Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. You have not been forgotten. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones and close friends.

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

February 6, 2009

Corporal,
Thank you for keeping the highways of Delaware safe for all of us. You are a true hero who will be missed for eternity. R.I.P.

Sgt. C. Scholl
Tucson Az. P.D.

November 4, 2008

Hey Franny...missing you so very much. You ride with me everyday I roll 10-8. I still remember all our laughs and the goofy stuff. As I turn on my siren box everyday I laugh! :) Peace Franny....

February 6, 2008

Hey Franny, it's just me again. As usual, always thinking about you and your family. I hear from your mom every so often and as I am sure you are aware, she participated in a walk recently in your memory to benefit all of our fallen brethren. Keep watching over us from above and until we meet again.

Rizz

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

February 6, 2008

Seven years may have passed since you were called away but you have not been forgotten by those that truly love you. Continue to watch over all of them, protect them from harm. Let them feel your presence so they know you are around them, watching over them every day. You are a true hero. Thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement.

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

February 6, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE, GOD BLESS YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND ALL THOSE THAT LOVE YOU.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 4, 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 9, 2007

I was just thinking about you. I wish you were here, there is someone I would really like you to meet. I love you Mommy

Samantha

July 23, 2007

All my life i wanted to be a State Trooper...after hearing about you and your work ethics i can only hope to be half the parent and Trooper you were...you are one of the few who can say that you were "Delaware's Finest". Thank you for your service.

US Citizen

June 18, 2007

To Corporal Frances Marie Collender and her loved ones:

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

My heart is with your children, mother and father, and other family members who call you beloved. I am so touched by your daughter's loving reflections for you. They are all in my thoughts and prayers today.

Frances, 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, Corporal Frances Collender. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Franny gave to her community and the citizens of Delaware, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 6, 2001.

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

February 7, 2007

Franny, it's hard to believe it's been 6 years already. I remember it like yesterday, getting that dreadful phone call and the many dark days that followed. I still think about you and your family often, as does everybody who knew you, and I know we'll see each other again some day in a better place. Watch over us from above Blue Angel!

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

February 6, 2007

I have only to look at a picture of my mom or give a call to my son (Francis) to remember you. It may have been 16 years since this cousin of yours last saw you, but rest assured he remembers.

As we say in my community of work "we do this job that others may live". So holds true for troopers. Godspeed.

erik

Capt E. K. Haynes
USAF / Cousin

January 15, 2007

franny...

i am truly sorry that i never had the opportunity to know you personally...i have had the opportunity to become very close to your parents and your daughter samantha by being a member of C.O.P.S....but, i would guess you already knew that...

thanks to your parents and your daughter too, they have helped me in more ways than they will ever know...thank you for sharing them with me...

i know you must have been a great person simply by what you have left behind...your family and friends still miss you so much, as they always will!...

as i truly believe that everything happens for a reason (whether it be "good" or "bad"), i truly believe that i was meant to know your family very well!...and, for whatever reason God has brought us all together...

may you continue to rest in peace and watch over your family!

sincerely,
susan shea

Susan Shea
Surviving Spouse of DSP Cpl. Shea E.O.W. 7/18/04

October 24, 2006

Your smile made me smile everytime. I miss you, Fran

October 4, 2006

She was the best mommy in the whole world and I was lucky to have her even if it was only for 17 years. 5 1/2 years later, and it still hurts just as bad. I miss you mommy. I love you.

Samantha
Daughter

August 29, 2006

Franny, we were shift mates for my first year out of the academy and you always made sure I was OK and looked out for me. I was sad to see you go to another shift but knew I could always count on you if I needed you for anything. I always considered you a friend and not a day goes by that I don't think about you, as I am sure is the case with anybody who knew you. February 6th, 2001 was the darkest day I had ever experienced, but I take comfort in knowing you are in a better place and that you served Delaware proud always. Until we meet again. TFFT!!

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

August 5, 2006

I miss you Franny. There is not a day I don't think of you.Your daughters are growing up to be as beautiful and full of life as you. I miss our calls dearly. Rest in peace my friend.

May 23, 2006

Rest in Peace Blue Angel.. May your Family, Fellow Troopers, and Friends Have Peace in their Hearts as this five year anniversary passed, but was not forgotten.....

Office Debra McFall Ross
East Buffalo Twp PD. Lewisburg. Pa.

February 9, 2006

Merry Christmas Franny. you are forever in my heart & prayers!!!

December 25, 2005

GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. REST IN PEACE FRANCES, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!!!

SGT. DANIEL ABRAHAMSON
OSCEOLA COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

November 17, 2005

Frances -
It's been over 4 1/2 years. That You were taken from us still makes no sense. You are missed by many, and I want You to know that You are still on my mind and in my heart, every day.........I miss You, and I always will.

A Friend of Frances
DSP

September 29, 2005

Franny you were well liked in the policing community and Troop 9 most of all we regret the loss of your life. May your sacrifices be proven threw other troopers proudly as you displayed them yourself. God Bless.

Perry

August 14, 2005

We still miss your Franny. You're dedication will never be forgotten. You're always in my thoughts and prayers especially on this anniversary. God Bless You and your family.

RECOM
DSP

February 6, 2005

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Today, February 6, 2005 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Corporal Frances M. Collender who died in the line of duty on this date four years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Cpl. Collender's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

February 6, 2005

~~~ Living My Life Without You ~~~

Living my life without you, tell me what am I going to do?
Some days I feel like screaming --- tell me, am I still dreaming?

Living my life without you, tell me why am I so blue?
Some days life seems so unfair --- tell me, does anyone really care?

Living my life without you, tell me do you miss me too?
Some days I’d like to fly away --- tell me, what is heaven like each day?

Anonymous

January 25, 2005