Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

For Whom the Bell Tolls
John Donne

No man is an island, entire of itself;
every man is a piece of the continent,
a part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less,
as well as if a promontory were,
as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were:
Any man's death diminishes me,
because I am involved in mankind,
and therefore
never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
it tolls for thee.

Officer Pocceshci,
I am sorry that I never had the privelege of meeting you, for it would have been an honor. Your selfless sacrifice to keep your city and its citizens safe can not be taken for granted. My heartfelt thanks to your for making the ultimate sacrifice for all in a profession that can never be compensated for all that you do.

Thank you for being the best, for giving your best, when your life was ended far too soon.

May our loving Eternal Father grant you you the peace that you sought so hard to keep for for others, and the comfort to you that surpasses all understanding. Peace and mercy to your grieving widow and young son, let our loving God wrap and keep them in his loving arms. Rest easy in God's mercy,
Officer, you are gone but not forgetten.

Kelly Van Arsdel
Navy Veteran

My thoughts and prayers go to Officer Pocceshi's wife and young son. Being the wife of a police officer is a tough job and I feel for his wife and yound son in there time of sorrow.

You are in my thoughts and prayers

Shannon Justus
Wife of Frank Justus, Franklin VA Police Dept

To the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Pocceschi..accept my deepest condolences..may God help all of you thru this difficult time..another Hero gone to soon..

Jr. Johnson - Brother
SCHP Trooper Corporal Jeff Johnson EOW 7/702

Jr Johnson

I am so sorry for the loss that Officer Pocceschi's family is forced to endure. God bless his wife, Mary and their 9 month old son, Carson. May God be with you so that you may find the strength to carry on.

Kelley

Officer Rodney F. Pocceschi, worked nights at my company, He and others works there to make sure that we were all safe while entering or leaving or just takeing a break outside. It was a pleasure to seem him, He like to joke around and talk about his wife and child he always had a smile on his face. Monday was a very sad day for all of us. We could not believe that we would not see him again. We are thankfull that we got to know Officer Pocceschi.
Our condolances go out to Officer Rodney F. Pocceschi family, wife and child and to the men and women of the Virginia Beach Police Dept.
We thank you for protecting us, You will always be in our hearts and prayers.

Employee from Tidewater Finance Company
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Anonymous

I am so sorry for the lost of a wonderful life. I live near the area of the fallen officer and everyday I pass this area, I will remember the lost of a life but also I will remember the wonderful impact he had on so many lives. As I watch the TV and view all that he had touch, I know God put him in this world to do good and he met that objective. God now needs him in heaven to touch a few more lives in a different way. May his family find comfort in their memories. As a daughter who lost a father at a young age, please remember to talk of him often and have ready a photo album or something, that at any given time, you can pull this at and show him.
In my thoughts and prayers,
Tracey Wernikowski and Family

"A POLICE OFFICERS WIFE"
A policeman's wife I have chosen to be
A man of law and order stands side by side with me
each day when he leaves our home, I say a silent prayer
and I tell him that I love him and to take special care
His duty is to the public, to protect and to serve
to enforce the laws and never from his duty to swerve
Danger is always present, each time he leaves our home
The prayers I say, help to protect him
Wherever he must roam.

To the wife, family and colleagues of Officer Pocceschi, My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope your able to find some comfort in all the heartfelt words that come from the many people whom have visited this web site and share in your grief.
Thank you officer Pocceschi for giving the ultimate sacrifice!
And to the many police officers across our nation and the world thank you for carrying on, in his name and all of the other fallen officers who have done the same. You all are truly angels in disguise.

Bonnie
Wife of Police Officer

Please remember the fallen officers we have lost. Remember the men and women who died trying to make this world a safer and better place for us all to live in. Thank you Officer Pocceschi for a job well done. Please continue to watch over us and protect us as only you can. You will forever be at our side and in our hearts.

For those of you who still have loved ones with us please take the time to tell them how much you appreciate and care about them.

IF I KNEW

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

Anonymous

Officer Rodney F. Pocceschi , I may not be a sworn officer who knew you personally, but I am a civilian who is a part of the department. When I woke up at 5am Monday morning to get ready for a early morning ride along in the 1st PCT , I turned on the t.v. and heard the traggic news (the reporter said a beach officer was down) and the only think I could think is I hope and prey that he is alright...later that morning when I arrived at the 1st I heard the traggic news that you could not overcome your wounds and did not survive. You are now in the arms of an angel.
I hope and prey for your wife and son.
God Bless all that you have done.

Anonymous

My deepest condolences to officer Pocceschi's family. I crossed Rodney's path only briefly when we worked together on a film shoot in Suffolk. His great sense of humor and love for life made a lasting impression on me and many, many others. Rodney is a hero who gave his life protecting his community and country.

Jim Edwards

Jim Edwards
Local Musician/Actor

Rod,

We will miss you very much. You were a good husband, father, officer and friend. Knowing you for the past 4 years has made me a better person. I know that you are in heaven now and you will see your wife and child again. I know it is hard to make sense of things like this, but I pray that GOD can make some sense of it to your family, brothers and sisters and friends. You will not be forgotten. Me and my family thank you for your dedication and service. May GOD be with you and family. We Love You.

Scott, Kim, Kayela and Reagan Gray

Master Police Officer S.C. Gray
Virginia Beach Police Department

My thoughts and prayers are with Officer Pocceschi's wife, son, family, friends and co-workers. Another senseless death. We are all family in law enforcement and will remember you daily in our prayers. Psalm 55:22

Denise Nichols - surviving spouse
Alabama State Trooper Brian Nichols EOW 2/17/2002

We are deeply saddened at the loss of such a courageous officer. You have given the greatest sacrifice an officer can give. Your heroism will not be forgotten. There is a special place in heaven that is reserved for true heroes, such as yourself. Rest in peace brother.

Dear wife, we grieve with you. Bless your soul and may you stay strong through this time of suffering. You will carry his spirit in your heart always. Though we can only imagine how you feel, our hearts are with you.

Dear sweet baby son, your Daddy will live on through you. You will have many people to help you keep his memory alive.

Va Beach PD, we offer our condolences on the loss of a fine officer.

Off. G.L. Reed and Wife
Little Creek Base PD

my condolences to the POCCESCHI family and the VBPD.we have lost another guardian of the night.having worked the late shift in the past,i know it was nice to see an officer come into our store to make sure we were all right.it gave me and my co-workers a good feeling to know that the VBPD.cared for our well being.i have gotten to know a lot of your fellow officers through my years with 7-11. we know you will always be looking down on us.GOD BLESS AND REST IN PEACE.DAN EDWARDSON 7-11 STORE 29213

First I would like to say to the family of the fallen officer My thoughts and Prayers are with each and every one of you.
Although i personally did not know the officer i still feel a sense of loss . It is very seldom that we as citizens of this world take the time out to show our appreciation to those brave and courageous men and woman whogive their lives to protect ours. To make us feel a little safer as we travel the dangerous streets in our communities. So as I reflect on some of the kind words that I have read from those who knew him well I feel but respect and admiration for this special individual who left behind a great Legacy for his young son to hear about one day. And as he hear all the wonderful tales about his father may he smile from ear to ear and feeling great Pride to have had a father as great and Honorable as Officer Rodney Pocceschi. Thank You God for such a special man, friend, officer God Bless You Officer Pocceschi for a job well done

Anonymous

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOUR SACRIFICE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. MAY GOD BLESS YOUR YOUNG FAMILY.

POLICE OFFICER
NYPD

As life long member of the law enforcement community im always sadden to hear the lost of yet another brother in blue. Nothing can make it easier for the family to overcome this loss of such a gift from god. However we in law enforcement community are grieving with you. I leave this poem in menory of Officer Pocceschi. The poem is one we use to honor fallen heros


Lord, you have called us to be guardians
of a nation founded on your principles.
Whatever our tasks as Security Police men and women,
we do them to serve you and our nation.
We are proud to accept the responsibility of this high calling.
We dedicated ourselves to our vocation,
and ask for guidance and courage
in aiding our people to live with dignity, in safety and peace.
We know that true security comes from your presence,
so we pray with the psalmist:
You bless those who obey you, Lord;
Your love protects them like a shield.
Use us, O Lord, as a shield for your people,
reflecting your security and peace.

SRA Jason Slaughter Badge #38942
United States Air force security police

SRA Jason Slaughter
United States Air Force Security Police

My deepest sympathy is with the Pocceschi family. May god be
with you all. You are in everyone's thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely;
Andrea

My heart goes out to the family, friends, and fellow officers of Officer Pocceschi. This has been a tragic event in the community of Virginia Beach. I thank each and every officer out there day and night for keeping us safe. May God bless Officer Pocceschi and his family.

Barb A., citizen
Virginia Beach, VA

My paryers go out to Police Officer Rodney F. Pocceschi 's wife and small 9 month old son , and his fellow officers and friends .....
I do so wish there were words that could take this pain away for even a day for you all but I know there isnt .....
May God be with you all now and through the days that follow in your grief and pain and later even having to re-live all this in court.......
I for one know how that is......I too lost a family member to a sensless shooting and myself and family live with it everyday...
We have all learned to deal with it alot better now but it never goes away......
I do know this Police Officer Rodney F. Pocceschi has more than earned his wings he is now an Angel .......
I didnt know him but I feel better to know he will be riding on ym shoulders protecting me and everyone else as a Guardian Angel as I am sure he will do as good a job in heaven as he did on earth.......May God speed your healing in days to come....
Linda Sahnow-Everett

Linda Everett (civilian)

Thank you so much for giving me the pleasure of knowing you. I am so very proud of you. You will be safe from now on. May God bless you and your family giving them the strength they need to go on.

Ann DeLucca
West Pittston, PA.

Ann DeLucca
Pittston, PA.

Dear God:
Please bless and comfort the family of Officer Rodney F. Pocceschi and the Virginia Beach Police Dept.
Please protect our brave Warriors everywhere as they protect us.
Amen

Anonymous

Another senseless tragedy that leaves our hearts heavy and our lives
burdened for such a cruel act on an innocent victim standing in harm's
way. I come to this site often and what is more of a burden to me than
the officers down is the messages I read that assume that becuz a
person is a police officer or a good person, he has earned himself a
place in Heaven. The Bible never teaches this. What it does teach is
that Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sin by His shed blood and it
is only thru our faith in Him that we are guaranteed a place in Heaven.
So, to be with God and our Savior Jesus Christ in Heaven, one only
needs to make a reservation. Prayer of salvation, if you do not have
Jesus in your life pray this prayer and believe...."whosoever shall call
upon the name of the Lord shall be saved"(Romans 10:13)

Dear God,I know that Jesus was Your son,and He died on the cross and
was raised from the dead. I know I have sinned and need forgiveness. I
am willing to turn away from my sins and receive Jesus as my Savior
and Lord. Thank you for saving me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
No one knows when they will die so it's a good idea to have this
assurance policy in the event of an untimely death like Officer Pocceschi.
My heart grieves for his tremendous sacrifice, for his wife and little baby,
for his family and for his law enforcement family. There are no words to
express my deep sorrow, but I know the God of the universe sees all
and knows all and can comfort you in your time of need if you will just
turn towards Him. God bless each and every one of you who grieves
and aches and doesn't know what to do with the pain. Our hearts go out
to all of you. My condolences from one coast of America to the other.

Lynn Kole
Washington State

BUFFALO, NEW YORK

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE OFFICERS
WISH TO SEND OUR CONDOLENCES OUR THOUGHTS AND
PRAYERS ARE WITH OFFICER POCCESCHI, HIS FAMILY
AND CO-WORKERS.

GOD BLESS...

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE

I have visited Virginia Beach several times and had a great time. I want to express my sympathies to the Pocceschi Family and VBPD. Rodney may be gone but will NEVER be forgotten!!!!

Officer Bill Clock
Ann Arbor MI Police