Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

well kid the baby turns 13 this weekend i can't believe it . nicole went back to practice the other day. Denise is joining track so she at least trying to do something i'm so proud of her you would to .The days are so long without you . you would light up our lives so much . Just wondering what to expect when you walked through that door what you would do to the girls and me with your games and your smiling face . you are the best husband and person in the world that anyone could ever ask for . i miss you so much i love you!!! you would make all of our troubles go away.the kids miss you so much it hurts . i'm trying to do my best on everything . i'm trying to man up for you .i don't want to be the beetlebomb.But that's the way i feel without you kid . softball is not the same, the house is not the same and The laughter is not the same. you would lighten up a room in two seconds flat. i miss that . who loves you kid !!!! god bless you I love you with all my heart love moejoe

wally's wife
rpd

March 15, 2004

May god continue to Bless your Wife and family.
A prayer will be said eveyday from now throughout Police week, for your love ones strenght.

Cpl. Sabrina D. Turner
United States Governement Printing Office

March 13, 2004

It doesn’t seem that long ago when I first met Wally. It was February 1992. We attended PTI class 509 together. I had the great pleasure of sharing a bathroom with Wally at Bromely hall for ten weeks. When I reflect on that short period in our lives I remember Wally always laughing and making light. When I read the news on the roll call bulletin board I couldn’t make a quick connection. Wally was referred to as William and I didn’t recognize the picture. I remember Wally wearing glasses, a dark mustache and longer black hair. I tried to talk myself out of the fact that it was Wally but later confirmed that it was. What a tragedy. Of all people to lose! Wally?

I will never forget William “Wally” Rolniak Jr. We had many laughs together at PTI. He was a great friend and somebody I looked up to. I never saw Wally discouraged or down. He was always upbeat and smiling. He was the kind of person that you just wanted to be around. He always gave 100% and boy could he run.

I will be praying for Wally’s family and friends. I realize we only had Wally in this life for only 39 years. But those 39 years he gave all of us will live forever in our hearts.

God bless the Rolniak family

Patrol Officer Edward Ritter
Rockford Police Department

March 12, 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

Mr. Rolniak,
It seems like just yesterday you and my dad were at mine and nicole's softball game(either yelling at us, or in the parking lot.) I was really looking forward to the few tournaments me and nicole had together. It would have been just like old times. The barbecues at the ball parks just aren't going to be the same without you there. What am I going to do with a house full of cub fans now? I still remember the days I spent in Lowell playing five crowns with you and nicole. I even beat you once. You will always be in my heart especially every time i step on a field to play softball. I will always hear your voice encouraging me(or yelling at nicole).
<3I love you and miss you so much!<3

your other daughter

March 8, 2004

Some philosopher said: "The most painful part of being is remembering the future...the one you'll never have."

We didn't understand what that meant. Today we understand all too well. We expected to share so many more moments, years and years worth.

A short time ago, we 4 promised to be friends forever. We just didn't imagine that 4-forever would be 3 so soon. Now our 4 is 3, so again we promise to be friends forever.

Goodbye for now Beetlebomb, Big Mumbo, Upside down Cheeseburgers, Pat-ourselves-on-the-Back, It's only heat lightening, Nik's choice, Lowellian, 7 games of cribbage, brown paper bags, Mickey D's, Hello 'dare, 2nd father, best friend, piece of our hearts.

friends

March 8, 2004

It has been over a month now and I still have not forgotten you even though I have never really knew you. I was at your wake and I was at your funeral. I saw the line of blue down the block standing in the freezing cold. I was honored to be present in the church. I sat in the middle of a row filled with blue. They broke down several times throughout the ceremony. I broke down when I saw you daughter up there with her letter to you. It all felt so odd seeing your wife and girls - it made me realize that it could be anyone of us. And that realization made me ache even more for Maureen and the girls.

I watched in awe at all the men in blue around me, looking so strong and brave but yet being brought to tears by this loss. I was also at the cemetery. I don't know if your family members got to see that many of us walked a mile or so down Kedzie and into the cemetery entrance, under our nation's flag held up by two firetrucks. It was freezing cold but none of the officers wore jackets because they were in their dress uniform and wanted to show their utmost respect to you. They didn't even think about the cold or the long walk, they just felt a loss. If they felt any physical pain, it made them feel a little better since it alleviated their internal pain. I was also at the luncheon and saw Maureen surrounded by her family and friends. I was grateful to see that she has people to lean on during this time of enormous loss. This just emphasized what wonderful people you and your wife must be.

I only know you through my husband, a fellow brother in blue, who has met you several times. He remembers you as always being open, approachable, funny, and professional. He remembered you talking about your girls. My husband said that many criminals chose to deal with you because you still treated them with respect and professionalism. My husband has been hit hard by your loss - for you are truly one of the best.

My heart aches for all that are experiencing grief from this loss but I especially ache for Maureen and her daughters. I pray for Maureen and the girls that God will give you support and guidance. Maureen, I hope that it helps to know that so many people are thinking of you and your family.

A police officer's wife

A police officer's wife

March 8, 2004

REMEMBERING YOU IN OUR PRAYERS...YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

Officer M. Bartholme
Richmond Police Department (VA)

March 7, 2004

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!! Had your party last night. I miss you . this is so hard for me to do i wish i could talk to you i miss your voice i miss you face that half ass smile of yours and the devil in your eyes you were always up too something aggervating me or the girls steam rowing them at one in the morning when you would come home form work and hear them so mom get him out of here i would just laugh they miss you so much . well company is coming over for you so happy birthday babe ilove you and miss you so much talk to you soon .

wallys wife
rpd

March 7, 2004

happy birthday daddy we miss you ,we love you your party was nice we love you nicole and denise

daughters
rpd

March 7, 2004

Happy Birthday Wally!

Anonymous

March 7, 2004

Happy Birthday Wally!! I will raise a beer and a shot today knowing you're having one as well. I carry your memorial card with me in my uniform pocket each day at work as a reminder of you, of how fragile life is and how important it is to have fun while we're here. Watch over us and keep us safe Bra!

Toad

Officer Michael Horn
Paradise Valley, AZ (Riverdale 88-03)

March 7, 2004

Wally,
I remeber the first conversation I had with you. You talked about your daughters and that one of them introduced you to the Campbell's Cup of Soup.
I remember the last brief conversation I had with you and DD. We joked about how much money we made last year and our taxes.
You were always so nice and regardless of when we called you were always so pleasant. You are greatly missed and will be continued to be. We will not forget you.

Telecommunicator/E. Goyke
Riverdale PD

March 6, 2004

To Wally:

It will never be the same at work without you. When I was hired about 8 years ago, you and Moe were my neighbors and you guys were one of the few people I knew at work. I got to see your girls grow up, as well as you rise up in rank. It broke my heart on that night when I found out what happened. I can't help but think, if only I would have looked at the camera closer when DD called in, or had the camera in a different position.....I could have done something. Moe is a strong woman; and somehow we will do our best to carry on your legacy and continue to do the best job that we can do, with your memory as our guide. Thank you for all the compliments and the respect that you always showed me, as well as the other dispatchers and the officers.....We will truly miss you, Wally.

Sherry Wright-Telecommunicator
Riverdale PD

March 5, 2004

WALLY ITS BEEN 4 WEEKS NOW ITS STILL REALLY HARD TO THINK THAT YOUR GONE OUT OF OUR LIVES. A MINUTE SEEMS LIKE AN HOUR TIME JUST DRAGS WITHOUT YOU IN IT . THE GIRLS MISS YOU SO MUCH IT HURTS . ME, I JUST THINK THAT YOUR GOING TO CALL AND TELL ME YOUR ON YOUR WAY HOME AND THIS IS JUST A BIG MISUNDERSTANDING . I MISS YOU !! I LOVE YOU !! YOUR BIRTHDAY IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER .THERES NOT A MINUTE THAT GOES BY THAT I DON'T THINK ABOUT YOU . A SONG, A LOOK , A SMELL AND THAT GREAT SMILE OF YOURS. mY HEART ACHES FOR YOU. " JUST REMEMBER WHO LOVES YOU KID" TO LET YOU KNOW I'M TRYING TO MAN UP FOR YOU BUT IS REALLY HARD . I LOVE YOU AND I MISS YOU LOVE MOEJOE ( MLB)

WALLYS WIFE
WIFE

March 3, 2004

WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU,WALLY. WATCH OVER ALL OF
US DOWN HERE AND KEEP US ON OUR TOES. GOD BLESS
YOU, BROTHER.

Anonymous

March 3, 2004

My condolences to Wally's family , friends , and Riverdale Police Force.Wally I did not know you , but I did hear your name come up many times.About being a great father, friend to everyone you met , and even how you would treat scumbags with respect .
But most of all ... how you could make people laugh when they were having a bad day.Maybe thats why GOD called on you .God is seeing how the world is becoming a sad place and decided I need ... a new angle to brighten my day .
I heard you were into music and Billy Joel said it best

" Only the Good Die Young "

so true.

Wally ... enjoy that great Music Concert in Heaven !!
Say hey to Elvis and Buddy Holly

Anonymous

March 1, 2004

Wally, a part of me died on February 4, 2004 when you were taken from us. I think about you everyday since, and sometimes think I hear you calling me from your office.
I told you I always respected you for the love you had for your family. You were a good partner for the 6 years we were together. I will never forget you and I'll always keep you in my prayers. Till we meet again, keep a place for me.
Your partner,
Vito

Commander Pete
Riverdale Police Department

February 27, 2004

I just wanted to let everyone know what a WONDERFUL brother I had - and now he's gone. It's going to be very hard to move on without him. I LOVE you Wally and I think of you every minute of the day. You will always be in my heart and on my mind. I will never forget all of the fun times we had together, not only me and you alone but with our entire family. The stupid cartoons and commercials that we laughed so silly at and the songs that we danced to at parties and weddings. But most of all I'm going to miss having my brother around. I love you Wally and my heart aches!!

Stacey Koontz
Wally's sister

February 27, 2004

To Wally my Friend and Partner:

Words cannot express how much I will miss you. I still can't believe that you are gone. We were together one minute laughing and planning on going to have a beer, then minutes later you were gone. Wally you do not know how bad I wish I would have won the arguement and I would have gone down those stairs instead of you. Maybe things would have been different and you would be here. We spent more time together then we did with our families. You could always make me laugh when and crack jokes even after working 20 hours straight. I could always count on you because you were always by my side no matter what. It hurts so bad that you are gone because we talked everyday! Not hearing your voice, not seeing you sitting at your desk, not having that last beer just breaks my heart. I know you loved life so much and that was because of your whole familly. Not a day went by that you did not mention those girls. No one will ever know the bond and trust we had for each other. Wally I just hope you did not tell too many people about our song that you picked for us because of all the time we spent together. I know Moe, and the girls know but if anyone else heard it they would have looked at us funny. Wally I could just sit here and write to you all day because then it might not feel like you are gone. I hope and pray that the last look we had gave you some comfort that you knew I was with you till the end and you were not alone. Your friends and family will never let your memory die. It will live in all of our hearts forever. Wally I will miss you more than you or anyone will ever know. Most of all I am sorry for not being able to do more to save you..

Det. Sgt. Dempsey
Riverdale Police

February 27, 2004

"A Tribute"

So many times we all are unaware

of those who protect us daily with honor and care.

This act is so beyond great

that its value we simply underestimate.

Life is a treasure

we cannot measure.

Our lives are so busy we forget to see,

those people who maintain peace around us daily.

They are come from all walks of life

with a simple aim "to alleviate strife."

May God help us to truly see each day

the many unnoticed blessings that come our way.

For what greater blessings can there be

than love, peace, and liberty?

--To all those who protect--thank you

"Blessed are the peacemakers!"

Thomas Porter, Fine Arts Department
Chairperson, Thornton Township High School

February 25, 2004

The domino effect~
The loss of our brother trickles through each of us as we read these reflections. This one stabbed my heart due to the extreme circumstance in which Detective Rolniak lost his life. I will not forget this story as long as I live. You are etched in my memory, Brother. The impressions left by the youth you touched is a memorial in itself.
You walk with the Lord, of this I am sure. These reflections bare testimony to your wonderful accomplishments on Earth. Know that you succeeded in making the difference; the difference that we, who wear the uniform, all yearn for.

Deputy C. Miller
Denton County SO Denton, TX

February 24, 2004

Brother Rolniak

You are a warrior and you are a hero. You will never be forgotten. Look down upon us and keep us safe.

To Wally's family: God bless you. Wally was a member of the biggest fraternity in the world, Law Enforcement. The Thin Blue Line never forgets. Live in peace.

To the Riverdale PD: You have friends in Calumet City. We are pained by your loss. We honor Wally.

Detective Dave Iwaszko
Calumet City PD

February 24, 2004

Unfortunately, I didn't have the privilege to know Officer Rolniak, but through my friend, I honestly feel the agony of his eternal rest. When a teenager, such as my friend, remembers him from a long time ago, it really says something about that person. Also the crimes he prevented. You never know, maybe he arrested someone who was just about to do us harm. Think of the people he saved right then and there. I have considered joining the guys in blue, because those are the true heroes. They are the ones who stand up to the enemy, they are the ones who work night and day to make sure that their city is protected and secured. These heroes aren't appreciated enough. They are our unsung heroes. We have lost a hero. Everytime I drive by the station, I can't help but look and stare at it, just stare...

Khristopher
Harvey

February 21, 2004

Maureen, Nicole and Denise,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. I can't even try imagine what you are going through. Just know that you have a shoulder to lean on just around the block if needed.
God Bless!

Melanie & Robby

February 19, 2004