Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU DEPUTY FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

April 7, 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

February 14, 2008

May 12,2007
Mom...so many things come to mind whenever I say your name;
It seems without you in my life things have never been the same.
What happened to those special memories I had before
when I was just a child of yours;
When my life was full of joy and happiness
Now it feels all blue
Mom, some days I hear your voice and turn to see your face;
Yet in my turning...it seems the sound has been erased.
Mom, who will I turn to for answers when life does not make sense without you;
Who will be there to hold me close
Only memories of you I hold
Oh, Mom, if I could turn back time and once more hear your voice;
I'd tell you that out of all the moms you would still be my choice.
Please always know I love you and no one can take your place ever; Years may come and go,
But your memory will never be erased.

Leslie Owen(Daughter)

May 12, 2007

We were just on the internet when we ran across this web-site. We were deeply touched to see such a nice tribute to our fellow officer. We miss her so much and think of the family often. On April 7th this year we displayed a memorial in memory of Lou any many people came by and paid tribute. She was a fine officer and one we truly miss! God Bless her family and fellow officers.

The Leon Co. Sheriff's Office

The Leon Co. Sheriff's Office

May 12, 2006

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, April 7, 2006 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Deputy Sheriff Loutricia Sowell Bonfanti who died in the line of duty on this date five years ago.

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

Deputy Bonfanti's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

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

April 7, 2006

It will be 5 years that you were called away from duty. The hearts of those that love you still cry with pain and think of you every single day and will for the rest of the time they walk this earth. You have not been forgotten, nor will you ever be. You are a true hero.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

April 6, 2006

I can't believe it's been five years since my best friend's been gone. I can still hear her voice, feel her love, and the sound of her laughter when remembering our childhood friendship. she will always be in my heart, and I'll always cherish her memory, thankful to have had a friend like Lou. Janita

Janita Coleman
Friend

February 20, 2006

I am the oldest daugther of Loutricia and I would like to thank everyone for your support.

Linna Sowell

August 25, 2005

11/04/04

Gone but not forgotten. Rest in peace Deputy Bonfanti.

Captain Robert W. Cannon; Retired
Vermilion County Illinois Sheriff's Dept.

November 4, 2004

I remember this night so well I was on duty when the bolo came out then I was dispatched to notify some of your family members who live in Henderson County The deputy working the east side of the county with me that night was a former Anderson County Deputy and I remember how upset he was and his memories of the many times that he had worked with you there I hope the last few years have helped heal some of the pain for your family and I wish them the best

Deputy Snow
H.C.S.O.

Deputy
Henderson County Shrrifs Dept

April 7, 2004

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

Deputy Bonfanti you are remembered on this date of your death. You will always be remembered.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti Ingle (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 7, 2004

Deputy Bonfanti was my hero. My father was a DPS officer (also killed in the line of duty) and his influence on me made me want to be in law enforcement, but at the age of 39, my dream has passed. Thats why Lou was my hero, she was doing everything that I wanted to do. She was very good at the job, professional and caring all in one. She was a very impressive person, she will live in my heart and memories forever.

Former Dispatcher/Angela Cheney
Leon Co. S O

Lou was a wonderful friend and an excellent officer. She was able to handle any situation from the crying child hurt by mommy or daddy to the drunk person who was being beligerent. She is sorely missed as an officer but even more as a friend. We love you Lou.

Kelly

Communications Officer, Kelly Abernathy
Leon County Sheriff's Office

WE ALL CALLED HER LOU. SHE WAS A GREAT FRIEND AND CO-WORKER,SHE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY ALL OF HER FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

DEPUTY CONSTABLE JOHN ANSLEY
PCT 2 CONSTABLES OFFICE ANDERSON COUNTY

Deputy bonfanti must have been taken from this World for a good reason. Sadness and sorrow surround every officers Death. We all must leave this World some must leave before others. I wish i knew the reason for this. My son was killed on duty and left a wife and three Babies. Why is life so cruel? I will meet 148 familys May 15 in Washington that have suffered the same pain as me and Deputy Bonfanti family is suffering now. Being a police Officer can Be a very Dangerous job 'But you should'nt have to die. Kenny

Deputy Sheriff-- Kenny Hetrick
Ottawa county Sheriffs Dept

Rest in peace!

Special Agent Darin L. Paul
Federal Bureau of Investigation Agents Association

May God Bless and strengthen the family of Deputy Sheriff Loutricia Sowell Bonfanti. God is always in control.

Captain Jeffrey D. Yarbrough
Lee County Sheriff's Department , Tx.

I am sure I speak for all emergency services personnel when I offer my most sincere condolences to the friends and family of Loutricia. It is easy to hope we will always work together, and hard to have to say goodbye. Be strong - the sacrifice was not made in vein. My prayers are with you all.

Anonymous

My heart goes out to Loutricia's family. May you find strength in the fact that her death has touched the hearts of police officers all over the world.

Chief Superintendent David Jones
Lancashire Constabulary, England

Dear Family and Friends of Deputy Bonfanti
Even i am not a Law Enforcement Officer,I would like to Express my Heartfelt Sympathy, to the Family of Deputy Bonfanti, and to her Department, for the surely great loss you all have must sustained, In hope this to be the best Place for my Message of Condolence,I would like say that my prayers will be with you, God bless you all.

Sincerely yours

Attila Kiss
Switzerland

My prayers go out to the friends and family members of Deputy Sheriff Loutricia Sowell Bonfanti.

Police Officer Christopher Annis
NYPD

Rest dear sister, I shall pray for those whom you've left here. That the Lord Jesus Christ hold them until they meet you again.

Anonymous

Though I never knew Deputy Bonfanti, I know why she put on the uniform and went to work every day. She was part of the thin blue line that will forever be changed because she was here. We at the International Association of Women Police salute you Loutricia. To her family, friends and co-workers we send our most sincere condolences. Godspeed Loutricia.

Officer Donna C. Hillier
Purdue University Calumet Police Department, IN

My thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to the family of Deputy Bonfanti. Deputy Bonfanti, I met your mother, husband, and daughters Saturday night, after your tragic accident. They are so proud of you, and understand that you died doing what you love, Law Enforcement. They are in pain, but them knowing you were happy is easing that pain. You have two very lovely looking daughters, who are so proud of you. I will be there for your family, just as I was Saturday night, if they ever need anything.

I would like to thank you for everything you did in Law Enforcement. It is sad that your life ended at such a young age, in the Line of Duty, but the citizens of Leon, Anderson, and Henderson Counties thank you for your sacrifice, and everything you did to help your fellow man while here on Earth. I never had the privilige to meet you in person, but you will always hold a special place in my heart, as will your family, friends, and co-workers. We will meet each other one day.

Please remember in your thoughts and prayers, Deputy Bonfanti, her family, friends, and co-workers at the Leon County Sheriff's Department, Henderson County Sheriff's Department and the Anderson County Sheriff's Department.

Ptl. J. Hoskins
Frankston PD

To the Leon County, TX, Sheriff Department
Please, accept in the name my wife Aleidy and myself our most sincere condolences in the death of Deputy Loutricia S. Bonfanti. It is never easy to accept the death of a brother or sister in blue. May God have mercy upon her soul granting her eternal rest and consolation to her family, friends and coworkers.

Frank A. Piloto,Jr., Retired Police Offi
Miami Dade Police Department.