Chesterfield County Police Department, Virginia
End of Watch Wednesday, May 28, 2003
Reflections for Police Officer Ryan Eugene Cappelletty
Ryan, Merry Christmas!! Love, Mom and Dad
Mom and Dad
Same
December 25, 2006
Giving thanks for your service and your drive to make our community safer. We were blessed to have you in the department and in Chesterfield County. Your life and career were cut short, but how blessed we are becasue of you. God bless you brother.
Patrol Officer
Chesterfield County Police Department
November 23, 2006
Ryan,
Happy Thanksgiving!!! We are Thankful for having you for 23 years, 11 months and 10 days. We Love You and miss you.
Love, Mom and Dad
Rick and Robin Cappelletty
Father and Mother
November 22, 2006
I was a midnight officer in the south end of the county that morning and responded to the scene right before we were to go home.
You graduated from the academy only a few classes behind me. I didnt really know you. I passed you a time or two before. But I think of that day often. I remember thinking that "it isn't that serious" as I was responding, even though I had no idea your injuries. I was still a kid, I didnt think someone from my department could be killed in the line of duty. That was the last thing from my mind. When an officer from your academy pulled up with tears in his eyes, an "old timer" said "he didnt make it" and he said no. I couldn't believe it.
Within a few months of that day, we lost brothers here in the Richmond area from Henrico Co. PD, Richmond PD, Va. State Police and Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office. Not to mention the other brothers from across the state. You all laid down your lives for all of us in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
I know we weren't close. But you were a brother officer, and a brother from the same department. That day, I really saw what the brotherhood was all about.
Anyway, just wanted to say thank you. To you and every other fallen brother and sister. It could have been any of us. None of you will ever never be forgotten.
Patrolman
Chesterfield County Police Dept., VA
November 21, 2006
Ryan, I didn't get to know you for very long, but even 3 1/2 years after your passing I still am affected by your time here with us. I sometimes still see the scenary in my mind and think of all the events that happened that tragic morning.
My heart and prayers go out to those of you that were close to Ryan. He was a 'good guy'.
PTP
A brief friend
October 22, 2006
A Salute to you Ryan.............We still remember!
Officer
Chesterfield County Police Dept.
October 12, 2006
Thinking about you today brother. Thanks for yor service to Chesterfield County. Many things have changed in the department, but losing you is still on the minds of everyone. I continue to pray for your family and friends. God bless you.
Officer
Chesterfield County Police Department
May 28, 2006
We still miss you each and every day.
Police Officer M.C. Parczewski U-279
May 28, 2006
EOW 5-28-03...how fast time flies. It seems as if the phone has just rung and the nightmare of Ryan's death and funerals has just begun.
After 3 years, old memories of a wonderful, growing boy and remembering all the hilarious things we did together outshine the dark days. What a great guy our Ryan was. We have laughed often over Nate and Manda and Ryan and Rae trying to outdo each other with the brother/sister rivalries. (The girls held their own with their big brothers and are stronger for it!) I'll never forget watching the guys holding their sisters on their shoulders in the mosh pit at Creation Festival and seeing their pictures pop up on the jumbo screen, singing and laughing together. What a sight!
Today we remember the good times with smiles and pride. May the Lord give us grace to soften the memories of a spring morning in a Virginia driveway when life changed for all of us...but only for awhile. We'll see Ryan again and that big smile will still be an invitation to fun!
Thank you, Chesterfield, VA, to officers, friends and citizens who loved us through that week and who remember Ryan every day. Stay safe! Thank you, dear Rachel, for loving Ryan. Be happy, darlin'...you deserve a joy filled life!
Ellen Bunnell
Aunt Ellen
May 28, 2006
Ryan,
05/28/06 well it's been three years; you are gone but know you’re not forgotten. Rarely a day does goes by that someone not mention your name. So continue to rest in peace.
Deputy
Chesterfield Sheriff’s Office Va.
May 28, 2006
It has been 3 years since we lost Ryan. He leaves an abundance of wonderful memories with each and every life he touched. Although he leaves an empty place in our hearts,He also leaves us with a goal, To Honor him by aspiring to be as he was, a beautiful and loving human being. We love you Ryan and miss you.
Love, Mom and Dad
Robin and Rick Cappelletty
Mom and Dad
May 28, 2006
Today will be an especially hard day for the Cappelletty family and for the Officers of Chesterfield County PD.May Our Lord give you all extra comfort and may you all know His Love.
May 28, 2006
MY DEAR CAPPELLETTY FAMILY I KNOW THIS MONTH IS A VERY SAD MONTH FOR YOU MAY 28 IS A DAY YOU WILL NEVER FORGET REMEMBER HI RYAN IS YOU SPECIAL ANGEL GUIDING YOU TAKING CARE OF YOU. THE IS A BOND BETWEEN OUR FAMILY SINCE WE WERE BOTH AT WASHINGTON AT SAME YEAR AND SO CLOSE IN TIME MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL A FRIEND MARILYN WENDEL MOTHER OF DOUGLAS E. WENDEL EOW JULY 30 03
MOTHER OF DOUG WENDEL DOWNED OFFICER
FRIEND
May 23, 2006
It's been almost three years since the tragic events on the morning on May 28, 2003, I still continue to pray for your family and think of you often. I pray that you have welcomed Brother Buro U-124 into Heaven and will continue to watch over us.
Police Officer K.J. Flynn U-455
Chesterfield Police Dept.
May 15, 2006
Hey Ryan, just wanted to ask a favor of you. Please welcome Brother Buro at heavens gate, and show him around his new beat. With Gary's death, it reminded all of us how quickly things can go horribly wrong, but it also reminded us of the ultimate sacrifice you made only three short years ago. As you saw Monday, Rachel really came through for Kathy and gave her someone to relate with, a relation that very few know the power of, nor the importance of. I love Rachel dearly, and see her as a pillar of inspiration everytime I see her so you can definately be proud. Thank you for your service, and i'll yell again soon !!
Sr. Ofc. B.M. Rhodenizer
Chesterfield P.D.
May 10, 2006
Ryan, with the recent death of Gary Buro, I justed wanted to say that you are not forgotten and your memory lives on with every CCPD officer. Taking care of you in your last hours was a privledge and an experience I will never forget. You are truly missed.
Sarah Tomlinson,RN and fiance' of CCPD unit 419
Sarah Tomlinson, RN
May 8, 2006
To the family and friends of Officer Ryan Cappelletty:
They think of you often, when the spring rains fall
How you gave up your life and answered the call
Surely you knew each time you knelt to pray
That this earth contains evils we face every day
Why did God take you so early in your youth
A greater call beckoned, and you answered it with truth
The enforcer walks a fragile path
Encountering rage, malice and wrath
With your countenance steady, and judgement swift
All your dreams and plans set slowly adrift
The sea of emptiness holds many vessels at bay
But know that your love has been anchored in the harbor of our hearts
And from those safe waters your ship won't stray
Your spirit still lingers in the ones that you love
Steadily watching, showering blessings from above
You left behind your woman, how you loved her each day
She'll remember the warmth of every kiss and every word you'd say
That love you left lives on through her
And frequently, those memories begin to stir
When the greatest sacrifice is made
The greatest debt is often paid
We know you're walking golden streets that seem to have no end
We'll be with you soon enough and embrace once more our loving friend.....
Deputy Aaron W. Williams #632
Roanoke County Sheriff's Office Va.
May 5, 2006
Ryan,
Three years has almost past. And yet this is my first entry that I have been able to write.
Not a day has gone by where I don't think of you. I used to think holidays would be lonely with just the two of us and our families together when we were older. And now... its just me, even though you will always be with me in my heart.
Welcome and honor your fellow officer who has joined you, as his family & friends grieve for his loss.
Until we meet again...I love you and think of you always.
Rae Anne
Rae Anne Cappelletty
Sister
May 4, 2006
Ryan, Unit 124 was killed this morning 5-4-2006. Please guide him and comfort him in his jounrey. He laid down his life just as you had done, so that others may live. Although you did not know him during you time with us, welcome him and teach him to protect us from above. Godspeed.
Chesterfield County PD Virginia
May 4, 2006
"Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on the snow;
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die."
A person is never really gone if their spirit lives on through the memories of those that love them.
It is hard to believe that it will be 3 years in May. Three years of having a guardian angel watching our backs. Here's hoping that you know you are missed, that your family finds a comfort to fill in the hole of loss and that you are at peace in a better place.
Anon. B/S
Chesterfield PD
April 19, 2006
Hey Ryan, just thinking about things tonight and it lead to reading your reflections. We are still duking it out knowing that you have our backs when we need you. We all miss you, and you will never be forgotten. Rest easy, and keep an eye on us brother !!
Patrol Officer B.M. Rhodenizer
Chesterfield County P.D.
February 19, 2006
When I saw last at the Rock I knew your spirits were still there....
I thought of your beautiful family and beautiful wife and I realized how much you loved her. It was then that I wanted to put a rose there for her at the prencint. Your love and spirits are missed. Driving soon over and out... Love you too much brother!
Two tears fall...Hero's never die!!!...
An Officer's Love
DMV
January 21, 2006
RYAN THIS IS YOUR 3RD CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN AS DOUG. I KNOW YOUR FAMILY MISSES YOU LIKE WE MISS DOUG BUT YOU ARE IN A BETTER PLACE , WATCH OVER YOUR FELLOW MEN AND FAMILY. GOD BLESS YOU MERRY CHRISTMAS MARILYN WENDEL MOTHER OF DOUG WENDEL EOW JULY 30 03
MOTHER OF RICHMOND POLICE OFFICER DOUG W
December 24, 2005
We never met, but I feel like I know you. I can tell by talking to your friends and family how great you are by hearing the love in their voices. Please help me look after Rachel, especially in the upcoming months while I'm deployed. I promise I will love and honor her the way that you would want and the way she truly deserves. You are missed by many, but forgotten by none. Love, Wayland
Sgt Wayland Hudgins
USMC
December 19, 2005
Thinking of you tonight. God bless.
Patrol Officer
Chesterfield Police Dept.
October 10, 2005
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