Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Terry Bennett, I never knew you, nor had I ever met you, but my father worked with you as a fellow motor officer. My father had mentioned you name several times at the dinner table, and, unfortunately, I never had a face to put with the name until that fateful day. Seeing how many lives you touched on this site brought tears to my eyes. Tears of sadness at the loss of such a great officer, but also tears of joy to see that so many people, many of whom didn't even know you, extended their gratitude and love. I wish I had been able to meet you and personally thank you for your everyday sacrifice. I do wish to offer my condolences to your family, and I pray for you tonight, that you are laughing with God, and smiling on us right now.

Bryan Hendrix, San Diego citizen

October 21, 2004

"One thing I know: the only ones among you who will be truly happy are those who have sought and found a way to serve." Albert Schweitzer
God bless Officer Terry Bennett for his service, and may He bless Officer Bennett's family. May the memories you have of your officer in good times help to ease the pain you're feeling now.
Rest easy, Brother; you are not forgotten.

Sgt. Barbara L. Beland
Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept. Bloomington, IN USA

June 26, 2004

Our agencies are 2750 miles apart, but not on May 09th Terry. On May 9th I'll begin bicycling from Virginia Beach to the site of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. On my right wrist I will be wearing a bracelet bearing the name of my fallen colleague, Virginia Beach Police Officer Rod Pocceschi, EOW 06/23/2003. On my left wrist I will wear a bracelet bearing your name. When you were killed, our agency was still in shock and disbelief. Still grieving, still mourning the loss. It's so difficult to comprehend that an agency, somewhere in this Nation, expereinces that kind of pain, every 53 hours.

On May 9th, the Police Unity Tour will make 2,750 miles...just an arms length apart. When I reach Washington, DC I will return my right bracelet to Gina Pocceschi Boyle, Rod's sister and I will offer my left bracelet, bearing your name, to your family.

You are a hero Terry, in every measure of the word...and Heroes Live Forever. We will never forget your service and sacrifice.

Sergeant W. S. Humphrey
Virginia Beach Police Department

May 1, 2004

I never met you Terry, but I am a friend of your friends.

A wide swath of greif and anger was cast over San Diego the day we lost you.

Rest in peace, and thank you.

San Diego Citizen

February 28, 2004

Thank you Officer Bennett for keeping us safe from bad. God bless you.

Renny Kassel
California Citizen

January 26, 2004

"For motormen are a special breed, they love to ride the wind.. And when you hear the thunder boom, the fallen one rides again...... "

Rest in Peace!

Sr. Cpl. E Hagan
Dallas, TX PD

January 5, 2004

It sounds like thunder far away, but the skies are blue and bright..And soon they crest the hill nearby, and ride into our sight. They shake the ground with powerful sound, and they make some hearts beat fast.. They look so proud and noble, like knights come from the past.
Side by side, they always ride, and seem to move as one.. From early in the morning light, to the setting of the sun. And children point and wave to them, from cars that pass them by.. And young ones ask their parents, why the men have mirrors for eyes.
They ride the roads, and fight for good, and defend small ones like you.. They ask to ride, and do with pride, and sometimes they are few. Like men of steel, on silver wings, they sparkle in the light.. then with a roar and rumble, they ride out of our sight.
Sometimes when one has fallen, never to ride again.. You can hear the others calling, like thunder on the wind. Side by side they slowly ride, and their thunder is a mournful sound.. And the mirrors hide their eyes from us, when teardrops fall to ground.
So if you see one riding, and you look into his face.. You see your reflection in his eyes, you know that you are safe. For motormen are a special breed, they love to ride the wind.. And when you hear the thunder boom, the fallen one rides again.

Terry till we ride again!

Off B.P. Engelhardt
El Cajon Police Dept.

I opened the pages of a magazine tonight and I saw your sweet face... I didn't know you Officer Bennett, yet somehow I feel a connection to you that I can't explain. I've been with my department for 15 years and never had to experience this kind of loss until Officer Tony Zeppetella was brutally murdered... Tony was a friend and I miss him terribly... Because Tony loved our Lord so much I have been able to turn to Him for comfort even when I feel such anger toward Him... I hope your family can do the same and know that you are a hero loved by many, forgotten by none... God Bless our blue angels...

Field Evidence Technician
Oceanside Police Department

Rest in peace brother, God bless you and your family.

Police Officer
Oceanside Police Department

REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER. YOU ARE MY HERO AND A TRUE WARRIOR. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR VALUED AND DEDICATED SERVICE. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. WALK THE SAFE STREETS OF HEAVEN NOW, WE HAVE THE WATCH. R.F.P. EOW 06-23-03

Officer P. Graziano
Virginia Beach Police Dept.

My condolences and prayers to the family of Officer Bennett and the San Diego Police Dept. This has to be a difficult time for law enforcement in San Diego County as the number of LODD's continue to rise. Terry you will not be forgotten and know that the brotherhood will continue your good work. Rest in peace.

Captain
Santa Barbara SO

A cowerdly act has taken yet another life of an outstanding brother. Evil and hate strikes again, but will not overcome! Knowing Terry even as breifely as I did, I could see the love and compassion he had for others. I would trade places and put myself where Terry was that tragic day as I know many other officers in San Diego would.

I take comfort in believeing Terry is St. Michael's right hand man looking over all of us as we go out and do the job we do everyday. We lost an outstanding officer, but gained an awesome blue angel.

God Bless the Bennett Family, San Diego PD, and all of the men and women who also risk their life daily!

Officer Robert Wheeler
Murrieta PD

To the wife and family:

I know your pain all to well. I am so heart-broken for my own loss and now grieve for you. I still feel as if this is a bad dream, that I will awake and everything will be normal.

Our husband's deaths were not in vain...they were doing what they loved and protected our communities like very few can.

I believe that God will not give us more than we can handle. Many times I have been comforted by the saying, "If He brings you to it, He'll bring you through it." The road of healing may be long, but pull close to God and He will hold you and give you His peace....a "peace that passes all understanding".

My heart goes out to you and your sons. I will continue to pray for you.

Jamie Zeppetella
wife of Officer Tony Zeppetella, EOW 6-13-03

We are truly saddened at Terry's loss.
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We all recall you gave your best.
You did your job, now you can rest.
Your comrades now can cover your post
as you take your place with the Heavenly Host.

God Bless Our Fallen Brothers & Sisters.
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Our prayers will be with you, your family, and co-workers!

Ptlm. P.K. Harding
Binghamton (NY) PD

Yours was the third line of duty funeral I've attended since becoming a SanDiego cop. One is too many. My heart goes out to the Bennett family, especially the boys. Dad is a hero. Nuff said.

Police Officer
San Diego PD

I am thankful for the sacrifice you have made, and honored to be one of your brothers. Don't worry about your family, because there are many, many more of us left here to protect them and defend your memory!

God bless you Terry

Patrol Officer
Pinellas Park PD, FL

We lost a hero today. Rest in peace brother. We will continue the fight.

FOR ALL THE HEROS ON THESE PAGES PLEASE LIGHT ONE BLUE LIGHT IN A WINDOW OF YOUR HOUSE IN REMBERANCE OF THESE OFFICERS.

RJF
CPD, NY

I am saddened to hear of such a terrible event, the murder of such a fine, veteran officer. We all share in the loss because we are all family of the badge. I pray for his family, friends and colleagues.

THis shows that automobiles are deadly for officers. He now motors a beat in Heaven with St. Michael. God Bless and be safe out there.

Chief JA Millan

Chief JA Millan
NC Public Schools, Avery Dist SP

To the family of Officer Bennett, May God bless you and keep you strong during these most difficult days. Brother, you will not be forgotten.

Special Agent
FBI New York

I saw the Heavens open up.
The Earth shook with Fear.
For Evil, knew of God's Army.
They were Heroes, men on steel horses.

Cpl. James J. Crawford
Lower Providence Twp Police Motor Unit , Montg. Co. PA.

My heart goes out to The Bennett Family and the members of the San Diego Police Department. Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Officer Bennett, it is clear that the Community has lost a true hero in this tragedy. God Bless and God speed. You will never be forgotten.

Senior Patrol Agent
United States Border Patrol

Wishes to the family and friends of this officer. One's only hope is that he may be able to do us more good from up there. I am so sorry for your loss.

Melanie King
Fresno, CA

God bless you brother for you've done your job. My god bless Terry's family friends and partners.

Officer Mike Mulroy
Oceanside Police

My prayers and deepest condolences are with your Department, and especially
with the friends and family of your fallen hero.
Stay strong, stay focused, and know that Officer Bennett
will never be forgotten.
Mike Bradford; Tallahassee Police Dept., Ret.

Invest. Mike Bradford-Ret
Tallahassee Police Dept

Rest in peace brother.