Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Your service and sacrafice will never be forgotten. Rest easy, brother.

Officer Michael Wilhelm
The George Washington University Police Dept

June 2, 2004

Thank you for all that you did and all that you stood for. You will be greatly missed by all of your brothers and sisters, who will try to fill the void left by your loss. Sleep well and hold your head high knowing that you did all you could and we will not forget your supreme sacrifice. God Bless.

Hampton Patrolman
Hampton Police Division

June 2, 2004

You are a true hero. What a wonderful thing that you did for a little girl. You gave your life being a hero. You now walk a beat where there is no violence, only peace. We will all join you one day on the other side.

First Sergeant Salvatore A. Torelli
Fauquier County Sheriff's Office, VA

June 2, 2004

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 just got 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."

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

June 2, 2004

I am always saddened to learn of a fellow officer who will not be coming home. My sincere condolences go to the Ashley family and the Officers of the Metropolitan Police Department. I am greatly saddened by your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. May God give you the strength and courage to get through this difficult time, and the years to come. Although our brotherhood has suffered a tremendous loss, we know that John is now safe in Gods arms guarding the gates of Heaven. God Bless you John, for all that you have been, and for all that you have meant, to the people whose lives you have touched..."

Sergeant Richard Lopez
U.S. Capitol Police

June 2, 2004

John,

It seems like yesterday that you learned
that you where going to be promoted and
moving on to the second district. It was an honor to know you and work with you. Rest in peace.

Sergeant Richard Harger
MPDC 7D

June 2, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with Sgt. Ashley's family, friends and co-workers. We will continue to lift you during this trial in your life. Psalm 55:22

Denise Nichols - surviving spouse
Alabama State Trooper Brian Nichols EOW 2/17/2002

June 1, 2004

John,
I was lucky enough to know you personally and professionally. I remember when I first met you, listening to you tell me about your days was always an adventure with you. I never once heard you complain about anything, because I knew you really loved what you did. To hear the excitement in your voice and to see it in your eyes, made me realize I too wanted to be a police officer. You are a great mentor always telling me to get as much training as the department would offer and work as much overtime as I could. I will never forget the ride-alongs and all of our talks.
You were taken too soon from us and I only hope you are watching from above as my Angel. You will be greatly missed. I just wish I had a chance to say goodbye. Your sister officer at U.S.C.P. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless!

Ofc. Melissa Allison
United States Capitol Police

June 1, 2004

Sgt Ashley will be remembered for his dedication to duty, consummate professionalism, hearty laugh and constant enthusiasm.
May the wind always be at your back.

We'll miss you, John.

Edward Stewart

June 1, 2004

Dear Ashley Family and Friends,

I am sorry to hear about your loss. Please take some comfort in two verses from the BIble: "Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted." Matt. 5:4 and " Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the Children of God." Matt. 5:9. God Bless.

Ofc. Mike Snyder
Coral Springs PD, Florida

June 1, 2004

May the memory of your service, heroism and sacrifice remain forever. We are proud of you and thankful for all of your service. May God bless you, your family and brother/sister officers in the Metropolitan Police Department.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

June 1, 2004

To Sergeant Ashley family, friends, and the Metropolitan Police Department. I would like to extend my condolences and deepest sympathy. You have lost a beautiful soul, but heaven has one more shining star. My thoughts and prays are with you all. Sergeant Ashley, thanks for a job well done; may your soul rest in peace.

Patrol Officer
Prince George's County, Maryland

June 1, 2004

In loving memory of Sgt. Ashley: Thank you for your selfless service and sacrifice. It is a long road to healing that lies ahead, but I know that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will extend His mercy and comfort to all who reach out to Him.
There is none greater than He. We don't get to Heaven based on what we do, but what He did for us!! AMEN! There is now a huge void that cannot be filled. God be with all those who mourn and may His promises lift all those with heavy hearts for many years to come. I found this poem on another's site and wanted to share it.

We may never understand it,
the risks these brave ones take,
but occasionally we see a bit
of the difference their lives make.
Some do it for the action,
others find it a callin'.
All find the satisfaction,
and few become the fallen.
Being an officer is what he loved,
To him as good as it gets.
Law was what he dreamed of,
He would have no regrets.
And though it saddens all of us
to lose him in this way
He knew how an officer must
Live life to the fullest everyday.

You are in my thoughts. If only I could erase your pain... from the
other Washington.

Lynn Kole
Washington State

June 1, 2004

Rest in peace knowing that you did a Job Well Done........

1942
PPD

June 1, 2004

Thank you for your service Sergeant Ashley.

Lt Thomas Drury
Clare City P.D. Clare, Mi.

June 1, 2004

Sgt. Ashley,

You truly are a hero. Your brothers in blue could only hope to be as strong as you. My prayers are with you and your family and all the members of the Metropolitan Police Department. RIP.

Ofc. BM Damon
T/ Manlius PD, NY

June 1, 2004

Yet the life of another hero is taken too soon. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Sergeant Ashley. May the Lord give you strength and bless each of you during this time.
Rest in peace for your watch here is over; walk in heavens beat and guide us all to protect and serve others safely.

US Ranger Catroppa
National Park Service Kennesaw GA

June 1, 2004

A coward dies a thousand deaths, a hero dies but one.

May God be with Sergeant Ashley and his family in their time of grief.

"I am my brothers keeper."

109th Cadet Class, Austin Police Deaprtment

June 1, 2004

John,

It was always a pleasure to work the streets with you, your backing me up was always apprecited and you will be missed by all of us at FMB.

Rest in Peace

Sergeant Michael J. Kuchinsky
U.S. Secret Service - Uniformed Division

June 1, 2004

John,

It was a great pleasure to know and work with you. I assure you that you will be missed. You’re in a better place now. Take care my brother and may you rest piece.

Chris Watkins
Owensboro Police Department

June 1, 2004

John, your favorite signature line was, "It is better to live only one day as a lion, than to have lived a lifetime as a lamb." You always lived your life as a lion. I recall the discussion we had once on death and you told me you weren't afraid to die; you'd made friends with death. I'm so very saddened that's one friend you had to make.

You'll never know the impact you left on me. I will remember you always.

Name withheld

June 1, 2004

Rest in peace Brother John, you are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Son of G. Truamn Wortham EOW 7/15/73

June 1, 2004

As I read your bio, Sgt.Ashley, I had to smile, I always seemed to be the one who "found" the dog, and took some teasing along the way. It does bring to light, however, the totality of our jobs in service to the community. You are a hero to that little girl and her family, and you are a hero to all of us left behind to carry on. By now you've met Billy and gotten the grand tour, enjoy your time in Heaven, you have done your time in hell. To his family, friends, and fellow officers, your pain will never go away but your memories, held close and visited often will ease today's heartache.

KY Peace Officer
Isaiah 40:31

June 1, 2004

"Also I heard the voice of the Lord,
saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me."
Isaiah 6:8

The road is long and hard, we are here, we have the watch. Rest in peace my brother. Until the last day when we all will answer the last roll call.

Lt. Stephen Jackson
Bicycle Patrol Unit, Baton Rouge PD

June 1, 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 their uniform.

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

They have to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half- eaten meals. And they have 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 the 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 they already know and wishes they had taken that accounting job.) Another pair here in the side of their head for their partners’ safety. And another pair of eyes here in front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say, “ You’ll be alright ma’am, when they know it isn’t so.”

“Lord,” said the angel, touching his sleeve,” rest and work 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 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 elements of a hundred crimes, recite Miranda warnings in it’s sleep; detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five judges to debate the legality of the stop…and still it keeps it’s sense of humor.

This officer also has phenomenal personal control. They 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, and for justice.”

“You’re a genius,” said the angel.

The Lord looked sober. “I didn’t put it there,” he said.


Anonymous

Senior Instructor
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center

June 1, 2004