Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To Debbie and other family members. Your Dad is not forgotten. God holds a special place for those who give their lives in the service of others. The family of cops does too. Please take some peace in that knowledge.

Sgt. Bill Richardson
Anchorage, Alaska PD

August 28, 2004

Fifteen days before Christmas 1971 a cop was shot and killed
A wound that scarred his family and time has never healed
I was an innocent child of nine but remember that frightening day
The killers escaped from his patrol car and headed out our way
Officials closed the schools sending all of us children home
Leaving us scared and clueless firmly warning us not to roam
On the evening news we heard Trooper John Valent’s life had ended
The following day we learned, one suspect killed, two apprehended
33 years later that boy of nine is now a strand in the thin line of blue
Searching the Officer Down Memorial Page I am reminded of you
A man I never had the privilege of meeting yet our lives are entwined
Your memorial details make me wonder, is justice really blind
Mrs. Valent lost her husband, and 3 children grew up without a Dad
We lost a hero, who never met the grandchildren his children had
Under a plea bargain the two apprehended served only 10 years time
And now I ponder, will the penalty for cop killers ever fit the crime?

Ofc. Jeffrey L. Becker #500
Panama City Police Dept

July 19, 2004

Dear Dad,

Time heals but never seems to allow us to miss you less. I do, however, feel your presence in my heart, and I know you are always with me and your two grandchildren which you never had a chance to know. You would have enjoyed them so much, and they you.

Till we meet again...

Always with all my love,

Debbie

daughter, Deborah

THE POLICEMAN’S LAST ROLE CALL

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 just got to steep. And I never passed a cry for help, though times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I’ve wept many 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 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."

Anonoymus
PSP