25 years later Kane remembers one of its finest officers and citizens
KANE— Twenty-five years ago Kane Police Officer Steve Jerman made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty serving the community.
The people of Kane gathered at Southover Park on Tuesday evening, the site of the tragic incident that took Jerman’s life and the location of a memorial stone honoring him. The people of Kane endured the cold to remember one of their own last evening.
Addressing the attendees, Kane Mayor Brandy Schimp said, “Given the circumstances that have led us here tonight, our discomfort is a very small way to show our appreciation for the service and sacrifice that was given at this very location.”
On behalf of the Kane Police Borough Police Department, Officer Jerman’s family, and herself as the mayor, she thanked all present for taking the time to join them in honoring and remembering someone who gave so much and asked for nothing in return.
Pastor David Pfleiger led the invocation for the ceremony. “We give thanks for his service, his dedication, his commitment, his care for the community,” he said.
Kane Police Chief Heath Boyer said during the memorial event that he would frequently work with Officer Jerman on nights and weekends. “He loved to talk, he loved
to talk about his family, he
loved them very much, and he loved this community of Kane.”
Boyer remembered Jerman pointing out all the small details about the community that he would notice because he knew Kane so well.
Michele Alfiericauser spoke after Chief Boyer. She was the District Attorney at the time of Jerman’s passing and was responsible for bringing his perpetrator to
justice. She said what she remembered most about Steve was that he was the epitome of a community policeman. “He knew all the kids. He knew everyone here and he took care of everybody.”
She too recalled how she knew that Steve would always sacrifice and take the night shifts so that the other guys on the force could spend time with their young children. “That’s the kind of person he was.”