Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

MY PRAYERS ARE WITH OUR FALLEN BROTHER RAY WHO IS NOW WATCHING OVER ALL OF US FROM ABOVE. SADLY HE WAS TAKEN FROM US AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE WHILE IN THE EARLY YEARS OF HIS CAREER.

INV. RICH WYNN, RETIRED
WILL COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPT., RET.

February 10, 2023

Deputy Topolewski's story was read in Richton Park Police Department's roll call on 2-5-18 to honor him.

Sgt. James Galvan
Richton Park Police (IL)

February 5, 2018

May you now be standing next to our Lord Ray. This incident occurred many years ago however it always remains in our hearts and our minds. Be well my brother, I will see you on the other side.

Inv. Rich Wynn
Will County Sheriff's Dept.

February 18, 2017

Hey Ray, was thinking about you today. Hard to believe it has been so long ago you left us. Reat in peace buddy.

Lt. Dan Mullin (retired)
Lockport P.D.

October 29, 2015

Deputy Sheriff Topolewski,
On today, the 28th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Will County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 10, 2013

Rest in Peace, Deputy Topolewski. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 29, 2013

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

July 16, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 25th 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. I pray for the solace of your family.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 10, 2010

Deputy Topolewski, you will not be forgotten! R.I.P.

Deputy Sheriff
Livingston County (Il) Sheriff's Ofc.

February 10, 2010

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 8, 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

January 8, 2008

Rest in Peace Ray, we all miss you.

Lt. Dan Mullin
Lockport ILL

December 6, 2005

When police officers take the oath, they sometimes never expect to be killed on the street. They know that they are in danger every time they wear the uniform, but where fate takes them can never be interpreted. Being a cadet with the department, it is a shame to hear of any officer anywhere taking the fall, but when the officer is one of your own, it hits you in a different way. My heart and prayers go out to the memory and family of Deputy Topolewski.

Explorer Rich Stygar
Will County Sheriff's Police

February 5, 2004