Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

When I think of you, my thoughts are not just of a brave policeman on the streets of a dangerous city,
I think of that boy that was breakdancing in his garage with his friends when he was 8,
When I think of you, I don't think about you running down the street in pursuit of a suspect,
I think of you barreling down the ice in pursuit of a puck,
When I think of you, I don't just think about the countless people that you affected as a result of your fine police work,
I think of all of the hearts you touched with your kindness and charm,
When I think of you I don't count the guns you got off the street,
I rather think of the countless friends that you made along the way,
Your becoming a policeman was a goal that you achieved with honor,
Your short time as a policeman was filled with honor and hard work as well,
But it is all those moments building up to you become the handsome, charming, and kind man is what I will always remember.
When I think of your life, I don't think of it being over,
But rather what a wonderful gift we were all able to enjoy for the short time you were here.
I am proud of you in every aspect of your life, because you always did the best you could.
My heart is still filled with grief, but the beautiful indelible mark you have left there contains it.
I know God has blessed you, and I know that he had much greater plans for you than any of us could ever imagine.
I know that God has blessed me countless times, and continues to bless our family, and I am so glad that one of my blessing in life was you.

February 21, 2007

I Love You Mom



Mom, please listen to me

As I take time to write.

I see parents struggling daily.

Their pain is such a fight..



All of us who have gone on

And left the rest of you behind..

We're ok, Mom, I promise..

Heaven is beautiful, and God is kind.



You used to tell me that one day

God would call and take you home.

You told me you'd make me strong

So I would stand tall when alone.



But things happen sometimes, Mom

That does not go in our plans.

I wasn't scared, Mom,

When God held out his hand.



I didn't want to leave you.

I didn't have time to say good bye

When the angels said, "Come with us.",

There wasn't time to question why.



I've watched you daily, Mom.

It hurts to see you cry.

I don't want you to be unhappy,

Just because we didn't get to say good bye.



Tell the others what I'm telling you,

So many parents need to know

That Earth was just a lay over

We had another place to go.



I know you miss me, Mom

I know your heart is broken in two,

But God really needed me

Because my earthly life was through.



I'm always alongside you..

I smile and touch your hair.

I whisper "Mom, I love you",

You just can't see me there.



I'm the one who gently touches you

On your shoulder when you're sad.

I'm happy now that you finally found

God again, and are no longer mad.



Tell the parents, Mom, for me

That all of us kids are okay.

God had plans for our lives

When he called us home that day.



I love you, Mom, I always will

And remember I'm not far away.

We're going to be together

When God calls out your name.

February 19, 2007

Sorry I couldn't make it to the mass in your honor. I pray for your son and your family a lot. God Bless the people who protect us.

C. Campbell

February 15, 2007

Happy Valentines Day Nick!

I love and miss you so much.

Until we meet again,
Heather

Heather
Nicks Very Proud Sister

February 14, 2007

Nick-
Payton sees your pictures hanging up and always says Nick. She loves to see all of your pictures. We just wanted to know that we miss you so much. Happy Valentine's Day! I know that you are watching over Mom this week.

Payton wanted to type something to you...

Uncle Nick,
m d e g xcfygbm dsd er es xxd wcvweveerewse dfmcdb h hkjcj
I Love my Uncle Nick
Payton

Kel
Nick's very proud sister

February 13, 2007

Hi Nick,
The Mass in your Honor was just wonderful. I was very happy to share in it with you and your family. It was my first time meeting your son Gavin and what a fine young man he is. He had me laughing so hard when he said before he would talk to me on the phone he wanted to meet me in person. Also your neice Payton and nephew Bobby are just wonderful. I am sure you are watching over all of them and are very proud.I know they (we) are of you. I notice every once in a while you been helping your Dad on the RB Court keep it up. You are truly missed!

John G
Friend

February 13, 2007

I Love You, Little Brother.
I was just thinking about you.

Until we meet again.....
Love you,
Heather

Heather
Nicks Very Proud Sister

February 8, 2007

While there are no words that can ease the pain or make up for your loss, please know that the Stanze family has you in our thoughts and prayers each day. Nick is a hero and has been since the day he dressed in blue...his bravery and tremendous courage will never be forgotten.

A Relative of Officer Bob Stanze
EOW: August 8, 2000

February 1, 2007

Nick-
I just want to let you know that we miss you very much. I hate this date. Three years ago today, I got the phone call from Mom and Heather that said to come to Mom and Dad's house right away and then driving there when I got to Bowles is when Heather and I heard that you didn't make it from the news. I called James then and told him that you didn't make it and I lost it. James had to come and get me from Quick Trip and drive me the rest of the way to Mom & Dad's. Even today when I get off at that exit I still have a pain in my stomach.

Payton turning one is very exciting but also bittersweet. I still think about when I helped you plan Gavin's 1st birthday party which turned out to be his only birthday party that you were here for. I think this has made me realize that life is very unsure and to make the most of everyday since you never know what will happen.

We just got back from your mass. Wow! I could not believe all of the people that came to your mass tonight. It really helps our family to have the support. I got some phone calls today from friends asking what they could do? I wanted to tell them the only thing that would make today better was to have you back here with us.

Nick - I know people say that time will make this better or why aren't we over this yet? It doesn't get better. I just want to pretend like you are in Cancun and that you will be back. Gavin sat with us at the mass tonight. At one point, he was holding his teddy bear that he got from the Barwicks and was looking at your picture and looked so sad. How are we supposed to explain to Gavin, Bobby or Payton why you were taken to heaven so early and why they can't have you back for one of those hugs or to play?

Thanks for the visits to Payton and me. I love to watch her face when you visit. It's like no one else is in the room. She was talking to you a lot. I love it when you are in my dream and you give me one of those wonderful hugs and we are all at the lake. I wake up and want to call you and then I realize that it really was a dream.

We love you so much,
James, Kel and Payton

Kel
Nick's very proud sister

January 30, 2007

Nick,
We just returned from the Mass in honor of the third anniversary since your death. I was amazed at the number of family, friends, and Officers that attended. Father Burgoon is always so nice. I had once talked to him about if kids distract him while he is giving a sermon. He said that they don't bother him and that he enjoys them being there. I think Gavin, Bobby, and Payton enjoyed the Mass.
They seemed to take note of everything in the new church and made themselves at home. When the boys would talk to each other, they whispered (sometimes a little loudly) about things, but when little Payton called "Bob" or "Gavin" both boys put their finger to their lips an told her "SHHH". It must not have been real bad for Father Burgoon because he invited us back for next year.
Nick, if it wasn't for the little kids, you know we all would be with you. I know you look down and watch over everyone, but I often wonder what you would do if you could come back for a day. I remember that you told me the year before you died, that you could never imagine ever losing your Dad or me. You just did not think you could ever live without us. Well, let me tell you it is pure hell being left behind without you. There is not a minute of the day that I do not think about you. It was so nice to talk to your friends today. So many people remembered you in so many different ways. One Email that Dad received today from a friend, was so touching. I cried thinking about how deeply you affected so many people. I love hearing stories from people that knew you. I love you so much Nick and miss you. Thank you so much for being such a wonderful part of our life. Love Forever and a day. Mom

MOM

January 30, 2007

"Just a Cop"

The funeral line was long,
There's an awful lot of cars,
Folks came out of the restaurants,
They came out of the bars.

The workers at the construction sites
All let their hammers drop.
Someone asked."What is this all for?"
And they said,"Aw, just a cop."

Some chuckled at the passing cars.
Some shed a silent tear
Some people said,"It's stupid.
all these dumb policemen here."

"How come they're not out fightn' crime?
Or in a doughnut shop?
Sure is a lot of trouble,
For someone who's just a cop."

They blocked the intersections,
They blocked the interstate.
People yelled and cursed,
"Damn, it's gonna make me late!"

"This is really ridiculous!"
"They're makin' us all stop!"
"It seems they're sure wastin' time,
On someone who's just a cop."

Into the cemetery now,
The slow procession comes,
The woeful Taps are slowly played.
There's loud salutes from guns.

The graveyard workers shake their heads
"This service is a flop."
"There's lots of good words wasted,
On someone who's just a cop."

Yeah, just a cop to most folks.
Did his duty every day.
Tryin' to protect us,
Till they took his life away.

And when he got to heaven,
St. Peter put him at the top.
An angel asked him, "Who was that?"
And he said, "Aw, just a cop."

January 30, 2007

WORDS CAN NEVER EASE THE PAIN THAT YOU ALL ARE FEELING TODAY, BUT KNOW THAT WE THE "SURVIVORS" THAT HAVE WALKED THIS PATH BEFORE YOU ARE FEELING THE HURT AND PAIN THAT YOU ALL ARE EXPERIENCING TODAY. IT SEEMS LIKE A DREAM THAT YOU WILL NEVER WAKE UP FROM. YOUR MIND KEEPS SAYING "IT DIDN'T HAPPENED, IT COULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED TO HIM". A FRIEND WANTS TOLD ME "YOUR MIND KNOWS THAT IT HAS HAPPENED, BUT YOUR HEART CAN'T ACCEPT IT". AND THAT IS THE WAY I FEEL. WE HAVE AND AM EXPERIENCING THE SAME FEELINGS THAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING TODAY AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOT ALONE THAT WE ALL HURT WITH YOU.
HOLD ON, ONE DAY EVERYTHING WILL BE MADE RIGHT.
I PRAY THAT GOD WILL SUSTAIN YOU AND GIVE YOU THE COMFORT THAT YOU NEED.
GOD BLESS.

LORRAINE BOND (MOTHER)
HAMILTON CO. TN. SHERIFF DEPUTY:
DONALD K. BOND, JR.
EOW: 09.06.01

January 30, 2007

"Just a Cop"

The funeral line was long,
There's an awful lot of cars,
Folks came out of the restaurants,
They came out of the bars.

The workers at the construction sites
All let their hammers drop.
Someone asked."What is this all for?"
And they said,"Aw, just a cop."

Some chuckled at the passing cars.
Some shed a silent tear
Some people said,"It's stupid.
all these dumb policemen here."

"How come they're not out fightn' crime?
Or in a doughnut shop?
Sure is a lot of trouble,
For someone who's just a cop."

They blocked the intersections,
They blocked the interstate.
People yelled and cursed,
"Damn, it's gonna make me late!"

"This is really ridiculous!"
"They're makin' us all stop!"
"It seems they're sure wastin' time,
On someone who's just a cop."

Into the cemetery now,
The slow procession comes,
The woeful Taps are slowly played.
There's loud salutes from guns.

The graveyard workers shake their heads
"This service is a flop."
"There's lots of good words wasted,
On someone who's just a cop."

Yeah, just a cop to most folks.
Did his duty every day.
Tryin' to protect us,
Till they took his life away.

And when he got to heaven,
St. Peter put him at the top.
An angel asked him, "Who was that?"
And he said, "Aw, just a cop."

January 30, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 3rd anniversary of your EOW. I know the pain in their hearts and the silent tears that still flow from their eyes and will for a long time. They are tears of love from their broken hearts. There are no magic words any of us can offer each other to help us with our losses except to keep your memory alive. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Keep watch over your loved ones and protect them, also keep watch over those still out guarding over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

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

January 30, 2007

Nick- Just wanted to say hi and let you know that Im thinking about you. Three years ago today everyone's lives changed. Everyone who knew you or knew of you has been effected by what happened. We are all strong people and have each other to lean on when we need to. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten. Gavin is getting older now and we will share some stories with him, but some of them need to wait until he's a little older!!! I wish I could go back and change this day, but I can't. We all know you're still here with us every day, just in a different way. The day you went to heaven, a part of everyone who cared about you went with you. You always have us and we always have you! Take care and keep watching out for all of us!

Tracie

January 30, 2007

Nick;

As the years continue to tick, rest assured you will never be forgotten.

Be by the side of your family today as they embark on another Anniversary. Keep Terry, Chris, Kelly, James, Heather, Josh, Bobby, Gavin and Peyton close today, and as always watch over them. Have a beer with Scott today as he continues to watch over us!!!

May god bless those of us who protect.

PO M Barthelmass
St. John PD

January 30, 2007

I have no words to soothe your aching hearts on this sad day. But I do have you in my prayers and we are here if you need us. Kathy McEntee, sister of Bill McEntee

January 30, 2007

NICK:

Another year of hell is over. It is hard to believe that it has been three years since you gave your life doing what we both liked so much. I still wish I could have been there to help you that terrible day. I still cannot imagine what you went through the last few minutes of your life.

Tonite Father Burgoon will celebrate a Mass in your honor at Saint Richard's Church. Father Burgoon has been so helpful to Mom and I over the past three years. I'm sure there will be a good turnout.

So many things have changed since you left us and I am sure you are keeping an eye on what has been going on. Gavin, Bobby and Payton keeps us all going and Kelly and James, Heather and Josh are always there for Mom and I.

I will talk to you later..... Hopefully you will have a good day....

I LOVE AND MISS YOU SO MUCH....

DAD

January 30, 2007

It's the annversary of the day we will never forget. Has it really been that long? We can't help but think of all that has happened since that day, thinking of all the things you've missed. But I suppose you haven't missed a thing, that you are still watching over your family, your friends, your fellow officers. They say that the greatness of a man lies not in what he achieves but in what he longs to achieve. In your short stay on earth, you left your mark, Nick. You will not be forgotten.

Pat Carpenter
Cousin of officer

January 30, 2007

Officer Sloan, you will never be forgotten. R.I.P.

Deputy Sheriff
EPSO (Colorado)

January 30, 2007

thinking of you today Nick be with your great family today as always, they have helped so many people see you tonight at your memorial mass. Mike Mcentee

January 30, 2007

Hi Nick,

I never had the pleasure of meeting you, however I have met and talked with your family. Your family and other survivor's families have been a great help to us since we lost Jeremy on April 24,2006. I know you and the others are watching out for us. This is going to be a difficult day for your family and our thoughts and prayers are with them everyday. We hope all of the officers that lost their life in the line of duty are having the best time of your life.

Earl and Diane Chambers

Earl Chambers Capt Retired
Cahokia PD

January 30, 2007

Nick,

Today it has been three years since you were taken from us. That was the worst day of my life. It is so unfair, why you? I guess I'll find out when we are together again.

Everyday still hurts, the pain will never go away. While driving home last week, Bobby said, Mommy I want my Uncle Nick back. I miss him so much, I just want to play with him and hug him. As my eyes filled with tears, he asked Why did Uncle Nick have to die. I told him that God had some work for Nick to do. Nick has to get Heaven ready for all of us, and when God needs us, he will send Nick to come get us. Bobby then said, I'm not ready to go to Heaven yet. I told him that it would be a long time until he went to Heaven. Bobby is the sweetest little boy. I am very lucky to have him.

Please be with us today. We will need you.

Tonight we are having a mass to honor you. You are very special to all of us.

I love you and miss you so much.

Until we meet again....

Love you,
Heather

Heather
Nicks Very Proud Sister

January 30, 2007

We are all thinking of you. Be with all of us and your family as this is hard for all of us. We miss you!

All of your friends

January 29, 2007

Nick,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family - you have a wonderful family who miss you so very, very much. Keep them safe and strong. They have really been a huge help to my family. Rest in peace-you deserve it. - Jayne McEntee, Sister of Bill McEntee EOW 7/5/05

January 29, 2007