Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

January 19, 2021

Rest in peace Trooper Poetzman.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 22, 2020

Carey and I became friends as our patrol beats overlapped. One of my first experiences with her was at a fatal accident (4 victims) on Kenilworth Avenue. I was awestruck by the number of flares she lit up as though she was going to land an airplane. I was lucky to have maybe 2 or 3 flares in my cruiser trunk. I've never forgotten that night as two very young children were killed in the accident. I was working midnights when she and her coworker went missing and I waited at the College Park barrack for the final words. The dreadful final words. I share my strength and best thoughts for her loved ones, friends, and MSP family.

Cpl. Rita Watson Muehlman
Prince George's County Police Maryland FOP89

January 23, 2019

Rest In Peace, Sister. You are indeed one of Maryland's Finest. See you down the road!

Major Dave Crawford (retired)
Prince Georges County Police

January 19, 2019

Rest In Peace, Sister. You are respected and missed!

Major Dave Crawford (ret)
Prince George's County Police, Maryland

January 19, 2019

Rest In Peace Sister LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

January 19, 2019

Rest in peace Trooper Poetzman,

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 17, 2019

Carey, I remember meeting you on Route 50 in Prince George's County, Md. You had made a traffic stop near the D.C. border and I pulled in behind you. We both approached the violator's vehicle. You by the driver's window while I stood by the right rear passenger door. I didn't say a word to the occupants. Didn't need to. You demonstrated the epitome of a professional interaction. Firm, but pleasant while constantly vigilant.

We chatted briefly while I stood at your driver's window while you wrote a citation. I am not sure what the offense was. I guessed speeding, but candidly, my eyes never left the suspect's vehicle.

After the stop we chatted for awhile in the median strip. You mentioned you like "the road" (Patrol) but your goal was Aviation. When I left to handle a call at PG General Hospital (aggravated assault) I thought your professionalism, pleasant demeanor and ambition would serve you well as you work your way to the Aviation Unit. It certainly did as you met your goal and served your agency proudly.

Thirty one years and one day ago, MSP lost a great trooper and medic. The country's law enforcement community lost a true professional. And the planet lost one genuinely fine human being.

R.I.P. Sister. See you down the road.

With much respect,
Major Dave Crawford (retired)
Prince George's County Police

Major Dave Crawford
Prince George's County Police

January 20, 2018

Carey it has been 31 years since the accident. I will never forget our time in the Academy and being together in Third Squad! I will also never forget working night patrol at Frederick and being called in to the barrack to start a search for you and Greg. The news of your death later in the morning was devastating. You served your state with honor and have been one of the finest people that I have ever met. We will meet again, I know this to be a true. Keep looking out for us!

Cpl(R) J. Scott McCauley, Maryland State
Maryland State Police

January 19, 2017

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 26th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never dimishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered.. I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 19, 2012

Rest in peace

Boomer

January 19, 2011

His Judgment Day:
The officer stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning, Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek To my church have you been true?"
The officer squared his shoulder and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint, 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 tough.
But I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep.. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got 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 an unmanly tear.
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 often trod. As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell"

Author unknown

May God be with everyone

Motor officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano, TX

January 5, 2011

Trooper Poetzman,
Even though it's been 24 years, you are still remembered. I would just like to say thank you to you and your co-pilot for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Maryland. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

January 20, 2010

I met Carey in 1974, we took EMT-B together in Lineboro MD - we were just kids. It changed both of our lives forever. Over twenty years later, we should never forget the lessons learned, and yet September 2008 was all too familiar.She was one of Maryland's best and served with her heart and her life.

Michael Armacost
Friend and Collegue

August 14, 2009

Thank you for your service. It sounds like you were a pioneer for women everywhere. It is hard working in a "man's world" but you showed them. Thanks for paving the road ahead of other female officers, making it a little easier to work beside the men. Your family should be proud of you. Best wishes to your son as he serves in Iraq.

trooper
Ohio State Highway Patrol

August 16, 2008

"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

February 18, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU TROOPER FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 11, 2008

may you rest in peace your watch is over now 10-7

bill hoffman
naryland state police vips

September 5, 2007

Remembering you today and always.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

January 19, 2007

Thank you for your service and dedication. Rest in peace, Blue Angel! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

November 6, 2006

You were and will always be the First Lady of MSP Aviation. Watching you break into a man's world..........standing on your own and earning the respect of those around you was a awakening to many. Your efforts didn't knock down walls........they made others realize that they need not exist and they took them down because it was the right thing to do........not because they were ordered to do so.
You made a difference in many lives.....and you are missed, fondly remembered and always loved.

Lou

Lou Jordan
Old Friend

June 30, 2006

In a few days, it will be twenty years since we lost you. How is that possible? Where did the time go?

The bravery of Those who climb into the flying machines;
Who dare to climb to the heights forbidden to us;
In Pursuit of saving the lives of others, Even though unknown to Them;
Shall never be forgotten; Their Names and Deeds will soar through the Heavens;
From which they came, to save Their fellow man.

Your beauty is haunting. Your dedication is honorable. Our loss is intolerable.

Bob
DoD

January 8, 2006

You are not forgotten Trooper Poetzman. Please keep watch over all of us on patrol.

Officer B. Malocha
MD. Nat'l Cap. Park Police, Mont. Co.

December 25, 2004

I was going through some old photos and came across the one of you and our oldest son Michael. Michael was sitting in the Bell Jet Ranger with your helmet on his head and your refection was on the front glass of the helicopter. Michael was 2 at the time. He is 20 now and you would be proud of him. He is in the Air Force Security Police and distinguished himself in Iraq. I think of you often and try and remember the good old days in the academy. Take care and keep looking over us.

Cpl(R) J. Scott McCauley
Maryland State Police

October 28, 2004

Thank you for your dedicated service to our state. May you rest in peace.

a Maryland citizen

October 18, 2004