Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 8, 2020

Lt. Dechen rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 17, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother. We remember and honor you on the 17th anniversary of your E.O.W. We thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

October 18, 2017

Kenny, you have been honored several ways over the last couple of weeks. The Gloucester County Law Enforcement Museum has you on a memorial wall, Police Unity Tour stopped by your memorial and your baby honored you at her wedding ceremony. Yes, your baby girl just got married. She looked gorgeous and happy. We missed you at every event but know you are always watching over us and protecting us. Love you and miss you.

Carol
Widow of Kenny

May 18, 2015

Today I thought of you sir,

I never met you, but I was raised in Gloucester County. A couple years ago I pursued a career in Law Enforcement. I never knew how difficult it was to get in the door. As I graduated the GCPA, I was handed a check for $500 dollars, The Ken Dechen Scholarship Fund for Alternate Route candidates. I was floored. After months of not getting a paycheck, I cannot thank you for your service, and your family for their unexpected generosity. You are not forgotten, Lt.

J.A.

Patrolman
LACPD

March 6, 2015

Lt,

Police week 2012 is coming up in May, you and your family will be in my prayers.

Thank you for your service and rest easy.

Officer (former)
USSS/UD

March 30, 2012

thinking of you today, like most days. someone sent me this link and so i read the messages. you were one of the good guys. miss you lots. your a grandpop now. collin is beautiful and so much fun. you would be in your glory playing with your grandson, riding tractors and looking at cars with him. everyone is well. we all miss you and wish you could be here with us. we know that you are watching over us everyday and find comfort in that. love you forever, carol

widow of Kenny Dechen, Carol

February 15, 2012

LT,

Gone, but not forgotten. Your brothers in blue will continue to have the watch here on earth while you watch over us from above.

Officer Thomas McWain #2610
South Harrison Township

May 10, 2011

Lt. Dechen, accidents are accidents. Thank you for your service.

Lt. Stephen A. Joy #980
Prince George's County Police Department

December 8, 2010

You don't know me, but I grew up in Thorofare and my brother was in Ken's class at St. James. I knew your dad since I was a boy and he was one of the great guys in the world. He was great friends with our Dad who was a legendary man named Scotty. When our Dad died in 1986, there came a knock at the door at it was your Dad. He had heard the news and came by to share his sorrow with us. Just the kind of guy he was. I remember him being a heck of a nose tackle on the St. James Football team. He also had a really cool old Ford Falcon when he was a senior and would occasionally get a ride hom from St. James with him and we thought we were the coolest guys. I live in Atlanta now and I don't know why I thought of him today and I found this web site. I hope that Matt and the family sees this and know that people in far off places still think of him. He was an irrepressible soul!! Your mom would know my brother so say that I am Charlie Hughes' younger brother Ian.

Ian Hughes
An Old Friend

January 20, 2009

God dad- so much time has passed since the accident. We are coming up on 8 long years. So much has happened. Changed. We are all grown up. So different today than we were then. I hope that you are still looking over us all. Not a day has gone by that I haven’t thought of you and your jokes, laugh. I have tried really hard to watch over the girls and mom- we are all doing great. 8 years later and I still can’t believe you aren’t here. Just know that the girls and I talk about you as if you never left- we still have the place down the shore and we all make sure we spend as much time down there as possible- just like you always wanted.

Miss you so much old man!
Matt

Matt Dechen
Son

September 30, 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

December 13, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Lieutenant Dechen on the anniversary of his passing. Heros are never forgotten. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

October 18, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
nh

October 16, 2007

Kenny,

Even after 6 yrs its so hard to look at your picture and not miss you. You were and still are an inspiration to our department and to our lives. I don't think a shift has gone by when someone doesn't mention the special times with you. So many stories it is what keeps us going you know. All the crazy things and the great times. You would be so proud of your children. Carol has done an awesome job and she is so strong. Well until we meet again my friend and brother in blue.

Ptl A. Scirrotto
West Deptford

February 13, 2007

You have not been forgotten. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and heroes never die.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

October 17, 2006

Fallen but NEVER forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEO's

October 12, 2006

Im in australia, did it! here til november then im back. I like to think youd be really proud, everyone told me you would be, and that I am so very much like you..I love when I hear that! Matt, Jaim and Mom are all doing great.. We miss you so very much, not a doy goes by that I don't think of you, we still talk about you everyday... tell your stories and jokes. I try to live like you did. I want to be just like you. You are just one of a kind, no one could ever take your place, no one could ever compare.. just know that you are thought about everyday... I love you, I miss you... 48

love always& forever,
jilligan

- and thank you to all those who left their kind words to my family & I. It means alot to us.

Jillian Dechen
daughter

July 22, 2006

Lieutenant Dechen,
I had the opportunity to meet your wife during National Police Week 2006 in Washington DC. You would be proud of the things she does for the community in your honor. She spoke so highly of you and your children. You served your department and the citizens of your community well for 23 years and I thank you for that. God bless you.

Officer Robert Sagle #2254
Columbus Ohio Division of Police

May 17, 2006

To the family and friends of Lt. Kenneth Dechen and his fellow officers with the West Deptford Police Department:

On this the fifth anniversary of his untimely death, please know that Lt. Dechen is not forgotten.
On behalf of our entire family, we wish to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when he was tragically killed.

May you continue to be comforted by the caring and support of your law enforcement family, and other police survivors. Our family grieves with you and for you. Lt. Dechen's valor and dedication is not forgotten.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of distinquished service Kenneth gave to his community and the citizens of New Jersey, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 18, 2000.

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

October 18, 2005

DAY IS DONE,
GONE THE SUN,
FROM THE HILLS, FROM THE LAKE, FROM THE SKIES.
ALL IS WELL, SAFELY REST,
GOD IS NIGH.

GO TO SLEEP, PEACEFUL SLEEP,
MAY THE SOLDIER OR SAILOR, GOD KEEP.
ON THE LAND OR THE DEEP,
SAFE IN SLEEP.

LOVE, GOOD NIGHT,
MUST THOU GO,
WHEN THE DAY, AND THE NIGHT NEED THEE SO?
ALL IS WELL. SPEEDETH ALL
TO THEIR REST.

FADES THE LIGHT;
AND AFAR
GOETH DAY, AND THE STARS SHINETH BRIGHT,
FARE THEE WELL; DAY IS GONE,
NIGHT IS ON.

THANKS AND PRAISE,
FOR OUR DAYS,
'NEATH THE SUN, 'NEATH THE STARS, 'NEATH THE SKY,
AS WE GO, THIS WE KNOW,
GOD IS NIGH.

A Brother In Blue

Mantua Township PD

July 27, 2005

DAY IS DONE,
GONE THE SUN,
FROM THE HILLS, FROM THE LAKE, FROM THE SKIES.
ALL IS WELL, SAFELY REST,
GOD IS NIGH.

GO TO SLEEP, PEACEFUL SLEEP,
MAY THE SOLDIER OR SAILOR, GOD KEEP.
ON THE LAND OR THE DEEP,
SAFE IN SLEEP.

LOVE, GOOD NIGHT,
MUST THOU GO,
WHEN THE DAY, AND THE NIGHT NEED THEE SO?
ALL IS WELL. SPEEDETH ALL
TO THEIR REST.

FADES THE LIGHT;
AND AFAR
GOETH DAY, AND THE STARS SHINETH BRIGHT,
FARE THEE WELL; DAY IS GONE,
NIGHT IS ON.

THANKS AND PRAISE,
FOR OUR DAYS,
'NEATH THE SUN, 'NEATH THE STARS, 'NEATH THE SKY,
AS WE GO, THIS WE KNOW,
GOD IS NIGH.

A Brother In Blue

Mantua Township PD

July 27, 2005

well dad...I did it...graduated from college...got myself a job, you would complain about it being to easy...but that’s what I went to school for...I miss you like crazy...not a day goes by that I don't think about you. I have tried hard to stick by your values and beliefs, hung close to your thoughts, and lived life like you showed. I hope one day to meet back up with you...you should know that your friends have treated us good and you knew that they would...

Jill is headed off to La Salle, I will watch her like a hawk...and bec is growing up fast...you would be so proud of them.

I love you more than anything in the world. And thanks for making me into the man I am today...

Matthew Dechen
Son

July 20, 2005

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

October 18, 2004

Ken,your knowledge,understanding and friendship will be missed greatly. I know you are now watching over all of us. We miss you more than I could ever express. Rusty

Cpl.W Rost
West Deptford

July 31, 2004