," she said. And the contributions of Officer Jim Szuba and Ricky will never be forgotten.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Father:
James Szuba #46529025
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SOUTH BEND — More than 100 officers and their K-9 partners from police agencies as far away as Illinois and Wisconsin bid a special goodbye Friday to Cpl. James Szuba and K-9 partner Ricky at St. Joseph Cemetery. A swath of snow had been cleared on each side of the road leading into the cemetery so the K-9 teams could line the entranceway. Following the pair's funeral at Bethel College's Everest-Rohrer Chapel/ Fine Arts Center, hundreds of police officers and community members, along with Szuba's family, said their final farewell to the pair during a service inside a mausoleum at the cemetery. Szuba, 42, and Ricky were killed Jan. 9 during a collision with alleged drunken driver Shawn Devine, 31, of Mishawaka, on that city's northeast side. Mike Sprunger, with the LaGrange Police Department, and his dog, Maci, were among the K-9 teams who participated in the cemetery services. He said the bond between K-9 officers and their partners can be even tighter than the one between officers. "It's the best partner you could have," he said. For Patrolman Shane Daniel, from the Niles Police Department, Szuba and Ricky's deaths were extra difficult.
Daniel was involved in Devine's arrest in Niles last July for an attempted marijuana sale in a Wal-Mart parking lot. It was his K-9 partner, Riggs, Daniel said, who sniffed out the drugs. Meanwhile, hundreds of police cars from Hammond, Carmel and Berrien County, Mich., to name just a few, along with rescue vehicles from neighboring areas, took part in a procession that traveled from Bethel College, past the Mishawaka Police Department for a 10-42 call, to the St. Joseph Valley Parkway and finally west on Indiana 2 to the cemetery in South Bend. Pipes & Drums, a Lake County Sheriff's bagpipe group, along with a color guard and a rider less horse accompanied the hearse into the cemetery as the K-9 officers all saluted. A service took place inside a mausoleum at the cemetery, as hundreds of police officers stood outside. All of the officers in attendance wore upside down white carnations, each with a red dot. The white was to symbolize purity and service and the red dot symbolized the blood Szuba shed. As the event came to a close, each officer filed by the casket and placed their carnation on it. Sgt. Chad Dick, a member of the Indiana FOP's Critical Incident/Memorial Team, helped organize the service. For him, the task is never an easy one. "It kind of hits home when we have to take care of our own," he said.
http://www.petmemorialcards.com/mem2010-R.html∼11:45 a.m. â€" Authorities believe alcohol was a factor in the crash Saturday night that killed a Mishawaka Police Department officer and his K-9 partner, according to a press release today from the St. Joseph County Police Department.
James Szuba, 42, who had been with Mishawaka police nearly seven years, died in an accident near the intersection of McKinley Highway and Fir Road around 9:20 p.m. Saturday. He was on-duty at the time and the accident also claimed the life of Ricky, an 8-year-old German Shepard police dog.
The driver of the car that collided with Szuba's patrol vehicle has been identified as Shawn Devine, 31, of Mishawaka. He was injured in the wreck and taken to an area hospital for treatment.
"It is believed alcohol is a factor in the crash," said today's press release. Toxicology tests have been taken and the Fatal Alcohol Crash Team was called to investigate.
FACT investigators are expected to refer all reports and toxicology results to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office by Monday for review and consideration of criminal charges.
10 a.m. â€" A Mishawaka Police Department officer was killed during a pursuit Saturday night, according to WNDU-TV, the Elkhart Truth's reporting partner.
The officer, who was on-duty, has been identified as 42-year-old James Szuba. The driver of the SUV the officer was pursuing has been identified as 31-year-old Shawn Devine of Mishawaka, according to a story by WNDU reporter Stephanie Stang.
The crash happened at the intersection of McKinley and Fir around 9 p.m. Police say Officer Szuba and his K-9 unit were responding to a call for assistance from another officer.
Officer Szuba and his K-9 unit dog, "Ricky", were both pronounced dead on the scene. Devine was in serious condition at an area hospital.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Officer Jim Szuba's K-9 partner Ricky, an 8-year-old German Shepherd
Ricky was born June 20, 2001, and brought into the Szuba home in 2003. He was a police officer, a partner to Jim, and a family dog. The job is what he lived for, getting excited and riled up when it came time to get into the car and head off to work. The family spoiled him, making it seem like he was a harmless puppy. When he was home he followed Jim around, never leaving his side, constantly protecting his partner. The wife, son and daughter of Jim not only lost their beloved husband and father, but also their beloved family dog. They will truly be missed and always remembered.
Ricky's partner Jim Szuba's F.A.G. memorial here:
Corporal James "Jim" Szuba
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Solemn cemetery service conducted for Cpl. Szuba and K-9 Ricky
January 15, 2010|By Kristin Bien ([email protected])
MISHAWAKA — The services to honor Cpl. Szuba and his K-9 partner Ricky continued to St. Joseph's Cemetery after an emotional funeral service. Friends, family and fellow police officers from around the state and even surrounding states said their final goodbyes. More than 400 police cars, hundreds of people and about 130 K-9 handlers and their dogs, all in support of the two officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. There, they would say their final goodbyes. K-9 officers and their dogs stood proud as the funeral coach carrying Cpl. Szuba and his K-9 partner Ricky made its way into the cemetery. More than 120 of them paying their respects to two officers killed in the line of duty. "As K-9 officers we are very close knit much more than other officers are. So we are always backing each other up and we want to honor those that fall, says Patrolman Bob Diorio of the Tinley Park, Illinois Police Department. "Paying my last respects and also show my support to the Mishawaka Police Department," said Cpl.l Nick Kruger of the Elkhart County Police Department. Following a solemn tradition, the Honor Guard led the way as bagpipes played a song of sadness. The funeral coach followed a riderless horse as those who watched saluted Cpl. Szuba and K-9 Ricky for their service and bravery. "K-9 officers are every bit the officer as others are and in addition they bring a specialized skill which increases their value to the department," says Scott McDaniel, a DNR officer and memorial team member. Mishawaka Police officers carried the remains of Szuba and Ricky and the weight of their fellow officers' deaths. No doubt a burden for them and the Szuba's family. "To recognize they not only lost Cpl.l Szuba, but they also lost the K-9 officer Ricky as well," says McDaniel. Friends, family and fellow officers paid their respects to Szuba and Ricky one last time. Everyone was honored and saddened to be a part of something that happens far too often. "It is very upsetting and disheartening. But at the same time it is a reality we very much hope in the future we never have to do again," says McDaniel. At the end of the cemetery service, officers were placing white carnations, each bearing a red droplet, on the cremains of Ricky and the casket of Cpl. Szuba. The carnations symbolize purity and service and the blood the two officers shed.
http://articles.wsbt.com/2010-01-15/cemetery_24801494
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Mishawaka Cpl James Szuba and K9 Ricky Funeral on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TTNl5VsVFXo#!
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Mishawaka Police Department
End of Watch: Saturday, January 9, 2010
Date of Incident: Saturday, January 9, 2010
Cause of Death: Motor Vehicle Accident (Pursuit)
Time in Service: 8 years
Age: 42
Survivors: His wife Debbie, son Joshua, and daughter Stephanie.
Corporal Szuba was responding to assist another officer who had just initiated a vehicle pursuit when the fleeing SUV crashed into his marked police unit. Corporal Szuba and his K-9 partner Ricky were both killed instantly. The blood-alcohol content of the fleeing driver was reported to be .239 (3X the legal limit). His injuries were not life-threatening. The suspect was on probation for an 18-month sentence for delivery and manufacturing of marijuana. He was later convicted and sentenced to 32½ years for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death, resisting law enforcement and possession of controlled substances.
Read more: http://www.odmp.org/officer/20224-corporal-james-john-szuba#ixzz1sUjXCD5f
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"Community lines street during procession for two fallen police heroes"
January 15, 2010 by John Paul
MISHAWAKA — A long procession stretching for miles involved officers from neighboring counties. Law enforcement from as far north as Michigan, and as far south as Evansville were in attendance. "It's very emotion, it's very tough," said Mike Talbot Assistant Chief for Mishawaka's Fire Department. As firefighters prepared the Garrison flag, members moved the stars and stripes carefully to honor two fallen heroes. "He was a member of ours," said Talbot. "He was a brother." And as the red, white and blue waved, the crowd also lined up along Church Street. Sharon Moo-Smith was among them. "I've been heart-sick ever since I heard about it," Moo-Smith said. "I cry every time I hear it on TV; it's just so sad." Outside the Mishawaka Police Department, a black drape marked two losses. Jamie Boyer felt compelled to bring his dog, Newt, to remember Officer Szuba and Ricky — partners on the force for more than six years. "He doesn't understand, but I understand," said Boyer. "If something ever happened to him (Newt), I'd be crushed." As shades of red and blue lights flickered as police cars drove by, the crowd stood silent. As people stood on the sidewalks with hands over their heavy hearts; they found it hard to imagine what Szuba's family both on and off the force must be going through. "It's got to be horrible for them and I just wish all the best for them," said Marcia Montgomery. "We got to be here for them." Montgomery continued, "Their reason for being is us — the citizens." As car after car passed; followed by the roar of the motorcade with Szuba's body, Montgomery was brought to tears. "I'll be thinking of my nephew hoping nothing like this happens to him," she said. And the contributions of Officer Jim Szuba and Ricky will never be forgotten.
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Father:
James Szuba #46529025
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SOUTH BEND — More than 100 officers and their K-9 partners from police agencies as far away as Illinois and Wisconsin bid a special goodbye Friday to Cpl. James Szuba and K-9 partner Ricky at St. Joseph Cemetery. A swath of snow had been cleared on each side of the road leading into the cemetery so the K-9 teams could line the entranceway. Following the pair's funeral at Bethel College's Everest-Rohrer Chapel/ Fine Arts Center, hundreds of police officers and community members, along with Szuba's family, said their final farewell to the pair during a service inside a mausoleum at the cemetery. Szuba, 42, and Ricky were killed Jan. 9 during a collision with alleged drunken driver Shawn Devine, 31, of Mishawaka, on that city's northeast side. Mike Sprunger, with the LaGrange Police Department, and his dog, Maci, were among the K-9 teams who participated in the cemetery services. He said the bond between K-9 officers and their partners can be even tighter than the one between officers. "It's the best partner you could have," he said. For Patrolman Shane Daniel, from the Niles Police Department, Szuba and Ricky's deaths were extra difficult.
Daniel was involved in Devine's arrest in Niles last July for an attempted marijuana sale in a Wal-Mart parking lot. It was his K-9 partner, Riggs, Daniel said, who sniffed out the drugs. Meanwhile, hundreds of police cars from Hammond, Carmel and Berrien County, Mich., to name just a few, along with rescue vehicles from neighboring areas, took part in a procession that traveled from Bethel College, past the Mishawaka Police Department for a 10-42 call, to the St. Joseph Valley Parkway and finally west on Indiana 2 to the cemetery in South Bend. Pipes & Drums, a Lake County Sheriff's bagpipe group, along with a color guard and a rider less horse accompanied the hearse into the cemetery as the K-9 officers all saluted. A service took place inside a mausoleum at the cemetery, as hundreds of police officers stood outside. All of the officers in attendance wore upside down white carnations, each with a red dot. The white was to symbolize purity and service and the red dot symbolized the blood Szuba shed. As the event came to a close, each officer filed by the casket and placed their carnation on it. Sgt. Chad Dick, a member of the Indiana FOP's Critical Incident/Memorial Team, helped organize the service. For him, the task is never an easy one. "It kind of hits home when we have to take care of our own," he said.
http://www.petmemorialcards.com/mem2010-R.html∼11:45 a.m. â€" Authorities believe alcohol was a factor in the crash Saturday night that killed a Mishawaka Police Department officer and his K-9 partner, according to a press release today from the St. Joseph County Police Department.
James Szuba, 42, who had been with Mishawaka police nearly seven years, died in an accident near the intersection of McKinley Highway and Fir Road around 9:20 p.m. Saturday. He was on-duty at the time and the accident also claimed the life of Ricky, an 8-year-old German Shepard police dog.
The driver of the car that collided with Szuba's patrol vehicle has been identified as Shawn Devine, 31, of Mishawaka. He was injured in the wreck and taken to an area hospital for treatment.
"It is believed alcohol is a factor in the crash," said today's press release. Toxicology tests have been taken and the Fatal Alcohol Crash Team was called to investigate.
FACT investigators are expected to refer all reports and toxicology results to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office by Monday for review and consideration of criminal charges.
10 a.m. â€" A Mishawaka Police Department officer was killed during a pursuit Saturday night, according to WNDU-TV, the Elkhart Truth's reporting partner.
The officer, who was on-duty, has been identified as 42-year-old James Szuba. The driver of the SUV the officer was pursuing has been identified as 31-year-old Shawn Devine of Mishawaka, according to a story by WNDU reporter Stephanie Stang.
The crash happened at the intersection of McKinley and Fir around 9 p.m. Police say Officer Szuba and his K-9 unit were responding to a call for assistance from another officer.
Officer Szuba and his K-9 unit dog, "Ricky", were both pronounced dead on the scene. Devine was in serious condition at an area hospital.
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