In Memoriam

Former police officer 'wanted to do his part'

Friday, August 05, 2005

Ohio native Bradley J. Harper, 25, was a 1998 Tri-Val ley High School graduate, and had been living in Virginia Beach, Va.

Harper, of Dresden, Ohio, was killed Wednesday when his vehicle was hit by an explosive during combat operations south of Haditha, Iraq. He was assigned to the Marine Reserve's 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Norfolk, Va.

Before being deployed in March, Harper was a member of the Virginia Beach Police Department for a year and a half.

In an interview with The Virginian-Pilot at Camp Lejeune, N.C., before heading to Iraq, Harper was upbeat.

"This is my chance to go, to do my part," he told the newspaper.

He leaves behind his wife, Kendra, who released this statement to the media in Virginia: "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."

When reached at the family's home late Thursday, Daniel Harper told The Plain Dealer that his brother was loved very much and would be missed.