Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"The Final Inspection"

The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.

There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

Anonymous

June 9, 2009

You may be gone but the memories you left behind will always be there.RIP.

Anonymous

February 17, 2009

TONY......ALWAYS REMEMBERED...FOREVER LOVED....MAY YOUR BLESSED MEMORY SUSTAIN US ALL....YOU ARE WITH ALL OUR NYPD HEROES IN HEAVEN...SAY HELLO TO SGT. MACINTOSH AKA SGT. "APPLES" FOR US ALL.....R.I.P. MY FRIEND....SGT. GARY.

DET. SGT. GARY NADLER (RET.)
NYPD

January 26, 2009

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 2, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

December 7, 2007

Never to be forgotten! God bless Ofc. Abruzzo's family, friends and NYPD.

Ret. PO
City of Miami PD Fla.

July 23, 2007

The night you died is the night I grew up. I was a rookie assigned to NSU 17 that day.Your memory has and always will be with me.Rest in peace.......

P.O. Schnell
NCPD( former NYPD )

April 10, 2006

God bless you and your family.... you are a true hero.... and will never be forgotten.

February 1, 2006

Saying Tony is a hero is not enough - that's just the way he lived. I met Tony in 4th grade - we were friends immediately. We continued our friendship through high school and beyond. We played softball, handball and basketball together - I learned early that Tony was a person I could depend on. He would give you the shirt off his back - without hesitation. I think of him whenever I look at my wedding album - he was my usher and I was his bestman.

When I think of Tony it's always with wonderful memories but sadness that it came to an end so tragically. Make no mistake about it - he is a hero and always will be.

Dennis Ravalico

July 21, 2005

As his daughter I am proud of my father's work and delighted that his legacy lives on. Thank you for your well wishes!

Dea Abruzzo

February 28, 2005

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

Rest in peace, hero. God bless.

September 30, 2004

My condolences to the family of Officer Anthony J. Abruzzo Jr. Your wife and child must miss you so much and must be proud of you. You are a true hero. Be proud of him always. You served us well......RIP brother.

Trooper A. Canepa
Pennsylvania State Police

God love no man more than a man that would lay down his life to protect his family.


God speed.