Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Saw your plaque in the McNamara building today. Read your story sitting on the bench behind the metal detectors.

It’s a beautiful day and there must be a classic car show nearby. The security team is helpful and jovial. Detroit is a great American city. Even greater having housed such a brave hero.

I want to thank you for helping those strangers because the world needs more people like Ronald Sheffield. Now more than ever.

Sean Demme, civilian
No agency

September 6, 2024

Everytime an active shooter incident in this country occurs. I reflect with imense gratitude for you, Ronald Sheffied who stood in harms way to protect people who you will never know. I worked in the McNamara building on that day, September 21, 2001. God is still good. May your loved ones be blessed.

Carmen Gamlin
Former VA employee

February 15, 2023

Here to mark 20 yrs you've been gone. We all still miss you. We all still thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice and saving who knows how many people from a psychotic gun man. He was determined to kill that day. You made sure you stopped him. You will never be forgotten.

Danielle Bare
Friend

September 20, 2021

I was thinking of Ron and his senseless death tonight and found this post. We served together in peacetime and in Desert Shield/Storm.
I always enjoyed our conversations. He was a great Marine and person. Ron will never be forgotten. Semper Fi brother.

Bill Jamieson
USMC

August 6, 2021

Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

September 21, 2020

I was a GSA Property Manager at the time of his passing, Ron was the FPS Inspector who handled security issues at my federal properties in the Detroit metro area. He was always professional in his manner and had a quick wit too. We had an early morning meeting one day at the SSA Office on Michigan Avenue which was in a skitchy neighborhood. While we waited on the sidewalk for the Manager to arrive, a woman of questionable repute, approached us asking for a lighter for her cigarette. After Ron told her we did not smoke, she kept standing there getting closer. Finally he ask if she needed something else, she responded, "NO, I just like being near men who smell good". He told her "then you need to stand across the street, down wind, and wait for your sponsor to arrive."

Mike Caldwell
US General Services Administration

September 11, 2019

Once again, it brings tears to my eyes. I know Ron from the FPS in Detroit. We joked about our military service branches (I was Air Force). He never ever disrespected a person. He had a great heart. I just started as a contract guard, but Ron and the fellow FPS officers made me feel at home.

Ron, I will miss you forever
RIH my friend, my military comrade.

Otto Graham

September 11, 2019

Rest in peace brother.

Lieutenant Ray Flores
NYPD (retired)

September 21, 2018

A great officer, and loyal friend to many, we will miss you.

Corporal Harry Greene
FPS Retired result from line of duty injury 1997

January 12, 2017

Was here leaving a message for another officers family and took a moment to find Ron. I was honored to call you a friend and have the opportunity to hang out and spend time together with you and Mary and Jeff. Your funeral was the first Officer Funeral I've ever attended.... sadly it was not the last. I remember being at work when this tragedy occurred and as soon as we heard that there'd been a shooting in the building, we somehow knew it had been you. You were so intent on protecting people it never surprised me that you would make that sacrifice to save others. I think often of your girls and hope that they remember only the best of times with you. I also think its important to know that the man who killed you died in prison not but a few years ago.... he never saw the outside again and it feels like justice finally somehow. I always feel like Jeff has an extra set of eyes protecting him every day with you watching over him. Please continue to keep him safe.

Danielle Bare
Spouse of a Detroit Police Officer

December 6, 2016

We all pray for that your soul is at peace. May God bless you and your family.

N.Y.PD. Lieutenant Ray Flores (Ret.)

September 22, 2016

Jessica,

I wanted you and Ron's grandchildren to know what a fantastic person your dad was to work with. I served with him at both Quantico, and MCAS KBay, and a finer man has never worn a badge.

Ron was so much fun to work with...absolutely hilarious! He kept us all laughing and he was always there when you needed him. A professional, knowledgeable LEO and a great friend. He is remembered fondly and often at very KBay MP reunion.

God bless you and keep you,

H. K. (Hutch) Hutson

Senior Law Enforcement Inspector
FDC-OIG

May 20, 2016

Ron, it has been 16 years since we graduated from Class 807. I am at FLETC again. We had our class photo taken in front of the memorial yesterday. Though I have been here several times since your name was added; yesterday was the first time I have been able to force myself to touch your name inscribed there.

So much has happened to all of us since that day dispatch called me and told me that you had been killed. I yelled at Ronnie that day. I know you know why. You wouldn't recognize him today, the Big Man, Ronnie, is so skinny now. I, on the other hand, am much bigger. Gunny is retired. Big "D" was convicted of violating our trust and fired. Too bad she didn't get any real time. Most of our class is gone. Cindy is still at the Courts. I have lost track of all of the others who were part of us.

You only saw the opening shots of the war that has come. I have been gone for almost four years during the last thirteen for service with the Army. I have seen new places and things, good and bad, and at times I have thought how you would have made them all somehow funny and break the that moment for just a bit of smiling. I lost another close friend, Skinny, recently. He was my friend during our deployment to Afghanistan. Cancer took him all too young. He was like you, a good friend who could find the humor in any situation.

Every day, I remember you, along with all of my friends from the Army who are gone too. You all made the sacrifice that was demanded of you. Every day I try to do what is right and good. I kiss my wife and children, and now grandchildren, and I go out to do what we signed on to do. Every night I try to do the same, because all of you can't.

Jessica, Jenelle, this is how I hope we can honor your dad, our friend, Ron. Tell your children, your family and friends, tell all who will listen, a story of you dad. Tell those stories so his life and way of living will off set, to some degree, his current absence. A legacy of his living will give something back to us all.

You were a good friend, are still a good friend; you are a part of all of us you touched. Ron, I will remember you for all of the days of my life.

I touched your name yesterday, and I remembered who we all were back then.

Scotty

May 24, 2014

Jessica, My name is Jason Kepp, I am a Chief with FPS Headquarters in Washington DC. We want you to know that we have not forgotten your father, or the five other officers we have lost in the line of duty. Just today, here in DC, we held our annual ceremony honoring him and the others. If you would like to come one year, we would be honored to have you and your family present. As a survivor myself I know how hard it is, so when ever you feel its right please contact me [email protected]

Jason Kepp, Chief
DHS-FPS

May 12, 2014

It has been over 12 years and I finally have the courage to leave my reflection. My father was everyone's friend. Even to the men whom he arrested. He was the best storyteller! He would have you in stitches before he even made it to the punchline. My father was one of the most passionate people I have ever known. He dreamed big, loved big, and fought hard for what he believed in. He never went easy on us growing up, that would have been doing us a disservice. He knew that the world was tough and that we had to be tougher. He knew that his job put him at risk, and he had no time to waste. I'm grateful for all he taught me, and I'm sure glad he did. The strength and wisdom he instilled in us is what helped us survive his death. He has missed so much, but it is the recent birth of my son that has prompted this post. I loved reading these posts and stories. There is so much about my father I do not know. I want my son to know my father, his grandfather. Please leave more stories. If you knew my dad, tell me stories about him. If you know someone who knew him please encourage them to do the same.Thank you all for honoring my father. He was a great man, who loved me more than he could find the words too express. As he cared for me in life, he has in death. I have been blessed with great joy in my life, despite the sorrow that befell me 12 years ago, and I know my Dear Old Dad has something to do with it. God bless my Guardian Angel. I love you Daddy.

Jessica David
Daughter

January 28, 2014

I'm writing a scenario for training based on this incident for officers manning check points. Ron was my wife's partner and she still thinks of him daily. I think Ron would want his tragic incident to be developed into something to help provide safety to his brothers and sisters. It's a way for him to keep giving even after his EOW. RIP my brother.

Commander Bruce Skean
FPS

December 6, 2013

Today is the anniversary of your tragic incident and it is also "Thank a Police Officer Day"... Thank you for serving and thank you for sacrifice...

Never forgotten

T. Villarreal
FPS- Detroit

September 21, 2013

As Police Week 2013 winds down, I reflect on the sacrifice you made. Your pictures are still around in our gym and there's even one above my locker. They are a constant reminder that you are still with us.

(From the Halls of Montezuma, to the shores of Tripoli; We fight our country's battles in the air, on land, and sea; First to fight for right and freedom and to keep our honor clean: We are proud to claim the title of United States Marine. Our flag's unfurled to every breeze from dawn to setting sun; We have fought in every clime and place where we could take a gun; In the snow of far-off Northern lands and in sunny tropic scenes; You will find us always on the job the United States Marines. Here's health to you and to our Corps which we are proud to serve; In many a strife we've fought for life and never lost our nerve; If the Army and the Navy ever look on Heaven’s scenes; They will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines.)

You'll never be forgotten, Rest easy Marine... Semper Fi!

T. Villarreal
FPS- Detroit

May 18, 2013

"Greater love hath no man than he lay down his life for another. (Matthew 5:9)

I met Ron during Physical Security Training at FLETC. As fellow Marine veterans, we instantly hit it off. During that short time working together in training I came to know him as a man of character. I pray that his daughters through the pain of their loss have seen the example of his strength, courage and conviction.

Ron I know your watching over us all.. you are missed.

Bob Moore, Senior Special Agent
DHS/FPS

May 15, 2012

RIP brother, my prayers go out to your daughters and family.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

January 19, 2012

Ron was a great man, always joking and keeping everything in check in our Squad. He was a good squad leader and a wonderful family man who spoke of them daily if not hourly. On this Memorial Day we honor great Americans like Ron. I wish the Sheffield family peace in knowing that I and many others of MWSS-174 loved Ron like a brother and will always remember him well.

Greg Leposa
Gulf War Vet who served with Ron

May 30, 2011

Ron you are not forgotten...your service and all that you did for the FPS community lives on. I started working at the Dispatch Center shortly after your death and remember fondly the wonderful stories of you that were told, you were truly loved by all of the FPS family and will NEVER be forgotten. I have since had the immense pleasure to meet your beautiful girls and spend some time with them at the MI-COPS Christmas program and to exchange Christmas cards with them each year...they have grown into even more beautiful and wonderful women and I know that you are proud of them and watch over them from heaven each and everyday. They have mananged to move on with their lives with such grace that you should be very proud of them!

I know that you are in Heaven showing all other Fallen Officer's the ropes of Heaven's Department and protecting the streets of gold. Thank you for giving the ultimate sacrafice that day in 2001 to protect the Federal Building, you truly are a HERO! And I do agree that 30 years is not justice for the crime that was committed but I pray that this perpetrator will never be able to forget the heinous crime that he committed by taking a wonderful Police Officer, Friend and Father away that day. RIP Officer Sheffield.

Melissa
Former FPS/DHS Dispatcher

May 12, 2010

I was hired a week before Ron was killed by the contract company. Ron joked with me about being in the Air Force( I lived on Parris Island). We talked and he told me how to be a good officer in Detroit(from South Carolina). He showed me the ropes, I will never forget Ron because of the time he took with me and for that I am a corrections office(Federal Prison) in Ga. Thank you RON and I hope you are part of GOD's Security Force, because you ARE the best

Otto Graham

July 2, 2009

What's up buddy another XMAS... thinking of you Brother. RIP

MASON ROB
DHS ICE FPS

December 25, 2008

To the family and friends of Officer Roanld Sheffield and his fellow officers:

On behalf of our entire family, we wish to pay honor to Ronald's memory on the seventh anniversary of the day Mike so tragically lost his life. His heroism, valor and bravery will be forever remembered.

May you be continue to be comforted by the support and caring of your law enforcement family, and other police survivors. We grieve for you and with you. Our family lost our beloved Larry Lasater when he was fatally shot in April of 2005 during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers, so we know the anquish you are still experiencing.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the e years of service Officer Sheffield gave to his community and the citizens of our country, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 21, 2001.

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

Anonymous

September 21, 2008