Rep. Walorski honors Goshen resident as Hoosier Hero

US Representative Jackie Walorski, R-Ind. honored Goshen resident Darlene Guthrie as a Hoosier Hero.

Guthrie has been a police officer, volunteer animal rescuer and a member of the Indiana Guard Reserve.

“When people step up and do something above and beyond the call of duty, often we call them heroes,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “Our communities need everyday Hoosier Heroes like Darlene Guthrie. For 20 years, Darlene served as a police officer with the Elkhart Police Department, displaying a dedication to public safety and commitment to service that have truly made northern Indiana a better place to live. Now Darlene is serving her fellow Hoosiers by joining the Indiana Guard Reserve.”

Guthrie is a certified Animal Cruelty Investigator and was a member of the Elkhart County Humane Society’s Board for four years.

Congresswoman Walorski recently entered a statement into the Congressional Record honoring Guthrie's public service and congratulating Guthrie on her graduation from Indiana Guard Reserve basic training in December. The text of her statement is below.

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired Elkhart Police Officer Darlene Guthrie. Her acts of selflessness, sacrifice, and public service have distinguished her among her peers, and she is well-deserving of recognition.

“For 20 years, Darlene served as a police officer with the Elkhart Police Department, displaying a dedication to public safety and commitment to service that have truly made northern Indiana a better place to live. Now Darlene is serving her fellow Hoosiers by joining the Indiana Guard Reserve.

“Darlene has also spent countless hours rescuing animals, helping her neighbors get back on their feet, and volunteering in her community. She combined her experience in law enforcement with her passion for animals to become a nationally certified Animal Cruelty Investigator, eventually taking on the role of rewriting Elkhart County’s Animal Ordinance and updating the Elkhart Police Department’s animal law summary. And she served on the Elkhart County Humane Society’s Board for four years and even became interim director.

“She goes above and beyond in everything she does, and her drive to make a difference has not only shined light on the causes closest to her heart but has made her a local leader that organizations and institutions look to for guidance. Her distinguished leadership and love of family, community, and country are what brought her to her most recent accomplishment at the age of 52: graduating from the Indiana Guard Reserve Basic Training on December 15, 2018.

“Darlene’s determination to never give up no matter what life brings is an inspiration to us all and teaches a positive message of perseverance. We can all learn from someone who never shies away from a challenge and always strives to do what is right. It is a privilege to represent Hoosiers like Darlene who continue to strengthen our community.

“Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Darlene Guthrie for her honorable service to the northern Indiana community, and congratulating her on her graduation to become a member of the Indiana Guard Reserve. Darlene is a role model, a leader, and a dedicated public servant who inspires us all.”