The Memorial

(In the memory of...)

Let's not forget those who have died.

This torch burns in memory of all of the fallen officers, world wide. This is a list of officers who have been killed this year.. Already, too many. Don't ever forget these officers, they died helping their communities...

The following list honors the bravest of them all:

CONSTABLE NINA MACKAY Metropolitan Police, London, England. Constable Mackay was killed on 24 October 1997. She was stabbed many times. The officer was rushed to the hospital but she died of her injuries. She was not wearing a vest...

SERGEANT EERO HOLSTI CONSTABLE ANTERO PALO Helsinki Police Department, Finland Sergeant Holsti and Senior Constable Palo were killed on 22 October 1997. Their bodies were found in an alley. Both officers were killed by single head shots. Sergeant Holsti, aged 56, and Senior Constable Palo, aged 32, are the first Helsinki officers to be killed in over 30 years.

OFFICER JOHN SOWA Atlanta Police Department, Atlanta, USA Officer Sowa was killed on 13 October 1997. His partner and him were shot with an assault riffle. Both officers were shot several times. Officer Sowa's partner managed to broadcast their location as the male stood over her and shot her again in the head. His partner is in critical condition.

OFFICER SUMMER LANGFORD Wichita Police Department, Kansas, USA Officer Langford was killed on 11 October 1997. She was hit by a drunk driver. It killed Summer Langford instantly.

OFFICER WILLIE NEAL Jr

St Louis Police Department, Missouri, USA

Officer Neal was killed on January 29, 1997. He was working undercover and making a controlled drugs buy when the dealer became suspicious and shot him dead before fleeing the scene. The dealer was arrested the following day. Officer Neal had served his department for six years, and is survived his wife and two young daughters.

OFFICER BRIAN BATCHELDER

Bentonville Police Department, Arizona, USA

Officer Batchelder was killed on January 28, 1997. His patrol car left the road and collided with a tree. He had not yet completed his first year of policing and leaves behind a wife and a six week old son.

AGENT ANTHONY MINNETTO

US Department of Immigration, Nevada, USA

Agent Minnetto was killed on January 27 1997. His vehicle rear-ended another on an off ramp from the I-80. Both vehicles stopped and Agent Minnetto called 911 to report the accident. While waiting for the police, the other driver returned to the agent's vehicle and shot him in the head with a .22 handgun. He then removed Agent Minnotto's .40 calibre handgun and shot the agent again in the head. After this the man committed suicide using the agent's gun. Agent Minnetto was 49 years old but had only joined the INS in November 1996.

DEPUTY DAVID DEMOS

Milwaukee Sheriffs Department, Milwaukee, USA

Deputy Demos was killed on January 25, 1997. He was assisting a motorist who had broken down at the roadside when he was struck by a passing vehicle. The driver, who was intoxicated, failed to stop but was traced and arrested later that day. Dave Demos had served for 15 years and leaves behind a wife, three children and two grandchildren.

CHIEF BOBBY SPENCER

Shannon Police Department, Missouri, USA

Chief of Police Bobby Spencer was killed on January 18, 1997. Chief Spencer was found in the early hours of the morning by two of his officers. He had been shot in the back of the head while entering or leaving the station.

DEPUTY HENRY L. BROOKS

Jefferson County Sheriffs Department, Alabama, USA

Deputy Brooks was killed on January 18, 1997. He was working at a crime scene when he was struck by a passing vehicle. A police helicopter traced the vehicle nearby and the driver was arrested. Henry Brooks leaves a wife and two small children.

TROOPER BRUCE HECK

Alaska State Police, Alaska, USA

Trooper Heck was killed on January 10th 1997. He discovered a man stealing a vehicle and became involved in a violent struggle with him. His body was discovered lying in snow at the scene of the struggle, near Glenn Highway. His assailant was arrested by officers responding to the assistance call. The killer had been released from prison the previous day after completing a 5 year sentence for jail breaking. Trooper Heck was 42 years of age and is survived by his wife and 3 children.

DEPUTY MICHAEL P. HAUGEN

Riverside Sheriffs Department, California, USA

Deputy Haugen was killed on January 5th 1997. Along with Deputy James Lehmann he had responded to a domestic violence call at a trailer home in Cabazon, 70 miles east of Los Angeles. Having parked their patrol cars away from the area for safety, they were cut down by rifle fire from approximately 50 yards. The 36 year old trailer resident was arrested later and an M-1 carbine recovered.

DEPUTY JAMES LEHMANN Jr

Riverside Sheriffs Department, California, USA

Deputy Lehmann was killed on January 5th 1997. Along with Deputy Michael Haugen he had responded to a domestic violence call at a trailer home in Cabazon, 70 miles east of Los Angeles. Having parked their patrol cars away from the area for safety, they were cut down by rifle fire from approximately 50 yards. The 36 year old trailer resident was arrested later and an M-1 carbine recovered.

OFFICER JOHNNIE PATTERSON

Lake Wales, Florida USA

Officer Patterson was killed when he pulled over 33 yr. old Steven Norris. When Patterson checked for any outstanding warrants on Norris, he learned there was one. Norris ran, and Patterson chased him. He was fatally shot. Norris was charged with first degree murder of a law officer & three counts of attempted murder of an officer -- Lakes Wales, Fla.

DEPUTY KENNETH SNIDER

Deputy Kenneth Snider, 48, of the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department, KS, was killed on April 18, 1997, after being stabbed at a domestic disturbance. Dep. Snider and three other deputies had responded to the call and were assessing what was happening when the perp ran through the house. All the deputies followed and a struggle ensued by the back door. Within a matter of seconds the perp pulled a knife and stabbed Dep. Snider in the back, severing a major artery. He attempted to stab the other deputies but was subdued and is being held without bond. Dep. Snider was pronounced dead upon arrival at a local hospital. The incident took place at 00:11 hrs. The perp had a history of mental illness and was well known to police. He had been arrested in the past for battery on a LEO and was on parole at the time of the attack. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 14:00 hrs at Central Community Church in Wichita.

Denver, Colorado USA

Officer Ron Dehemera (age 32) died after he was struck by a stolen vehicle. He suffered critical head and chest injuries and died at approximately 1100 hrs. on Apil 1, 1997. I'm sorry you lost your battle--God bless you. It was his second day out of the academy.

Deputy Brian Meilbeck

Deputy Brian Meilbeck, 26, of the Yuba County Sheriff's Department, CA, was shot and killed on April 1, 1997, at 17:55 hrs. Dep. Melbeck and two other deputies had responded to a domestic disturbance call in which a man shot his brother in the leg. As the deputies approached, the perp fired once through the window, striking Dep. Meilbeck in his chest, just above his vest. He was pronounced dead upon arriving at a nearby hospital. The perp was arrested about 20 minutes later after a standoff in which more shots were fired. Dep. Meilbeck is survived by his wife and two year old son. He had been with the department for six weeks. Yuba County is approximately 60 miles north of Sacramento. Update: Funeral services will be held at 1400 hrs, Monday 4/7/97 at the Capital Christian Center, 9470 Micron Ave., Sacramento, CA. For more information and directions call the Sacramento SD at (916) 440-5115. A trust fund has been set up for his wife and son. Donations may be sent to: Sierra Central Credit Union; c/o Deputy Brian Meilbeck; Marysville, CA 95992.

Corrections Officer Scott Williams

Corrections Officer Scott Williams, 29, of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, CA, was killed on April 3, 1997, after being stabbed by an inmate with a make shift knife. Four other guards who came to Ofc. Williams' assistance were also stabbed by the same inmate. Ofc. Williams was pronounced dead at 18:55 hrs. He had been with the FBP since March, 1993. The incident took place in a U.S. Penitentiary in Lompoc, CA, which is located north of Los Angeles.

Officer Cuong "Tony" Huy Trinh

Officer Cuong "Tony" Huy Trinh, 25, of the Houston Police Department, TX, was shot and killed on April 5, 1997. Ofc. Trinh was off duty and working at his parent's store when he was murdered. Details are not known, but robbery was ruled out as a motive because a large amount of visible cash was left at the scene. Ofc. Trinh's badge was in a visible place on the counter. His death was ruled line-of-duty.

Chief of Police Robin Carnley

Chief of Police Robin Carnley, 46, of the Silverhill Police Department, AL, died on April 7, 1997 22:02 hrs. Chief Carnley had collapsed in his office on the morning of March 31 and had been hospitalized ever since. He had been chief since 1989. Silverhill is located in Baldwin County, AL.

Officers Charles McDougald & Michael Martinez

Officer Charles McDougald, 36, and Michael Martinez of the Buffalo Police Department, NY, were shot at about 00:45 hrs on April 9, 1997. The officers were approaching a suspicious person or persons who may have been stripping a car. As the officers approached the perp turned and fired at them. Ofc. McDougald was struck in the chest and died a short time later at the hospital. He was not wearing a vest. Ofc. Martinez was struck in the ankle. Ofc. McDougald is survived by his wife and four children. He had been with the BPD for 9 years. This is the first time a Buffalo officer has been killed in 23 years.

Deputy Joseph Rodgers

Deputy Joseph Rodgers, 25, of the Florence County Sheriff's Office, SC, was shot and killed on April 9, 1997, by a murder suspect. Dep. Rodgers had responded to the scene of a double murder from the day before where the suspect was reported as beeing seen. It is unclear how initial contact was made but at about 08:00 hrs. a scuffle ensued and Dep. Rodgers was shot in the leg and the head. The perp tried to escape in his cruiser but was stopped by arriving deputies where he was shot and killed. Dep. Rodgers was pronounced dead at 15:10 hrs. He had been with the department for 4 years.

Trooper Robert Burke, Sergeant Robert Hedger & Sergeant Steve Dean

Trooper Robert Burke, Sergeant Robert Hedger and Sergeant Steve Dean of the Indiana State Police were injured on April 10, 1997, when their helicopter crashed. The three were training touch-and-go landings for the Emergency Response Team when the tail rudder of the aircraft came in contact with the ground, causing it to crash. None of the injuries are life threatening.

Officer Otis Almond

Officer Otis Almond of the Lufkin Police Department, TX, was injured on April 12, 1997, during an assault in which he was attempting to disarm the perp. While Ofc. Almond was taking a criminal mischief report the perp returned to the scene with a rifle in an attempt to shoot the complainant. Ofc. Almond engaged in a violent struggle with the perp and sustained severe back injuries when he fell off of an elevated porch.

Trooper Steven Graves

Trooper Steven Graves of the South Carolina Highway Patrol was shot and wounded on April 13, 1997, during a traffic stop. During the stop the driver's brother fired two rounds from inside the vehicle striking Tpr. Graves. Both perps are now in custody. Tpr. Graves is listed in stable condition as of 4/14/97. The incident took place in Bennettsville which is about 40 miles north of Florence.

Deputy Tom Morgan

Deputy Tom Morgan, 39, of the Kern County Sheriff's Department, CA, was shot and wounded on April 14, while attempting to arrest a juvenile. Dep. Morgan and his partner had noticed a suspicious vehicle and were searching the occupants when Dep. Morgan discovered a gun on the perp. The perp then ran and Dep. Morgan gave chase. Dep. Morgan caught up with and during the ensuing struggle was shot in the throat with a 410 hand-shotgun. The perp then took his gun and attempted to shoot him again but could not figure out the safety. The perp ran and was caught up to on the porch of a house which he then entered. Upon doing so two occupants of the house became involoved in an altercation with him and him for police to arrest him moments later. Dep. Morgan is in serious condition in a local hospital (as of 4/15/97). Both perps were arrested.

Officer Gary Dockery

Officer Gary Dockery, 43, of the Walden's Ridge Police Department, TN, died on April 15, 1997, after being in a coma since being shot on September 7, 1988. Ofc. Dockery had responded to a false 911 call by a drunken man who was planning on shooting the responding officers. Ofc. Dockery was shot. Ofc. Dockery slipped into in a coma and then suddenly awoke 8 years later on February 11, 1996. Although he was paralyzed he was able to talk and communicate with his family. Ofc. Dockery was awaited physical therapy on April 15, 1997, when he died of injuries. He is survived by his wife and two sons.

Officer David Womack

Officer David Womack of the Lufkin Polic Department, TX, was shot and wounded on April 15, 1997. He had responded to back up an animal control officer who was involved in a disturbance with a man. The perp turned and began to walk away when Ofc. Womack grabbed his arm and attempted to stop him. The perp then turned and sprayed Ofc. Womack with O.C. Spray and attempted to disarm him. During the struggle the perp gained control Ofc. Womack's service weapon and shot him in the right thigh. Ofc. Womack and backup units were able to arrest the perp.

Special Agent Michael Bullian

Special Agent Michael Bullian of the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement, was shot and wounded on April 15, 1997, during a search warrant. SA Bullian and other agents were conducting simultaneous searches of a Mexican drug organization in the central valley of California. As the agents entered a residence in Sacramento the perp came from another room and began to fire with a 9mm pistol, striking SA Bullian's weapon. The bullet ricocheted and splintered off, striking him in the hand. SA Bullian and another agent were able to return fire, striking the perp numerous times, killing him.

K9 Niiko

K9 Niiko of the Livingston County Sheriff's Office, NY, was killed on April 16, 1997, after being struck by a car. K9 Niiko's handler had just made an arrest and as they were walking back to the cruiser K9 Niiko was struck by a car.

Jail Officers Troy Schweim & Paul Bogenschutz

Jail Officers Troy Schweim and Paul Bogenschutz of the Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office, MN, were wounded on April 16, 199, by two inmates during an escape attempt. The two officers were escorting the inmates back to their cells from an art class in the jails chapel when the two perps attacked them with homemade weapons. Other inmates near by alerted other officers who subdued the two inmates. Ofc. Schweim sustained a concussion and other injuries and Ofc. Bogenschutz sustained a broken fingure, bruises, and cuts. The two perps also removed Ofc. Bogenschutz's prostetic leg during the assault.

Officer John Brent

Officer John Brent of the Lake Oswego Police Department, OR, was injured on an accident on April 16, 1997.

Inspectors Nicolas Lira & Roberto Labrada

Inspectors Nicolas Lira and Roberto Labrada of the US Customs Service were shot and wounded inside a border crossing station in Calexico, CA, on April 17, 1997. Both inspectors had taken a man into a security area after suspecting him of carrying drugs. The perp then opened fire with a .380 calibre pistol striking one of the inspectors in the face and one in the chest. The inspectors were able to return fire and kill the perp. Both inspectors are expected to recover fully. 100 pounds of marijuana was found in the car the perp was driving.

Deputy Randy Jennings

Butte County Sheriff's Office

On May 21, 1997 a fine deputy was given "the death sentence". Deputy Randy Jennings died when in a foot pursuit with a domestic violence suspect. Deputy Jennings was 38 years old. In 1996 he was named officer of the year. --Notice:

A fund has been set up for the Jennings family. Donations can be made to Randy Jennings Trust Fund, c/o Butte Community Bank, 2227 Myers Street, Oroville, CA 95965.

As you read through this list, I hope you realize the problem America faces. Before you pick up that gun, think about it. Never take a life..it's not wise. Let's just hope our justice system puts these killers in jail. Please, if you have kids, put your guns in a safe place.

And to you, the officers who have died, we will miss your great contributions forever.

Here is a song by Mariah Carey (Also the one you hear playing) Dedicated to these Officers. There's a hero If you look inside your heart You don't have to be afraid Of what you are There's an answer If you reach into your soul And the sorrow that you know Will melt away Chorus: And then a hero comes along With the strength to carry on And you cast your fears aside And you know you can survive So when you feel like hope is gone Look inside you and be strong And you'll finally see the truth That a hero lies in you It's a long road When you face your world alone No one reaches out a hand For you to hold You can find love If you search within yourself And the emptiness you felt Will disappear Chorus: Lord knows Dreams are hard to follow But don't let anyone Tear them away Hold on There will be tomorrow In time You'll find the way Chorus: And then a hero comes along With the strength to carry on And you cast your fears aside And you know you can survive So when you feel like hope is gone Look inside you and be strong And you'll finally see the truth That a hero lies in you -- All of the Officers who have died in the line of duty are Heros.

A poem I wrote for the Officers: Written from the Police Officer him/herself.

As you look down on me,

staring at my grave

You probably wonder where I am,

and why this happend to me.

I wonder the same thing,

but I guess that it was going to happen someday,

I know you told me not to join,

that the police force is full of hate.

But I hope you see the contributions I’ve made

Even though my life has been taken away.

I see they’ve caught the man who killed me.

I see they’ve given him the death penalty.

But he’s not up here with me,

nor does he deserve to be.

I hope you stop weeping,

and try and get some sleep.

For I am not wanting to be wept over,

Adios, my family, friends, and partner.

I will miss you always,

But I know someday we will be reunited,

up here, where there is no need for police.

I miss you but I’m happy,

For I’m in the highest point of the sky.

Author: Me (Misty) A song by Alabama entitled: Angels Among Us -- Even though these Officers are gone, they are still with us. "I was walking home from school on a cold winter's day Took a shortcut through the woods and I lost my way It was gettin' late, I was scared and alone Then a kind man took my hand and he led me home Mama couldn't see him though he was standing there But I knew in my heart he was the answer to my prayer Chorus: Oh, I believe there are angels among us Sent down to us from somewhere up above They come to you and me in our darkest hours To show us how to live To teach us how to give To guide us with the light of love When life held troubled times and had me down on my knees There's always been someone to come along and comfort me A kind word from a stranger to lend a helping hand A phone call from a friend to say they understand Now ain't it kind of funny at the dark end of the road Someone lights the way with just a single ray of hope (Chorus) Bridge: They wear so many faces Show up in the strangest places To grace us with their mercy in our time of need"

(Chorus)

Tears in Heaven Would you know my name? If I saw you in Heaven Would it be the same? If I saw you in Heaven I must be strong and carry on 'Cause I know I don't belong here in Heaven. Would you hold my hand? If I saw you in Heaven Would you help me stand? If I saw you in Heaven I'll find my way through night and day 'Cause I know I just can't stay here in Heaven Time can bring you down Time can bend your knees Time can break your heart Have you begging please, begging please. Beyond the door, there's peace I'm sure And I know there'll be no more tears in heaven Would you know my name? If I saw you in Heaven Would it be the same? If I saw you in Heaven I must be strong and carry on 'Cause I know I don't belong here in Heaven.
Please go see my Special Officer.

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