Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

As a twenty-three year veteran of the Vigo County Sheriff's Department, I want to take this opportunity to let everyone know that Aaron Schoffstall was a hard working, dedicated officer. On several occasions Aaron told me how he dreamed of having a long term career as a deputy sheriff. Unfortunately his dreams were cut short by a tragic accident on November 28, 2000. Had it not been for his untimely death, there is absolutely no doubt that Aaron's dream would have come true. Between the courthouse and the sheriff's office a tree was recently planted. In front of the tree is a beautiful plaque with Aaron's name inscribed, telling all who past by that he gave the ultimate sacrifice.

"Aaron, now that you are in heaven you can rest in peace". We will always remember the sacrifice that you gave that day!

D/Sgt. Tim A. Gossett
Vigo County Sheriff Department

December 28, 2003

The Officer's stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
They hoped their shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as their brass.

"Step forward now, Officers.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"

The men squared their shoulders and
The Policeman spoke first
"No, Lord, I guess We ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.

We've had to work most Sundays,
and at times our talk was rough,
and sometimes we've been violent,
Because the streets are tough.

The Corrections Officer then added,
But we never took a penny,
That wasn't ours to keep...
Though we worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And we never passed a cry for help,
Though at times we shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive us,
We've wept unmanly tears.

Together they say,
We know We don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted us around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for us here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
We never expected or had too much,
But if you don't...We'll understand.

There was silence around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Officers waited quietly,
For the judgment of their God.

"Step forward now, Officers,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

Anonymous