Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Azure Rest in peace my sister in arms

Deb
I want to thank you for the words you provided to Joshua Norris EOW 7/5/07 who was to be my son in-law, they touched my daughter and has helped my family during a dark time. My daughter had a general idea of how large our police family was, but your reflection showed just how large the family of blue is. God bless you

Deputy John Latour
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

December 19, 2007

"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 16, 2007

I didn't stop to leave a reflection when the 5th anniversary of your EOW arrived two months back. My son was killed on 8/8 so my mind set around that time, as I'm sure your parents can understand, is just somewhere else. I just want to say that you have not been forgotten and you were in my thoughts today as are all of your loved ones. They say in time this gets easier, but I don't think there is enough time left on this earth for any of us to ever reach that point. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones. Keep coming to them in their dreams so that they know you are near and watching over them.

"Good men and women must die, but death cannot kill their names." You will never be forgotten.

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

October 12, 2007

I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN ABOUT YOU! I KNOW I HAVE NOT WRITTEN TO YOU IN A WHILE BUT I DO VISIT YOUR PAGE OFTEN. I READ AND RE-READ ALL OF THE REFLECTIONS YOU HAVE GOTTEN OVER THE YEARS. AND EACH TIME THEY ALWAYS BRING TEARS TO MY EYES. WE WENT TO D.C. FOR THE MEMORIAL AND I THOUGHT I WAS READY TO FACE THE FACT YOU ARE GONE, BUT I FOUND OUT I WASN'T. MOM REALLY ENJOYS GOING BUT I FELT SICK EVERYDAY. I KNOW THAT YOU ARE GONE AND I KNOW THAT YOU ARE NEVER COMMING BACK BUT I THINK THIS IS JUST A BAD DREAM AND ONE DAY I WILL WAKE UP AND YOU WILL BE THERE. SO I DON'T LIKE TO THINK YOU ARE GONE. THAT MIGHT NOT BE HEALTHY BUT I DON'T CARE WHAT PEOPLE THINK.... SO ANYWAYS THIS IS JUST ANOTHER LETTER TO YOU UNTIL YOU COME HOME. I LOVE YOU WITH ALL OF MY HEART AND I WILL SEE YOU LATER. LOVE YOU!

DEPUTY LISA AZURE
SISTER- MARION COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

August 17, 2007

Renee,
I can hardly beleive it has been 5 years. I miss you so much, and see you everywhere I go. I know that you are watching over us and gaurding us. Not a day goes by that I dont think of you. I wish you could be here to see the twins and see what beautiful girls they are. They know all about you, and that you are also their gaurdian angel.

Today is also the 1 year anniversary of Jerald's friend Max's death. I know that you are with him up there now, as you knew him here on earth also. My heart is so heavy today, but thinking of you makes me smile.

I love you so much.

Aunt Lori
8/6/07

Lori

August 6, 2007

To all of Renee's family--

You should be proud of Renee and of the way you have inspired others with your strength and courage. But when you're feeling weak, know that someone in Wisconsin is sending love and prayers.

Thinking of you on the anniversary date and as you decompress from Kids Camp. Miss you already.

Miss Mary

Mary VanHaute
friend

August 5, 2007

REMEMBERING RENEE TODAY AS HER ANNIVERSARY APPROACHES. PLEASE KNOW THAT YOUR FAMILY ARE IN MY THOUGHTS TODAY. IT HAS BEEN FIVE YEARS BUT I KNOW IT SEEMS LIKE JUST YESTERDAY THAT IT HAPPENED.
WE ASK "WHY" BUT WE DON'T UNDERSTAND.
I BELIEVE THAT SOMETIMES OUR MINDS CAN'T GO THERE BECAUSE WE WOULD'T BE ABLE TO COPE WITH IT.
OUR LIVES CHANGED ON THOSE DAYS AND WE HAVE TO MAKE A NEW LIFE FOR OURSELVES. WE HAVE TO STOP AND THINK OF NEW WAYS TO MAKE OUR LIFE MEANINGFUL FOR OUR OTHER CHILDREN, OUR GRANDCHILDREN AND FOR OURSELVES. BUT WE DO GO ON WITH THE LORD'S HELP AND FIND MEANING.
GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY, MAY HE CONTINUE TO GIVE YOU STRENGTH AND COMFORT.
LORRAINE BOND (MOTHER)
HAMILTON COUNTY, TN SHERIFF DEPUTY:
DONALD K. BOND, JR.
EOW: 09.06.01

August 5, 2007

GOD BLESS YOU DEPUTY RENEE DANELL AZURE. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY. I READ THE REMARKS THAT YOUR FAMILY LEFT FOR OTHER FALLEN HERO'S. IT SHOWS HOW SPECIAL A FAMILY YOU HAVE. R.I.P. AND WATCH OVER US THAT ARE LEFT BEHIND TO CONTINUE THE WATCH. NEVER FORGOTTEN!!!

DETECTIVE LIONEL GARRETT
INGLEWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT

July 5, 2007

Today is National Law Enforcement Memorial Day, I salute you on this special day for your heroism and dedication to law enforcement. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

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

May 15, 2007

Our Greatest Fear

Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again, I hold back a tear.
They patrol in the state, city, county and town,
in uniforms colored white, green, blue and brown.
The shape of their badges may vary,
but it’s a symbol that they all, proudly carry.
They leave for work with a kiss goodbye,
but some don’t come home, no matter how hard they try.
To uphold the law is the job that they pick,
with such high aspirations, why must some die so quick?
They leave behind loved ones, family and friends,
after their lives have met tragic ends.
Some die in crashes, others hearts not too stout,
to many have been lost when gunshots ring out.
Our Heavenly Father has called them home,
no more these dark streets do they roam.
Through trial and error they have given their best,
please Lord, now grant them eternal rest.
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again I hold back a tear.

Shon
Cousin

April 26, 2007

Rest in Peace Deputy Azure, you are truly missed and will never be forgotten.

Sgt S Hughes
Elberton PD, Ga

April 22, 2007

Renee,
Whew, what the last 5 years has brung. I know you know already that Dawg is gone (ya'll are probably having a great time together). It is so hard, with you gone and now Dawg, it is just so difficult. I stop by your page often, and I just felt like I needed to visit ya and have a chat. Saw some pics today and of course the emotions came rushing back all over again. I hope your family and Faith is doing great! Good luck to your sis in hopes she has a great career.

I miss ya girl! Take care of yourself and Dawg! Miss You!!!

Yvonne McKeever
Former S.I.U. Officer

April 10, 2007

RENEE, OH MY LORD HOW I MISS YOU SOOOO MUCH! AS I FILL MY LAP WITH TEARS AS I THINK ABOUT HOW MUCH I ENJOYED RIDING WITH YOU EVERYDAY WHEN YOU WORKED FOR A.P.D.! I LEARNED SO MUCH FOR YOU EVERYDAY. YOU SAVED MY LIFE BECAUSE EVERYTIME I THINK I WANNA BE DUMB AND DRIVE CARELESSLY AND SPEED LIKE OTHER YOUNG MEN I REMEMBER THAT IT WAS AN ACCIDENT THAT TOOK YOU FROM ME. I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU, AND I PLAN TO NAME MY FIRST DAUGHTER AFTER YOU. YOU WILL FOREVER TRULY BE IN MY HEART. I HAVE PICTURES OF YOU EVERYWHERE IN (MY ROOM, CAR, AND AT WORK). YOU WERE MY HEROINE AND I WOULD GIVE ANYTHING TO TURN BACK THE HANDS OF TIME AND RIDE ALONG AND RUN CODE 3 ONE MORE TIME. WHEN I BECOME A DEPUTY IN A YEAR WHEN I TURN 21 I WILL CONTINUE TO CARRY YOU IN MY SPIRIT. GOD DOESNT MAKE MISTAKES, AND YOU WERE CALLED 10-7 FOR A REASON. I LOVE YOU. I PLAN TO COME UP WITH A TRUST FUND FOR YOUR DAUGHTER TO HAVE FOR WHEN SHE GETS OLDER. IT WAS ALWAYS EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING FOR YOU. THANKS,
EXPLORER SERGEANT, ADAM JOY ALACHUA, FL
CRIMINAL JUSTICE TECH ASO (FUTURE DEPUTY)

ADAM JOY CRIMINAL JUSTICE TECH
ALACHUA COUNTY SO

April 5, 2007

I think of you often and stop by your Roadside Memorial when I am down visiting friends and family. Your reflection shows that you are truly missed and have not been forgotten.

Officer Scott Allison
Apex Police Department, NC

March 14, 2007

Renee,
Not a day goes by that I dont think of you. I know you are keeping watch over us. I so miss knowing that I will never see your smile again, but I hope to see it in Faith!
Thank you for protecting us.
I love you.

P.S. When you talk to Max tell him hey!
Aunt of Deputy Renee Azure
Lori
Lori Brown

Lori
Aunt

February 15, 2007

Hello Deputy Azure:

I see so many tributes from family to other fallen heroes on here and they mention you. In your short life, you meant so much to so many, even people you never met. I am sorry I never met you, but I feel like I did, because we are all family of the badge. My prayers are with your family, friends and colleagues. You are not forgotten sister of the badge and your life hadd great meaning to our world. Rest easy sister, we have the watch from here.

Chief JA Millan
NC Public Schools, Avery Dist. LEO

January 31, 2007

I decorated the outside of my home for Christmas with all Blue Lights. One of those lights will be lit every night until after New Year in memory of Renee. She is a true hero.

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

December 8, 2006

Renee,
Well, as you know I thknk about you everyday. However, today I thought about you a little bit more. I miss you very much and I would do anything you have you back here with us. But I know that can not happen. I was asked the other day what do I fear. I said "forgetting my sister". But then I thought....I will never forget you. I will grow old and die, still remembering how much of a hero you are and hopefully, I will do the best I can, so one day I can meet up and embrace you once again. But that will only tell with time. I think of all the things I wish you were here to do with me and the one speical person in my life I wish you could meet and approve of, but now mom has to do it and we all know how hard she can be :-). But I know that you are looking down on us everyday and when I go to work I know that you are riding in the passenger seat of my patrol car keeping me the safest you can. Even though I can not see you, you are always with me. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. I'll see you in the end. please dont forget me for I will never forget you.
Your sister,
Lisa

Deputy Azure
Marion County Sheriffs Office

October 17, 2006

I want to let you know I am thinking of you and your family today. Even though time has passed, I know the memories have not faded. May God bless and keep your family today and always. Your mom wrote a note to us when we lost my Daddy, and I see where she has left messages on so many other lost Heros. We have to stick together to get each other through these tough times.
Thank you for your service and dedication, and for your supreme sacrifice. May God rest your soul.
Sincerely,
Lori

Lori Johnson Rowley, wife of NC LEO
Daughter of Sgt James Johnson, EOW 11/11/04 FCSO

August 6, 2006

I have a candle burning for you today in my home as my way of remembering you and thanking you for your dedicated service to law enforcement. I know that being a cop was probably a life long dream of yours and as parents we can not deny our children their dreams. Our solace is that our children lost their lives protecting others while following their dream. Keep watch over your family today and let them feel your presence as their love for you will never die out and will burn in their hearts for as long as they walk this earth. You have not been forgotten Renee for you are a true hero.

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

Bob Gordon

August 6, 2006

Still remembered...

August 6, 2006

I wanted to leave a reflection as the 4th anniversary of you being called away from duty approaches. I will probably not be in a mind set to remember to leave one in August as my police officer son's end of watch is 8/8. I know your loved ones will remember the horrible day of their loss forever and that their lives have been changed dramatically. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten as a hero never dies. My thoughts are with your loved ones as that day approaches and arrives. Keep visiting them in their dreams to let them know you are okay and keep watch over them.

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

Bob Gordon, Asst. Chief, Retired

July 16, 2006

Renee,
It is now almost 4 years since I last saw your smiling face. I want you to know that you’re still in my heart each and every day. There is not a day that goes by where I don’t wonder how you’re doing in the streets of heaven. I know that the good lord is taking great care of you and your taking great care of us as you watch down on us. When I run into the bad I look at the good in the situation which you always did. I miss you so much, I miss seeing the smiling face that you always had no matter what. R.I.P. as we will continue to walk your beat.

TROOPER A. DOBOSIEWICZ
FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL

July 11, 2006

Our Lord needed another angel and he took a pretty one to brighten Heaven even more.

July 6, 2006

God bless you..

Ptlm.G.Futch

May 24, 2006