Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Azure,

Thank you for your service. Your daughter and family are in our prayers. Your daughter can grow up proud of her heritage and your legacy, and the fact that her mom really made a difference in people's lives.

Special Agent Leatherman
Federal Bureau of Investigation

March 16, 2006

Although your gone your'e not forgotten
Lisa , good luck w/ your future goals.
God bless all of you.

Sgt. Mark Miller
Mcgriffs Prof. Security

March 1, 2006

Deputy Azure, though it has been a few years since your departure your memory lives on as though you were still here. Know that you will never be forgotten and I pray that God will continue to give your family strength to continuously move on as time goes by. You will forever be missed. Deputy Renee Azure, Thank you for your service.

Deputy Jamie Davis
Pittsylvania County Sheriffs Office (Va.)

February 12, 2006

Dear Deb and family,

I read the reflections you leave on so many officer's sites - including my husband's - and I wanted to let you know that your daughter is also not forgotten.

We all share a common bond of grief and loss. I look at Renee's picture, she is so young and vibrant and beautiful, and I can't imagine what your family has gone through. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Renee is safe now, in the arms of the Angels, and is watching over all of us.

I am looking forward to meeting you in Washington this May, when all of the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice are honored. God bless you all.

Your daughter is not forgotten.

Carin E. Sollman
widow of Easton Police Officer Jesse E. Sollman, EOW 3/25/05

January 7, 2006

Dear Lisa,

I have watched your relections to your sister over the years and I want to let you know that you are an inspiration. I am so sure your sister would be so proud to see you fill those shoes that meant so much to her. My husband is an officer and we lost a fellow officer in an accident in 2001. We know your pain. You are amazing to take that pain, serve your country and now to serve your community as your sister did. Keep writing her those poems, Keep yourself safe. May God be with you.

Cricket
Fort Wayne Indiana

September 6, 2005

Dear Renee,
Your Mom left a relection on our son's page and I am trying to repay the honor and gratitude back that she gave to us. Your picture is so beautiful. I know how her heart is broken. Matthew was and is the light of our lives as I can tell you are to your family. The Brotherhood of Law Enforcement is in a word amazing. I knew my son loved what he did but I never thought he would lose his life doing it. Mainly because he always said, "Mom, I'll be ok." And I believed him. This has been the worst year of our lives and we share this unbelieveable grief and loss with far too many officers families. From now until we are reunited with him in eternity we will honor him and his profession and all that walk the same walk--his brotherhood in blue. God bless you and your family and your sacrifice for all of us.
Love,
Matt's Mom Forever.

Linda Rittenhouse
Mother of Officer Jesse Matthew Rittenhouse E.O.W. 9/16/04

August 23, 2005

To the family of Deputy Renee Azure:
I wanted to pay my respects to Renee and your family today. Deputy Azure's mother is so diligent about leaving reflections for everyone and her remembrances are appreciated by all of the family members and friends who read them. Your daughter's sacrifice in the line of duty is not forgotten, nor is the supreme sacrifice all your family made when she lost her life three years ago. This anniversary week must have been especially hard on you. It was inspiring to see how you have tried to pay tribute to your daughter's life. The activist undertaking by her mother to have legislation passed. The decision by her sister to follow the same career path as Renee. I am sure Renee is as proud of her family as her family is of her. There are some bonds that even death cannot sever, and pride is forever. Similarly, there are some wounds that time cannot heal. I am sure that you constantly keep Renee's memory alive for her young daughter, and she must be soothed by that ever so strong force of love. My family is fairly new on this difficult journey as a police survivor. My youngest son, Larry Lasater, of the Pittsburg, CA Police Dept. was killed in the line of duty this past April when he was shot while pursuing two bank robbers. His first child was born in July, and how our hearts break that he is not here with us to enjoy and hold his beautiful baby boy Cody. Another officer in Tennessee was killed today. There are so many officers who gave all, and we are proud of all of them. This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Renee gave to her community, and for the supreme sacrifice that she and her family gave on August 6, 2002. Her valor and bravery is appreciated and remembered as is that of her family.
Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05

phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer

August 9, 2005

My Fallen Sister

My sister died today
And for once I had nothing to say
I sat on my bed and cried
All I wanted was to run and hide
No one knows what I am going through
She was my sister and your sister in blue
She protected the streets
As she patrolled her beat
She carried a gun, handcuffs and a night stick
She fought bad guys, criminals
A badge on her chest
Showed one of the best
But now she is gone, all too sudden
She has made her way up to heaven
She's the brightest star in the sky
And when I see it, tears fill my eyes
She gave all she could give
Since then its been hard to live
However...
Her memoires will run through my head
I'll never think of her as dead
But perhaps
She's moved to a better place
And someday we'll meet up and embrace
Renee, I love you each and everyday
I'll never forget when you were taken away
Now it's my turn to fill your shoes
I'll do my duty, that's what I choose
Don't worry about Mom and Dad
They are strong although sad
Don't worry about Faith and me
In the end I know where we will be

In memory of my sister
Deputy Renee D. Azure
EOW 08-06-02
Union County Sheriff Office

Lisa Azure

August 7, 2005

Just wanted to stop by and say I am
thinking of you and all those who are
still grieving your death. You were a
bright light that continues to shine
thru your fellow law enforcement
officers throughout America. May your precious memory never grow dim! With love from one coast of America to the other.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

August 6, 2005

Deputy Azure,
First of all I would like to thank you for protecting the streets and being very committed to your job. Unfortunately I didn't have the honor to meet you. I live in St. Louis, MO., and I come to this website very often to leave messages for one of my close friends who also had his life taken in the line of duty. I have read many of the reflections for many of the officers on this website. I was lead to your page because as I am reading the reflections for all of the officers, including Nick Sloan, my friend, I see that your mom leaves a reflection for everyone. I think that is so awesome and shows so much respect. I'm sure you were just like her. Well, I just wanted to take the time to leave you a message and thank you for all you have done for your community. I will keep your family and friends in my thoughts and prayers especially in the next few days. I'm sure your little girl talks so highly of you to her friends at school. Thanks again and have a great anniversary in heaven. Tell Nick hi for me.

Tracie
Friend of Nick Sloan

August 3, 2005

Nearly 3 years ago Deputy Sheriff Renee Danell Azure passed through the looking glass of honor, courage and sacrafice. Although we mourn her passing we more importantly celebrate her life which was dedicated to the service of her family, community and country. All of us who wear the badge can only hope to stand in the shadow of such a hero.

Chief of Police / Olen M. Young
Wauneta PD Nebraska

July 30, 2005

To the Fellow Officers, Family, and Friends of Deputy Azure, May God Grant you the Serenity to accept the things you can not change, Courage to change the things you can, and the Wisdom to know the difference. May you have Peace in your hearts as this third anniversary approaches...God Bless your Family and May your Mother, Sister, and Daughter know that We who remain on the Watch will never forget this Blue Angels sacrifice...

Officer Debra McFall Ross
East Buffalo Twp P.D. (Union County) Lewisburg, Pa.

July 28, 2005

Renee, as you know, National Police Week is here. In a couple of days I will be joining the hundreds of motors as we make our way to the memorial.
Just wanted to let you know that your memory will be riding along.

Master Trooper
Virginia State Police

May 8, 2005

Renee,
Not a day goes by that you are not remembered. Not a day goes by that I do not pray for your daughter and the rest of your family.

You will be forever missed

March 21, 2005

To Deputy Azure's family- It is obvious that your family bonds are strong. Please take comfort in the knowledge that the Lord holds a special place for those who give their lives in service of others, and that when you think of Renee, she is there with you. The circle is not broken. God Bless Renee and each of You.

Sgt. Bill Richardson
Anchorage, Alaska PD

March 1, 2005

Ride Along


So you don’t like the ticket I just gave you.
Well, come take a ride with me.
A trip to the scene of an accident.
Where a person now struggles for freedom, and for life.
All because someone was in a hurry, or late for work.

You say you didn’t call me and you don’t need my help.
That this is a family matter and none of my business.
Come take a ride with me.
Where a child now cowers in the nearest corner, or bedroom closet.
They cover their ears and ask god “ please make them stop”.
Still think no one needs my help.

You’ve said all we do is eat donuts and drink coffee.
Come take a ride with me.
On the countless days after taking four calls in an hour.
We think we have time to sit down for dinner.
Only to be call away again.

You think we’re cold and have no heart.
Well, come take a ride with me.
To a place where the pipes now lay to rest.
A brother or sister who gave their life, for someone like you.
A place where tears fall like rain for their family,
For our family, and yes even for you.
Yeah, come take a ride with me.


R. S. B
2005

Deputy Marshal

February 12, 2005

My deepest sympathy to the Azure family on their loss of a beautiful young police officer. I just lost my son this year in the line of duty and his lifes dream was to be a Chicago Police Officer. I'm sure Deputy Azure had the same dream - police work. How can we keep them from their dreams? This is our only solace, they lost their lives doing something they really loved. Deputy Azure is to be considered a Hero, may God watch over her family and keep them all safe. She's now on patrol with my son and their new boss is St. Michael.

Robert Gordon, Father of Chicago Officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Robert Gordon, Asst. Chief (Retired)
Riverside PD, Illinois

November 12, 2004

in loving memory of D.S. Renee Azure: It is 2 years ago today that you lost your life. It is still a struggle for all who miss your presence and personality. Thanks to your aunt for keeping the name Azure in the forefront of our minds and your memory alive. My thoughts are especially with your parents, sister and 4 year old daughter. Your parents are so brave to see their other daughter go to the Academy.
She's following in your footsteps, Renee. Your life still has an impact on those left behind. May God bless all the sacrifices that law enforcement officers make everywhere, every day.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

August 6, 2004

Renee,
I think about you everyday. I wake up wondering what you are doing and I fall asleep wondering the same thing. Mom finally got the road named after you. It took them two years to pass the bill but she finally got it done. We are all going up there in a couple of weeks to dedicate it to you. I miss you so much. I am often stoppped at places and asked if I am your sister. I tell them proudly that I am. Many of your firends have seen me in the past month and they have all sent their love and condolenses. It's hard with you not being here and I sometimes don't want to go on anymore but I know I have to, becuase you wouldn't want me to just wither up and fade away. I am going on the 3rd month of the Police Academy. I made Company Commander, you would be so proud of me. I wish you were here with me so I could have my best friend and sister back. But I know you are above me and are always with me eventhough I cannot see you. Renee I miss you so very much and I LOVE YOU. You will never be forgotten in my heart. See you in the end! I LOVE YOU....

Your Sister Lisa

July 23, 2004

I still remember the days in the police academy that we had together Renee. You finally made it out and became a deputy sheriff and was cut very short, but it was something you loved like all of us. Rest in piece

Officer Chris Rexford
Lawtey Police

June 25, 2004

Where do I start? I had the pleasure of meeting Renee through a multi-juridictional task force working narcotics. I was her training partner and a friend. I go to know Renee, and miss her very much. I am sadden and catch myself thinking of her often. I have been in law enforcement for approximately 10 years, and have never lost someone so close to me in this career. She and I worked very well together and we had a great time on the deals we did together. I got the call very early that morning and have felt a loss in my heart for her ever since. I pray every day for the family of Renee in hopes a sense of peace comes to that family. RIP Renee, you will never be forgotten. You truly a hero.

Officer Yvonne McKeever
SAO - Task Force

June 12, 2004

While waiting for the 2004 National Police Officers Memorial candle light vigil to start, my family and I had the best seats at the memorial.
It was not near the front, or near the speakers, it was sitting next to a little girl about 4 and her grand parents.
This little girl worked to rub her mothers name to a couple sheets of paper to then tape to the wall. Although she had no tape to begin with she searched the wall taking small pieces from where ever she could find them. Enough to hang the rubbings proudly under her mothers name.
They were signed Faith.
I did everything to keep my composure,thinking of everything this little girl and her family have been through.
It was my second time to the Wall, but it will always be the one I remember the most.
Faith, God bless you and your family your mother would be so proud of you.

Anonymous

May 20, 2004

Renee,
You are truly a HERO! You are the angel on our shoulders that now walk with all of us in our everday lives. As your mom, dad and Faith are on their way to attend all of the Memorials in your honor I pray that you will watch over them and keep them safe. You are truly a mentor and an inspiration to many people, especially your sister, Lisa, who is now in the Police Academy, please watch over her.

Kathy, Aunt

May 8, 2004

Renee , I recently Stopped in to say hello to some friends @ union S/O
I,d Taken a few minutes of silence
in your memory. at the monument at
The front of the building , as a
Former L.B. Fire Fighter , I know your Gentle and caring presence is very well missed by UCSO/EMS. Wishing all your Family and Friends hope and faith, God Bless all of them , Our prayers are w/
your family .

Sgt. Mark Miller (security Officer)
Mcgriffs Prof. Security

May 8, 2004

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 4, 2004