Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I have been thinking about you, as your birthday recently passed. You are still very much missed by everyone!! Ann is quite an amazing "trooper", raising "the crew", just as you would have wanted! You would be so very proud!

"Louie" aka Laura

November 17, 2008

One down... three to go!!!

February 27, 2008

Sergeant, Prothero, my family and I remember your sacrifice and grieve for your family's loss. I will never, ever forget that day eight years ago. I pray your children turn out the way you intended. I'm sure they will. I know they are blessed with a large and loving family. Seeing your loved ones' care of each other was very uplifting. Your sacrifice continues to have an impact on my life. Thank you.

Detective M. Baker
Child Predator CyberCrime Unit, State of Florida, (Former BCoPD)

February 7, 2008

Well Sgt Prothero, it has now been 8 long years, and I still grieve with your family for their loss. I was your dispatcher that day, and though we never met, you were one of 'my guys' on the street. Every minute of that day has been played and re-played in my mind and heart, and I still bear the scar on my heart for having lost one of 'my guys'. I pray that your family knows and always remembers what a hero you were that day, as I always will. You know I will be making my annual visit to sit and talk with you, and pray that God holds all of 'our' brothers and sisters close to Him. You are missed by all of them, and I know you watch over them always.

LaVerne Walker, Dispatcher
Balto Co 911 Center

February 6, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

February 5, 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

November 7, 2007

I stumbled across this page and just wanted to pay my respects. I still think of you and your family often, Mr. Bruce. I will never forget going out running in the neighborhood and passing you by. It has been a few years since I have seen your family, but I hear that they are growing up to be fine young citizens. You would be proud, I am sure.

Thank you for making the ultimate sacrafice. You will never be forgotten.

Lisa

Lisa
Friend of the Family

July 26, 2007

To the Prothero Family,

I did not know Bruce personally however I am a friend of his that he use to work with (Mike). I remember the day because Mike called me and was really upset. He gave me one of the blue ribbons that eveyone was putting on their cars. Well he brouht me one. I put it on my car and kept it there for awhile, and then I took it off, and it now hangs on my fridge. Everytime I open my fridge I remember the tradegy of that day. And most important I remember the sacrifice you made.
You are remembered everyday...
Rest in peace...
and God be with you and your family,

Susan

June 20, 2007

You will always be remembered as a true hero today and everyday. Thank you for your service.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

February 7, 2007

MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ON THIS ANNIVERSARY.

Former Police Officer
Warrenton, Virginia

February 7, 2007

To Sgt. Bruce Allen Protheo and his loved ones:

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

My heart is with your wife and five children, and other family members who call you beloved. I am so touched by the loving reflections for you. They are all in my thoughts and prayers today. How they must miss you and that beautiful glorious smile that shows up so well in your picture.

Bruce, you rescued us, saved 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, Sgt. Prothero. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Bruce gave to his community and the citizens of Maryland, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 7, 2000.

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

February 7, 2007

We will all be remembering you today Bruce. We miss you very much. Keep looking down on us.

Baltimore County Police

February 7, 2007

NEVER forgotten, always honored for making the supreme sacrifice.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEOs

January 26, 2007

I can remember the day very well even though many years have passed. Even though Bruce was working part time he came to our roll call that morning. I remember where he was standing and that he had one foot balanced against the wall for support. He had a coffee cup in one hand and a big grin on his face. He was his normal happy go lucky self. Who would have thought that several hours later he would give up his life doing the job he loves. I will never forget the grief that our department experienced. I often think about Bruce and his family. Although many years have gone by his memory will never be forgotten. I speak for many. I hope the Prothero family is doing well.

Sgt. Mickle
Baltimore County Police

November 28, 2006

My thoughts are with the family of Sgt Prothero.

Marsha
Wife of Officer

July 18, 2006

Thank you for your sacrifice sergeant Prothero and the Prothero family. God give Mrs. Prothero the strength to carry on every day and the strenght and courage to raise their 5 children without her soul mate. God bless you all.

Wife and mother in law of LEO's

February 7, 2006

Never to be forgotten, 6 yrs ago today you gave your live. God Bless the Prothero family today and everyday Lord. Be with Ms. Prothero and give her strength in raising the children.

PO Ret.
City of Miami PD (Fla)

February 7, 2006

You are still in the thoughts of many, even those who didn t know you well. I pray for your family. They are wonderful people. May god bless.

Anonymous

September 21, 2005

May be never forget. Thank You for upholding honor Bruce.

Anonymous

September 16, 2005

I have driven behind a car many times in Montgomery County that has Officer Prothero's name on the back. My wife was an officer with the Illinois Dept. of Corrections. I just was hoping that the car owner would know that someone has seen the name on the back of the car and appreciates the sacrifice of this officer and his family. They are in my prayers.

Civilian

September 7, 2005

5 years...... it still sucks!

Greg Prothero

May 17, 2005

I knew Bruce at Peary High School, where we both graduated in '82, and I met his wife Ann in junior high. Bruce was just such a nice guy - good sense of humor, unassuming manner, treated everyone well - all at age when many of us were not on our best behavior! It was not surprising that he ended up in such an altruistic career as police work, willing to risk his own life to keep others safe. Even after five years, his family must feel this terrible loss every day. So I hope it is a comfort to know that Bruce was so well though-of by so many people....

Vicky Balenger
(friend from high school)

March 2, 2005

God Bless you and your 5 children on this anniversary of your husbands death. I pray that you are doing well and that GOD is providing comfort and strength for you. Blessed are the Peacemakers for they will be called sons of GOD.

Tammy Jacobs, widow
Riverside Police Dept. CA

February 7, 2005

An off-duty police officer is still a police officer. Thank you for your service. Continue to watch over your children. They will grow up knowing that their father was and still is a hero. God speed brother.

February 7, 2005

Bruce -
I think of you often my friend. I miss the days that your laugh would always make me laugh. I miss the days you wanted to stop by the local 7-11 for coffee. I miss your advice and friendship. I'll never forget the "Hold on a minute!" when you finally had it from someone on a call. Even when you moved on, made Sgt. and went to PC2, you always went out of your way to say hi on Liberty Road. I have never met (nor will I) someone who would give all of their time to help someone out on the job. This world lost its finest friend, father, husband and police officer. I hope we can someday laugh again my friend !

POFC Michael Koffenberger
Baltimore County Police Dept.

November 2, 2003