Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"IN MEMORY OF"

LT. SIDNEY ANGELO ZAFFUTO

Lt. Zaffuto was a very brave, loving, and an intelligent man. He stood up for what he believed, and was loyal to his friends and family. He worked night and day to support his family, and still had time to spend with his family and friends. He loved his job and he did it well. You might even call him a superhero. He has integrity and is successful in everything he does. Either at home with his family or out on the street risking his life to protect innocent people. We all know he would risk his life because he did risk his life. Before I end this speech I wanna say he was great at being a brother, grampa, cousin, everything. But most importantly he was great at being

MY DAD!

Andrew, Stepson of Lt. Zaffuto

Dorothy T. Tardy
on behalf of Lt. Zaffuto's stepson

April 19, 2004

I didn't have the privilege of meeting Lt. Zaffuto in person; however, in speaking with his fellow officers, he was held in such high regard for his integrity and dedication to duty. Following his tragic death, I have become close to his beloved wife and his delightful 13 yr. old stepson, a child who Lt. Zaffuto so dearly loved as if he were born to him.

To Lt. Zaffuto's widow and stepson, I make this pledge: his law enforcement family and the families of other law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty will make sure that he will never be forgotten. He joins the ranks of other American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to serve and protect their communities. He will be remembered forever as a man of honor and integrity who was dedicated to duty as a law enforcement officer. God bless you, Lt. Zaffuto. Job well done!!

Dorothy Tardy
Mother of New Orleans Police Officer Christopher Russell, Killed in the line of duty on August 4, 2002, and a
member of Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.)

Dorothy T. Tardy
Mother of NOPD Officer Chris W. Russell, EOW 8/4/02

April 19, 2004

Deputy Zaffuto,

It is always sad to see another brother taken from us by such cowards, but without heros like yourself there would be no peace in this world at all. God bless you, and thank you for choosing to protect others in a world full of criticism for those that wear a badge. Rest easy brother, we have the watch.

Police Officer G. Booton
Warren, Michigan PD

April 17, 2004

To the Zaffuto family, friends, and the Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff's Office. You have lost a beautiful soul, but heaven has one more shining star. Our thoughts and prays are with you all. Thanks Deputy Zaffuto for all you have done for your brothers and sisters; rest in peace.

Patrol Officer
Prince George's County, Maryland

April 13, 2004

I am saddened to the deaths of more law enforcement officers. I hate that we are living in such a cruel world. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Deputy Zaffuto.

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 4, 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 Deputy Zaffuto 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

March 20, 2004

My family would like to extend our sympathy to the family, friends, & fellow co-workers of Deputy Sheriff Sidney A. Zaffuto. We know your loss is great as we too are dealing with the death of our niece P.O. Jennifer Fettig EOW 2/16/04. May God continue to give you comfort and the strength to go on. You're in our thoughts & prayers. May God also watch over everyone in law enforcement.

Gail M Pabst

March 19, 2004

Although we never had a chance to meet, we shared a common goal.
To make the world a better place, but now it's taken a toll.
Now I say to you in words of a prayer, I will remember what you've done.
Your death was the ultimate in sacrifice, how tragic that you're gone.
One day we'll meet and talk about our common goal and then,
The heartache that I 'm feeling now, will no longer have to mend.

The Men and Women of the Green Bay Polic
Green Bay P.D. Green Bay WI

March 12, 2004

Uncle Sidney everyone misses and loves you so much. I think about you everyday and say "he is in a better place now." The only thing I have left of you are pictures, a tape, and a bunch of great memories. Rest in peace and may God bless you. You will never be forgotten. I will love you now, forever, and always. You saved so many lives and I am so proud of you. Your my hero and always will be.

Caitlin Z.

February 28, 2004

I would like to express our condolences to all the Orleans Parish Officers and the slain officer's families on behalf of everyone at the Sampson Co. Sheriff's Office, N.C.

Deputy
Sampson Co Sheriffs Office

February 19, 2004

May God bless you and your family..

police officer

February 18, 2004

May you rest in peace dear officer in blue. You have served your time protecting these streets down here so continue your watch from up above. May the Lord rest his hand upon your family's,dept.,friends,and fellow officer's shoulders.Rest in peace friend your fellow officers will take it from here.
God Bless

Sister of a WPD officer and friend of Officer Kelli Lee Lambert ( E.O.W. 07/21/2003)

Sister of a WPD officer
Wellston Police Dept. Wellston,Ohio

February 15, 2004

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Sidney did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Sidney be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Deputy Zaffuto's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. 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. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Sidney 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 Sidney 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 say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Deputy Sheriff Dennis McElderry's fiancee - EOW (01/01/03)

February 15, 2004

A Brother Warrior has fell and died today in battle.

This Brother Warrior has made the ultimate sacrifice.

He has given his life for his Fellow Warriors, his family and friends too.

Brother Warrior, pass your sword to us, so we can keep your spirit alive.

You, my Brother Warrior will not be forgotten.

God Bless you, your family and your friends.

We honor and respect all of the Fallen Warriors who have gone before us.

We ask you, Brother Warriors to guide us, protect us and pray for us.

We will meet again my Brother Warriors.

For this time not to fight another battle, but to live in eternal peace.

God bless all of the Warriors, past, present and future.

Sgt. Chad McDaniel
Seminole County Sheriff's Office (FL)

February 10, 2004

Our sincere condolences go out to the family of Deputy Zaffuto and to all the personnel of the Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff's Office who worked with him.

While it is no consolation for your loss, remember that we, and many others in this country, appreciate the sacrifice that he made in ensuring our safety.

God bless.

Southwest Central Dispatch
Palos Heights, IL

February 5, 2004

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of Deputy Zaffuto and to all of the officers who served with him.

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

Anonymous

February 5, 2004

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

February 3, 2004

On behalf of the Pittsfield Police Department, we extend our condolences to the family and friends of Dpty. Zaffuto. God Bless.

Officer Rodney Minoty
Pittsfield Police Dept. ME.

January 31, 2004

Please know that your whole family as well as Sidney will be in our prayers each day. It is very tough to lose a love one so suddenly. Please know that God will somehow help all of you get through this.

January 31, 2004

God Bless you and your Family.

Deputy Frank N. felicetta III
Pinellas County Sheriffs Office,Florida

January 30, 2004

When God made Peace Officers...

When the Lord was creating peace officers, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, "You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one."

And the Lord said, "Have you read the spec on this order?

A peace officer has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn't touch, and not wrinkle his uniform.

"He has to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvas the neighborhood for witnesses, and testify in court the next day.

"He has to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half-eaten meals. And he has to have six pairs of hands."

The angel shook her head slowly and said, "Six pairs of hands... no way."

"It's not the hands that are causing me problems," said the Lord, "it's the three pairs of eyes an officer has to have."

"That's on the standard model?" asked the angel. The Lord nodded. One pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket before he asks, "May I see what's in there, sir?" (When he already knows and wishes he'd taken that accounting job.) "Another pair here in the side of his head for his partners' safety. And another pair of eyes here in front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say, "you'll be all right ma'am, when he knows it isn't so."

"Lord," said the angel, touching his sleeve, "rest and work on this tomorrow." "I can't," said the Lord, "I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident and feed a family of five on a civil service paycheck."

The angel circled the model of the peace officer very slowly, "Can it think?" she asked. "You bet," said the Lord. "It can tell you the elements of a hundred crimes; recite Miranda warnings in its sleep; detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five learned judges to debate the legality of the stop... and still it keeps its sense of humor. This officer also has phenomenal personal control. He can deal with crime scenes painted in hell, coax a confession from a child abuser, comfort a murder victim's family, and then read in the daily paper how law enforcement isn't sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects."

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the peace officer. "There's a leak," she pronounced. "I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model."

"That's not a leak," said the lord, "it's a tear."

"What's the tear for?" asked the angel.

"It's for bottled-up emotions, for fallen comrades, for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American flag, for justice."

"You're a genius," said the angel.

The Lord looked somber. "I didn't put it there."


****************************
May God Bless your family at this time..... my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Anonymous

January 29, 2004

We of the Thin Blue Line are grateful my Brother for your Supreme Sacrifice and dedication to duty above and beyond the call. For your Family I would like them to know they are never alone. We of the Blue Knights are but a phone call away. Rest in Peace.

Bob Johnson, U.S.M.S.(Ret'd.)
U.S. Marshal's Service

January 28, 2004

May you rest in peace dear officer in blue. You have served your time protecting these streets down here so continue your watch from up above. May the Lord rest his hand upon your family's,dept.,friends,and fellow officer's shoulders.Rest in peace friend your fellow officers will take it from here.
God Bless

Sister of a WPD officer and friend of Officer Kelli Lee Lambert ( E.O.W. 07/21/2003)

Sister of a WPD officer
Wellston Police Dept. Wellston,Ohio

January 25, 2004

It's been a total honor and privilege to be trained by such a wonderful person. Always patient, and always willing to lend a helping hand for a little advice. I will continue to reflect the knowledge that Lt. Sidney Zaffuto has given me through out the rest of my career.

People believe that you have to perform "miracles" to be a hero, but it's the ability to perform your duties that makes you a hero.

Lt. Zaffuto is my hero, and if I can continue my career with the frame of mind that man has shown me. I know I will succeed in my goals.

Thank you Lt. Zaffuto. Rest in peace my friend.

Deputy Tivon T. Lyons
Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriffs Office

January 23, 2004

To the family,
May God's strength carry you through this most difficult time. May you find peace in God. Remembering you in my prayers.

Karen Huyssoon
Surviving Sister of OHP Trooper Nik Green

January 23, 2004