Buncombe County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina
End of Watch Sunday, April 4, 2004
Reflections for Sergeant Jeffrey Todd Hewitt
"The Final Inspection"
The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."
Anonymous
April 5, 2004
Brother:
You served your country to help keep us free and then you served your community to keep them safe. Your legacy will not be forgotten. Peace be with you in heaven and the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ, be with your family left behind.
Captain Harry W. White Jr.
Morrow Police, Ga.
April 5, 2004
My deepest sympathies to the Family and loved ones of Jeff. We served together in the Marines for several years while stationed at Cherry Point NC. This is a tragedy. Jeff was enthusiastic and a leader. He demonstrated this while serving on the SRT team aboard our base. Jeff, we will miss you. With my deepest respect, SEMPER FI, Marine. Guard the gates of heaven.
Deputy U.S. Marshal Larry Brown
U.S. Marshals
April 5, 2004
As a nation we mourn, as a person I'm so sorry, as a police officer I honor, respect, and continue on in your memory. For without your efforts America would be chaos. Thanks
Minnesota Police Officer
April 5, 2004
God Bless you sir, May God watch over you and your family.
Rest now your watch is over.
Deputy Constable LC Downing
Wharton Co. TX. Pct 2 Constable
April 5, 2004
Another senseless killing of a police officer. I guess I will never understand the cowards who do this. You died a hero and America thanks you for your service. Rest in peace, sir. You will never be forgotton.
Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.
April 5, 2004
OUR HEARTS ARE HEAVY FOR YOUR LOSS. WE ARE PROUD TO HAVE KNOWN JEFF AND WILL MISS HIM. WE ARE LUCKY TO HAVE HIM LOOKING OUT FOR US.
SERGEANT JEFF CLARK
GASTONIA POLICE DEPARTMENT
April 5, 2004
My thoughts and prayers are with Sgt. Hewitt,his family,and brothers at the Buncombe County SO.Rest in peace brother.
Texas Peace Officer
University of Houston Downtown Law Enforcement Academy class 89
April 5, 2004
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN! For now we have the watch you so bravely gave your life for. Honor and defend it we will, for now we have any Angel to always guide us. YOU SHALL FOREVER BE MISSED!
Keith Porter
Greenville County Sheriff's Office
April 5, 2004
You, your family, your department, and the community you served are in my prayers during this difficult time.
Officer S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol
April 5, 2004
Another Hero lost. rest in Peace, Brother.
Det. P Hamblin
Wilson CO TN SO
April 5, 2004
I would like to extend my condolences to Sergeant Hewitt's family and friends, and to the men and women of the Buncombe County Sheriff's Department. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of tragedy. Rest in peace Sergeant Hewitt, your duty here is done.
Deputy Sheriff
Butte County Sheriff's Office
April 5, 2004
A brother Deputy has been reassigned to Got to help ST. MICHAEL guard the heavens. My sincere sympathy to your family and Department
Deputy
Ingham County Sheriff's Office, Michigan
April 5, 2004
Sgt Hewitt, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless You! Rest In Peace My Brother! In Valor There Is Hope!
Officer Rich Cheatham
Va Beach Police Dept
April 5, 2004
Rest in Peace Sergeant.
You will be sorely missed by all of us here.
J.C. Soesbee
Buncombe County Office of the Sheriff
April 5, 2004
HE GAVE IT ALL FOR WHAT HE LOVED. THE MEMORY OF JEFF'S SMILE WILL KEEP THE REST OF US WEARING OUR FLAG AND BADGE WITH PRIDE.
Detective Donnie Cole
Buncombe County
April 5, 2004
TO:The family;loved ones;friends and department members: A POLICE OFFICER'S PRAYER:- O, gentle Lord! Keep the day/night watch with me. As I begin my tour of duty,I ask your protection from all mental,physical and spiritual harm.Susatin me with the knowledge that I am doing your work,endeavoring to keep peace among your people. Help me to be just as I enforce the law without prejudice or favor to anyone. May I be courageous but not reckless in carrying out my duties. Let me respond to all calls with haste realizing that so many are dependent upon me for life and safety.Support me with your consoling power when I am tempted to think no one really cares and that I am taken for granted.Sustain in me the conviction that so many thousands do care and are grateful for my presence.Grant that I may be loyal to my partner and fellow officers,and that I may back them up effectively when called upon for assistance. Lord, I ask that I may return safely,after my tour of duty, to my loved ones and those who love me.I pray that I may be a good and honorable police officer;and after my tour of duty is over here on earth,may I enjoy the peace and happiness of heaven that you have promised to those that serve you well. AMEN ***REST IN PEACE*** Sent to you by the father of Officer First Class J.D.Koeppen Capital City Raleigh NC and Trooper D.C.Koeppen New Jersey State Police
Chief (retired) Douglas A. Koeppen
Washington New Jersey
April 5, 2004
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Sgt. Hewitt and his fellow officers. We will not forget...................
Sgt. Al Whitney
Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Yuma, AZ
April 5, 2004
REST IN PEACE BROTHER IN BLUE. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
POLICE OFFICER/ANDY HANNA
LAPD/WILSHIRE DIV
April 5, 2004
May you rest in peace Sgt. Hewitt. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and your comrades.
"Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God."
Matthew 5:9
Deputy John W. Cline
Pettis County, MO. Sheriff's Department
April 5, 2004
To the wife and family of Sgt. Hewitt:
Your husband did what he loved. He was known by everyone to be an outstanding deputy sheriff, He cared for everyone, and wanted to make the world a better place, which he did. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the members of your family and to all of the officers at the BCSO. May God bless you and your family through these times of pain. Rest in Peace Sgt. Hewitt, as you patrol the streets of heaven now.
Anonymous
April 5, 2004
Rest In Peace My Brother, Your comrades will carry your memory always. You shift has ended on this earthly beat, rest now and know that you served us well.
To your family: Know that the sacrifice he made was not in vain but rather a call... A call, Home.... He still walks his beat but in a place much more peaceful then here on earth. Heaven needed one more special soul to be a Guardian Angel to watch over us all and more especially you, the ones he loved most of all. You will Always in my prayers.
Agent T.D. Pope
Dunn NC Police Department
April 5, 2004
To the family, friends and co-workers of Sgt Hewitt:
May God bless you and give you comfort during this most difficult time.
Brother, your sacrifice will not be forgotten.
Special Agent
FBI New York
April 5, 2004
"And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for 'righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." -Matthew 5:1-10
A long quote, I know, but I hope Sergeant Hewitt's family and friends can find comfort in it. RIP Sergeant.
Anonymous
April 5, 2004
JESUS IS MY FRONT SIGHT,
SOVERIGN IN MY LIFE.
IN SLUMBER OR IN BATTLE,
HE GUIDES MY WARRIOR STRIDE.
JESUS IS MY FRONT SIGHT,
FOR HIM NO MAN I FEAR.
JESUS IS MY FRONT SIGHT,
TWAS HE WHO LED ME HERE.
April 5, 2004
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