Mobile Court Police Department, Alabama
End of Watch Thursday, September 26, 1996
Reflections for Officer Charles Craig Greenwald
I was thinking about Craig today for some reason and decided to Google him. Of course I was stunned to learn of his passing years ago at such a young age and in such a tragic way. When the Greenwald family was living in Cherry Hill NJ during the 1970s, I had the privilege of watching Craig develop from a boy into a fine young man from the time he joined Boy Scout Troop 147 in 1972 until he graduated from high school 7 years later. As often happens, I lost track of him over the years. I am not surprised that he chose a life of service in law enforcement, and I feel very privileged to have known him. My belated condolences to his family and loved ones.
Retired Scoutmaster
Boy Scout Troop 147, Cherry Hill NJ
January 19, 2024
Officer Greenwald,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Mobile. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
September 26, 2021
Rest in peace always and know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
September 26, 2020
I never knew this page existed. Craig was the best man when I got married (to my ex husband) and he ended up becoming the husband of my maid of honor (my best friend). They met at our wedding and got married a year later. He was an exemplary officer, friend, son, husband, and father. Always thinking of Maria, Chad, Brent, and other family members.
Susan Simpkins
Friend
November 5, 2019
Rest in peace.
Sgt. Jim Russo
September 28, 2016
Craig, we hardly knew you, but we all liked you and sure miss you. From Phil and I'm sure everyone from Judge Nygaard's chambers in Erie, Pa., where you guarded the federal courthouse before your tragic move to Alabama.
Attorney Philip Abromats
Fmr. Law Clerk to Judge Nygaard
May 25, 2016
Craig, another police officer was shot and killed today. I always remember you and your family when I hear the news. Your boys are turning into men. You would be so proud. We all miss you.
Martha Eubanks
friend from college
November 24, 2012
My dear Craig, and all of his friends and loved ones,
After reading this memorial page it took me back to the funeral, standing next to you in your coffin as your officer and friends saluted you. I wanted you be able to see them through my eyes.
It has now been over 12 years since the end of your watch. Your department is now in good hands. I see the officers that are still there, and feel a closeness to them that you nurtured a long time ago. They are wonderful people and I am honored to walk by them every day.
The boys are well. Chad wants to join the Military like his dad, and Brent wants to be a chef like his Uncle Eddie. They are strong, healthy and they are good boys !! I am sure that you are as proud of them as I am.
I want to thank everyone for their contribution to this memorial. I wasn't aware of all of the reflections and greatly appreciate them.
We love and miss you Craig, but you will always be a huge part of our lives.
Maria
Maria Greenwald
March 11, 2009
To Officer Greenwald and his loved ones:
On this the twelth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.
This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.
Rest in Peace, Officer Greenwald. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.
This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Officer Greenwald gave to his community and the citizens of Alabama, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 26, 1996.
Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
Anonymous
September 26, 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
July 19, 2007
Rest in Peace, Officer Greenwald. Your sacrifice if not forgotten.
Officer 11169
October 26, 2006
Thank you for your service. You will always be remembered.
July 25, 2006
Craig;
You are on my mind, I still miss you and the fun times we all had together. You will always be remembered my Friend.
Jay
Officer Jay Aikin
State of Alabama Port Authority Police
December 12, 2005
To the family and friends of Officer Greenwald and his fellow officers with the Mobile Court Police Department:
On behalf of our entire family, we wish to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Officer Greenwald was so tragically killed.
To Officer Greenwald, it has been nine years ago since you were brutally murdered, but you are not forgotten. Your valor and bravery will be forever remembered as will that of the female officer who shot the perpetrator.
This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of service Officer Greenwald gave to his community and the citizens of Alabama, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 26, 1996.
Phyllls Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05.
September 26, 2005
Rest in peace brother.
Watch Commander/A.Dumas
Bishop State College Police Dept.
April 29, 2005
I met Craig when were attending the Police Academy in the State of Pa.,We both were being recertified in the State of Pa.Craig worked for the State game and fish commission and I was training several local agencies in the area in defensive tactics.Craig became a close friend of mine and I miss him and I wish his family the best.
Detective D.M. Carr
Forsyth County Sheriffs office GA.
March 28, 2005
I remember Craig working with him in Prichard. We always called him "Greenbush". When things really start going down and you needed help Craig was always there. I was sooo sadden to hear he got killed. My heart goes out to his family. Untill we meet again this is 201 saying we are 10-42 and 10-7
Sgt. Eddie Goff (Ret.)
Prichard P.D.
March 28, 2004
Craig was my best friend and former partner. He is so missed by everyone. He was a great guy and I wish my little "Greenbush" was still here. He was a great partner, one you could truly count on. He was always there when I needed him and could almost read my mind. I love you, Craig!
Mark Durden, Retired Police Officer
December 14, 2003
I knew Craig and his family. He was a good officer and he is sorely missed by his law enforcement family. In 12 years of law enforcement, I have never been so saddened by anything as much as I was by his death.
Trooper Lawrence Goff Jr.
Alabama State Troopers
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