Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To the Richard Meyer Family,

I am sorry for your loss. I remember receiving the teletype when Richard's accident occurred. I said a silent prayer for him and his family and the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department.
Just know that you're not alone in this tragic time. Our prayers are with you all.

Anonymous

December 13, 2003

I hope that Rick's son knows that "daddy" was a hero in blue, and will always be watching over him no matter what he chooses to do..
We know your wings will help you glide on down to Earth and protect your son, wife and fellow brothers and sisters in blue.
RIP Rick We All Love You And You Are Missed Very Much,
Thanks For Serving And Keeping Us Safe.

Anonymous

December 10, 2003

We are truly saddened at Rick's loss.
--------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------
Our prayers will be with you, your family, and co-workers!

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

December 4, 2003

I would like to extend my sincere condolances to the family of Deputy Meyer. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Lt Jim Wohlt
Vernon, Ca. Police Department

December 2, 2003

MANY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO THE LOVED ONES OF DEPUTY SHERIFF MEYER. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

DEPUTY SHERIFF
WASHBURN COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT, WI

November 29, 2003

BUFFALO, NEW YORK

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

GOD BLESS...

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE

November 28, 2003

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow officers of Deputy Meyer.

While I did not have the privilege to have known him, I am certain that he has earned his seat in heaven. Rest in Peace my friend, those of us who remain will cover your post on the thin, blue line.

Anonymous

November 27, 2003

Rest in peace, brother.
Watch us from heaven.
God speed.

Master Corporal Jeff Jones
Cape Coral Police Department, Fl.

November 21, 2003

You protected us down here...now protect us from up above... We will never forget....my thoughts and prayer are with you and your family.

Deputy Mike Duven
Outagamie County, WI

November 19, 2003

So sorry to hear of a loss of someone so young.My thoughts and prayers are with the family of officer Meyer. Rest in peace blue angel.

T Goss
Shadco

November 19, 2003

We are blessed to be a friend of,
Honored to be associated with,
And better to have worked along side of Rick.
You will be missed,
But never forgotten.

Deputy Ken Daniels
Winnebago County Sheriff's Office

November 19, 2003

I Wish You Could Know
>
> I wish you could know what it is like to search a burning bedroom for
> trapped children at 3 AM, flames rolling above your head, your palms and
> knees burning as you crawl, the floor sagging under your weight as the
> kitchen below you burns.
>
> I wish you could comprehend a wife's horror at 6 in the morning as I
> check her husband of 40 years for a pulse and find none. I start CPR
> anyway, hoping to bring him back, knowing intuitively it is too late.
> But wanting his wife and family to know everything possible was done to
> try to save his life.
>
> I wish you knew the unique smell of burning insulation, the taste of
> soot-filled mucus, the feeling of intense heat through your turnout
> gear, the sound of flames crackling, the eeriness of being able to see
> absolutely nothing in dense smoke--sensations that I've become too
> familiar with.
>
> I wish you could read my mind as I respond to a building fire "Is this
> false alarm or a working fire? How is the building constructed? What
> hazards await me? Is anyone trapped?" Or to call, "What is wrong with
> the patient? Is it minor or life-threatening? Is the caller really in
> distress or is he waiting for us with a 2x4 or a gun?"
>
> I wish you could be in the emergency room as a doctor pronounces dead
> the beautiful five-year old girl that I have been trying to save during
> the past 25 minutes. Who will never go on her first date or say the
> words, "I love you Mommy" again.
>
> I wish you could know the frustration I feel in the cab of the engine,
> squad, patrol car, or my personal vehicle, the driver with his foot
> pressing down hard on the pedal, my arm tugging again and again at the
> air horn chain, or siren, as you fail to yield the right-of-way at an
> intersection or in traffic. When you need us however, your first
> comment upon our arrival will be, "It took you forever to get here!"
>
> I wish you could know my thoughts as I help extricate a girl of
> teenage years from the remains of her automobile. "What if this was my
> daughter, sister, my girlfriend or a friend? What were her parents
> reaction going to be when they opened the door to find a police
> officer with hat in hand?"
>
> I wish you could know how it feels to walk in the back door and greet
> my parents and family, not having the heart to tell them that I
> nearly did not come back from the last call.
>
> I wish you could know how it feels dispatching police officers,
> firefighters and EMT's out and when we call for them and our heart
> drops because no one answers back or to here a bone chilling 911 call
> of a child or wife needing assistance.
>
> I wish you could feel the hurt as people verbally, and sometimes
> physically, abuse us or belittle what I do, or as they express their
> attitudes of "It will never happen to me."
>
> I wish you could realize the physical, emotional and mental drain or
> missed meals, lost sleep and forgone social activities, in addition to
> all the tragedy my eyes have seen.
>
> I wish you could know the brotherhood and self-satisfaction of helping
> save a life or preserving someone's property, or being able to be there
> in time of crisis, or creating order from total chaos.
>
> I wish you could understand what it feels like to have a little boy
> tugging at your arm and asking, "Is Mommy okay?" Not even being able to
> look in his eyes without tears from your own and not knowing what to
> say. Or to have to hold back a long time friend who watches his buddy
> having
> CPR done on him as they take him away in the Medic Unit. You know all
> along he did not have his seat belt on. A sensation that I have become
> too familiar with.
>
> Unless you have lived with this kind of life, you will never truly
> understand or appreciate who I am, we are, or what our job
> really means to us...I wish you could though.
>
God speed young man!

Anonymous

November 19, 2003

To the family and friends of Rick and to all the members of the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office, please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. To Rick, I wish you gods speed and peace.

Bill Tedlie, Jr.
Outagamie County Sheriff's Dept.,WI

November 19, 2003

May your little boy know that you died as you lived.. a hero. my heart goes out to the family of this blue angel. Your time in hell is over, now you will walk the streets of heaven.

Citizen, Phoenix AZ

November 19, 2003

I worked hard for you
Put in mornings, days, and nights
For this was the job I was born to do
I'm a sworn Police Officer through and through

I wore my shield proudly upon my chest
Holstered my weapon
Shined my boots
And tightly secured my vest

The hours were long and
The paychecks small
But for the friends I have made
I would change nothing at all

I never changed the world
Now we both know this is true
But I never thought this would happen Lord
I was one of the brave in blue

I lay here
For the first time the sirens sound so loud
How can this be happening Lord
I served my country proud

I worked hard for you
How could this be
I wasn't suppose to go like this
He shouldn't of got the drop on me

When you fold my flag
And hand it to my wife
Tell her I died heroically
Tell her I lived a good life

I always upheld the law
Acted fairly without prejudice
But now as I go Lord
I ask that you promise me this

Tell my son his daddy is proud
Allow him to reach the top
So I can rest peacefully
Knowing he never became a cop

Patrolman John Schuette
Combined Locks Police Department

November 18, 2003

Rick:

It seems like just yesterday we went through S.W.A.T.T. training together. We were taught to be strong officers and that we put ourselves in harms way everyday. In situations where most people would run away from, we go forward no matter how scared we are. As a deputy the same age as you with a young son the same age as yours, and a loving wife, I know what goes through the mind anytime we respond to a call. You made it to the alarm and with your help was able to look after the other deputy from the heaven above. May you continue to look over us and help protect us as we continue to put ourselves in harms way.

You will always live on forever in the hearts many.

Deputy K.R. Matuszak
Juneau Co. Sheriff's Office, WI

November 18, 2003

May the family,friends and co workers recieve a peace in their hearts and minds over this tragedy, I also had to attend a funeral 2 weeks ago with the same type of loss, a good friend and Lt. was lost to an accident and saw my friend fight for his life and give in to his injuries. I will never forget him and all officers that end their watch protecting the good from the bad, I hope that all of you will please be careful and alert. May god bless each and every one of you that are greiving and are hurting and never forget these brave men and women. Rest now my brother , we have the watch now.

Deputy Sheriff Jeff McCammon
Desoto County Mississippi Sheriffs Department

November 18, 2003

I worked hard for you
Put in mornings, days, and nights
For this was the job I was born to do
I'm a sworn Police Officer through and through

I wore my shield proudly upon my chest
Holstered my weapon
Shined my boots
And tightly secured my vest

The hours were long and
The paychecks small
But for the friends I have made
I would change nothing at all

I never changed the world
Now we both know this is true
But I never thought this would happen Lord
I was one of the brave in blue

I lay here
For the first time the sirens sound so loud
How can this be happening Lord
I served my country proud

I worked hard for you
How could this be
I wasn't suppose to go like this
He shouldn't of got the drop on me

When you fold my flag
And hand it to my wife
Tell her I died heroically
Tell her I lived a good life

I always upheld the law
Acted fairly without prejudice
But now as I go Lord
I ask that you promise me this

Tell my son his daddy is proud
Allow him to reach the top
So I can rest peacefully
Knowing he never became a cop

PATROLMAN SCHUETTE
COMBINED LOCKS POLICE DEPARTMENT (WI)

November 18, 2003

Lord, I have one question. Why have you called me?

I have lived my life with honor and dignity.

I chose a path to serve my fellow man.

I unselfishly gave of my time to others.

I have been the best family man I could be.

The Lord answered; you have served me well. Now it is time to reap your reward.

Rest if Peace Richard Meyer.

Officer Wayne Boos
City of Oconto,WI

November 18, 2003

Rest in peace W29, you are not forgotten.....

THE POLICEMAN'S LAST ROLL CALL ...

THE POLICEMAN STOOD AND FACED HIS GOD, WHICH MUST ALWAYS COME TO PASS. HE
HOPED HIS SHOES WERE SHINING, JUST AS BRIGHTLY AS HIS BRASS. "STEP FORWARD
NOW, POLICEMAN. HOW SHALL I DEAL WITH YOU? HAVE YOU ALWAYS TURNED THE OTHER
CHEEK? TO MY CHURCH HAVE YOU BEEN TRUE?"

THE POLICEMAN SQUARED his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a Saint. I've had to
work most Sundays, and at times my talk was rough, and sometimes I've been
violent because the streets are awfully tough. But I never took a penny that
wasn't mine to keep, though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills just
got to steep. And I never passed a cry for help, though times I shook with
fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept many unmanly tears. I know I
don't deserve a place among the people here, they never wanted me around
except to calm their fear. If you've a place for me Lord, it needn't be so
grand. I never expected or had too much, but if you don't, I'll understand."

There was silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod. As
the policeman waited quietly, for the judgement of his God. "Step forward
now, policeman, you've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on Heaven's
streets, you've done your time in hell."

Author Unknown

Deputy
Dane County Sheriff's Office, Wi

November 18, 2003

Yesterday we buried Rick. We laughed some remembering the good times. We cried a lot at the reality Rick is gone. We were stirred as the squad cars passed and the long lines of officers saluted.

Your words of support and prayers are greatly appreciated. They have been passed on to Rick's wife and family and to our family in blue.

Thank you.

Capt. Bill Tedlie
Winnebago County Sheriff's Office

November 18, 2003

Our deepest regrets to Deputy Meyer, his family and friends and the Winnebago County Sheriffs Dept for their loss.
Sun Prairie WI Police Dept.

K9 Officer M Timm
Sun Prairie Police, WI

November 17, 2003

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 Deputy Meyer 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

November 17, 2003

Rest in peace brother in blue.
The watch is ours now.

God bless your family and your department.
Thanks for your dedication and service.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

November 17, 2003

I am sorry to hear of your families great loss. I know now it is not a great consolation, but know that he passes doing what he loved, helping those in need. I am sure that he is now in heaven looking down on all of us and will be by our sides as we continue that battle on the streets. rest in peace my brother, we will all miss you!

T.G. Vincent patrolman
asheboro pd, nc

November 16, 2003