Norfolk Police Department, Virginia
End of Watch Thursday, January 16, 2003
Reflections for Police Officer Sheila Herring
May her soul rest in peace. Deepest sympathy to Officer Herring-Patricks family and colleagues.
Detective Constable
New Zealand Police
Our loss is Gods gain. Rest In Peace
Sgt. Hector Garcia-Ret.
NYPD
Today we say goodbye to our fallen sister, friend, and fellow police officer. I will always remember your drive and your motivation during the brief time I assisted your class training. You make us all proud. Your fellow officers will "Charlie Mike" and continue the mission. Rest in peace, my friend.
PO2
Norfolk PD
Sheila,
God speed and rest in peace from the members of the 117th Michigan State Police Trooper Recruit School. You were well liked by us all and many will miss you. Our condolences and sympathies go out to your family and friends.
117th Trooper Recruit School
Michigan State Police
On behalf of my partner, Larry J. Stewart, LODD November 1976, with whom you are now aquainted, I bid you God Speed. May your Longboat sail in silent seas, fired chiefly well so embers may convey your lineage across this land. May angels on wings of blue, lift you high on those thermal embers, transporting you home as a warrior hero, from harm's way. May your strength be visited upon loved ones left to continue the battle. Sleep now, a deserved rest for a hero.
Former Metro Patrol Officer Sean Ross
Honolulu Police Department
REST IN PEACE MY SISTER IN BLUE.
LT. R. TISDALE
WILLIAMSBURG S.O. S.C
I was given this horrible news from a close friend, a Sgt., with the War Town "motor city" PD, who advised me of this horrific event.
A part of America died, Someone killed a police officer....
Years ago, I worked in the Motor City, I was there for two years, I never met this officer, but I met many officers and I saw two things, dedication, and brother/sisterhood.
Shelia's death reminds us it can (and sorry to say does) happen anywhere, anytime.
I'm very sad for these events, but let's be thankful she had the chance to teach some other officers how to stay safe.
God Bless you and your family Officer Patrick, we'll never forget.
Sgt. Mike, thanks for telling me about this site.
May this be the last posting we ever have to write about.
Anonymous
THe Norfork Police Department is all the better for your service. May you serve as an inspiration to others of Duty and love for service. May GOD bless your family and help you in your new assignment as a Guardian Angel...
May GOD secure your loved ones in his loving arms....
Sgt. Charles Carty
Benton police Department
God bless you. Your loss is felt by all officers everywhere. Our ranks are thinner, but also richer for your having been among us.
Thank You.
Patrolman
Colfax, Iowa PD
I am still in disbelief as I write your reflection. I can not believe that we have to say our final good-byes to yet another of God’s special creatures and to another hero tomorrow. I was hoping that after the pain of saying good-bye to James 16 months ago, we would have a reprieve and never have to go through this again. But a special angel was needed, and God chose you to patrol the golden streets of heaven with James. Only with that thought in mind, are we able to have a small amount of peace. It is so very hard to believe that you once patrolled the streets of one of the toughest cities in the country, and yet you paid the ultimate price in Norfolk. Either the city is not what people think it is or we harbor a lot of cowards that prey on the blessed peace makers doing the job. May your family find comfort in knowing that you will never be forgotten and may you find peace in your final slumber.
Always remembering and NEVER forgetting.
Dyan C. McDermott, Dispatcher
Norfolk Emergency Services
WHILE SHELIA IT SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY THAT YOU WERE TEACHING ME DT AND PT IN THE ACADEMY. I WISH THAT WERE THE CASE. I HATE THIS HAPPEN TO YOU. YOU WERE A HARD WORKING DEDICATED OFFICER. I PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY. YOU WANT EVER BE FORGOTTEN REST EASY MY SISTER IN BLUE.
L. MOSES
DPD
Words and Music by Steve Siler
Without a thought for yourselves
You race into the fires of hell
Unselfishly you sacrifice
and give your all to save a life
Anonymity's a pale reward
for all the things you've done
Heroes Unsung
You've seen the worst the world can give
You hold inside what you can't forget
The armor grows to block the pain
It's just so hard to communicate
And you never thought that you'd burn out
But sometimes you feel numb
Heroes Unsung
With uncommon acts of bravery
You rush into harm's way
Giving something to the rest of us
There is no way to repay
Have we taken you for granted
Without counting up the cost
'cause every time we lose even one of you
The best of us is lost
You're a human being with hopes and dreams
You've got a name and a family
If we never stopped to tell you thanks
That day has finally come
Heroes Unsung
You'll be honored for eternity
When all of heaven's stars are strung
Heroes
Heroes
Heroes Unsung
You will NEVER be forgotten
Anonymous
Sheila,
We had a few, good, moments to share while you were in our SFST session during your time in the academy. You were such a joy to talk to and to share “war stories” with. It was obvious to me that, in your case, we were “preaching to the choir” about a subject you were already very versed in and had applied during your previous law enforcement experience. Your attention and willingness to learn something “more” was a blessing to me as well as your preponderant smile, which could not be overlooked. But most of all, your willingness to be a blessing to your fellow recruits and to help those who were struggling, was a demonstration of your love and concern for others. In John 15:13 (Amplified Bible) it says: “No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends.” Obviously “his” in this passage would be translated as “her” and you did indeed show the “greatest love” by being the first to confront this individual. We will never know what he could and would have done to your fellow officers had you not been in his path.
I pray everyday for your family, your police family and all those touched by your life. As we take part in your motorcycle escort tomorrow we do so not only to honor your memory and show our greatest respect for your courage and sacrifice but to honor your family and to let them know we are here for them.
You have left us to be with The Father but you will never be forgotten.
Corporal Jim Richards
Norfolk Police Department Traffic Unit
May God comfort your Family, friends, and co-workers. You now walk the streets of heaven with St. Michael.
We pray your name will be the last.
Sgt Kevin McGowan
Charleston Police Department (SC)
To the family and friends of Officer Sheila-Herring Patrick, my heart is filled with sadness for your loss. Please know that others are praying for you and truly understand the commitment, dedication and courage of your loved one. With deepest sympathy,
Sgt. Vicki Foster
Sgt. Vicki Foster
Charlotte Mecklenburg Police dep
This is a tragic loss, and difficult to try and understand. I'm deeply sorry for your loss, and my prayers go out to you, and the family of your fallen hero. These upcoming days will be an uphill battle, but hold on and hold together, for Officer Sheila Herring-Patrick and her family. Never Forget !
Mike Bradford, Tallahassee Police, Ret.
Mike Bradford; invest. ret.
Tallahassee Police Dept
To the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Herring-Patrick... words cannot express how sorry I am. May God bless and comfort you. She is safe now.
Jamie Johnson, surviving sister of
Officer Jon Cook
San Francisco Police Dept.
Although I didn't know you personally, I see through all the reflections, that you must have been a really great person to have known, that's my loss and the loss to many other officers in Norfolk and Detroit. May you rest in peace.
Thank You,
Officer G.W. Morse
Norfolk P.D.
SED/Traffic unit
Police Officer II
Norfolk Police Dept. SED/TU
to a while like person who will be miss deeply .I am so sorry u had leave so soon . your smile made any body feel like they was wanted and need it i will miss u so much jonathan carter from your old pct #3
dfo jonathan carter
detroit police dept
Even though we know the risks, losing one of our own is never easy or "routine". Know that Sheila is at rest in the arms of Jesus.
Captain Denise Bridges
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Dept.
I'm sorry a bad man hurt you. Everytime I wear my daddy's Police shirt I will think of you. Please give my daddy a hug and tell him I love him.
Logan Gilbert
7 yr. old daughter of Fallen Norfolk Police Officer James B. Gilbert
God Bless you and your family. Rest in peace my sister
Motor Officer
Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office
I am so sorry. I prayed my husband's name would be the last to be killed in the line of duty. My heart goes out to the entire family of Officer Herring. I wish I could take away your pain. I too have cried for your family over this senseless tragedy. When is it going to stop?
Although I never had the opportunity to know you, your beautiful smile spoke for itself. I know you are now safe in such a beautiful place patroling the streets of heaven with my husband. I will promise to you that I will always remember you and will never let your name be forgotten. You and my husband gave the ultimate sacrifice for such a thankless job. I'm sure it not offen anyone thanked you, but I must tell you Thank You!
There is a quote enscribed on my Husband's grave. It says "Once Lived a man that had all he ever wanted, he lived to love". I beleive this also decribes you in how you lived your life with honor, dignity and love.
As I must leave you, please know that I am thinking of you and praying for both your family including your Norfolk and Detroit Police Family. I will place a flag and a rose in honor of both you and my husband at the Police Memorial in May.
May your name be the last. Rest in Peace.
Tiffany Gilbert
Widow of Norfolk Officer James B. Gilbert
Another one of our hero's lives is taken too soon. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Herring-Patrick. May the Lord give you strength and bless each of you during this time.
Thank you for your courage, your service and your sacrafice.
Rest in peace for your watch here is over walk in heavens beat and guide us all to protect and serve others safely.
US Ranger Catroppa
National Park Service Kennesaw GA
My most sincere condolences go out to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Herring-Patrick. Though I did not know her, I can guess why she put on the uniform and went out to do her job every day. We are a grateful nation of people who recognize the sacrifice that officers like Sheila give every day. We, the members of the International Association of Women Police, salute Officer Herring-Patrick as she begins her beat on heaven's streets.
Officer Donna C. Hillier Wright
Purdue University Calumet Police Department - Hammond, IN
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