Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

So many conversations I wish we could have, questions I would like to have answers to. We are all doing the best we can........love you always- me and the kids....

Anonymous

January 8, 2010

Dad,
I keep thinking it'll get easier but every year that goes by without you hurts. I could never imagine living without you and it's actually worse than I ever could have thought. I think of you all the time but especially today when I got the worst news of my life 8 years ago. I love you and miss you..

Tamara Russell
Oldest daughter

January 8, 2010

Hello Sir,
Jeff, we have never met before but I have often thought about you and how meeting you would go, I am certainly looking forward to the time when we finally do. None the less, there have been some times in the last couple of years when I have asked to hear your words and insight; I believe that you did hear the questions I have asked you, and in return you have asked God to send me your answers. I have seen your picture many places throughout Albuquerque, I hope you have seen me waving to you, your friends made a great facility up near the foothills and gave it your name. I am certain that you’re an incredible individual who protected people and made many lives here better.
I met your daughter Tamara on July 27th of 2007, Sir- she has changed my life forever. Tamara is an incredible person; she is very kind, thoughtful and driven. Tamara really knows how to live and enjoy life; she heals people and makes many lives here better. I have never experienced anything like this or her in my life before; I have stumbled just trying to keep up with her sometimes. She thinks of you often and that is very important to me, I promise that until we meet I will always support Tamara to the best of my abilities.
I spoke to Tamara last night; we talked about her Christmas lights and she told me that she did not want to put them up this year, I’m going to try and talk her into it anyway. I think about her all the time and I know that this time of the year is not very easy on her, so I say a little prayer for her and I believe that it makes it better. The work of our creator is seamless but the lives and events that are sewn into it just don’t make any sense unless you can take a step back and see what we are all part of. The last time I saw her was just before her birthday and I did my best to play her a guitar song. It’s funny that my nerves kick in when I try to play for her, that ever happen to you?
I understand that you’re a natural guitar player too, it’s never been easy for me but I keep on playing it out. When we get the opportunity let’s find a nice windmill to sit down under and we’ll squeak along with our guitars in the spinning shadows. I’ll work on a little something for now and you do the same we’ll have us a great tune by then; I’m certain. Sir, until then I am writing you for your blessings and to ask for your daughter Tamara’s hand in marriage. I guess that I think of things in a more traditional sense, to me you are the only one that I can ask; I need for you to know that my intentions and love for Tamara are true. I promise you Jeff, to always listen with my ears and hear with my heart for Tamara, if there is ever anything I can do for you on this end please let me know. Until then…

Sincerely, Zachary Alexander

Anonymous

December 15, 2009

Jeff, you are missed my friend. Today I was thinking about our trip to El Paso, TX. I recall you placed yourself in harms way for me when the drunk guy pulled a gun out on me. I knew then what it meant in the bible where it says, "greater love has no man than he who would die for a friend". You saved my life that night and as a result, my life has been blessed. I'll see you soon. Mike G.

Lieutenant Michael Gonzales (Retired)
APD

July 16, 2009

Just thinking about you today and missing you as always.. Happy Father's Day. I love you.

Tamara Russell
Daughter

June 21, 2009

When I was at a low point you encouraged and supported me-I an only sorry I did not let you know sooner-my friend Dom is with you now,look out for the kid

Lt. John Stocum
Torrance County Sheriff's Dept

April 1, 2009

Forgive me for missing the anniversary of your E.O.W., but I felt as though I could not continue to read about so many tragedies. I now realize the visit each day to leave a word of encouragement and hope to the loved ones of others, helps me to remember that I am not alone with my pain and heartbreak. So may I say to your friends and loved ones that my thoughts and prayers are with them now and always. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol and may they know you will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

February 23, 2009

You must have been needed for a greater cause. I am a better person having known you.

Steven Aragon
Ex-APD Officer/Jeff's Friend

January 9, 2009

I can't believe I haven't seen you in 7 years.. I still miss you all the time and wish you could be here to share in my life. I have so much I want to tell you but all I will say today is that I love you so very much..

Tamara Elaine Russell
Oldest daughter

January 8, 2009

Following straight behind you, and everyone's still good.

Doreene

January 8, 2009

It's been almost 7 years to the day that you were taken from our lives... Time has eased some of the pain, but not the "missing you" part...
Love you Jeff

Jillian Russell
sister

December 15, 2008

im sad that my dad died, i was 18 months when he died , I miss him i would do anything to see him again . i know we will see him again , i know he is in a better placs.
LAUREN 8

Lauren Irene Russell
youngest daughter

September 3, 2008

im really sad I had to grow up without a wonderful dad like you. I miss you so much, and I know mom says we will be together someday in a wonderful place, I wish you were on earth with me, that would be cool if I heard you say you love me, and see your face one more time. I will love you forever.

LOVE YOUR SON CLINT (9 YEARS OLD)

Clint Walker Russell
(son)

September 3, 2008

We met briefly when you and Doreene were at Pearl Harbor for the 60th Anniversary. I was saddened to hear of your death and hope Doreene and the kids are coping with your loss. You both looked so radiant in your old time uniforms when I met the two of you. Who would have guessed that you would be taken so soon after that time. My prayers are with Doreen and the rest of the family you left.

Mark Hagen

April 10, 2008

Hello, Mr. Russell. Though you never met me I wanted to introduce myself and say thanks. I worked with your daughter, Emily, several years ago. She was a hostess at Applebee's and I was a waiter. I only had the pleasure of her acquaintance for a relatively short time. I just wanted to tell you that you raised an amazing daughter and while I only met the rest of your family a couple times, they were equally amazing. May the Lord bless you and yours.

Keith Starr

February 16, 2008

I love you! I'm still trying to do my best, and all the kids are too. Always too much to say other than "I miss you, and greatfull to know there will come a day all of us will be together forever". I love you....

Doreene
widow

January 8, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

January 2, 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 13, 2007

Hey Jeff...whats up brother? Five years... where has the time gone? Was listening to some "Sons of the Pioneers" today and of course who came to mind...hahahaha. Just wanted to say hello and wish your family well and all my love.. I would like to stop bye and see them but I live in Redondo Beach and its a way off, When I make a trip to NM, I will look them up and say Hi, if thats o.k. with you brother....For now you all take care, be well and safe.

Joe Shaw
Albuquerque Police

June 12, 2007

There is too much to say. My thoughts just spin, no beginning, no end. I will always want it known that, "I LOVE YOU! I MISS YOU! OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MISS YOU, AND OUR KIDS............ well, that's where I lose it. Too much to think about, and this is where I get angry, it couldn't begin to be enough to say they miss you. I get stuck there, because the flood of thoughts become overwhelming, and I keep my peace by not going there. Thankyou for the path up to where you are. Thankyou for showing me that path in my heart, you left me a trail that I know I can follow, and show our kids that they can choose to follow too. 5 years yesterday I blew you a kiss from our front door and you didn't respond that day like you always did thousans of times before, I expect an apology after that kiss returns to where it belongs. I'll keep searching for understanding, I'll keep my promise to God to do my best, but this couldn't ever seem right. your student, your friend, your wife, your soulmate...........love you

doreene
widow

January 9, 2007

It has been five years since your birth to Heaven. I know God holds you in His arms and provides love and comfort to your family, friends and co-workers.

May you have a wonderful day patrolling the streets of Heaven. May your family know they are loved and thought of on this most difficult day.

APD LEO Wife

January 8, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 5th anniversary of your end of watch. Continue to watch over them and stay close to them. Wrap your wings around them so they can feel your presence. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten.

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

January 8, 2007

G-d Bless.

January 8, 2007

I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news of your accident. Hard to believe it was 5 years ago today.

You were an inspiration to me both as a Christian and as an officer who encouraged me and coached me to persue being a reserve 34. I bet that new hog you ride there on your new beat on the streets of Gold is "quite the ride" as you used to say.

Until we meet again my friend, take care and keep an eye out for us down here.

Mike

January 8, 2007

JEFF,IT BEEN ABOUT 4YRS SINCE WE LOST YOU. YOU ARE MISSED,BUT I NOW YOUR IN GOOD HANDS WITH MIKE,RICHARD,JOHN,AND OUR OTHER MEN IN BLUE,,GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY,,RIDE IN PRIDE,MY BROTHER,,

OFC.J.L."PEPE'"HERNANDEZ
ALBUQUERQUE POLICE DEPT.(NM)

March 4, 2006