Pocono News Section

Monument Set Up to Remember Fallen Deputies

Monument Set Up to Remember Fallen Deputies - Friday, September 11, 2009 at 5:12PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Friday, Sep 11, 2009 @ 05:12pm EDT
TOWANDA, BRADFORD COUNTY - Two fallen sheriff's deputies in Bradford County will be remembered this weekend. A monument will be officially dedicated Saturday afternoon.

Christopher Burgert and Michael VanKuren were killed in the line of duty in March 2004. They were both shot and killed by Dustin Briggs. After years of planning, the memorial monument now stands outside the courthouse in downtown Towanda. Its a lasting tribute to the two men who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

"It's beautiful and it's about time really that these guys get the recognition that they deserve," Charles McMicken of Laceyville said.

The two deputies were shot while serving warrants.

Along with the monument, a clock and flower bed are also part of the memorial.

"I think it's a beautiful monument. It really is. I like the clock," Sheryl Cobb of Ulster said.

The phrase "Take Time To Remember" is etched in the clock. That's something friends of the fallen deputies do everyday.

"Everyday. Everyday we talk about them and always have a story or something comes up and you say "remember when?" Everyday. It's daily," Deputy Sheriff CJ Walters said.

Deputies say the monument cost roughly $30,000. All of that money was raised through fundraisers and community donations.

Even though five years have passed, many in this community say the deadly shooting is still on their minds.

"You even see the things in the back of pick-up trucks and stuff. People haven't really forgotten," Bill Moreck of Susquehanna County said.

"I hope they're never forgotten. It was the ultimate sacrifice," McMicken said.

The monument dedication is expected to begin around 12:30 PM on Saturday right outside the courthouse. It is open to the public. A memorial motorcycle ride will also take place Saturday morning beginning at 8:30 AM.