Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I worked with Abby at a time when few women were in police work. I looked forward to my shifts with her. She stepped up in a real way, a non-gender way- and she had your backs when it counted in the most dangerous town in NJ. She was smart, tough, articulate, fair, and polite. She was murdered in the toughest, most dangerous city block in Plainfield, getting out of her car and confronting a very dangerous guy. No surprise she did so, because she was very tough, and very diligent. It was a true loss to every person who knew her. Over 135 men and women from Plainfield PD wept at her loss, and many thousands showed up to her funeral from every state in the US to support the 1st woman officer killed in NJ. I might add that she was a undercover drug enforcement officer who was enormously successful at cleaning up the worst of the worst gangs members, drug groups, etc.. You are missed Abby, and all of us were blessed to have worked beside you! You, and your life’s work, truly mattered !
L. Kudlik

Former Officer
Plainfield PD

January 30, 2014

Abbey was my only sister when she died. I remember receiving the phone call about her death. She was a good officer and a wonderful sister. She always said she wanted to maks her "mark" when she died, and she did.Thank you all for your kind words and memories. I have a daughter who was born 7 months after Abbey died. She carries her aunt,s middle name and wishes she could have known her. I am glad to know that she is still not forgotten. Thanks again to all of you.

Maureen (Kim)
sister

April 16, 2013

I'll never forget Jim sharing this horrible story with me that evening. He, like all there and involved, was so devistated. One of the very first horrific tragedies Plainfield has seen.
My prayers to her family.

Lucy Arbes
Widow of Jim - UCPO

March 15, 2012

Abby, Last night I was looking at your picture that is hanging in the living room. It was in my office at work but now I am retired. A lot of our classmates have retired and wonder if you would done that by now too. I wish you could have. I am working for a program called Cop 2 Cop now helping cops through tough times. I wish you were here. At times,I speak of your incident so it may help other. I hope you don't mind. Know that you will never be forgotten.

I think you often.
Roy

Lieuteant Roy Diaz (ret)
Union County Prosecutor's Office

September 30, 2011

I was looking for information about my hometown and found this site. I met Abby when I took the police exam. She was the only other female there during the physical challenge, and we chatted as we waited to do the different sections. Even back then, I just couldn't scale the wall, so I failed the test! Abby, of course, was hired. She walked a beat that included a store I worked at, and she'd often pop her head in to say hi and see how things were going. I moved out of state shortly after that, and I remember clearly the day my father called to tell me the sad news.

If I remember correctly, she had just gotten engaged. I do remember her telling me how much she loved the job, and loved that she could be such a strong role model for her kids. I was glad to see her daughter posting here, and I am sure her kids turned out great! God bless you!

Mary Clark

August 31, 2011

My heart is warmed by the reflections on here dedicated to you. I was 9 when you were killed and joined the police force in 1998. Every officer killed in the line of duty touches my heart but when it's a fellow mother.... it gets me that much more.

I will not forget what I've read here today. You are remembered, sister. Hero in life, not death.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi #1249
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

March 15, 2011

Officer Powlett Thank you for your brave service and your sacrfice. You gave your all. Rest in Peace you will never be forgotten.....John 15:13

former LEO N.C. 189

March 15, 2011

My heart is touched everytime I meet someone who knew my mother b/c I learn something new about her each time. And as I sat here and read all of the reflections about her on this website I am deeply moved and touched. It is amzing and the greatest feeling ever to learn how great of a person she was. To learn how she has impacted so many other lives especially from other states. I am so proud to be her daughter. I just want to thank everyone that keeps her memory alive. I had no idea that she is remembered by so many. The void in my heart is filling up with so many more memories of her and I have all of you to thank for that. From the bottom of my heart I thank you for sharing your thoughts. May God Bless you and keep you. And to all of our brave men and women out there who put their lives on the line to protect us you will always be in my prayers and I thank your families as well.

Noreen
Daughter

May 27, 2010

We had a great 25th anniversary rememberance for Abby at the Union County Police Academy on Friday March,19,2010. A good turnout from Plainfield PD and surrounding communities as well as Abby's daughter Noreen. She will alwys be remembered.

John Dugan

March 20, 2010

Always remember you Abby. God bless you and your girls on this 25th anniversary.

John D
Former Academy classmate

March 15, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 15, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 24th 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 who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. I can see from the reflections still being written that you had an impact on many lives and are still missed and cared about. That night must have been so awful for you and the other officers present. You were indeed a warrior for justice and your picture shows a smile that could light up a room. May your spirit continue to soar.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 16, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 24th 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 who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. I can see from the reflections still being written that you had an impact on many lives and are still missed and cared about. That night must have been so awful for you and the other officers present. You were indeed a warrior for justice and your picture shows a smile that could light up a room. May your spirit continue to soar.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 16, 2009

On the 24th anniversary of Officer Powlett's death, we honored her service in our patrol briefing by reading her entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Officer Powlett is not forgotten.

Sergeant Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department

March 16, 2009

Abby,

It was 24 years ago today. I will never forget you!

Sergeant Santiago Soto (retired)
Union County Prosecutor's Office

March 15, 2009

Thank you for your brave service to the citizens of Plainfield and for attempting to keep them safe. What an awful death you suffered! Thank you again for your courage.

PSO CW Edwards
North Augusta Dept. of Public Safety (SC)

February 10, 2009

Abby,
It's been many years, but I still remember the fun times we had. The times you backed me up when I needed help. You were tough as nails but you had a huge heart and you were always fair. I remember being in the shooting team with you. I remember the last time I saw you, it was a Thursday night at the jazz club in Roselle. Annie my wife, and Bruce Ronsley and several other friends were there and we had a great time.
I remember Abby, I remember and I will never forget you.

Sergeant Santiago Soto (Retired)
Union County Prosecutor's Office

April 22, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

March 16, 2008

Rest in peace my Sister.

Kevin T Ryan
Ex NJ Cop

March 15, 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

December 12, 2007

I just returned from the LEO Memorial DC and spent quite some time reflecting with the names of brothers and sisters who's names are on the wall. I was a rookie in a nearby PD in NJ back then. I attended her funeral as it was the first I ever attended. Since then, I've been to so many they're getting harder to remember but I never forgot Ofc. Powlett's funeral. While I didnt know her, I think of her and the sacrifice she made in the line of duty. I will tell my squad about her in my next roll call.

With love and respect.

Lt. Augie Malagon
Lee County Sheriff's Office, Fl.

May 17, 2007

May you Rest in Peace.

March 15, 2006

Thank you for your service to your fellowman. May you rest in peace my sister in blue. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

March 15, 2006

May we never forget your sacrifice. Rest in Peace, Warrior...May your Family, Fellow Officers, and Friends have Peace in their Hearts.. Now on this 20 year anniversary,and Always...

Officer Debra McFall Ross
East Buffalo Twp Police Dept Lewisburg, Pa.

March 15, 2005

Abby you were a good academy buddy, a great partner to work with at the Strike Force and a good friend. I have your picture hanging high over my desk. As I walk into my office you are looking over me. Now that I am at the end on my career, I am back in Plainfield working the streets as you did. It harder today than it was back then. God bless you. Know that I think of you often.

Lieutenant Roy Diaz
Union County Prosecutor's Office

September 27, 2004