Scott Lee Severns, 36, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away Sunday, April 23, 2006, in Memorial Hospital of South Bend. Scott was a police officer with the South Bend Police Department. He was born on June 25, 1969, in South Bend, Indiana.
Scott is survived by his mother, Kathleen Karczewski of South Bend; his father, Dennis (Jeannie) Severns of Merritt Island, Florida; a sister, Captain Denise Severns, United States Army, Arizona; a brother, Bryant Severns of Merritt Island, Florida; his paternal grandmother, B. Maxine Myers of Plymouth, Indiana; his former stepfather, Donald Karczewski of South Bend; stepbrothers and sisters, Brandon Holcomb, Brooklyn Jackson, and former Mark, Matt, Luke and Maureen Lauer; a stepnephew, Andrew Jackson; several cousins; his godchildren, Gabriella Costa and Joseph Delinski; his former wife, Elizabeth Maxey; and his beloved dog, Bruno.
Scott was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Herbert Severns; and his maternal grandparents, Matthew and Anne (Biritz) Rachwalski.
Scott was sworn in as a police officer on his birthday, June 25, 1997, and was a third-generation police officer following his father, Dennis Severns, and his grandfather, Herbert Severns. While at LaSalle High School he played football, basketball and, of course, baseball. The All Star athlete received a full-ride scholarship to Bethel College for baseball.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 PM Thursday, April 27, 2006, in the Wiekamp Center on the campus of Bethel College, Mishawaka, Indiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM Friday, April 28, 2006, in St. Matthew Cathedral in South Bend, Indiana. Burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Scott Severns Memorial Scholarship Fund, Policemen's Federal Credit Union, 1130 South Main Street, South Bend, IN 46601.
To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.Kaniewski.com.
Arrangements by the Kaniewski Funeral Home.
It was an emotional day for the South Bend Police Department and the city itself, after one of the city's protectors is remembered.
Corporal Scott Severns died early Sunday morning from the injuries he suffered Friday night. Severns was shot during an armed robbery while he was off-duty.
It's because of what type of officer Scott Severns was; he let it be known he loved his job with a passion. He was aggressive, tenacious, and determined.
Sunday, the news that he was gone, was just too painful for his fellow officers to bare.
Remembering a hero
"It's with deep regret that we must report that..." Chief Tom Fautz of the South Bend Police Department tried to talk to the press Sunday morning but needed to take a minute to regain his composure.
It was evidence of how tough it is on fellow officers to tell the community Corporal Scott Severns is gone.
"Last night, he went into a coma, and because of complications of his injuries to his brain, the strokes he had suffered, he was not able to overcome that," Fautz explained.
Chief Tom Fautz and Mayor Steve Luecke at Sunday's press conference; both spoke of Severns as a hero
The decision was made at 3:00 AM Sunday to take Severns off life support.
"The family made a very tough decision, but the right decision knowing the kind of officer Scott was," he continued.
He may have only been with the department for eight years, but in reality, he was in the department his whole life.
"As you know, this is a big family," said Fautz.
"He is a third-generation South Bend Police Officer, his grandfather Herbert Severns, and his father Dennis Severns served before him," said South Bend Mayor Steve Luecke.
Fautz said that many officers knew Dennis Severns and were very close to him.
Whether on the job or off, Corporal Severns carried on the traits of his family name: loyalty, dedication and determination to the department, even in the end.
"He was a hero. He stepped between a weapon and another person to deflect harm from them," said Fautz.
That is why the loss within this family is so hard to bear.
"We mourn the loss of our brother and ask the citizens of this community to remember Scott in your prayers," said Luecke.
A memorial has been set up outside the South Bend Police Department, in honor of Corporal Scott SevernsScott told his family that if anything ever happened to him, that he wanted his organs donated to help somebody else. That wish was granted.
If you would like to pay your respects to Corporal Scott Severns, his family or the police department, you are invited to stop by the South Bend Police Department where a memorial is set up.
At half staff
Earlier on Sunday, South Bend Mayor Steve Luecke ordered all flags at city buildings to be lowered to half-staff.
The flags will stay lowered until the funeral services for Corporal Severns are over.
The mayor also asks residents and businesses to lower flags in honor of Corporal Severns.
Remembering past fallen officers
Unfortunately for this area, we have witnessed too many police officers dying while in the line of duty.
Here's a list from just the past 10 years.
It was just December 2003 when Tom Roberts and Bryan Verkler were shot and killed while serving on the Mishawaka Police Department.
In March 2001, Doug Adams from the Elkhart Police Department died during a pursuit.
In March 1999, Trooper Richard Gaston was killed during a traffic stop on the Indiana Toll Road.
Flags are to be flown at half-staff in honor of Severns
In December 1998, Officer Tommy Goodwin was shot to death while on duty for the Goshen Police Department.
In July 1998, Master Sergeant David Deuter died while working on the Indiana Toll Road near Howe.
In August 1997 South Bend Police Officer Paul Deguch was shot and killed while on duty.
In June 1994, Kosciusko County Deputy Philip Hostetler died from gunfire.
Continuing coverage
As we look ahead this week, Newscenter 16 will bring you in-depth coverage of the officers' death.
The state Fraternal Order of Police has activated its Critical Incident Team. The team helps with grieving families and fellow officers. They also help coordinate the funeral services for slain officers.
Scott is survived by his mother, Kathleen Karczewski of South Bend; his father, Dennis (Jeannie) Severns of Merritt Island, Florida; a sister, Captain Denise Severns, United States Army, Arizona; a brother, Bryant Severns of Merritt Island, Florida; his paternal grandmother, B. Maxine Myers of Plymouth, Indiana; his former stepfather, Donald Karczewski of South Bend; stepbrothers and sisters, Brandon Holcomb, Brooklyn Jackson, and former Mark, Matt, Luke and Maureen Lauer; a stepnephew, Andrew Jackson; several cousins; his godchildren, Gabriella Costa and Joseph Delinski; his former wife, Elizabeth Maxey; and his beloved dog, Bruno.
Scott was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Herbert Severns; and his maternal grandparents, Matthew and Anne (Biritz) Rachwalski.
Scott was sworn in as a police officer on his birthday, June 25, 1997, and was a third-generation police officer following his father, Dennis Severns, and his grandfather, Herbert Severns. While at LaSalle High School he played football, basketball and, of course, baseball. The All Star athlete received a full-ride scholarship to Bethel College for baseball.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 PM Thursday, April 27, 2006, in the Wiekamp Center on the campus of Bethel College, Mishawaka, Indiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM Friday, April 28, 2006, in St. Matthew Cathedral in South Bend, Indiana. Burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Scott Severns Memorial Scholarship Fund, Policemen's Federal Credit Union, 1130 South Main Street, South Bend, IN 46601.
To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.Kaniewski.com.
Arrangements by the Kaniewski Funeral Home.
It was an emotional day for the South Bend Police Department and the city itself, after one of the city's protectors is remembered.
Corporal Scott Severns died early Sunday morning from the injuries he suffered Friday night. Severns was shot during an armed robbery while he was off-duty.
It's because of what type of officer Scott Severns was; he let it be known he loved his job with a passion. He was aggressive, tenacious, and determined.
Sunday, the news that he was gone, was just too painful for his fellow officers to bare.
Remembering a hero
"It's with deep regret that we must report that..." Chief Tom Fautz of the South Bend Police Department tried to talk to the press Sunday morning but needed to take a minute to regain his composure.
It was evidence of how tough it is on fellow officers to tell the community Corporal Scott Severns is gone.
"Last night, he went into a coma, and because of complications of his injuries to his brain, the strokes he had suffered, he was not able to overcome that," Fautz explained.
Chief Tom Fautz and Mayor Steve Luecke at Sunday's press conference; both spoke of Severns as a hero
The decision was made at 3:00 AM Sunday to take Severns off life support.
"The family made a very tough decision, but the right decision knowing the kind of officer Scott was," he continued.
He may have only been with the department for eight years, but in reality, he was in the department his whole life.
"As you know, this is a big family," said Fautz.
"He is a third-generation South Bend Police Officer, his grandfather Herbert Severns, and his father Dennis Severns served before him," said South Bend Mayor Steve Luecke.
Fautz said that many officers knew Dennis Severns and were very close to him.
Whether on the job or off, Corporal Severns carried on the traits of his family name: loyalty, dedication and determination to the department, even in the end.
"He was a hero. He stepped between a weapon and another person to deflect harm from them," said Fautz.
That is why the loss within this family is so hard to bear.
"We mourn the loss of our brother and ask the citizens of this community to remember Scott in your prayers," said Luecke.
A memorial has been set up outside the South Bend Police Department, in honor of Corporal Scott SevernsScott told his family that if anything ever happened to him, that he wanted his organs donated to help somebody else. That wish was granted.
If you would like to pay your respects to Corporal Scott Severns, his family or the police department, you are invited to stop by the South Bend Police Department where a memorial is set up.
At half staff
Earlier on Sunday, South Bend Mayor Steve Luecke ordered all flags at city buildings to be lowered to half-staff.
The flags will stay lowered until the funeral services for Corporal Severns are over.
The mayor also asks residents and businesses to lower flags in honor of Corporal Severns.
Remembering past fallen officers
Unfortunately for this area, we have witnessed too many police officers dying while in the line of duty.
Here's a list from just the past 10 years.
It was just December 2003 when Tom Roberts and Bryan Verkler were shot and killed while serving on the Mishawaka Police Department.
In March 2001, Doug Adams from the Elkhart Police Department died during a pursuit.
In March 1999, Trooper Richard Gaston was killed during a traffic stop on the Indiana Toll Road.
Flags are to be flown at half-staff in honor of Severns
In December 1998, Officer Tommy Goodwin was shot to death while on duty for the Goshen Police Department.
In July 1998, Master Sergeant David Deuter died while working on the Indiana Toll Road near Howe.
In August 1997 South Bend Police Officer Paul Deguch was shot and killed while on duty.
In June 1994, Kosciusko County Deputy Philip Hostetler died from gunfire.
Continuing coverage
As we look ahead this week, Newscenter 16 will bring you in-depth coverage of the officers' death.
The state Fraternal Order of Police has activated its Critical Incident Team. The team helps with grieving families and fellow officers. They also help coordinate the funeral services for slain officers.
Scott Lee Severns, 36, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away Sunday, April 23, 2006, in Memorial Hospital of South Bend. Scott was a police officer with the South Bend Police Department. He was born on June 25, 1969, in South Bend, Indiana.
Scott is survived by his mother, Kathleen Karczewski of South Bend; his father, Dennis (Jeannie) Severns of Merritt Island, Florida; a sister, Captain Denise Severns, United States Army, Arizona; a brother, Bryant Severns of Merritt Island, Florida; his paternal grandmother, B. Maxine Myers of Plymouth, Indiana; his former stepfather, Donald Karczewski of South Bend; stepbrothers and sisters, Brandon Holcomb, Brooklyn Jackson, and former Mark, Matt, Luke and Maureen Lauer; a stepnephew, Andrew Jackson; several cousins; his godchildren, Gabriella Costa and Joseph Delinski; his former wife, Elizabeth Maxey; and his beloved dog, Bruno.
Scott was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Herbert Severns; and his maternal grandparents, Matthew and Anne (Biritz) Rachwalski.
Scott was sworn in as a police officer on his birthday, June 25, 1997, and was a third-generation police officer following his father, Dennis Severns, and his grandfather, Herbert Severns. While at LaSalle High School he played football, basketball and, of course, baseball. The All Star athlete received a full-ride scholarship to Bethel College for baseball.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 PM Thursday, April 27, 2006, in the Wiekamp Center on the campus of Bethel College, Mishawaka, Indiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM Friday, April 28, 2006, in St. Matthew Cathedral in South Bend, Indiana. Burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Scott Severns Memorial Scholarship Fund, Policemen's Federal Credit Union, 1130 South Main Street, South Bend, IN 46601.
To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.Kaniewski.com.
Arrangements by the Kaniewski Funeral Home.
It was an emotional day for the South Bend Police Department and the city itself, after one of the city's protectors is remembered.
Corporal Scott Severns died early Sunday morning from the injuries he suffered Friday night. Severns was shot during an armed robbery while he was off-duty.
It's because of what type of officer Scott Severns was; he let it be known he loved his job with a passion. He was aggressive, tenacious, and determined.
Sunday, the news that he was gone, was just too painful for his fellow officers to bare.
Remembering a hero
"It's with deep regret that we must report that..." Chief Tom Fautz of the South Bend Police Department tried to talk to the press Sunday morning but needed to take a minute to regain his composure.
It was evidence of how tough it is on fellow officers to tell the community Corporal Scott Severns is gone.
"Last night, he went into a coma, and because of complications of his injuries to his brain, the strokes he had suffered, he was not able to overcome that," Fautz explained.
Chief Tom Fautz and Mayor Steve Luecke at Sunday's press conference; both spoke of Severns as a hero
The decision was made at 3:00 AM Sunday to take Severns off life support.
"The family made a very tough decision, but the right decision knowing the kind of officer Scott was," he continued.
He may have only been with the department for eight years, but in reality, he was in the department his whole life.
"As you know, this is a big family," said Fautz.
"He is a third-generation South Bend Police Officer, his grandfather Herbert Severns, and his father Dennis Severns served before him," said South Bend Mayor Steve Luecke.
Fautz said that many officers knew Dennis Severns and were very close to him.
Whether on the job or off, Corporal Severns carried on the traits of his family name: loyalty, dedication and determination to the department, even in the end.
"He was a hero. He stepped between a weapon and another person to deflect harm from them," said Fautz.
That is why the loss within this family is so hard to bear.
"We mourn the loss of our brother and ask the citizens of this community to remember Scott in your prayers," said Luecke.
A memorial has been set up outside the South Bend Police Department, in honor of Corporal Scott SevernsScott told his family that if anything ever happened to him, that he wanted his organs donated to help somebody else. That wish was granted.
If you would like to pay your respects to Corporal Scott Severns, his family or the police department, you are invited to stop by the South Bend Police Department where a memorial is set up.
At half staff
Earlier on Sunday, South Bend Mayor Steve Luecke ordered all flags at city buildings to be lowered to half-staff.
The flags will stay lowered until the funeral services for Corporal Severns are over.
The mayor also asks residents and businesses to lower flags in honor of Corporal Severns.
Remembering past fallen officers
Unfortunately for this area, we have witnessed too many police officers dying while in the line of duty.
Here's a list from just the past 10 years.
It was just December 2003 when Tom Roberts and Bryan Verkler were shot and killed while serving on the Mishawaka Police Department.
In March 2001, Doug Adams from the Elkhart Police Department died during a pursuit.
In March 1999, Trooper Richard Gaston was killed during a traffic stop on the Indiana Toll Road.
Flags are to be flown at half-staff in honor of Severns
In December 1998, Officer Tommy Goodwin was shot to death while on duty for the Goshen Police Department.
In July 1998, Master Sergeant David Deuter died while working on the Indiana Toll Road near Howe.
In August 1997 South Bend Police Officer Paul Deguch was shot and killed while on duty.
In June 1994, Kosciusko County Deputy Philip Hostetler died from gunfire.
Continuing coverage
As we look ahead this week, Newscenter 16 will bring you in-depth coverage of the officers' death.
The state Fraternal Order of Police has activated its Critical Incident Team. The team helps with grieving families and fellow officers. They also help coordinate the funeral services for slain officers.
Scott is survived by his mother, Kathleen Karczewski of South Bend; his father, Dennis (Jeannie) Severns of Merritt Island, Florida; a sister, Captain Denise Severns, United States Army, Arizona; a brother, Bryant Severns of Merritt Island, Florida; his paternal grandmother, B. Maxine Myers of Plymouth, Indiana; his former stepfather, Donald Karczewski of South Bend; stepbrothers and sisters, Brandon Holcomb, Brooklyn Jackson, and former Mark, Matt, Luke and Maureen Lauer; a stepnephew, Andrew Jackson; several cousins; his godchildren, Gabriella Costa and Joseph Delinski; his former wife, Elizabeth Maxey; and his beloved dog, Bruno.
Scott was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Herbert Severns; and his maternal grandparents, Matthew and Anne (Biritz) Rachwalski.
Scott was sworn in as a police officer on his birthday, June 25, 1997, and was a third-generation police officer following his father, Dennis Severns, and his grandfather, Herbert Severns. While at LaSalle High School he played football, basketball and, of course, baseball. The All Star athlete received a full-ride scholarship to Bethel College for baseball.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 PM Thursday, April 27, 2006, in the Wiekamp Center on the campus of Bethel College, Mishawaka, Indiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM Friday, April 28, 2006, in St. Matthew Cathedral in South Bend, Indiana. Burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Scott Severns Memorial Scholarship Fund, Policemen's Federal Credit Union, 1130 South Main Street, South Bend, IN 46601.
To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.Kaniewski.com.
Arrangements by the Kaniewski Funeral Home.
It was an emotional day for the South Bend Police Department and the city itself, after one of the city's protectors is remembered.
Corporal Scott Severns died early Sunday morning from the injuries he suffered Friday night. Severns was shot during an armed robbery while he was off-duty.
It's because of what type of officer Scott Severns was; he let it be known he loved his job with a passion. He was aggressive, tenacious, and determined.
Sunday, the news that he was gone, was just too painful for his fellow officers to bare.
Remembering a hero
"It's with deep regret that we must report that..." Chief Tom Fautz of the South Bend Police Department tried to talk to the press Sunday morning but needed to take a minute to regain his composure.
It was evidence of how tough it is on fellow officers to tell the community Corporal Scott Severns is gone.
"Last night, he went into a coma, and because of complications of his injuries to his brain, the strokes he had suffered, he was not able to overcome that," Fautz explained.
Chief Tom Fautz and Mayor Steve Luecke at Sunday's press conference; both spoke of Severns as a hero
The decision was made at 3:00 AM Sunday to take Severns off life support.
"The family made a very tough decision, but the right decision knowing the kind of officer Scott was," he continued.
He may have only been with the department for eight years, but in reality, he was in the department his whole life.
"As you know, this is a big family," said Fautz.
"He is a third-generation South Bend Police Officer, his grandfather Herbert Severns, and his father Dennis Severns served before him," said South Bend Mayor Steve Luecke.
Fautz said that many officers knew Dennis Severns and were very close to him.
Whether on the job or off, Corporal Severns carried on the traits of his family name: loyalty, dedication and determination to the department, even in the end.
"He was a hero. He stepped between a weapon and another person to deflect harm from them," said Fautz.
That is why the loss within this family is so hard to bear.
"We mourn the loss of our brother and ask the citizens of this community to remember Scott in your prayers," said Luecke.
A memorial has been set up outside the South Bend Police Department, in honor of Corporal Scott SevernsScott told his family that if anything ever happened to him, that he wanted his organs donated to help somebody else. That wish was granted.
If you would like to pay your respects to Corporal Scott Severns, his family or the police department, you are invited to stop by the South Bend Police Department where a memorial is set up.
At half staff
Earlier on Sunday, South Bend Mayor Steve Luecke ordered all flags at city buildings to be lowered to half-staff.
The flags will stay lowered until the funeral services for Corporal Severns are over.
The mayor also asks residents and businesses to lower flags in honor of Corporal Severns.
Remembering past fallen officers
Unfortunately for this area, we have witnessed too many police officers dying while in the line of duty.
Here's a list from just the past 10 years.
It was just December 2003 when Tom Roberts and Bryan Verkler were shot and killed while serving on the Mishawaka Police Department.
In March 2001, Doug Adams from the Elkhart Police Department died during a pursuit.
In March 1999, Trooper Richard Gaston was killed during a traffic stop on the Indiana Toll Road.
Flags are to be flown at half-staff in honor of Severns
In December 1998, Officer Tommy Goodwin was shot to death while on duty for the Goshen Police Department.
In July 1998, Master Sergeant David Deuter died while working on the Indiana Toll Road near Howe.
In August 1997 South Bend Police Officer Paul Deguch was shot and killed while on duty.
In June 1994, Kosciusko County Deputy Philip Hostetler died from gunfire.
Continuing coverage
As we look ahead this week, Newscenter 16 will bring you in-depth coverage of the officers' death.
The state Fraternal Order of Police has activated its Critical Incident Team. The team helps with grieving families and fellow officers. They also help coordinate the funeral services for slain officers.
