On the recordJuly 30, 2014
today I rise to recognize and honor the extraordinary service and ultimate sacrifice of Gary, IN police department officer Jeffrey B. Westerfield. Dedicated, loyal, and above all compassionate to those in need, Officer Westerfield served with the Gary Police Department, GPD, for 19 years. On Sunday, July 6, 2014, Officer Westerfield was found shot and unresponsive in his patrol car. Sadly, despite the best efforts of his fellow officers, EMTs, and medical personnel, Officer Westerfield, 47, succumbed to his wounds. A native of Owensboro, KY, Officer Westerfield joined the U.S. Army at the age of 18. Jeffrey was stationed in Georgia for basic training, where he earned the nickname ``Rambo'' after sustaining a leg injury and surviving alone in the wilderness for 2 days during a training maneuver. After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, Jeffrey began his career in law enforcement. In August 1995, Jeffrey fulfilled his dream when he was sworn in as an officer with the Gary Police Department. Officer Westerfield served in various capacities during his career with the GPD, including with the patrol division, traffic division, K-9 handler, and as a field training officer. Known for his quiet demeanor, Officer Westerfield was a man of few words and genuine in his actions. ``He was very soft-spoken. He was like a huge teddy bear.…
