Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I see the sign for Trooper Brian Rovnak Bridge every time I travel the Taconic to go up to my partner's house in Dutchess. After seeing the sign once I never forgot his name. Now seeing his photo...I will never forget his face. Rest in Peace Brother. God keep your family Healthy and Strong..Watch over us...we need it.

YPD

December 15, 2010

I remember a young junior Trooper assigned to the Goldens Bridge Station way back when. He was the second Trooper assigned to me from the Academy. Brian was eager to learn but more importantly came to me with a quiet intelegnt outlook on police work that would take him far in his chosen career. He was well respectd by myself and all that came in contact with him.
Over the many weeks we were together, he as well as I, learned a lot about each other. On the first night I turned him loose, he had a run in with a deer up near Titicus Reserviour. A file 3, that I had the pleasure of investigating! We became very close during his tenure as a New York State Trooper, marrying my wife's sister and had two beautiful sons who have done well in the many years that have passed. Brian, you would be proud of them. I remember you well, old friend.

Former NYSP Sgt. C.M. Schrenkel Jr.

Anonymous

October 23, 2009

There isn't a time, when I drive I-84 past the Ludingtonville Rd Sign, that I don't say a prayer. To all of your Brothers and Sisters who still wear the Badge, here and gone - May Safety be at your side and Peace be with you always.
We Miss You Uncle Brian
~ Amy

Amy Schrenkel Hafkemeyer
Niece ~ God Daughter

October 23, 2009

I was working the night shift in the Danbury Hospital Emergency Room the night Brian was killed. Serendipitously, two NYSP officers had come in earlier with another accident victim. We got to talking and I told them I was related to Brian. When they were called out to what became a "troop car fatal" and learned that it was Brian Rovnak who was lost, they returned to Danbury to pick me up from work. I'll never forget the feeling when I heard the news. I became a part of the contingent dispatched to notify my sister that early February morning.
I loved Brian with all my heart. Many years later, I still remember his smile, his quiet manner, his sturdy approach to life, his good humor. Having watched my nephews grow into fine young men, I can't help but reflect on their father - one of the finest men I have ever known. He is always in our hearts.
Here's to you, "Rovie". I was proud to be a part of your life.
Pam

Pam (Schrenkel) Harlow
Sister-in-law

October 23, 2009

Brian was an inspiration for me.
He had integrity.
He helped put me on the "right track" each time I veered.
He cared and loved genuinely.
He was loyal and honest and dependable.
What most inspired me was the love he has for his family.
He was my friend, my brother, and I miss him dearly.
I prefer to think he is in a better place now, and that we will meet again.
I love you bro.

Randy Cannavaro
Brother-in-law

October 23, 2009

I was a civilian employee with the NYSP for a little over
two years when Brian died. I remember Brian as a gentle man
who loved his job and his family. Remember Christine and the boys attending the Memorial Day Services year after year. Even after 25 years I remember Brian and will never
forget him and his family. Thank you Brian. You will always be in our prayers.

Audrey Brown

June 14, 2009

I said a little prayer today for Trooper Rovnak and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

January 29, 2009

Out of the academy, I was assigned to Stormville and ended up being Brian's last "junior man". I often think back of my first months on the road with Brian and a few more going back to him for advice, opinion or just a friendly ear. He taught me, if nothing else, respect for others, regardless of their social, economic, ethnic or religious background. His demeanor I can best describe as "quiet grace". Time has passed and many more have paid the ultimate price of wearing the uniform. Today I learned of a Philly Sgt who lost to an vehicular homicide. Yet, no matter how many, or from where, I still go back to that cold A-line in February of '83. Your kids are grown, your friends have moved on. But you will always be remembered by those you touched in your short time here with us. You are not forgotten.

Luis E. Torres
Investigator NYSP (Ret.)

November 18, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED POLICE SERVICE AS WELL AS YOU MILITARY SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

January 28, 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 20, 2007

You were highlighted on the website today. 16 years is
a long time to serve. Time has not diminished your
memory or sacrifice. God bless your loving family.
With love from one coast of America to the other.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

July 23, 2007

I was in the same class as Dennis the year his father passed away. In addition to being a Trooper and my best friend's father, Brian had also been our cub scout leader. It has been many years now, and though we were young at the time and my own family has long since moved far away, I remember every year -- in early February -- the time when my mother met us at the end of driveway after school to tell us that something had happened to Brian the previous night. Best regards to the Rovnak family.

Stephane Charette
family friend

August 22, 2006

Brian Rovnak will always have a place in my heart. I often think of Brian because of the positive impession he has left on me. I met Brian back in March of 1982 when I transferred from Troop B, Ogdensburg to Troop K, Stormville. When I first arrived at SP Stormville I saw Brian and thought he was an undercover police officer because of his longer than usual hair and dress attire. I also remember the friendly greeting he provided, and thought to myself that this guy is one of a kind. He had 15 years on the job, and he took the time to provide a warm and friendly greeting to a guy with only a year on the job. During my brief assignment at SP Stormville (from March 1982 until February 1983) I had devoloped a friendship with Brian. He talked about his boys and how wonderful he felt about his children. Brian was a very polite and respectful person, and I will always remember his kindness. To the family of Brian N. Rovnak, I have never forgot Brian, and have told many people over the years about the importance of life (based on Brian's life and death.) May God bless his family.

Zone Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police

March 4, 2006

I wish to thank those who have left reflections. To know that the my father is still in your thoughts and prayers brings pride to my family on behalf of a man who was dedicated to protecting that which we hold dearest. I give my respect and gratitude to those who serve on the force today and to those who support these honorable men and women. God bless you and your families.

Dennis Rovnak - first son

January 2, 2006

Although I was only 13 years old, I remeber reading of this accident in the newspaper I used to deliver. I now see the sign on the Taconic for the memorial bridge everday I come home from work. I say a prayer each time for him and his family. May God rest his soul and watch over his family.

john bates

September 16, 2005

The first time I heard of Trooper Rovnak
was when I saw the sign at Beekman Rd
bridge. I travelled the Taconic for 16
years going back and forth to work. I
now find myself thinking about all the other law enforcement officers that gave their lives which I am not aware.
My prayers to all of them.

Ret. P.O Michael Malfetano
Town of Greenburgh NY

September 10, 2005

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

April 13, 2005

Brian's funeral was the first Police Funeral I ever attended. I was working at the station the night this happened. I can still recall the sadness filling the air as taps was played with his young family in attendance. The number police officers then attending was overwhelming. Yet, in seeing only one reflection posted here, I felt compelled to once again pay my respects, offer my condolences, and state my support for his family and his memory. God Bless.

Z/Sgt SEAN P. DONOVAN
NYSP

May 5, 2004

Beloved,
There is not a day to go by that I don't miss you. Our sons are extraordinarily beautiful. I know you would be proud of the young men they have grown into. Your family, friends and brother officers never forget. There will come the day we will all be together for all time.
My love is eternal,
Christine

Christine Rovnak
spouse