Tuesday, October 29, 2019
I first met Russ as a child in 1974 when we moved to Lebanon Township.Over the years I grew to know him not only as the most even handed and calm police officer I have ever known, but as a colleague, mentor and friend. Our years together on the Lebanon Township First Aid Squad were punctuated with emotion, conflict, scandal, and resolution. His wife Joanne and he were never satisfied with the status quo. I respected and honored that even when I didn't agree.Her passing was a terrible loss that I will never forget. It changed Russ and he was forever altered by her untimely death. Russ treated me with discipline at times when I should have received no mercy, and he did so also with complete strangers. I grew to know him as a fair and even man. I respected his re-probation and was humbled in his approbation. He will remain a part of my formation that I will never forget and a force in my memory that will continue to shape how I respond to others. Thank you Russ and to your family I offer my condolences.
