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County Courthouse Mourns Security Chief
Friday, October 03, 2008 By Ken Kosky NWItimes
The Porter County Sheriff's Department lowered its flags
to half-staff, and security officers at the Porter
County Courthouse wore black bands across their badges
Thursday after learning that the head of security, Lt.
Dennis Replin, had lost his prolonged fight with
pancreatic, liver and stomach cancer.
Replin died Thursday morning at home. Replin, who
worked at Bethlehem Steel for 36 years before joining
court security, also served on the Portage Park Board,
once participated in a sports show on Channel 56 and
filmed high school football.
Porter County Sheriff David Lain said he got to spend a
couple of days with Replin when they attended a seminar
together in Indianapolis. "He was just a very
positive, upbeat personality," Lain said. "Dennis
was always looking for the best in people."
Replin's co-workers said his family was very important
to him, and he considered the courthouse to be his
second home. While battling his illness, he held onto
hope that he would be able to come back to work.
"He will be missed. He was just a great person to work
for," said Cpl. Jackie Hrezo, of court security.
Hrezo said she will remember Replin's laughter. Replin
often gave courthouse visitors a smile, a joke and a
personal greeting. Replin was also a big NASCAR
racing fan and got to drive and ride in NASCAR race cars
through a fantasy camp called the Richard Petty Driving
Experience. |
