Middleton Police Department, Massachusetts
End of Watch Thursday, July 10, 1997
Reflections for Sergeant Edward M. Couture
Sergeant Couture, it has been 27 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your military and 23 years of law enforcement service.
Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH
July 10, 2024
Sergeant Couture, it has been 26 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices that you, your family, and too many others have made for us. Thank you for your service.
Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH
July 10, 2023
My middle name is Edward. I was born 7 days after your passing. You helped my Dad a lot in Middleton, and he always spoke of you as a stand up guy and grade A human being. You’re one of the reasons my middle name is Edward. Thank you for your service, and know that your memory lives on.
Matthew
Son of a friend
March 28, 2023
Sgt. Couture,
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 U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
July 10, 2022
Thank you for your service, both military and police, and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
July 10, 2020
You know uncle Eddy i never got to meet you but my mom tells me how great you were and how nice to others you were. Unfortunately i never got to meet you but i have told your story to many of my friends to forever honor your memory. I just turned 15 almost 2 weeks ago and you still cross my mind every now and again. After my mom Told me your story and hearing about the extremely sad news about how a Florida State trooper was shot and killed it inspired me to finally make up my mind about my career choice and i think after getting a bachelors degree at IRSC in Florida I’ll move back up to Massachusetts and be a state trooper there. Forever rest in peace for you've earned it.
Michael Rodolosi
Uncle
February 6, 2020
Sarge, it's been 22 years since the tragic events which took your life. Please know that you have not been forgotten and that that sad day is relived by those who knew and loved you best, but so long as they have kept you in their hearts and minds, for all these years, you are still with them and always will be, Brother.
God Bless and may your rest continue to be peaceful.
Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department
July 10, 2019
This year I ride with Law Enforcement United in honor and memory Sgt Couture. He will never be forgotten.
Sgt Sheila Jetton
Chattanooga Police Dept
May 9, 2017
Eddie it has been a long time. I miss you so very much. You will never be forgotten. I created this account today and found your name to add to my hero list. I would like all to know that you were more than a police officer you were an amazing husband, father & friend. It is why you are still remembered today. Love you always.....
Cathy Rodolosi
October 25, 2014
Thinking of you and your family today and still honoring you for your service.
In my last reflection to you I included a last sentence that was not meant for you and I am sorry for my error.
Praying for the solace of all that love and remember you.
Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) Officer Larry Lasater
January 4, 2013
Sgt. Couture, your tragic death is a reminder to all who have ever stepped into the street for the protection of others that it can happen to anyone. I'm sure the man responsible for your death did not mean to hurt you and no doubt suffered emotionally himself for what happened. From the things I've read here, I have a feeling you forgave him a long time ago.
Thank you for your service to the people of Middleton and the Commonwealth as a whole.
Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.
June 19, 2010
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 12th 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.
How hard it must have been for your family to lose you and your brother in the same incident.
Phyllis Loya
Anonymous
July 10, 2009
hey ed,
still thinking of you and your family. hope your keeping the heavens safe.
pace
robert ciampa
pace
June 23, 2008
Hey Cooch,
I miss you and think about you everyday. I am hopefully on my way to becoming a police officer. I want to make you proud. You are and always will be in my heart.
Love you, Missey
Melissa Alleruzzo
March 3, 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 18, 2008
It has been a little over ten years since the end of your watch and you are still remembered. You will not be forgotten. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones. Rest in peace.
State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables
August 24, 2007
Today marks the 10th anniversary of your tragic death Sgt. Couture. I know you're still patroling the streets of Middleton, and watching over your loved ones. May you rest in peace.
Off. Matthew Ziev
Rowley PD
Patrolman
Rowley Police Department
July 10, 2007
Sgt. Couture,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Middleton.
R.I.P.
Anonymous
Anonymous
July 10, 2007
Although much time has passed, you are still remembered.May you Rest in peace.
July 10, 2006
A Part of America Died
Somebody killed a policemen today, and
A part of America died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect
Will be buried with him at his side.
The suspect who shot him will stand up in court,
With counsel demanding his rights,
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids
And spend alone many long nights,
The beat that he walked was a battlefield, too,
Just as if he'd gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half-mast,
To his name, they will add a gold star.
Yes somebody killed a policeman to today.
It happened in your town or mine.
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,
A cop put his life on the line.
Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
And he stands at each new rookie's side.
He answered the call and gave us his all,
And a part of America died.
May you Rest in Peace Sgt. Couture, you have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Officer Matthew Ziev
Rowley Police Dept.
Officer Matthew Ziev
Rowley Police Department
January 8, 2006
Mr. Couture was a great man. Everyone in Middleton loved him. I played softball with his daughters and he was right there coaching when he wasnt working. He will never be forgotten.
Aubrie Ceres
August 31, 2005
Thank you for your service. You are not forgotten Brother.
Officer S. Lundegren
Yarmouth Massachusetts
Officer Massachusetts
July 19, 2004
You are not forgotten............
Sgt. Al Whitney
Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Yuma, AZ
June 13, 2004
No officer that gave his life should be without reflection……
“For those who pledge to uphold it, Freedom requires a sacrifice the protected will never know”
Anonymous
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