Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your faimly. It saddens and sickens my heart to hear of another brother or sister taken from us, especially in such a senseless manner. Watch over us from above while we carry on down here. Your sacrifice will be in my thoughts every time I lock up a DUI. Rest in peace brother.

PO2 J Polk
Maryland National Capitol Park Police

Officer Hakim Farthing was none other than an angel in disguise. It didnt matter whether he was on duty or not, this man was always kind, helpful and always a problem solver. Hakim is forever a hero, because of the position of leadership abilities as an officer and love spread throughout his smile as a civilian. He will always be missed and loved..

Janelle Taylor
ETA

Officer Hakim Farthing,

We only met briefly, I was a detective working for AMTRAK and was arresting a criminal I asked for assistance...You responded to even the odds. Thank you for protecting me that day. Since then I have left AMTRAK and joined the National Park Service. I was deeply sadden to hear of the loss of a USPP Officer and US Park Ranger (LE). I was at a loss of words when I discovered that I knew you both. May god be with you both.

US Park Ranger(LE) D.W. Anderson
DOI, National Park Service

MAY YOU REST IN PEACE BROTHER.

DAN CANZANO, SUPERVISORY CANINE OFFICER
US CUSTOMS

Our prayers go out to Ofc.Farthing's family and friends. In addition, to his U.S. Park Police family. I attended the service for Ofc. Farthing, and while I did not know him personally, it is obivious how well liked and respected he was by everyone. May he rest in peace, and watch over his brothers and sisters in the U.S. Park Police.

P.O. IV D, Mc Cort
MD. Nat. Cap. Park Police

Hakim & The Farthing Family.
I thank God for sending Hakim to join the ranks of the men and women of the U.S. Park Police. Hakim, we are honored that you chose our Force to serve and protect the citizens in our area. You served honorably and are a credit to your family. To the Farthing Family, I thank you for raising a fine young man. You should be very proud of yourselves. Hakim's spirit will be with us forever. Let his death strengthen our committment to the law enforcement community. May the Lord bless you and your family. You will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Bernie T. Stasulli
Aviation, U.S. Park Police

Sgt. Bernie T. Stasulli
United States Park Police

First I would like to thank the Farthing family for raising such a kind, caring, beautful human being. I was given the honor to be Hakim's training supervisor at the Academy. I would dishonor Hakim if I took credit for his success. Hakim put forth the effort that enabled him to succeed and excel. Hakim was an outstanding student and squad leader. He was an excellent example for his classmates. I was proud of Hakim when he graduated but, I am in awe of the impact Hakim has had on his classmates, friends and fellow officers. As I come to terms with this tragic loss, I am comforted in knowing that Hakim was loved and cherished by so many others. Hakim has given me the strength to continue to train future Hakims. I know that they will be large shoes to fill.

Hakim I make you this promise, You will not die in vain, I will do everything in my power to honor you and to ensure that all future Park Police recruits will receive the best training possible. You will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace brother

Sgt. Scott Dahl
USPP Academy

Sergeant
U.S. Park Police

Hakim, I still cannot believe you are gone. I cannot believe that I will not hear your voice on the radio or see you on a stop. It was just a few days before that you backed me up on "M" street. You walked up with that smile and the head nod. It was good to see you. I still picture it.

From the first day at the Academy, when we sat next to each other and interviewed one another, I was impressed by you. You are a credit to your family, friends and to our Nation. I looked up to you, not just because you were taller than me, but because of who you were and what you had accomplished in life.

I know you were watching during the ceremony, I hope we made you proud. I know you will keep watching all of us. I know you have our backs.

You will be missed. I will never forget you.

Peace my brother.

Pvt. Anthony Giannino
United States Park Police

As I look at your picture, I see a beautiful young man full of life and joy. I have heard so many wonderful stories about you from your classmates in the NYFO. This is a tough reminder of what the job is about. God Bless you and all that you have done!

Sgt. Dan Langdon
United States Park Police/NYFO

I keep coming back to this web site to read more and more of the love and memories that people have of Hakim. The below poem was written in loving memory of Hakim. Again, I have the opportunity to share it with the world!
Hakim, we miss you!

THE BROTHER WE LOST

He served his Family
He served the Force
He served our Country
The Brother we lost

He was a man of Honor
A man of Cause
A man of Friendship
The Brother we lost

He was our friend, our colleague
A father, and a son
His life was taken tragically
As his career had just begun

We will miss you fallen Brother
Our pain cuts deep inside
You will not be forgotten dear Brother
We remember you deep with pride

Now it’s time for our Brother to go
It’s time to set him free
Our Brother has a higher call
To serve his Soul’s Army



In memory of Officer Hakim A. Farthing
Authored by Sgt Lori Panarello / US Park Police
Recited by Officer Timothy 'Dexter' Hodge / US Park Police

One of your D5 Brothers
US Park Police / District 5

Thanks, Hakim, for doing God's work. With all the traffic enforcement that I do, it just as easily could have been me. Most importantly, He will keep you in the shadow of His wing, and hold you as the apple of His eye. Forever.

Anonymous

I lost a classmate in a similar accident! For some the path is chosen from above! To that:
Arriba, abajo, acentro, y adentro. Vaya con dios!
God bless!

Cowboy
USBP

Thank You Hakim. My first impression of you that first day we started work was right. In your quiet, wry, composed, intelligent and articulate way, you made your impression on all of us. You showed me what I could be and what I strive to be. Your voice on the radio is already missed and the memory your side comments on the radio will always bring a smile to my lips. I always knew when you were listening to my 'traffic'. Thanks for watching my back from another district. I will always be grateful.
Miss you. (Hope you enjoyed the show)
Love and Peace.

Ofc. L. Teeple
USPP

Where to begin, i have so many great memories of the "dream " as i called him everytime i saw him when he came to work to releave me from my tour of duty. The dream was a kool brotha. Hakim in the to short time i've known him was a very warm, kind, caring brotha.If u asked him for help with something he would help, and if you needed anything if he could get it he would, and as a police officer he was truly a good young cop. very street smart,and as the days went by seeing him become more and more able to handle each and every situation that he encountered with great professionalism. But mostly i love, and remember his smile, as he lit up a room with it. I'll truly miss my friend, and fellow officer. They say the pain of this will fade in time, but the memories of the "DREAM" will last a life time for me. I miss u boy your friend forever steve USPP/D5 Anacostia station WDC.

PVT STEPHEN D BROWN
U.S. PARK POLICE

When God made Peace Officers...

When the Lord was creating peace officers,
he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said,
"You're doing a lot
of fiddling around on this one."


And the Lord said, "Have you read the spec on
this order?

A peace officer has to be able to run five miles
through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter
homes the health inspector wouldn't touch,
and not wrinkle his uniform.

"He has to be able to sit in an undercover car
all day on a stakeout, cover a homicide scene
that night, canvass the neighborhood for
witnesses, and testify in court the next day.

"He has to be in top physical condition at all
times, running on black coffee and half-eaten
meals.

And he has to have six pairs of hands."

The angel shook her head slowly and said,
"Six pairs of hands...no way."

"It's not the hands that are causing me
problems," said the Lord, "it's the three pairs
of eyes an officer has to have."

"That's on the standard model?" asked the
angel.

The Lord nodded.

One pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket
before he asks, "May I see what's in there, sir?"
(When he already knows and wishes he'd taken
that accounting job.)

"Another pair here in the side of his head for his
partners'safety. And another pair of eyes here
in front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding
victim and say, 'You'll be all right ma'am, when
he knows it isn't so."

"Lord," said the angel, touching his sleeve,
"rest and work on this tomorrow."

"I can't," said the Lord, "I already have a model
that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car
without incident and feed a family of five on a
civil service paycheck."

The angel circled the model of the peace officer
very slowly,


"Can it think?" she asked.

"You bet," said the Lord. "It can tell you the
elements of a hundred crimes; recite Miranda
warnings in its sleep; detain, investigate, search,
and arrest a gang member on the street in less
time than it takes five learned judges to debate
the legality of the stop... and still it keeps its sense
of humor.

This officer also has phenomenal personal
control. He can deal with crime scenes painted
in hell, coax a confession from a child abuser,
comfort a murder victim's family, and then read
in the daily paper how law enforcement isn't
sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects."

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger
across the cheek of the peace officer. "There's
a leak," she pronounced. "I told you that you
were trying to put too much into this model."

"That's not a leak," said the lord, "it's a tear."

"What's the tear for?" asked the angel.

"It's for bottled-up emotions, for fallen comrades,
for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called
the American flag, for justice."

"You're a genius," said the angel.

The Lord looked somber. "I didn't put it there,"
he said.


Very true.

Walter Duran
Postal Police Officer
San Juan Field Office (Puerto Rico)

Postal Police Officer. Walter Duran
United States Postal Inspection Service

Bro, so sad to hear about your tragic death. My thoughts are with your family. You have inspired me to live each day like it was my last day here on earth. RIP bro, and take care of all the brothers and sisters up in heaven

Senior Constable
Queensland Police Service Australia

MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO OFFICER FARTHINGS FAMILY, FRIENDS AND FELLOW OFFICERS AT THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL PARK POLICE.WHEN THE CALL CAME FROM OFFICER CHRIS JACKSON/DCPD/RETIRED,THAT ONCE AGAIN THE PIPES AND DRUMS WERE TO PLAY FOR ANOTHER FALLEN HERO, I TOLD MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER I HAD TO GO. MY LITTLE 8 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER KATHLEEN MARY SAID..."POPPA YOU'RE NOT A POLICEMAN ANYMORE.... WHY DO YOU HAVE TO GO". I EXPLAINED TO HER THAT WE ALL HURT AND CRY WHEN AN OFFICER IS KILLED AND THAT POLICEMEN NEVER REALLY RETIRE, WE JUST DON'T WEAR OUR UNIFORMS ANYMORE,AND THAT WE'LL ALWAYS BE AN OFFICER. SHE DIDN'T SEEM TO UNDERSTAND AND THEN SAID, "YOU'RE GOING TO PLAY YOUR MUSIC FOR HIM, RIGHT??? PEOPLE LIKE THAT".I ASSURED HER THAT WE ALWAYS PLAY OUR BEST BECAUSE WE ARE PLAYING FOR THE BEST.
IT WAS AN HONOR TO ATTEND AND PLAY FOR YOU HAKIM.I HOPE WE BROUGHT SOME SOLACE TO YOUR FAMILY,FRIENDS AND FELLOW OFFICERS.
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE
RICHARD G. DESMOND
CAMDEN COUNTY NJ EMERALD SOCIETY PIPES AND DRUMS
NATIONAL PRESIDENT
NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT EMERALD SOCIETIES

SGT. RICHARD G. DESMOND/RETIRED
CAMDEN NJPD

Dear Brother Hakim,

Though I never had the chance to meet you and welcome you to the family of the U.S. Park Police,I feel as if I know you. For each day as we don our uniforms and head out into harms way, we all immediately become brothers under the badge and an unspoken bond is formed. Your untimely passing has left a void in our ranks and our hearts which will be long lasting.Goodbye my brother.

Sgt. Sal Pagliaro
US Park Police/NYFO

My heartfelt condolences to the Farthing family. It's always sad to lose a brother in arms.May he rest in peace.

Sgt. Larry Fugh, (Ret)
USPP

i would first like to express my deepest condolences to all the family, friends, and fellow officers of Officer Hakim Farthing (a TRUE angel)....

although i never knew you i can tell you were an honorable man with the utmost integrity and repect for the job and the people you served. your brothers and sisters in blue have lost a great warrior and you will be deeply missed.
i was at your funeral yesterday and what a grand event it was. it was so unfortunate though, the reason we were there! as a recruit about to graduate i was struck with not only awe, but an immense anger that such a bright and shining star could be taken from us so soon. i am sure that through your career you could have taught so many, so much, as you have already done in your brief stay with us. i have always wanted this career and i always had a drive to do it but never was that drive as intense as it is right now. i will remember you always and the incident that became the catalyst for which my vigilance will be based. you are truly a hero to many, especially to me. may you rest in peace.

Anonymous

this poem, by an unknown author, was given to me and I thought I would pass it on.

The Policeman

The policeman stood and faced his god,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass

Step forward now, policeman
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?

The policeman squared his shoulders,
"No Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was rough,
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills just got too steep.

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

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fear.

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

There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his God.

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

Officer Gregory Monahan
U.S. Park Police

I felt your presence today. I felt a sense of peace everytime a breeze would blow through the formations outside. I know you will always be there, watching over each and everyone of us. You will never be forgotten. Goodbye "Little Buddy".

Pvt. D-1
United States Park Police

I went to your funeral service today, Ofc. Farthing, in Springfield, VA. From those who spoke, including your uncle, I got a good idea what kind of officer you were and how your memory will sustain your family and friends for eternity. It was an honor to be included amongst them all, and to take part in your procession through DC. The streets were lined for you! Well done, Ofc. Farthing! You have served well! You have all our blessings from Montgomery County, Maryland.

PO3 K. Swanson
Montgomery County (MD) Police

Rest in peace, you and your family will be in my family's prayers. May God bless you Officer Farthing.

Officer Don Hurley
Eloy, Az. Police Department

Another hero taken from us.God bless my brother in blue, may your soul rest in peace.

Detective JC Johnson
Danville Police Dept.Danville VA.