Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"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

Eric,
You've given us so much happiness. We only wish we told you more often how proud we are of you, of all your accomplishments and successes and especially of the person you became. We want you to know our hearts overflow with love for you and how much richer you have made our lives by being our son. On this day, 34 years ago, I held you in my arms and now I can only carry you in my heart. Happy Birthday, honey. Keep smiling.

Love, Dad and Mom

November 24, 2007

Ive been to too many but yours was the first, I wish they would stop but I know they will not. I go for you.

PO
SPD

July 16, 2007

It's been three years since you left us,
No longer in our lives to share,
But in our hearts you are always there.

Love, Aunt Theresa & Family

April 14, 2007

Please take a moment to think of your favorite memory of Eric today and everyday.

Love, Uncle Tony & Geri

April 14, 2007

Eric,

It's been three long years. We still feel your presence, guiding and protecting us in all we do. You're always on our minds and forever in our hearts.

Love always, Dad & Mom

March 26, 2007

Same Watch....Broader View. You'll always be with us. Love you and miss you Bro!

Det. Tony D.
Friend / Brother

February 26, 2007

Merry Christmas to our precious son, Eric

We wish there were words that could fully express the happiness you've given us.

We wish you could know how proud we are of your accomplishments and successes and especially of the person you became.

We hope you know how much we love you and how much richer you've made our lives just by being our son. Your memory will live on forever. Peace be with you our beloved son. We're sure you're watching over us. Keep smiling honey.

We love you forever and always, Dad, Mom and Family

December 24, 2006

I still hear the songs
I still see the lights
I still feel your love
on cold wintery nights

I share your hopes and
all your cares
I'll even remind you to
please say your prayers

I just want to tell you
you still make me proud
you stand head and shoulders
above all the crowd

Keep trying each moment
to stay in His grace
I came here before you to
help set your place

To my family and friends
please be thankful today
I'm still close beside you
in a new special way

I love you all dearly
Now don't shed a tear
Cause I'm spending my
Christmas with Jesus this year

December 24, 2006

ERIC, I'AM JUST HANGING OUT WORKING A LITTLE OT. I MISS YOU AND OUR FRIENDSHIP SO MUCH.I STILL THINK YOU ARE GOING TO WALK THROUGH THAT LOCKEROOM DOOR AND START BUSTING ON EVERYONE. I WISH NICHOLAS HAD THE CHANCE TO MEET YOU , HE WOULD HAVE LOVED YOU.HE IS 16 MONTHS OLD NOW AND HIS MIDDLE NAME IS ERIC, AFTER YOU. HE LOVES YOUR PARENTS AND YOUR DAD LOVES TO TEASE HIM.WE WERE AT YOUR HOUSE NOT TO LONG AGO AND HE WAS PLAYING IN YOUR GARDEN.I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW WE THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY AND YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOREVER. REMEMBER HEROS LIVE FOREVER....

NICK
SPD

September 17, 2006

Eric is in my prayers today as he is everyday. I found this page moments before I knelt and prayed for all the fallen heroes and victims of 911. As the moment of silence came for the world you were in my thoughts and I got to see your photo which brought a smile. I met you when you played baseball with my nephew out at the ole pickneys grove. You went out of your way to be there for all who knew you. I have never forgotten your kindness. It will always be surreal that you are gone but I truly believe you are at peace and watching over all whos lives you touched. As you know I always say hello when I drive by the flag on the pole!! Smile. God bless your family. I'm glad I found this page today...I guess I'm really starting to believe there are no coincidences..

Deb
one of the moms

September 11, 2006

Vert,

You have not been forgotten, you are in mine and Amy's thoughts everyday. We miss you brother.

Inv Richard Dunsmore
Rotterdam Police Department

September 9, 2006

Patrolman Verteramo, thank you for your service sir. Rest in peace the watch is now ours.

Deputy
Terrebonne Parish S.O. Houma, La

July 3, 2006

Officer Verteramo and the many other officers who have gone before him and after him have another brother who joined their ranks last night. Detective Stepnowski who left the following reflection for Officer Verteramo was shot and killed last night while on duty in Dekalb County, GA.

"I would like to send my thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this time of need. I came across your name just surfing one day. Your name is dear to me for I too grew up in Schenectady and I am thankful you choose to protect the poeple we grew up with. I am just sorry that you had to pay the ultimate price. I hope your death does not go forgotten.

Det D.C. Stepnowski #1700
DeKalb Co Police S.W.A.T (Ga)
2004-11-28"

Detective Stepnowksi was originally from Schenectady which prompted him to leave his message for Officer Verteramo. These men paid the ultimate price for protecting all of us. We will never be able to thank them for all the people they helped and lives they saved. As they look down on us all I pray that they now know how much we truly appreciate them and their sacrifices. God Bless both families.

Elizabeth Carter
Thankful Citizen

June 30, 2006

Eric,
Lord, I ask for courage-Courage to face and conquer my own fears...Courage to take me where others will not go...I ask for stregnth-Strength of body to protect others, and strength of spirit to lead others...I ask for dedication-Dedication to my job, to do it well, Dedication to my community, to keep it safe...And please, Lord, through it all, be by my side...The Police Officer's Prayer.

Eric rest in peace.

Ptl. Phil Notto #136
Schenectady Police Dept.

May 2, 2006

Rest In Peace.

P.O.
Albany PD

April 21, 2006

The Tuesday Edition: Published on 4/11/06, Article by Paul

Title: "In Memory of Ptl. Eric J. Verteramo"

During the early evening hours of April 11, 2004, Officer Verteramo responded from Bellevue to a motorcyle/
pedestrian accident at State & Furman Streets. While northbound on Broadway, about 500 feet north of Lower Broadway, Officer Verteramo struck a utility pole across from 824 Broadway. Schenectady Police & Fire Communications received several calls about the crash and dispatched police and rescue personnel to the scene. Officer Verteramo was extricated from the vehicle by Schenectady Fire Department personnel and rushed to Ellis Hospital with head and upper body trauma. A short time later Officer Verteramo was airlifted by Med Flight to Albany Medical Center for further treatment. Later that evening, Officer Verteramo died from his injuries.

Eric was a fine and compassionate officer who selflessly served his community and touched the lives of many. He will never be forgotten and will always be missed.

On behalf of the Schenectady PBA we extend our thoughts and prayers to the Verteramo Family.


Written by The Paul Longe Family

April 17, 2006

You and your family are remembered prayerfully on this Easter Sunday - two years after your tragic death on that Easter Sunday in 2004. I am very sorry they must walk this painful journey. Rest in peace, sir. Thank you for your service and dedication to the community.

Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Jay Balchunas, EOW 11/5/04

April 16, 2006

To Patrolman Eric J. Verteramo and all his loved ones:

On this the second anniversary week of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

I so admire your family's strength and faith which is revealed from their reflections. My heart goes out to all of them during this time. You all remain in our thoughts and our prayers.

Reading the loving reflections about your beloved Eric gives us some understanding of what a kind and honorable young man he was, and what he meant to his family and friends. I don't know if the creators of this web site ever envisioned how many of us would communicate with each other, and with our angels through these reflection pages. But we do and I find such comfort in it.

Eric, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Eric. I am humbled by your valor, courage, and dedication.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Eric gave to his community and the citizens of New York, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 11, 2004.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 14, 2006

In the circle we call life, from beginning to the end, we were blessed to have you in our lives. Love, Aunt Theresa Lezzi & Family

April 12, 2006

I give you this one thought to keep...I am with you still...I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush,I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not think of me as gone...I am with you still...in each new dawn.

We will love you forever and ever, Dad, Mom and Family

April 12, 2006

When we count our blessings we always count you twice. Love, Uncle Tony and Geri

April 12, 2006

As I walked home from your house tonight with my son, I felt great peace knowing that you are watching us all. We all miss you "Vert"

Det. Sean P. Daley
Schenectady Police

April 11, 2006

It will be 2 years since you were called away from duty. It will be a very hard day for those that love you, not that most days aren't anyway. The hearts of your loved ones are still heavy with pain and shed tears for you everyday. I know, for I walk in their shoes. The only advice I can give is to keep your memory alive and take one day at a time, thats all any of us can do. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten. Wrap your wings around your loved ones and help ease their pain and protect them. Keep watch over those still out on patrol. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

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

Bob Gordon

April 6, 2006

It has been eight months since God took you in His arms and carried you to Heaven.

This being our first Christmas without you has deepened the pain but we have so many wonderful memories.We miss that sheepish grin, only you had, and the sparkle in your eyes.

We will light a candle on Christmas in your memory signifying our grief, our courage, our memories and our love. Keep smiling honey.

Merry Christmas Son. All our love, Dad Mom, Mike, Trevor, T.J., Erin, Gram, Unc, Aunt Di, Lindy and Heather

April 3, 2006