Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Joey, you're a one in a million kind of guy - funny and fun to be with, you made everyone feel like they were your best friend. You were maddening to argue with - you were always right and you knew it would just take time for us to agree with you...friends, teachers, parents, strangers, bosses...it didn't matter - we would see the light. The light usually came in the form of your big bright smile. You'd give a hug and your warmth was the blanket to cut the chill from the world. You loved a surprise - getting them or planning them...and you loved a practical joke most of all. Who could stay mad at you? You wouldn't allow it - knowing Joey Cushman wasn't about having enemies, it was about having lifelong friends. You inspired, amazed, encouraged and enchanted the people who met you. To those who knew you briefly, the physical loss of you is like a rose with no color or scent. To those who knew you well and loved you deeply, your passing is like a lifetime of rose gardens with no flowers at all.

I think of you daily and hope that you can feel all the love being sent to you.

Chelsea

June 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

January 30, 2008

Joey- every officer I see in blue, I say "thank you for your service"...and I mean it - you gave up a physical future here on earth and a lifetime worth of joy with the people who love you without end. Your sacrifice is felt everyday. I will not ever see an officer of your caliber again....but I will honor you through my thanks to them.

anonymous

September 25, 2007

As we learn and prepare to serve this great city, may we always remember the trails you blazed and the sacrifice you made. Thank you, Sir.

Recruit Class 35
Arlington PD

September 9, 2007

The sixth anniversary of your passing just came and went. It made me reflect on how much has happened and changed in the world since you left. You did not have to feel the heartbreak of 9-11. You have not had to deal with worrying about loved ones and friends sent overseas to fight in Iraq. You have not had to worry about losing a comrade in the line of duty or witnessed evil at work in our world (God's grace sustains us).

I am glad that I had the opportunity to know you. Watch over your brothers in blue Joey and save me a seat at that banquet table.

Lisa

August 3, 2007

Rest in peace brother in blue, May GOD continue to heal the hearts of your loved ones!

OFFICER BRANDI WERNER
FRISCO POLICE DEPT

June 24, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Corporal Cushman on the anniversary of his passing. May God continue to comfort you all.
Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

June 7, 2007

Corporal Cushman-You will never be forgotten-
We know this day is not easy for any of those who knew and loved Corporal Cushman, including the other officer involved in this tragedy-
We send our love to all of you-

The Family of Deputy Dave Grant/EOW/5/31/04
Tuolumne Co.Sheriff's Dept.
Sonora, Ca.

June 7, 2007

Honoring you on the 6th anniversary of your life in Heaven. One officer down, is one too many. Rest in peace.

wife of a deputy

June 7, 2007

A man remembered with so much love and respect never dies but continues to life on in the hearts and minds of others.May you and your loved ones be ever blessed.May Our Lord heal the heart of the other officer involved in this tragic accident.
Please send your loved ones many butterflies today.

June 7, 2007

Thinking about you....think about your mom. Never have I known such a sweet, strong woman with a kind heart such as Jeri. Guess that's where you got it. I consider it an honor to share time with her and I thank you for the time we had together - I will be forever grateful to have her as my second mom. I wish you could be here to say thank you to in person.

Chelsea

May 10, 2007

Yesterday, my husband and I found a poem I had written about you when you left us six years ago. This got me thinking again about what happened. I grieve for the officer that erronously caused this tragedy to happen. May God keep him close and heal his heart. I know that you would want that for him. God Speed Joey. God bless.

Lisa

April 26, 2007

Joey, I think of you often. See you soon, your friend and brother in Christ.

NCIS Special Agent Chad Willie
Former APD Officer

March 20, 2007

I check ODMP everyday to remember my brothers and sisters in law enforcement who have fallen. It is officers like you that make me so very proud to put on our uniform so that we can help bring peace to chaos.

Thank you Thomas for being the man that so many here have described you to be... it sounds like we could all take a lesson in life from you.

May peace be yours forever - you've earned it.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of my department,

Officer Matthew Lewek
Menomonee Falls (WI) Police Department

January 21, 2007

Hey Joey -

June 7th came and went and I couldn't believe it has been over 5 years since I saw you last. But, I see you all the time. In the first few months following your passing, Marie, Annie and I couldn't help noticing how many butterflies kept flying by, everywhere we went, especially in Mexico (where we missed you every day). Butterflies symbolize eternal life, and that brought us a lot of comfort - we took it as your way of telling us you were with us and it would be ok. So I generally associate butterflies with you now. And lately life has dealt me a pretty rough hand, and all of the sudden, I am seeing butterflies everywhere I go again. I just wanted to say thank you for that my brother. I remember you every day, and I can't wait to see you again.

Casey

August 27, 2006

You are still in our thoughts & prayers Brother Cushman. Rest in peace Brother.

OFC Kevin R Turely
Heflin Police Department (Alabama)

July 23, 2006

May you Rest in Peace knowing how much everyone loves you.

June 7, 2006

I work in the EB and walk by your memorial bench every day going into work. Although I did not have the honor of meeting you, I have heard many wonderful things about you. You are, and will always be, remembered. God Bless you and yours.

COA Employee

March 3, 2006

Merry Christmas Joey...we miss you!

Lisa

December 25, 2005

I have thought of you often since your death in 2001 and it saddens me to this day.

From watching you spin around the dance floor at Billy Bob's, participating in Young Life, doing mission work, serving customers at the Bagel Chain, volunteering to improve our community and ultimately becoming an outstanding law enforcement officer - you have had a major impact on my life both personally and professionally.

I told you once to "Never underestimate your influence on others because your integrity as a person is testimony in itself..." I am glad that I had the opportunity to communicate that to you.

Don't forget - you still owe me a dance...I hope there are honky tonks in heaven! I miss you!

Lisa Marino, QMHP-CS - MHMR
Tarrant County Sheriff's Department

December 21, 2005

I remember visiting CPL Cushmans memorial back in 2001 - when I was still seeking employment as a police officer (at the time I was employed as and EMT) and after reviewing Joeys reflections I felt that I was short changed because I never had the honor of meeting him in person. I entered the field of law enforcement in 2002 and I know that CPL Cushman and other honorable brothers and sisters who have paid the ultimate sacrafice are watching over us.

I still pray that CPL Cushmans family, friends, and co-workers are comforted by our Lord.

You'll never be forgotten!

September 8, 2005

I just reread all the reflections for
Joey. Alot of time has passed , but
I realize some people will go thru their entire lives missing you. You were an exemplary person who excelled in all you did. I do hope the officer whose bullet felled you has been able to forgive himself and find a place of peace. Without the forgiveness of our Lord Jesus no one can live in peace. May His
unfailing love continue to bless those
who still mourn. God bless!
Lynn Kole
Belllingham, WA

June 17, 2005

Was thinking of you and remembering you today... you are still missed and in our thoughts and prayers Joey. Rest in peace Brother.

APD

June 11, 2005

1 corintians 13:4-8

4 Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; 5 it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends

Corporal Cushman, thank you for your service and dedication. You will be missed and never forgotten. May your family, fiancée, and everyone who loves you stay strong in the memories and love you shared with them.

I lost my fiancée, Scott Stewart, in August of 2002. There not a day that goes by without him in my heart and mind. I understand the pain your fiancee must feel from being ripped from you to soon. The support and love from others who know my pain have helped tremendously.

To your fiancee, if you ever feel the need to reach out to others who know your pain, please contact me and other s/o’s. A search on yah groups will bring you to us. Just enter the below as it is.

Always remember as long as your heart beats Joey will be with you. He’s there everyday in your heart.

Hugs,
Monica
Fiancee Scott Stewart EOW 8-11-02 Detroit

OfficerDownSignificantOthers

February 20, 2005

Joey, you are remembered and loved every day. Your sweet spirit and million-dollar smile still warm my heart.

anonymous

February 9, 2005