Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Trinh,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USN. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 6, 2022

Tony
Thanks for your service to the citizens of Houston and to the great state of Texas. Thanks also for your military service. You sound like you were a great person and no doubt a proud Houston Police Officer. This could have happened to any of us. I always carry my badge in my wallet. Thanks for your sacrifice and service. You honor all of us.

Jim Lopey, Asst. Sheriff (ret)
Washoe Sheriff (Reno, Nv.) and NVDPS

April 6, 2021

Uncle Tony,

I miss you dearly. rest in peace. love you.

Lien Nicole Ha
Niece of Officer Trinh's Fiancee

July 10, 2020

Sleep in heavenly peace

Mark Mottola

April 6, 2020

Today I found an old friend in a terrible way. On Feb 20, 1990, I hopped on a plane on my way to San Diego, California for Navy boot camp. There were two guys with me that day, Joe Ritchie and Coung Trinh. After boot camp, I lost track of Joe when he left for his service school. Coung and I went to Millington Tennessee for our schools. From what I remember, he went on to be an Aviation Ordnanceman. After our service school, I lost track of Coung once we hit the fleet and it is a big Navy. I found Coung today while visiting the Houston Police Officer's Memorial with my family. His name is etched on top of the memorial. Coung was shot and killed on April 6, 1997. Apparently Coung completed his tour in the US Navy and then joined HPD. He was a great guy. I always wondered where he was and what he was doing today. I was talking with Lisa today and it's funny how when you remember someone from your past, you imagine them out there, living life and enjoying every day. I feel stupid knowing now that his life ended years ago. Rest easy old friend. I am so sorry it took me this long to find out what happened to you. What a strange twist of fate that I would visit this place today for no apparent reason and finally reconnect with you.

SPO Israel Billy Pina
Austin Police Department/US Navy

November 24, 2017

Rest in peace.

Sgt. Jim Russo

April 7, 2017

Rest in Peace Officer Trinh. Thank you for your service.

Community Service Officer
UCPD

April 6, 2017

Faithful Unto Death | Eternal Rest

S. I. Drake, Lt/(Ret)
Indianapolis Police

April 6, 2017

Many thanks for your service in our Navy and Law enforcement. Your sacrifice for the safety of the American people will always be remembered. RIP

John Haseltine - Civilian

April 6, 2016

Officer Trinh, your service and sacrifice has not been nor will it ever be forgotten. You were taken from your duty much too soon but I expect that you hold a much higher duty now. May your soul rest in peace while your memory perseveres.

Patrolman James B. Boyd
Laredo Police Department

April 6, 2015

Heroes live forever, Officer Trinh, and we will never forget. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for the citizens of Houston and the great State of Texas.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

April 6, 2013

Rest in peace, Officer Trinh. Your service and sacrifice to the citizens of Houston and the great State of Texas will never be forgotten.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

April 6, 2012

I still live in the neighborhood of your parents old store. I would stop in frequently. Your son was such a nice young man.I will always remember him and thank him for serving and protecting the people of Houston.You are a hero with how you lived your life. Mike Kostich

Anonymous

April 14, 2011

" For Dust You Are, And Unto Dust You Shall Return " Genesis 3:19. While you were a rookie, I just graduated from college. When you passed away, I was a rookie on the street. Thank you for setting a great example for the rest of us to follow. I salute you! Rest easy Brother!

Corporal Hugh Trinh
Arlington Police Department

April 9, 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

April 6, 2010

Anh Tony!
I wanted to stop by and pay tribute to you. The family over here loves and misses you a lot!

XOXO always!

Cathy Trinh

Cathy Trinh
Cousin from California

August 17, 2009

To the family of Officer Trinh,
When your parents' had their store, I was a regular customer. It was a pleasure to visit with your mother. Even today, I am still sad to remember when Tony was killed. As a police survivor, I know how much our loved ones served the community and what they stood for. They will always be remembered.

Carol Lane
sister- Sgt. James Michael Lane eow 9-16-04
Beaumont Police Department

Anonymous

March 27, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

April 7, 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

February 13, 2008

tony , thank you for walking the thin blue . as today marks the tenth year of your absence , truly your spirit lives on. thank you my brother...we have the watch from here. you will never be forgotten .

officer val pickens
b'ham p.d./b'ham,al

April 6, 2007

Thank you for your service. Rest in Peace.

Pvt. Leary
U.S. Park Police

February 14, 2007

Officer Trinh I never knew you, but I know what you stand for and the courage it takes to walk that thin blue line. Thank you for you service and courage to take the life style that many others don't, the life styleof a police officer. Rest in peace and God bless your family.

CSO Ly
CSUS PD

April 20, 2006

To Officer Cuong Huy Trinh and his loved ones:

On this the ninth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.

Tony, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

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 Trinh. I am humbled by your valor, courage, and dedication. I am so sorry your life was taken from you at such a young age when you had a lifetime ahead of you. How your parents and loved ones must miss you.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Tony gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 6, 1997.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 6, 2006

On this, the ninth anniversary of the end of your watch, I salute you for your dedication and your service to your fellowman. Rest in peace my brother. May God bless you and your loved ones.

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

April 6, 2006

On the anniversary of your death, I thank you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

April 6, 2005