Officer Down Memorial

        I'm behind the officers of the law 100%.
        It sickens me to hear when one is killed trying
        to do his/her job... that's right! protecting US!!!

        Don't you think its time to pat them on the back
        and say thank you for trying to make our streets
        safer ones? Try it, it won't hurt a bit. Instead of
        thinking lousy cop, say Thank you for a job well done.
        And the next time you hear officer down - pray for him/her
        and the family left behind instead of thinking just another cop.

        These officers died protecting us...
        how can you not care? It could have
        been you they were trying to save.


        The following poem was emailed to me
        by a special friend of mine. I have no clue
        who the author is... but it touched my heart.

        A Policeman in the making...

        Author unknown

        When God made Peace Officers...

        When the Lord was creating peace officers,
        he was into his sixth day of overtime when
        an angel appeared and said, "You're doing
        a lot of fiddling around on this one."
        And the Lord said, "Have you read the spec
        on this order?"
        A peace officer has to be able to run five
        miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls,
        enter homes the health inspector wouldn't touch,
        and not wrinkle his uniform.
        He has to be able to sit in an undercover car
        all day on  a stakeout, cover a homicide
        scene that night, canvas the neighborhood
        for witnesses, and testify in court the next day.
        He has to be in top physical  condition at all 
        times, running on black coffee and half-eaten
        meals. And he has to have six pairs of hands.
        The angel shook her head slowly and said,
        "Six pairs of hands...no way."
        It's not the hands that are causing me problems,
         said the Lord, it's the three pairs of eyes an
        officer has to have.
        "That's on the standard model?" asked the 
        angel.
        The Lord nodded. One pair that sees through a 
        bulge in a pocket before he  asks, "May I
        see what's in there sir?" ( When he already
        knows and wishes he'd taken that accounting
        job.) Another pair here in the side of his
        head for his partners' safety. And another
        pair of eyes here in front that can  look
        reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say,
        You'll be all right ma'am, when he knows
        it isn't so. "Lord" said the angel touching
        his sleeve,
        "rest and work on this tomorrow."
        I can't, said the Lord, "I already have a 
        model that can talk a 250 lb. drunk into
        a patrol can without incident and feed
        a family of five on a civil service paycheck."
        The angel circled the model of the peace
        officer very slowly, "Can it think?" she
        asked. "You bet," said the Lord. "It can
        tell you the elements of a  hundred crimes;
        recite Miranda warnings in its sleep; detain,
        investigate, search, and arrest a gang member
        on the street in less time than it takes five
        learned judges to debate the legality of the
        stop... and still it keeps its sense of humor.
        This officer also has phenomenal personal
        control. He can deal with  crime scenes
        painted in hell, coax a confession from a 
        child abuser, comfort a murder victims family,
        and then read in the daily paper how law 
        enforcement isn't sensitive to the right of 
        criminal suspects."
        Finally, the angel bent over and ran her
        finger across the cheek of the peace
        officer. "There's a leak," she pronounced.
        "I told you that you were trying to put too
        much into this model."
        "That's not a leak," said the Lord, "it's a 
        tear." 
        "What's the tear for?" asked the angel.
        "It's for bottled-up emotions, for fallen
        comrades, for commitment to that funny
        piece of cloth called the American flag,
        for justice."
        "You're a genius." said the angel.
        The Lord looked somber.
        "I didn't put it there." he said.

        Anonymous


        I want to send a prayer to the family
        and friends of Deputy Keith Ruiz...


        On 2/15/01 Travis Co. Sheriff's  S.W.A.T. team member 
        Sr. Deputy Keith Ruiz was shot and killed while 
        assisting The Capitol Area Narcotics Task Force. 
        Keith was operating as member of a two man breaching
        team, made up of himself and another officer, aiding the
         C.A.N.T.F. entry team.
        Keith and the entry team were attempting a narcotics
        search warrant on a residence in southeastern Travis Co.
        The suspect fired through a small window in the front door
        striking Keith in the left arm and the bullet traveled into his chest
        cavity killing him. The suspect was wounded and will be facing
        Capitol Murder charges.
        Keith was the team leader and a S.W.A.T. operator for the
        past 5 years. He leaves behind a wife and three children.
        He will be greatly missed by all who worked with him,
        and knew him. 
        Please send a prayer to the family and friends of Keith
        in this difficult time in their lives...


        The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial was dedicated in 1991 by President George Bush.

        It honors all of America's federal, state and local law enforcers.

        Inscribed on the Memorial's blue-gray marble walls are the names of more than 14,000 officers who have been killed in the line of duty, dating back to the first known death in 1794. 





        This award is for all Officers
        as a Thank You for all you do.
        Your welcome to take it and place it
        on your site. You don't have to link back.
        Its my gift to you. I pray for your safety.



        September 11, 2001 will always live in all of our memories.  Each of us will have different memories. Many of these memories will be deeply emotional and private.  There were 72 Law Enforcement officers killed as a result of the attack on The World Trade Center.  Those officers need to be remembered.  Let us never forget, let us always have thanks, let us always realize their heroic acts. They gave their lives doing their job of protecting and serving.

        Special Agent Leonard Hatton
        Federal Bureau of Investigation, US

        Fire Marshal Ronald P. Bucca
        New York City Fire Department, NY

        Police Officer John D'Allara
        New York City Police Department, NY

        Sergeant Michael Curtin
        New York City Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Jerome Dominguez
        New York City Police Department, NY

        Sergeant Rodney Gillis
        New York City Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Vincent Danz
        New York City Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Walter Weaver
        New York City Police Department, NY

        Police Officer John Perry
        New York City Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Brian McDonnell
        New York City Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Robert Fazio
        New York City Police Department, NY

        Detective Joseph Vigiano
        New York City Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Paul Talty
        New York City Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Moira Smith
        New York City Police Department, NY

        Detective Claude Richards
        New York City Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Stephen Driscoll
        New York City Police Department, NY

        Police Officer James Leahy
        New York City Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Santos Valentin
        New York City Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Ramon Suarez
        New York City Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Ronald Kloepfer
        New York City Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Mark Ellis
        New York City Police Department, NY

        Sergeant Timothy Roy
        New York City Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Thomas Langone
        New York City Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Glenn Pettit
        New York City Police Department, NY

        Sergeant John Coughlin
        New York City Police Department, NY 

        Senior Court Officer Mitchell Wallace
        New York State Office of Court Administration, NY

        Senior Court Officer Thomas Jurgens
        New York State Office of Court Administration, NY

        Captain William Thompson
        New York State Office of Court Administration, NY

        Investigator Richard Moore
        New York State Office of Tax Enforcement, NY

        Investigator Salvatore Papasso
        New York State Office of Tax Enforcement, NY

        Bureau Chief Charles Mills
        New York State Office of Tax Enforcement, NY

        Investigator Clyde Frazier
        New York State Office of Tax Enforcement, NY

        Assistant Deputy Commissioner William Pohlmann
        New York State Office of Tax Enforcement, NY

        Police Officer Uhuru Houston
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Michael Wholey
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Captain Kathy Mazza
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Joseph Navas
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Thomas Gorman
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Nathaniel Webb
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Walter McNeil
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Gregg Froehner
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Kenneth Tietjen
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Donald McIntyre
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Sergeant Robert Kaulfers
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Donald Foreman
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Inspector Anthony Infante
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Walwyn Stuart
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer James Lynch
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Dominick Pezzulo
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Clinton Davis
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Director of Public Safety Fred V. Morrone
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer John Skala
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer John Levi
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Liam Callahan
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Richard Rodriguez
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer John Lennon
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Maurice Barry
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Antonio Rodrigues
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer David P. LeMagne
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Christopher Amoroso
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Bruce Reynolds
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Paul Laszczynksi
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer George Howard
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer James Parham
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Paul Jurgens
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Chief James Romito
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Alfonse Niedermeyer
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer Steve Huczko
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Lieutenant Robert Cirri
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Police Officer James Nelson
        Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, NY

        Refuge Manager Richard Jerry Guadagno
        United States Department of the Interior - Fish & Wildlife Service, US

        Master Special Officer Craig J. Miller
        United States Secret Service, US

         



         A Part of America Died

        (Author Unknown)


        Somebody killed a policeman today,
        And a part of America died.
        A piece of our country he swore to protect will be buried with him at his side. The suspect that shot him will stand up in court with counsel demanding HIS rights, while a young widowed mother must work for his kids, And spend many long, lonely nights.
        (The beat that he walked was a battle field too, Just as if he'd gone to war.)
        Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast, To his name they will add a gold star. Yes, somebody killed a policeman today, In your town or mine,
        while we slept in comfort behind our locked doors.
        A cop put his life on the line.
        Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street and he stands at each new rookie's side. He answered the call, of himself gave his all...
        And a part of America died.


        In the Simple Performance of Duty
        (Oscar R. Thomasson II, Detective)
        As printed in Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc.
        Spring 1996 Vol 10 No 3.

        In the simple performance of duty, he pinned on a badge, checked his gear with a practiced eye, and kissed his loved ones good-bye. In the simple performance of duty, he reported for work, joked with his buddies at roll call,
        and made his last trip down the squad room hall.
        In the simple performance of duty, he headed for his beat, doing his job protecting his home from crime,
        he stopped cars, and checked buildings for the last time.
        In the simple performance of duty,
        he answered the call, to help the helpless, to find the lost, no matter the danger or how great the cost.
        In the simple performance of duty,
        he lay down his life, for those in peril he tried to save, our brave friend went to his grave.
        In the simple performance of duty,
        we honor his deed, as we carry him to rest in a flag-draped casket, long after the world has forgotten, we shall never forget. Never judge or regret, what he did, In the simple performance of duty.         



        They died trying to protect us!!!



        Links

        Ricks World - you want to know what driving drunk does? check out Rick's site... it may change your mind about sitting behind that wheel.

        America's Most Wanted

        National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Inc.

        National Group Rides and Designated Drivers

        Burt's Officer Down

        Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc.

        National Association of Police Organizations

        National Sheriffs' Association

        National Troopers Coalition

        Police Executive Research Forum

        Crimcase - Law Enforcement Software

        Ratlewatch - information and links

        Lloyd's Home - Lots of information here

        K9lawman - My special friends web site












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        I made this background specifically for this page.

        If your an officer your more than welcome to use it.

        I request no one else use it.

        I made it in memory of those who lost their lives

        protecting us! Thank you.

        background © Dispatcher Babe 2001