Pocono News Section

Fundraiser to Build Memorial

Fundraiser to Build Memorial - Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 8:53PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Saturday, Jun 21, 2008 @ 08:53pm EST
ROME - A community in the northern tier raised money to honor two men who died in the line of duty. They want to build a monument to their friends in front of the courthouse in Towanda.

Every piece of change collected in Rome Saturday will help honor two murdered sheriff's deputies.

The money will go toward a monument for Michael VanKuren and Christopher Burgert. The men were killed four years ago when they served a search warrant.

"They've stayed in the hearts of everybody in the area since the tragedy happened," said State Representative Tina Pickett.

The man who killed the deputies, Justin Briggs, was sentenced to die.

Michael's mother said just because the killer will be punished, doesn't mean she feels better. Nothing can bring her son back.

Lorana VanKuren said he was a, "Great son. Always looked out for me and his father. We couldn't have asked for more."

She wants everyone to remember the men's sacrifices so she was happy to hear about the proposed monument.

She said, "We need to appreciate the people in law enforcement that go out and put their lives on the line for them."
Will Snyder put the event together because he was friends with the fallen deputies. He said, "Being a volunteer fireman I realize how you can lose your life in the line of duty."

Dozens of people went to the fund raiser in Rome. There were raffles, auctions and a band.

The people who couldn't stop paused, gave some change and wished the organizers luck.

Lorna said, "It's really been nice to know that so many people care."

The monument will cost about $35,000. If you would like to contribute call 570-882-7599.