Cass pauses to remember 68 shortened life stories

Published 8:40 am Thursday, April 22, 2010

Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz takes a tulip from Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Melissa Sytsma to place at the base of the fieldstone victims memorial in memory of one of 68 lives lost since 1989.

Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz takes a tulip from Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Melissa Sytsma to place at the base of the fieldstone victims memorial in memory of one of 68 lives lost since 1989.

By JOHN EBY
Dowagiac Daily News

CASSOPOLIS – Cass County’s criminal justice system crowded around the flag pole in front of the 2004 Law and Courts Building Wednesday noon to pay tribute to “68 names, 68 life stories, 68 tragedies,” as Prosecutor Victor Fitz phrased it.

The 68 are victims who lost their lives due to county crime since 1989.

Their names were read and tulips in a variety of colors were placed in front of the permanent fieldstone victims memorial.

For a somber event which usually unfolds in gusts, rain and cold beneath leaden skies, Wednesday was the rare warm, sunny exception.

The observance at one time featured balloons, which were abandoned after repeated failures to launch.

Usually wind drove them across M-62 on a line like gunshots, startling traffic passing the courthouse.

“Last year we had some pretty inclement weather,” Fitz recalled. “We obviously got a beautiful day today for which we are thankful.”

Fitz introduced dignitaries, including Judges Susan Dobrich and Stacey Rentfrow, Board of Commissioners Chairman Robert Ziliak of Milton Township, Commissioners Gordon Bickel of Porter Township and Dixie Ann File of Cassopolis, Sheriff Joe Underwood, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Frank Machnik, Undersheriff Rick Behnke, sheriff’s Capt. Lyndon Parrish, sheriff’s Sgt. Phil Esarey and Juvenile Division Attorney-Referee Leigh Feldman.

Addressing nine families known to have attended on behalf of their loved ones (Deputy Shane Britton died July 19, 2001, in the line of duty while responding to a domestic violence call), Fitz said, “As you work with Amanda (Smego, his victim coordinator) and the attorneys in my office and our support staff, you really do become part of our family, too. We consider you that way.”

Fitz recounted how victims’ rights have evolved over the past 25 years.
“Victims now are treated with fairness, dignity and respect because of work that has been put in by legislators, prosecutors and victim advocates and citizens. They have worked so hard to make sure victims have a place at the table in the criminal justice system. Every state in our Union has now passed a victims’ rights act. Also, all states have funds for victims’ rights board. There are now more than 10,000 victim assistance programs that exist throughout the United States of America. Thirty-two states have passed constitutional amendments that recognize the rights of victims in the criminal justice system. Twenty-five years ago, none of that was in the system.”

“Today, in particular,” Fitz continued, “we remember those persons who cannot exercise those rights because, as each of you know full well, they paid the ultimate price. Today we remember 68 names, 68 life stories, 68 tragedies and 68 terrible, terrible deaths” – including three since the 2009 observance, Zane Shilts, June 11; Thomas Hiatt, Aug. 14; and Patrick Carter, Oct. 19.

“Some of them died because of guns,” the prosecutor said. “Some of them were stabbed or killed by automobiles. Others died because they were strangled. Some of them were burned or, in the case of babies, shaken to death. Deaths that never should have occurred. Every year those of us in law enforcement and the judicial system try to minimize those numbers, but today we remember that each of these names has a story behind it.”

“This is a good reminder for all of us in law enforcement,” Fitz said.

“As we see you come forward, sadness on your face and even tears that flow, we know why we do our jobs.”

“Bill Bruneau, many of you know. He’s been a fixture in the community for many years. Sadly, for me and many of us, he’s moving to other pastures for his ministry.”

The motorcycle-riding Connecticut native was called to his pulpit at Penn Friends Community Church about a dozen years ago by way of General Motors in Indianapolis.
Bruneau, who offered a prayer, said, “In 30 years of ministry, I’ve never been called a fixture of the community. Because pastors are so transient in their ministry, that’s actually a compliment.

“I know some of your faces because of the death of your loved one I showed up at your doorstep as head road chaplain for Cass County. I feel like I’m part of your lives as well. I’m taking a good look at your faces right now and I’m not going to forget them.

“I’m going to take them with me and try the best I can to remember this day wherever I happen to go.

“Tragedy is a part of life we don’t like. Jesus was victim of a terrible tragedy. They nailed You to a cross. God, you know what it is to grieve over the loss of a son. You’re the only One who can bring healing into our lives. I do believe, Father, that in spite of our loss You bring comfort, peace and the assurance of salvation to each and every one of those of us who know and love You. My prayer is for those who are left behind, standing here, and the families they represent so that one day they know that they may be joined together once again with their loved one in a life that is far better.”