REMEMBERING: In the early hours of the morning, 23 years ago Sunday, Kane Borough Patrolman Steve Jerman made the ultimate sacrifice as he laid down his life for the Kane community.
On Feb. 20, 1999, Patrol Jerman was shot and killed after making a traffic stop of a car that was speeding and tailgating. As Patrolman Jerman was talking to the drunk, 18-year-old driver of the car on a roadside pull-off along Route 66, he was shot once in the chest. As he fell to the ground he was able to heroically return fire, seriously wounding the suspect.
The suspect, Timothy James Williams, was convicted of third degree murder and sentenced to 22 to 47 years in prison.
Friends recalled that he wanted to work nights so he could devote more time in the day and evening to his community through volunteer work. Patrolman Jerman was the DARE instructor and Boy Scout leader for his community and had been with the Kane Police Department for 23 years. He is survived by his wife and two children.
“He left behind a family, friends, brothers and sisters in blue, and countless children whose lives he touched from his passionate work with the D.A.R.E program. Let us not only remember and honor him today, but everyday for the gifts he left us with. We are forever grateful. May he rest in eternal peace,” said Kane Mayor Brandy Schimp.
The Steve Jerman Memorial is located off Rt. 66, just south of Kane. There is also a five mile run and two mile run memorial race held annually in his name, as well as a scholarship for Kane students.
