Officer gave his all for Beach, Marines

VIRGINIA BEACH

A Virginia Beach police officer serving as a Marine reservist has been killed by a massive roadside explosion while riding in an amphibious assault vehicle in Iraq.

Bradley J. Harper, 25, died Wednesday along with 13 other Marines and an Iraqi translator on a road outside Haditha when a roadside bomb detonated and flipped their lightly armored vehicle.

On Thursday, Virginia Beach police officers memorialized Harper's death by "draping the badge," a traditional show of honor and brotherhood by police who place a black swath across their shields when a fellow officer is killed.

Harper joined the Police Department in February 2004 and graduated from the Police Academy in July 2004. He is the first Beach police officer killed in the war on terror, according to Virginia Beach Police Chief A.M. "Jake" Jacocks Jr.

"Officer Harper served the city of Virginia Beach with distinction during his brief tenure, and lost his life while serving our nation in the global war on terrorism," Jacocks said in a written statement. "Our community owes Officer Harper a debt of gratitude as he chose to put his life on the line in defense of our rights and freedoms, both on the streets of our city and in Iraq. A patriot and a hero, Officer Harper will be missed, yet will always be remembered."

Jacocks said he learned of Harper's death Wednesday morning. The information was not released publicly until Harper's family could be notified, he said.

Harper is survived by a wife, Kendra, who lives in Chesapeake, and his parents, who live in Ohio. They were notified around noon Wednesday by the Marine Corps and the Police Department, Jacocks said.

Harper's wife, Kendra, released a written statement Thursday afternoon through the Police Department: "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."

Jacocks said Harper was one of about 60 Virginia Beach police officers - including Jacocks himself - in the military reserves.

The Police Department is considering a special memorial service for Harper. His family announced that he will be buried near his Ohio home, Jacocks said.

Harper and his wife both come from Dresden, Ohio, near Columbus, said police Officer Harry McBrien. He said the couple would have celebrated their third wedding anniversary at the end of this month. They have no children.

Harper joined the Marine Corps reserve as a teenager in Ohio, serving with the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines.

He studied criminal justice at Ohio University, then moved to Hampton Roads to become a police officer in January 2004. After finishing the academy, he was assigned to the 2nd Precinct, based at the Oceanfront.

Six months later, on Jan. 4 of this year, his unit, which is based at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base, got the call.

The 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, made up of Marines from Virginia, Texas, Mississippi and Florida, reported to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina a few days later for training.

Police Officer Harper became Marine Sgt. Harper, trading patrols in police blue for digitized camouflage and work as a communications specialist. It was his first deployment.

The Virginian-Pilot interviewed Harper at Camp Lejeune in March, before he left for Iraq.

"It's two different worlds," Harper said.

Preparing for an unknown mission in Iraq was just part of the adjustment.

"It's more leaving your wife and your normal life and routine," he said.

After more than two months of training, Harper was ready to leave the confines of Camp Lejeune.

"This is my chance to go, to do my part," he said. "The sooner you get over there, the sooner you get back."

Reach Kate Wiltrout at (757) 446-2629 or kate.wiltrout@pilotonline.com.