Barbara Boxer: “today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Police Officer Michael Katherman, a beloved husband…”

“today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Police Officer Michael Katherman, a beloved husband, father, son, and brother who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on June 14, 2016. Officer Katherman was born on October 18, 1981, in San Jose, CA. After graduating from Valley Christian High School in 2000, Officer Katherman played basketball at Simpson University in Redding before returning to his hometown to pursue his lifelong goal of becoming a police officer. In 2005, Officer Katherman's dream became a reality when he joined the San Jose Police Department, serving the community grew up in. After receiving the Department's Outstanding Police Duty Award in 2009, Officer Katherman became a motorcycle officer in 2015. At a memorial service on June 21, friends and colleagues fondly recalled Officer Katherman's selfless nature and passionate commitment to his fellow police officers. He was actively involved with the Keith Kelley Club, a local organization that helps the families of law enforcement officers facing hard times, and recently participated in the annual Police Unity Tour, a bicycle ride to honor fallen officers and raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial. ``Mike means so much to me because he represents everything I've wanted to become: a good moral person,'' said his supervisor, Sergeant John Carr. Above all else, Officer Katherman was devoted to his family and his faith.…”