Posted on 08/04/2005 9:02:41 PM PDT by csvset
The Virginian-Pilot
© August 4, 2005
Last updated: 11:36 PM
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TalkNet:
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A Virginia Beach police officer serving as a Marine reservist has been killed by a massive roadside explosion while riding in an amphibious vehicle in Iraq.
Bradley J. Harper, 25, died Wednesday along with 13 other Marines and an Iraqi translator on a road outside Haditha when a roadside bomb detonated and flipped their lightly armored vehicle.
On Thursday, Virginia Beach police officers memorialized Harper’s death by “draping the badge,” a traditional show of honor and brotherhood by police who place a black swath across their shields when a fellow officer is killed.
Harper joined the Police Department in February 2004 and graduated from the Police Academy in July 2004. He is the first Beach police officer killed in the war on terror, according to Virginia Beach Police Chief A.M. “Jake” Jacocks Jr.
“Officer Harper served the city of Virginia Beach with distinction during his brief tenure, and lost his life while serving our nation in the global war on terrorism,” Jacocks said in a written statement. “Our community owes Officer Harper a debt of gratitude as he chose to put his life on the line in defense of our rights and freedoms, both on the streets of our city and in Iraq. A patriot and a hero, Officer Harper will be missed, yet will always be remembered.”
Jacocks said he learned of Harper’s death Wednesday morning. The information was not released publicly until Harper’s family could be notified, he said.
Harper is survived by a wife, who lives in Chesapeake, and his parents, who live in Ohio. They were notified around noon Wednesday by the Marine Corps and the Police Department, Jacocks said.
Harper’s wife, Kendra, released a written statement Thursday afternoon through the Police Department: “In the eyes of those who knew and loved Brad he is a real hero. He gave 100 percent in whatever assignment he undertook. He was proud to be a Marine and considered it an honor serving as an officer for the city of Virginia Beach – 2nd Precinct Oceanfront. He will live on forever in our hearts.”
Jacocks said Harper was one of about 60 Virginia Beach police officers – including Jacocks himself – in the military reserves.
The Police Department is considering a special memorial service for Harper. His family announced that he will be buried near his Ohio home, Jacocks said.
Harper and his wife both come from Dresden, Ohio, near Columbus, said police Officer Harry McBrien. He said the couple would have celebrated their third wedding anniversary at the end of this month. They have no children.
Harper joined the Marine Corps reserve as a teenager in Ohio, serving with the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines.
He studied criminal justice at Ohio University, then moved to Hampton Roads to become a police officer in January 2004. After finishing the academy, he was assigned to the 2nd Precinct, based at the Oceanfront.
Six months later, on Jan. 4 of this year, his unit, which is based at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base, got the call.
The 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, made up of Marines from Virginia, Texas, Mississippi and Florida, reported to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina a few days later for training.
Police Officer Harper became Marine Sgt. Harper, trading patrols in police blue for digitized camouflage and work as a communications specialist. It was his first deployment.
The Virginian-Pilot interviewed Harper at Camp Lejeune in March, before he left for Iraq.
“It’s two different worlds,” Harper said.
Preparing for an unknown mission in Iraq was just part of the adjustment.
“It’s more leaving your wife and your normal life and routine,” he said.
After more than two months of training, Harper was ready to leave the confines of Camp Lejeune.
“This is my chance to go, to do my part,” he said. “The sooner you get over there, the sooner you get back.”
Reach Jon Frank at (757) 222-5122 or jon.frank@pilotonline.com.
Reach Kate Wiltrout at (757) 446-2629 or kate.wiltrout@pilotonline.com.
Thank you, Officer Bradley J. Harper for your service to your country and to our city of Virginia Beach. I am proud to say I live in the city and community you protected and served with honor and admiration. May God Bless you Bradley J. Harper, and your family.
Prayers.
I was channeling surfing tonight and just sat there with my mouth open while he grilled the parents of a dead soldier about President Bush. These lunatics like Matthews have lost what little mind they ever had over this war. It was sickening!
War is hell, Chris. That's why it's called a damn war!
If this is the best Matthews can do for a show it's no wonder Hardball is last in ratings even at MSNBC.
God bless you Officer Harper. RIP brother.
ping
Condolences to the family and all those who knew this fine young man.
We mourn with all of those who suffer the loss of these fine young men and women who have gone in harm's way.
RIP Marines
just read on another thread about NYPD officer McNaughton killed in Iraq, and now Sgt. Brad Harper of Virginia Beach PD. I'm struck by how sad it is, and how grateful I am for their service and that this country has raised up such wonderful young men, true heroes. God bless, and comfort the families in their grief.
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God our Father,
we remember before you today your faithful servant Bradley,
and we pray that,
having opened to him the gates of larger life,
you will receive them more and more into your joyful service,
that, with all that have faithfully served you in the past,
he may share in the eternal victory of Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen.
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