Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thinking of you and your family on this 5th Anniversary.
Cindy & Jim Todeschini

Cindy Todeschini
Mother of Craig J.Todeschini EOW 4/23/06

November 22, 2008

Lynda,

Jeffrey and I were classmates in High School. Although I was not a close friend of Jeffrey, I remember Jeff as a good person who was fun to kid around with. As someone who has spent a significant amount of time hiking / traveling in the Catskill Mountains, I feel a special appreciation for the community and area were Jeffrey served as a state trooper.

I was saddened when I learned of Jeff’s passing and I thought of Jeff recently when the Hewlett High School Class of 1987 held its 20th reunion. Jeffrey’s absence was felt by many. I would have enjoyed catching up with Jeff after all these years. Jeff you are a good spirit.

In closing, I just wanted to let you and your family know that I have a great respect and appreciation for Sergeant Edelson’s service to the citizens of New York State and I admire Jeffrey for pursuing a worthwhile career in law enforcement and public service.
I hope those who knew Jeff and miss him most can find solace in memories of Jeff and in the power of Jeff’s noble spirit.

Godspeed Sgt. Edelson.

John V

John Valenti
high school classmate

May 19, 2008

"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., Columbia, SC

December 20, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 26, 2007

"IT IS NOT HOW HE DIED, BUT HOW HE LIVED, THAT MAKES HIM A HERO" Your sacrifice is not forgotten. Godspeed.

Lisa
GEORGIA CIVILIAN

November 23, 2007

Thinking of you on the 4th anniversary of your EOW.
Sounds like you were a kick in the pants! May your
memory bring a smile to everyone who loved and
knew you!
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

November 23, 2007

On this 3rd year anniversary of your death, we are thinking of your family and friends. You are a true hero and will not be forgotten.

Craig Figgins
Brother - SGT Dan Figgins St Charles, IL EOW 4/9/05

November 23, 2007

We remember meeting your mom and dad in the elevator at our hotel in Albany during police week this past May. As they introduced themselves, we could just feel their pain. We know time heels all wounds, but the scar will remain forever. God Bless.

The DelNagro Family
NYSP - SP Rochester

August 2, 2007

As the third anniversary of your tragic death nears, please know that your dedication and sacrifice are remembered and honored.
Rest in peace, sir.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

November 22, 2006

Every morning when i come to work i log on to my computer and pull up a picture of Jeff. I still smile when i see his face and think about how much i love him. My wife,michele, and i still make jeffry jokes all the time and say how much we miss him. He was my fraternal big brother and a dear friend. My heart goes out to his family. Jeffry was truly a one of a kind.

Gregg Schonhorn
fraternal little brother

July 25, 2006

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer
TN

July 18, 2006

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the New York State Police. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Sergeant Jeffry Edelson deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Sergeant Jeffry Edelson is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Tom Doyle
Cary Police Department, North Carolina

July 18, 2006

Thank you for all you've done.

firefighter/paramedic, NY

April 23, 2006

MY BEST FRIEND JEFF,THERE IS NOT A DAY
THAT GOES BY,THAT WE DONT THINK OF YOU.
IM GREATFUL FOR THE TIME WE SPENT TOGETHER IN AUGUST AT THE N.J. STATE
FAIR.
WE TALKED ABOUT MANY THINGS,THIS BEING ONE OF THEM.YOU TOLD ME YOU WOULD ALWAYS BE CAREFUL,AND I KNOW YOU WERE
JUST A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT.
AS YOU KNOW I HAD A FEW OF THEM.
I SPEAK WITH YOUR DAD AND MOM EVERY FEW
WEEKS,AND WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR THEM
FOR YOU.
JONATHAN MY SON IS NOW IN COLLEGE STUDYING TO BECOME A STATE TROOPER
LIKE YOU BECAUSE OF YOU.PLEASE WATCH OVER HIM AND GUIDE HIM LIKE YOU GUIDED
YOURSELF AND ILL BE VERY PROUD.
WE ALL MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU.

YOUR FRIEND JEFF GANNON

February 24, 2006

As I look at the reflections left to you, i can clearly learn many things about you...you were "quite a character," you were a man of good character, you enjoyed your career, and everyone enjoyed you. I wish I could have met you. Enjoy the streets of gold, and guard those pearly gates my friend. GODSPEED, God bless your family & friends!

Police Officer 3455
Buffalo NY PD

February 3, 2006

Remembering you on the 2nd anniversary of your passing. Sounds
like you left shoes too large to fill.
God bless all those that loved you
and those whom you loved.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

November 23, 2005

It will be 2 years since you were called away. I know there are many broken hearts left behind and there are no words I can offer to comfort them except for them to do everything in their power to keep your name alive. You will never be forgotten. I have the exterior of my home decorated with blue lights, one of those blue lights will be lit to honor you from now until New Years. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

November 21, 2005

My parents lost my brother on July 6, 1961. He too was in pursuit of a traffic violator when his car malfunctioned and couldn't come out of a u-turn. Everytime I read the ODM page and learn of another trooper's loss because of a car accident; it saddens me. These fine young men, losing their lives much too young and in this manner, is beyond reason. My deepest condolences for the loss of your son and brother. It has been almost forty-four years since my brother's passing and I hold him in my heart and thoughts as though it was yesterday. Hold on to your fondest memories of your loved one and he will always be just a heartbeat away. My prayers for your family and this fine trooper. May he rest in peace.

a. culosi
sister of deceased Tpr. S. J. Embarrato

February 22, 2005

Jeff, you'll truly be missed at SP Liberty. Just your classic one liners and everything in between. Please watch over us and keep us safe. Sheild #2714 rest in peace!!!

tpr mike pappas
nysp

January 31, 2005

Jeff - I don't know what to say. It has taken me this long to write anything in your memory. When I heard about the accident I was out of the country. I tried to come back but I had 6hrs to make it happen. Guys we worked with said "Don't worry, he knows" Jeff you WERE THE BEST. I don't think I have every laughed so hard at the things you did. It's going on two years later and I still cry when I read this(my wife won't like it, because she says I don't cry for anything). Jeff, I never want you forget that people think of you everyday and they will always remember you. You were a "classic". I love you. Keep us safe. The Ol' Libery crew.

NYSP

January 26, 2005

God holds a special place for those who give their lives in service of others. Rest in His peace, brother.

Sgt. Bill Richardson
Anchorage, Alaska PD

January 2, 2005

Jeff it took me a long time to think of the right thing to say. But I now know there is no right thing to say. You are a good man and will always be remembered as one. You are greatly missed.

NYSP

December 3, 2004

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

Rest in peace.

November 23, 2004

In loving memory of Sgt. Edelson:

We may never understand it,
the risks these brave ones take,
but occasionally we see a bit
of the difference their lives make.
Some do it for the action,
others find it a callin'.
All find the satisfaction,
and few become the fallen.
Being an officer is what he loved,
To him as good as it gets.
Law was what he dreamed of,
He would have no regrets.
And though it saddens all of us
to lose him in this way
He knew how an officer must
Live life to the fullest everyday.

Remembering you on the anniversary of your departure.
Your friends and family are in my thoughts. . . if only I could erase your pain. From one coast of America to
the other,
Lynn Kole
Washington State

November 23, 2004

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Edelson and Lynda,
Two months after Survivor's Weekend, I continue to reflect on the strength you drew from within to allow yourselves to participate in such a 'raw' weekend. Thank you for sharing not only your time but, more importantly, your son & brother. Jeffry became 'bigger than life' for me through the video presentation. I can only imagine the energy he brought to a room when he entered...the pictures alone sent out his love for life. Tomorrow, and ongoingly, I will be thinking of you and Jeffry. I wish for you some peaceful moments. Warm thoughts, Deb Parisian

Deb Parisian, wife of Rick Parisian
New York State Police

November 22, 2004