Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

There are many reflections here from the people Bruce worked with that prove he was an outstanding officer but that is not how I knew my uncle.  I knew Uncle Bruce as the man who would pretend my pigtails were handles to a new Harley and would take me out for ice cream when he and his wife Ann were just dating.  I am now twenty and about to step into the "real world."  It worries me to know there are people in the world who could commit such crimes but with that came the reassurance that there are people like Uncle Bruce to protect us from them.  I sat at the funeral and was able to look out on the thousands of faces who cared for my uncle.  As we drove to the cemetary we saw people stopped on the side of the road, some of them crying, just to pay their respects to my uncle and to his cause.  I would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers.  

Miss Teresa Fitts
Sgt. Prothero's niece

Our deepest heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Officer Bruce A.Prothero.Your dedication and professionalism is greatly appreciated by our Nation.Thank you for your efforts, for they were not in vain.Earlier reflections ask the question "why?" and "if there is a heaven" The answers are We police officers provide this Nation's freedom through the Divine law of God's establishment (Romans 13:4) to fight the Angelic Conflict (Isaiah 14:12-17). Heaven is secured through faith in Christ(John 3:16)

Officer John D.Sainz
Tucson Police Department

I served the citizens of Balto Co. Md. from 1984 to 1991 as a brother officer with Sgt. Prothero. I did not know Bruce personally nor do I ever recall meeting him during my tenure with Balto Co.

However, the sorrow I felt at the news of his demise was  felt in the midst of my soul. My prayers go out to brother Protheros' family and my fellow brothers and sisters of the Balto Co. Police Dept.

God be with you!

Training Officer Tim Duncan
Suffolk , Va. Police Dept

Hello my name is Michael Barber, I was a Police Explorer with Baltimore County at WhiteMarsh Precinct 9.

I once road on patrol with Sgt. Prothero. He was a nice guy, great personality and from talking with him, I noticed how much of a very dedicated Police officer he was. 

Michael Barber
Explorer post 9909

"Our Friend"

"Our friend" was a blessing, it's as simple as that.

Sharing our lives in a driveway, we sat.

Moment by moment, day by day,

our neighborhood family grew stronger, we'd say.

The laughter of children surrounded us then,

joy that we hold, but that was back when.

A smile on his face as he sat on that swing,

just a glance or a wave, and we knew he was king.

The castle was home; the kingdom around.

His heart knew no better place could be found.

Life's priorities in order, that's where he'd be.

And always, always a child on his knee.

We celebrated life in a great neighborhood;

new babies, our dreams, and parties were good.

Things we remember, the things that we knew,

spending time together in a way that few do.

But the everyday living was important to all;

entwining our lives, not prepared for his fall.

These things in our hearts we hold very dear,

and will cherish always with each passing year.

Thank God we had not the wisdom to see,

what would happen to him and what would now be.

"Our friend" was a husband, and a great one too.

Love, honor, and cherish were vows that he knew.

Commitment and devotion, just words to some.

They meant everything from where he came from.

Most never find what they shared with each other;

He was her friend, protector, and lover.

And we know that she'd say she would live this all over,

for one moment to see his face and cry on his shoulder.

"Our friend" was a dad, so proud was he.

His five beautiful children were all he could see.

As he went through his days, there was one thing he knew,

in their eyes he was the best father, too.

If all children could be blessed with a dad like him,

this world would be a much better place to live in.

"Our friend" was the man devoted to blue,

he wore his badge proudly as most police do.

He was brave and honest and that's what we saw.

He worked very hard to uphold the law.

He fought for justice, and most days he won;

but on that awful day, a dad lost a son.

A wife lost her husband, the children their dad;

his brothers and sisters devastated beyond sad.

The men in blue lost one of their own.

We lost "our friend"; and were mournfully alone.

For a day in February wrought with much pain,

surrounded us like a hard driving rain.

No peace could be found in a senseless moment,

and raw emotions whirled like a raging torrent.

Looking for answers, we could find none.

We clung to each other as the day was done.

Grief found a home in our neighborhood that day.

Our innocence gone in a horrible way.

We were changed in a moment that most won't know.

Hiding the hurt, because it's too hard to show.

Deep down inside, we are thankful for love.

It gave us "our friend" and grace from above.

We continue our life with God in our sight,

"our friend" in our heart, it will be all right.

"Our friend" should be turning 36 today.

We should be wishing him Happy Birthday.

Instead we will walk with our thoughts buried deep

and pray for a dream of "our friend" while we sleep.

Dedicated to "My friend" Bruce Prothero

I will never forget.

Love, Cindy

November 6, 2000

A friend loves at all times

Proverbs 17:17

Anonymous

As a cadet working the Cockeysville desk, I remember Cpl. B (as I used to call him) when he would come to work light rail.  He used to come up, smack the front desk, and say, "Cadet, I'll have one battery to go please."  He was always smiling.  He always used to tell me, no matter how much I or the other officers complained, "we are all on the same team, with a common goal."  Now that Iam an officer, those words stick in my head more than ever.

The entire Hoke family extends it's deepest sympathies to Sgt. B, and the entire Prothero family.

Officer 1st Class Paul Hoke
Baltimore County Police

At 93.1 WPOC, we were moved by the community's compassion in the wake of the Prothero tragedy.  It was a reminder for us of the inherent good in society, and the responsible role that we are to play in that society.  No one here at the station ever met Sergeant Prothero, but many of us feel as if we knew him.  Bruce's picture hangs on our wall, as a tribute to law enforcement, and the sacrifices made in the name of public safety.  No greater love.

Aaron Rehkopf
93.1 WPOC, Baltimore, MD

I had the pleasure of meeting Bruce last year. He was very kind and plesent person and a valuable asset to The Baltimore County Police Dept who did not deserve to die this way. If it were up to me the 4 individuals responsible for his death should be executed no execptions. My deepest sympathy go to his family and friends, Officer Bruce Prothero will be soreley missed.

Stuart Jacobson
Friend

bruce you are still truly missed at work, we have not forgotten your courage and most of all your presence at the precinct. i am comforted in the knowledge that you will be watching over the rest of us as we do our difficult job.

michelle
baltimore county pd

bruce, we miss you everyday-watch over all of us and keep us safe. our thin blue line, although diminished by one, remains unbroken.

barbara davis
baltimore county police

Bruce, you made us all laugh for all those years. Now two months later you're still making me cry. I will always treasure your friendship. You, Ann, and the kids will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Send me the dream, Bruce. Love ya buddy

Sgt. David M. Neral
Baltimore County Police

The dedication of Sgt. Prothero will not be forgotten.  My husband worked with Sgt. Prothero, and never had anything but praise for his outstanding support and care for those in the precinct.  Sgt. Prothero was truly one of the great ones; he will be missed and remembered.

Mary Brock
wife of Baltimore County Police Officer

God Bless another Hero. A Soldier of Peace. A Husband, and a Father, a Friend and a Brother. He was our Partner. Both on and Off Duty, he Served to Protect and Defend. 13 Years in Uniform, ended by a gun. Mrs. Prothero, our Hearst go out to you and your Children. God Bless you Ma'am. We will continue our Prayers for you and your Children. Sgt. Prothero Was and Still is a Hero. Very Sincerely, Gary Wolter.

Dir. Gary Wolter
International MP K-9 Association

The first thing that comes to mind in this tragic time is WHY?

I had the honor to know Sgt. Prothero from the time i was a cadet in central records in 1993, and i must say that his bright personality and cheerful demeanor and the way he truly enjoyed his work, stood out to me at that time when i was brand new on the job.  This man has touched so many lives and although he is in heaven now, he will never be forgotten by everyone who knew him and even those who didnt.,  Bruce and his family will be in our hearts and prayers for eternity.

Detective Rebecca  Reynolds
Baltimore County Police

Bruce was my Sergeant at Woodlawn Pct and opened my eyes to how important our involvement in the FOP could be.  Bruce put together the first rally for our department and fought hard for our raise.  His dedication in that made me proud to say he was my Sergeant.  I was one of the first officers on the scene when he was shot and performed CPR.  I joined this job to be able to help people, let me tell ya the hardest part of the job is when you are unable to help someone you love.  Sarge, I love ya, and I miss ya.

Officer 1st Class James Wickless
Baltimore County Police

I worked with Bruce for many years as a patrol officer.  Bruce was always a kind, considerate, professional.  He left a lasting impression on anyone he ever came into contact with.  He is missed by not only his family but not only the 1800+ brothers and sisters of the Baltimore County Police Department who had the honor of serving with him.  We all know in our heart that when god created angels he had Bruce in mind.  He will forever live in our memory.  I hope that if there is a heaven that I will again have the honor of serving on that thin blue line with my friend.

Pfc. Chuck Massey
Baltimore County Police

I suppose this is more for Annie and the kids...I just wanted you all to know how much I still miss Bruce. Fallen Heroes Day last Friday (5-3-02)brought back a flood of great memories. Bruce was such a kind man, a good friend, and the best boss a guy could have. I think of him every day. God bless you all!

Ofc Dave Littleton
BCoPD

Bruce-
You are missed and although gone not forgotten. I know you you are in a higher place.
I think of you often.

Matman:)

Lt.Matt McElwee
Baltimore County PoliceDepartment

I visited Mr. Prothro's gravesite on father's day while visitins DFC Jason Schwenz's grave with his family, and have to admit to crying out loud not just for the great loss that his family has had, but for the loss that he has had, not being able to be there to see his children grow up. This is such a tragedy, it cannot be comprehended.

Anonymous

Bruce,

Today Scott DeFelice found himself in a very dangerous position. He was confronted by armed bank robbers who shot at him. He told me he usually takes his baby girl to the bank with him but today he didn't. I think you must have been watching over him.

Thank you.

Kate

Captain Kate
Baltimore County

Although its been a little while, we are still thinking of you and the ultimate sacrifice you made. You are a true hero. Your shooters are getting their justice. God bless!

Andrew
Baltimore City Police