Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Drew,
It has taken me so long to get the courage to put a reflection on here. I still don't know what to say. I remember the day I got the news. I saw your name on The Citadel website. I must have refreshed the page 50 times, I just couldn't believe it. I just sat there not knowing what to say or what to do. I felt so sick, I remember laying down and Keith McCarty calling me with the news soon there after. We met through SCSL in college, where somehow we became friends despite the fact you were a junior and I was a lowly knob. The next year you taught me how to write a bill. That same year we presented a bill together in the South Carolina State House and had it passed unanimously. You also kiddingly told me to stop slacking off and join the Criminal Justice Society. "Another thing to put on the resume," I believe you said, a decision I definitely wish I could have back. You gave me hell when I told you I had no intentions of trying out for the Summerall Guards, telling me if I didn't try out that I couldn't say I had experienced The Citadel, so I did. You told me about the Police Corps program and that I should look in Massachusetts to see if they had it there. I did and it has led me to where I am now. Drew your guidance, influence and friendship have undoubtedly led me to where I am today. I think of you every time I put my uniform on. I never got my chance to say thank-you but I hope you know how forever grateful I will always be! On your wedding day I was unable to attend because the "head shed" at The Citadel saw it more important that I stand guard in second battalion, your old barracks, nonetheless. It saddens me to no end that you will be unable to attend my wedding someday, but please know that there will be an invitation with your name on it and a seat saved for you. I have seen your name on the Police Officer Memorial in DC numerous times. Every time I visit I can't help but cry, but at the same time I am reminded of great memories of you. You are a friend who I will NEVER forget!
Drew, you will be missed and loved always. I want to finally say THANK YOU, for your guidance and most of all your friendship.

Rest in Peace Brother.
I love you buddy!

Keith Cotter
U.S. Secret Service- Uniformed Division

October 13, 2004

Happy 3rd wedding anniversary on Sept. 1!

September 1, 2004

Drew, there are many, many people who are thankful that you were born on August 30 and countlesss of us who are better because of your life and the Godly example you lived.

Donna Copeland

August 31, 2004

Happy Birthday to Drew!

Bryce Mazur

August 30, 2004

Drew- It still baffles me why God chose to take you away from Bryce, your family and friends, and this world. I feel so honored to have been there when the Holy Spirit brought you and Bryce together... and even more amazing to see how He changed your heart and affected so many other of your brothers at the Citadel. And it is then that I realize that through your death, many others are learning of Christ's love and light is being shed on your humble, hardworking, sincere and wonderful attitude. God and his children are taking care of Bryce, and we can't wait to see you again.

Lydia Noland

August 21, 2004

Drew,

In Valor there is Hope!! Drew we miss you, but I know you would not want us to slow down. August has proven to be a painful month for me. August 13, 1999, I was present when Marcus was called home and I wish I could have been there for you last year. I know I could not chang anything but I regret not being able to be there for my former comrades during their time of need. The Broward County Sheriff's Office in Florida had a deputy killed in the line of duty this morning and it brings back painful grieving August memories. Every time I shoot on the range, PT, or training I think of you and it pushes me harder. It reminds me of the inscription I shined in the 3rd battalion sally port during my days as a Knob at El Cid, "Duty is the sublimest word in the English language." Robert E. Lee

Bryce,

I have not forgotten what you told me at Drews funeral. I have not forgotten his dream and I push myself toward that goal daily. I also read your courageous and brave words you left on this site to my sunday school class last week and played the Nicole Nordeman song after explaining your story. You are always in our prays. God bless you. I have this verse engraved in my El Cid ring. 2 Tim 1:7 which helps me from time to time.

Kilo Company Class of 1992
FBI Miami

FBI

August 19, 2004

Drew
Not a day passes without thoughts of you and Bryce and the tradgedy of loosing you. As I button my uniform each shift I think of that day and I wonder "what went wrong"?. Prior to that day...that awful day, In my mind nothing really bad could ever happen to any of us. One year later I still have no answers and likely never will.The one thing that I do know is that you are missed and many heavy hearts carry your memory every day.
I knew you well enough to know that all of the attention, kind words, and praise given to you since your death would have made you blush and smile that adorable half smile in life, however you are worthy of every word of praise and every tear.
May God bless your humble,eagar,and kind soul and may those of us left behind continue to keep you.
God bless Bryce and her sweet parents and all of Delta Platoon past and present.

August 18, 2004

DREW IT HAS BEEN ONE YEAR TODAY THAT YOU WERE TAKEN AWAY FROM ALL OF US AT THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE. WE HAD A MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR YOU ON THE RADIO AT 5 PM TODAY. THEN WE HAD A MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR YOU IN THE LOBBY OF THE LEC WHERE THEY REVEALED A CLASS-A UNIFORM SHIRT WITH YOUR NAME PLATE ON IT AND A PHOTO OF YOU , TO BE HUNG UP NEXT TO THE OTHER BRAVE SOULS THAT HAVE BEEN TAKEN FROM US OVER THE YEARS. DREW IT STILL SEEMS LIKE IT WAS YESTERDAY WHEN THIS ALL TOOK PLACE. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WORRY THERE IS NOT A DAY THAT GOES BY THAT YOU CAN'T HEAR YOUR NAME MENTIONED SOMEWHERE IN THE BUILDING.GOD REST AND WATCH OVER THE REST OF US UNTIL WE CAN JOIN YOU IN HEAVEN ....

DEPUTY A.S. RUSSELL
GREENVILLE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

August 17, 2004

I WAS SERVING FOR A MUNICIPAL AGENCY WHEN I MET DREW. I USED TO SEE HIM EVERY TIME I WAS AT DETENTION BOOKING ONE IN, AND THOUGHT TO MYSELF, "NOW THIS GUY IS A GO GETTER,HE MUST MAKE MORE CASES THAN ANYONE". DREW YOU WERE ALWAYS FRIENDLY TO ME, AND REPRESENTED THE GCSO IN THE MOST PROFESSIONAL WAY.DREW IM NOW A NEW MEMBER TO DELTA PLATOON AND IM PROUD OF IT EVEN MORE BECAUSE I HAD THE CHANCE TO MEET YOU!
REST IN PEACE.

DEP. J.A. THOMAS
GREENVILLE COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

Dep. Thomas
GCSO

August 16, 2004

Drew was on the Sheriff's Office Dive Team with my husband, and had spoken with him about his faith in God. I know that he is missed terribly by his fellow deputies, former classmates and family.
I strongly believe that there is a special place in Heaven for those who wear a badge and risk their lives everyday to protect others.
"Blessed are the peacemakers."

R. D. Harris
Greenville, SC

August 15, 2004

Thinking of you and your family, remembering you and all LEO's in our prayers as the one year date approaches of your death. Rest peacefully in heaven. I saw it written somewhere else on this site - what a great department God must have in heaven. Thank you for your service, God bless you and your family.

Michigan Resident

August 13, 2004

There's not been a day pass by in the last year that I have not thought of you and your inspirational wife, Bryce. May we all learn something from this tragedy -- love more because only God knows what tomorrow brings. I'm glad God blessed me and my family with the chance to know you, if only for a short time. We'll never forget. Never.

August 12, 2004

Almost one year-- I can't believe it. You will forever remain in my fondest memories.

August 10, 2004

There is not a day that passes by that you are not in my thoughts. All of the fond Memmories of our past together at El Cid keep popping in my head. I recall the day we met Bryce at the Oyster Roast our sophomore year and the excitement as well as your nervous reaction when you told me of the beautiful woman whom you had just encountered. I recall all of our fun filled trips to Spartanburg and the laughs we shared at Converse's Peppermint Balls. I will never forget the honour I felt when you asked me to be a part of your wedding nor will I ever forget the "I Do's" so affectionately shared during your ceremony.

I remember when Christ entered your heart and the journey you took so strangers could become a part of your family in His name.

Tears and a smile fill my eyes as I attempt to write to you my brother. You will and have always had a special place in my heart. I love you and miss you profoundly.

I want you to know that I as well as the rest of your brothers of the class of '01 will always be there for Bryce.

Until We See Each Other Again.

Jon

Jonathan Peavey
Golf '01

July 20, 2004

You never dreamed how many people would miss you. Your life was an example of Christian humility that is rare. The way you treated others and the manner in which you lived your life will always be a source of inspiration to me and to countless others. Thank you for your sacrifice and we thank God that you belong to Him. We who belong to Christ will al be reunited some glorious day!

July 15, 2004

In loving memory of Deputy Mazur:
It is so sad to come to this site and see all the officers down. According to these reflections, you knew Jesus personally and that blesses me greatly as I know I will meet you face to face one day and be able to thank you for your sacrifice. There is none greater than Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We don't get to Heaven based on what we do, but because He paid the sacrifice for our sins on the cross. AMEN! Thank you for your fine example to those that worked with you and knew you. There is now a huge void that cannot be filled, but as you are remembered, thoughts will turn to your exemplary life and we will be filled with pride and respect
and love for the man you became. You were a wonderful testimony to
the Lord you served. God be with all those who mourn and may His
promises lift all those with heavy hearts for many years to come. I wish I could erase your sadness.
With love from one coast of America
to the other,

Lynn Kole
Washington State

July 3, 2004

How everyone misses you! Everyday there seems to be a sharp new reminder that you're gone. And everyday I pray for the strength to get through the day -- it's too hard to think about not having you for more than one day at a time. God is faithful and gives me the grace I need to keep on, but it still isn't easy!

June 27, 2004

It is truly inspirational to see and 'hear' the Spirit-at-work in Drew's beloved wife as she continues to administer the Holy rites of passage for him, Dei gratia.
Kay Copeland

Kay Copeland

June 2, 2004

Drew, I miss you baby. A lot of things have been going through my head lately with the death of a retired officer from the Prosecutor's Office. He lost his battle with cancer. All of the relfections associated with this gentleman brought me back to the day that I learned of this awful incident.

I remember my phone ringing off the hook, and me sleeping through it. Finally when I got out of bed, I saw that all of the missed calls were from our classmates at The Citadel.

Immediately, I thought something happened to one of the guys in the Gulf. When I finally got through to someone, it was Thomas Estes. I remeber him telling me what had happened, and I couldn't believe it. Never in a million years would I have believed that one of my former roommates had been killed. How could this happen? You were part of the out-of-state club in Golf Company, and we were supposed to always come back to reunions and hang-out and talk about the in-staters. I remember calling my mom, and that is when I broke.

I think it was the fact that my mother, whose heart is immensly greater than mine, began to cry that I realized that I no longer had to be tough. I had lost one of my bestfriends. It was okay to cry. I don't remember hanging up the telephone, nor do I remember calling everyone else and talking with them. It is amazing what bonds a place like The Citadel can make. I felt that day like I had lost my own brother. It was a horrible feeling. A feeling that ulitmately led me to sickness. I know that my own feelings were in no way matched by those your wife and family were feeling, but to me and all of the other men of Golf Company, you were part of our family.

I will miss you forever. You won't be there for a lot of important events in my life that I had hoped you would be. I am getting married on July 17, 2004. I will save a place for you. I love you.

Ryan McCarty
Citadel '01- Golf Co.

May 24, 2004

Thank you very much to all of you who have poured out your hearts on this site. Your words of encouragement and faithful prayers mean more to me than you can know. I am so encouraged to see good memories of Drew left on odmp so we can all continue to reflect fondly on how Drew touched all our lives.

I know Drew also wants us to always remember that Christ is our only hope in life and trusting in Him for our comfort and salvation will give us a peace that passes any of our understanding. God is faithful and loves and takes care of His children even when we may not "feel" His presence... And we can all rest in the knowledge that Drew is celebrating with the Lord right now and is cheering on those who are continuing to fight the good fight.

For those of you who knew Drew personally, remember his wonderful countenance and his awesome smile. Remember what he lived for - to give glory to God and to help make America a safer place for all of us to live.

For those of you who didn't know Drew personally, read these reflections and know that he was a once-in-a-lifetime guy who gave all of himself to God, his family and his community.

Celebrate Drew's life and the manner in which he lived it. And continue to keep him in the minds and hearts of all around you so we don't forget the amazing sacrifice he made for all of us.

I'll always remember Drew as a wonderful husband the best friend I've ever had --- and it comforts me to know that many others will remember him as fondly as I do.

Below are the words to a song that Drew loved. About three weeks before he was killed, Drew and I were in the car and this song came on the radio. He started talking about the truth of this song and how he would always want to be remembered by how he lived his life for Christ. What a wonderful conversation that is for me to look back on! Let this all be a challenge for us to live our lives for the Lord.
--------

"Legacy" by Nicole Nordeman

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You can take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all the Who's Who's and So-and-So's
That used to be the best at such and such
It wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an "Atta boy" or "Atta girl"
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to you enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your Name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon
enough destroy

Not weel-traveled, not well-read
Not well-to-do, or well-bred
Just want to hear instead
"Well done, my good and faithful one"

Bryce Mazur, Wife of Deputy Andrew Mazur

May 18, 2004

My family sat in front of yours at the Memorial in D.C. where you were honored with a National Medal of Honor. You deserved the award and so much more. May you watch over them and help them survive without you.
To the Mazur family,
you will always be in my family's prayers. May God bless you and protect you.

sister of Officer Richard Lawn, Jr. -Lower Gwynedd, PA Police Officer- EOW 7/28/03

Erin Lawn

May 17, 2004

I just completed a 250 mile bike ride from Virginia Beach VA to Washington DC as a member of the 2004 Police Unity Bike Tour. I was selected to ride in memory of Deputy Mazur and wore a bracelet in his honor which I will be forwarding to Andrew's family. I am honored to have had the opportunity to learn more about Andrew and I will keep his family in my prayers.

Sgt. Todd C. Lewis
Bloomington PD,Minesota

May 17, 2004

I met Drew for the first time as his neighbor in Thornblade Park. He was across from our building, at the wash bay, detailing his cruiser. I approached, identifying myself as a county medic, and was met with a bright smile and brighter eyes. He seemed to me to be filled with pride, as a calvaryman would be caring for his mount. I was struck by his energy, his tireless smile that conveyed to me that he was where he'd always wanted to be.
Drew's presence on the grade, as well as the countless others that patrol daily, give us in emergency care an assurance of safety as we ourselves serve. Thanks to all.

Paramedic Buddy Davis, C39
Greenville County EMS

April 30, 2004

To the family of Andrew Mazur, I sorry for your lost I known Andrew briefly when I was with the sheriffs office. he was a good man. And to the Greenville Sheriffs office for your lost of Andrew D-38, and Sheriff Sam Simmons. May they Rest in Peace.

Federal Police Officer Phillip M.Reid
V A Police

February 23, 2004

May you rest in peace.
God bless.

February 10, 2004