Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Brother. May God Bless you and your family.

Patrolman

January 2, 2008

I really do miss you! I can't believe that you've been gone so long! I think of you often and miss seeing you come down into records! May you be having the time of your life in Heaven!

GCSO

November 27, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept.

July 9, 2007

Four years have passed and there are no words I can say to those left behind that love you dearly except that I know how they feel and that they are not alone. You are a true hero and I know there are many that love you dearly. I hope that both you and your father continue to keep watch over your loved ones and I also hope that justice was served in this incident. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

April 2, 2007

Investigator Sapinoso,

On this the anniversary of your leaving us in the physical sense we pay tribute to your spirit. Tonight the Evening Watch of the Henry County Georgia Police Department’s North Precinct will hit the street in your honor. Please watch over us as we continue your fine work.

For the entire shift,
Sergeant V.T. Rosen

Sergeant V. T. Rosen
Henry County Police Department

April 2, 2007

Well 4 years have gone by and life is still never the same. Especially living everyday without a brother and a father to talk to, spend time with, or just look at. Everyday I wish I could just go back in time and change so many things, because it's not fair, and life has not been and will never be the same without you. Joe and Dad I miss you so much, and I hope you both are happy. I would give anything to see you both again, and I do sense that you are there sometimes with us, so I hope you are proud of how me and Mom are doing, and please watch over your grandsons, and nephews as I would love them to live and be just as you were. The two most caring, generous, smart, strong men I've ever known......

"If tears could build a stairway
And memories were a lane,
I would walk right up to heaven
To bring you home again.
No farewell words were spoken.
No time to say good-bye.
You were gone before we knew it,
And only God knows why.
My heart still aches in sadness
And secret tears still flow.
What it meant to lose you,
No one will ever know."


I love you both with all my heart!

Tina

Sister

April 2, 2007

Protecting not only your sister but honoring your oath as an officer as well. I am so sorry the outcome was not as everyone wanted. I am sure you are watching over your sister just like you did when you were alive. I am sure she is so proud of you.

April 2, 2007

4 years ago. NEVER FORGOTTEN!
Rest in peace Brother!

Officer
Washington DC Metropolitan Police Dept.

April 2, 2007

We still miss you Joe. You were a great deputy and I still reflect on doing your funeral. I see your mom from time to time and try to stay in touch with her. Rest in Peace.

Chaplain Bennie Durham
Greenville County Sheriff's Office

December 21, 2006

You have touched so many people in so many ways. If it wasn't for you, I never would have met Melissa and wouldn't have a beautiful daughter today. I look back at my life and the troubles I've had and I wonder, "why joey?". You were a man of few words but left lasting impressions. You exuded a kindness, an innate goodness that few people have.....an incorruptible soul. I still feel like I hardly knew you....if we only had more time.

Joe
cousin-in-law

November 28, 2006

You have touched so many people in so many ways. If it wasn't for you, I never would have met Melissa and wouldn't have a beautiful daughter today. I look back at my life and the troubles I've had and I wonder, "why joey?". You were a man of few words but left lasting impressions. You exuded a kindness, an innate goodness that few people have.....an incorruptible soul. I still feel like I hardly knew you....if we only had more time.

Joe
cousin-in-law

November 28, 2006

To Investigator Antonio Joe Sapinoso and his loved ones:

On this the third anniversary week of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today as is that of your father Antonio.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.
Reading the loving reflections about your beloved Joe gives us some understanding of what a kind and honorable young man he was. How terrible that this awful incident took a son and husband, a father and brother from their loved ones.

Joe, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Investigatoar Joe Sapinoso. I am humbled by your valor, courage, and dedication.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Joe gave to his community and the citizens of South Carolina, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 2, 2003.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 3, 2006

This was a tragic loss of life and to the family I send my deepest sympathy.

Master Deputy D.L Smith
Wake County Sheriff's Office

April 2, 2006

I try and come to this site daily to read the reflection's of fallen officers. That is my way of knowing them through their stories, and never forgetting what they gave. I have read some heartbreaking stories over the years, but when I read Investigator Sapinoso's it was devastating. He IS a TRUE HERO. May his family find some comfort in knowing that he will not be forgotten. God Bless, I truly believe that you will once again walk with Joe and Tony again.

OHIO
11-11-2005

November 10, 2005

Joey,

Being an only child, you and Tina were like my brother and sister. The night that you and Uncle Tony were taken away from us will be forever burned into my memory. I miss the fun times that I had with you growing up. I miss you even now. We think about you constantly. I know you are in heaven with Uncle Tony watching and guiding us.

You faithful cousin,
Anna

Anna

August 29, 2005

Hey Joe, well another year has passed and we still miss you. Your picture hangs at the office entrance not that we need a reminder that you're gone. Many have tried to fill your place in the office, but they never stay. I'll bet there's been at least three transfers to your old position. We miss you, and talk about you, and are still angry about the way things went down that night. It seems like whenever we talk about that night, tears get shed even though we know you wouldn't want it that way. You and a big smile and a happy go lucky outlook on life. Well keep smiling and say "hey" to our other guys. Bill Banks, Marcus Whitfield, Andrew Mazur, Sam Simmons, and now Al Saltmarsh.

Mary Fields
Greenville County SO

August 22, 2005

To Mrs. Sapinoso, Christina and Sergio,
We think of you often and continue to remember you in our prayers. We miss Joe and that big smile and warm heart of his. We are often reminded of Joe's visits to our home. Kaison thought that Joe was just the greatest and still cherishes the karate gear he gave him. Our hearts will always be sad but we rejoice in the fact that someday we will see Joe in heaven and
until that day we have wonderful memories.

Jimmy, Janice and Kaison

The Jimmy Holloway Family
Greenville County Sheriff's Office

September 12, 2004

Joe

Remeber that time we flipped over on your bike? That was hilarious. I, we, miss you. It's rare to come across such an extraordinary person with such a big heart and love for life. Thanks you for being in my life! We will someday play Atari and ride bikes again. Miss you...

Cousin Aldo

April 28, 2004

I appreciate all the help and support that you have given us in the loss of my son Joe, and husband Tony. These were two good men who didn't deserve to die this way. We miss them SO much. There is a huge void and gap left in our hearts with their passing. Thank you all for your concern and for your prayers. We pray for God's guidance to all his people and peace in our world.

Marcia Padilla Sapinoso (Mother of Antonio J. and Wife of Antonio Sr. Sapinoso)

April 23, 2004

Thank you everyone for all your support and reflections for my brother. I would like to extend my prayers for all of the fallen heros (Officers) and also to all the current officers protecting us this day. Special Thank you to his friends at the Greenville County Sheriff's Office for your help and support.

My brother was my BEST friend, my HERO, and the best uncle my son and I could ever ask for. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to HAVE THE BEST BROTHER IN THE WORLD. I miss him and my father VERY much and I know they are watching over us now.
Thank you everyone for your prayers............


Christina Sapinoso Rodriguez (sister)
Sergio Antonio Sapinoso Rodriguez (nephew)

April 17, 2004

Joe, I remember the day when I first met you when I was hired by Libertyville PD. Even though you were not a police officer at the time, you had the strength, attitude and heart of one. We were fast friends and we had numerous great times together where we lived. Your warmness was contagious, and friendship, unmeasurable. When you went to Greenville, SC I was sad to see you go, but very proud of you, and I still am. When I learned you were taken from us, I was angry. The world was cheated. But I believe that the only comfort now, my friend, is that you are walking with Jesus now. I will always miss you, my friend.

Patrol Officer - Andy L. Shiu
Lake Forest (Illinois) Police Department

April 10, 2004

sal was a brother in the thin blue line, but it ran deep in his heart. i will miss you sal, god bless you and keep you in his heart brother.one day we will serve together in his kingdom, for we all know born to serve serve inb death.

former ccso Darrel w. Cray
former ccso

March 30, 2004

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Joe be the be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Investigator Sapinoso's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out especially to family. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Please know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Joe is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Joe was well respected and well loved. Thank you for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please take care of my fiance Dennis.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar
Dennis McElderry's fiancee - E.O.W. (01/03/03)

January 7, 2004

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 Investigator Sapinoso 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

January 7, 2004

Joe, I think of you often,and remember all the good times we had together. I will never forget you.

Deputy John Moon
Greenville County Sheriffs Office

December 13, 2003