Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

12-06-03, MY BROTHER, MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND CONTINUE TO BLESS YOUR FAMILY, AND FRIENDS. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A HERO. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. YOU SERVED WELL MY BROTHER.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

December 6, 2003

I can still remember the events of this horrible shooting as they unfolded on TV. I can still remember the pain I felt when they told us that one of our own was gone. I will never forget any of those who have died wearing the badge.

Deputy Recruit Jay Soesbee
Henderson County Sheriff's Office, NC

To my fellow officer and service member, which makes you also my brother. You gave the ultimate sacrifice in giving your life in the line of duty. I know you're always standing above watching down on your fellow officers. An eternal salute will always be rendered for you.

Patrolman Dale Williams
UNCA Police Dept

Although I never met Trooper Nicholson, I want his family and friends to know that when the announcement of his death was read over the radio that we prayed for you and I would like to let you know how sorry I am. I'm only 16 years old, but I've already decided that I would like to be a police officer, and losses of such people only inspire me to reach my goal of getting all criminals off the streets even though it seems like an impossible dream. He made a difference in a lotr of people's lives, and I'm sure he is still alive in the hearts of many today.

Student Jessica Zicafoose
Chapman High School

TFC. Nicholson, I doubt you would have remembered me but I ate a meal with you at the academy. I ran into you again when you came to my school to look for information on a suspect. I count it an honor and privledge to have participated in your funeral procession. I think you would have been touched, as I was, by the people who lined the sreet to pay their respects. From little children to elderly people they stood by the road with their hands over their hearts. I saw parents trying to explain to the children what was going on. My constant prayer is that a conversation like that never happen again! Unfortunately I know all to well it will. May God keep your family and give them peace 'til you meet again and brother if you would keep an eye on us down here as we carry on without you.

Ptl. K.D. Sibley
Simpsonville Police Dept.

The policeman stood and faced his God

Which must always come to pass.

He hoped his shoes were shining

Just as neatly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.

How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek?

To my Church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said

No, Lord, I guess I ain't.

Because those of us that carry badges

Can't always be a Saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,

And at times my walk was rough,

And sometimes I've been violent,

Because the street are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny

That wasn't mine to keep.

Though I worked a lot of overtime

When the bills just got too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,

Though at times I shook in fear.

And sometimes, God forgive me,

I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place

Among these people here.

They never wanted me around

Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,

It needn't be so grand.

I never expected or had too much,

But if you don't… I'll understand."

There was silence all around the throne

Where the Saints had often trod.

As the policeman waited quietly,

For the Judgement of his God.

"Step forward now policeman,

You've borne your burdens well.

Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in hell."

Author Unknown

PO1 Paul Smith
Rock Hill PD, SC

I first met eric when my friend jimmy maloney and i picked him up to bring him to an air show in upstate n.y. we were going to. (eric's mom was jimmy's half sister) eric was about 14 at the time. he was so full of life and in such awe of all that we witnessed at that airshow that day. when eric was in myrtle beach on leave from the marines, he would always call or stop at my job and say hey. when he first got out of the marines he stopped by again and we talked about his plans. one time he called to say he was in town and would like to meet, but i was working at the fire dept. and couldn't get off. then shortly after i heard the report of his passing from one of the cops i work with. and then my old friend jimmy called crying.....i'll always be sorry i couldn't meet him for a soda that day.........

Lt. Tom Richards
Surfside Beach Fire Dept.

God bless you always

Anonymous

It has been 2 years today since you were killed. I remember my husband telling me about the awful events that claimed your life and how I said a prayer then for your family. Little did I know that less than a year later, he would join you in heaven's ranks. I will say another prayer today for your family. I know that is the only way to find comfort in such a tragedy.
Survivor of Calvin E. Taylor NCSHP E.O.W. 10-3-01

Telecommunicator
NC Highway Patrol

Trooper Nicholson,
Thank you for your service, not just as a SCHP Trooper, but also a United States Marine as well. RIP
Semper Fi Devil Dog,
A fellow Marine;LEO

Anonymous

You served the citizens of South Carolina well and made us proud. You also served the United State of America in the U. S. Marine Corp. You were in the same class that graduated from the SC Highway Patrol Justice Academy in November 1998 as my son, Senior Trooper Michael J. Rao.

As you patrol the streets of heaven, watch for Mike and take care of each other. You both are very special and I pray for your parents and for Misty, as well as our family. It is not easy for those left behind. We pray each day for the strength to get through the day.

You served well and made us proud. You will not be forgotten. Rest well, and wait for us.

Lois Rao
Mother of Senior Trooper Michael J. Rao

Tigger you are missed very much We know you are in a better place looking down on us hopeing we carry on your name.I know I will never forget your smiling face.We miss you.




Angela Fagan

Eric Nicholson was a very professional correctional officer before he became a state trooper. He was always well dressed and ready to help others out. His marine corp. experience allowed him the opportunity to help the annual marine corp. toy drive. He was an excellent officer and will always be remembered...

Anonymous

My heartfelt sorrow for the family. I attended the services and I have never seen so much honor and support. I display my service and support by having a South Carolina C-181 sticker in my rear window made by his friends with the SCHP. I would like to extend my thanks to Trooper Nicholson for his loyal service, and to his family, your husband and father helped save lives...no other profession can compare to that of Law Enforcement.

Detective London
UNC-Charlotte Police