• The Bryan Verkler Invitational Highland Games are held each year to honor a true hero and athlete.  Bryan Verkler holds the Open Stone throw record for the longest distance at our games at 33 feet, 10 ½ inches with a 25 pound stone. This record was set in 2000.

• Bryan Verkler was a Mishawaka Police Officer who joined the Mishawaka Police Department on February 14, 2001, after serving with the St. Joseph County Sherrif’s Department since 1997. Bryan had received several letters of commendation from his superiors and was nominated for Officer of the Year in 2002. He had been chosen to attend instructor development at the Indiana Police Academy.

• Bryan excelled in sports and set high school records in the discus and the shot. This is likely what caused him to come out one summer morning to see what it would be like to try throwing heavier implements in a kilt. Bryan was one of five people competing in the first South Bend Scottish Heavy Events competitions. The group was shown how to throw one of the weights, which was covered by a local TV station. The reporter asked if the demonstration made him nervous that he wouldn’t be able to throw as well. He simply said “No, that’s (the throw) not bad”.

• Bryan went on that day to throw very well. He listened to instruction, adapted better than the others, and was the only one of the five beginners that was able to turn the Caber the first time, an accomplishment that is rare. Bryan was the first Athlete of the Day for the South Bend Highland Games and was looking forward to returning for years to come. He was fond of saying “Real men wear kilts”. 

• Bryan and his wife Juli, were married on May 17, 2003.

• Bryan Verkler was born January 6, 1976. He gave his life in the line of duty while protecting those we swore to serve and protect. Bryan was 27 year old. We lost him far too soon.

http://copsrus.us/Fallen.html