Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jim it was good working with you and its been an honor to know you. You're a great beat partner and friend and you will be missed dearly. San Bernardino won't be the same without you. Until I see you again, Tom.

Officer T. Spence
California Highway Patrol

June 6, 2004

My thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Goodman,his family and the CHP.Rest in peace brother.

Texas Peace Officer
University of Houston Downtown Law Enforcement Academy Class 89

June 6, 2004

May God Bless You and Your Family
Friends and Fellow Officer's

Deputy Constable LC Downing
Wharton Co. Texas Pct. 2

June 6, 2004

May God always be with you.Thank you for your hard work and sacrifice. RIP Officer Goodman...

Ryan
Los Angeles

June 6, 2004

Please remember the fallen officers we have lost. Remember the men and women who died trying to make this world a safer and better place for us all to live in. Thank you Officer Goodman for a job well done. Please continue to watch over us and protect us as only you can. You will forever be at our side and in our hearts.

For those of you who still have loved ones with us please take the time to tell them how much you appreciate and care about them.

IF I KNEW

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

June 6, 2004

"THE FINAL INSPECTION"

The policeman stood and faced 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 time 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 a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell

Rest in Peace, your sacrifice will never be forgotten

North Sacramento
California Highway Patrol

June 6, 2004

I first met Jim back in 1996 when he & fellow CHP trooper Steve Schrieber were members of the Olympic Torch Relay, providing motorcycle escort for the Olympic Torch Bearers. The Georgia State Patrol had sent two detachments of troopers out to Los Angeles to provide security for the Torch Bearers & the caravan as the Olympic Flame made it's way across the country to Atlanta for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. During those 84 days, I was fortunate enough to work & become friends with these two great guys. It saddens me tremendously to hear of Jim's passing. He was a fine gentleman, an excellent motorcycle officer, & an all-around nice guy. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts & condolences are with his family.

Retired CPL JoDee Gibson #485
Georgia State Patrol

June 5, 2004

Rest in peace, Officer Goodman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and your CHP brothers and sisters.

Trooper
Maine State Police

June 5, 2004

My family would like to send our condolences to the family, friends & co-workers of P.O. James Goodman. You're in our thoughts & prayers today and always.

Gail M Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit P.O. Jennifer Fettig eow 2-16-04

June 5, 2004

My dear friend Jim, I will miss your hearty laughter! God Bless you and yours!

Joan Horst
BMW of North America

June 5, 2004

The news of Jim's death has sent shockwaves throughout the State of Georgia. I, along with twentyfive other Georgia Troopers, traveled our great nation with Jim during the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay. We are all blessed to have known him, and the world is a lesser place without him.

SFC Andy Carrier
Georgia State Patrol

June 5, 2004

God Bless Officer Goodman.

God Bless Officer Goodman's Family.

God Bless the California Highway Patrol

3,000 miles does not diminish the sorrow we share with you.

Trooper
New Jersey State Police

June 5, 2004

In loving memory of Trooper Goodman: This is so similar to what happened in Tacoma, WÅ in April
when a motor officer collided with a car. That officer, Jim Lewis, had served well for 19 years. Thank you for your selfless service of 20 years and for your ultimate 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...

Lynn Kole
Bellingham, Washington

June 5, 2004

My sincere condolence to the family of Officer Goodman and members of the CHP.

Sr. Trooper Keith Miller (Ret)
Oregon State Police

June 5, 2004

Our deepest condolences to the Family, friends, and co-workers of Officer Goodman

Newark NJ PD Auto Theft Task Force

June 5, 2004

Rest in peace sir. Thank you for your service.

Shannon
concerned citizen

June 5, 2004

To:The family;friends,loved ones 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. Sustain 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 on 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 my 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 who serve you well.AMEN.***REST IN PEACE*** Sent to you by the father of First Class Officer J.D.Koeppen,Capital City Raleigh NC and Trooper D.C.Koeppen, NJ State Police.

Chief (retired) Douglas A. Koeppen
Washington New Jersey

June 5, 2004

Dear Goodman Family and Friends,

I am sorry to hear about your loss. Please take some comfort in two verses from the Bibile: " 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 5, 2004

My thoughts and prayer go out to the Family of Officer Goodman and my brothers and sisters at the California Highway Patrol. When ever an Officer falls, it is an event that is felt around the world. James, i never had the honor of knowing you, but i wish you peace and ever lasting happiness. You have given the ultimate for the good of this country and that my friend will not be forgotten.

Deputy K.Mansell
Washtenaw County Sheriff's Dept. Michigan

June 5, 2004

You are a wonderful officer and you will be terribly missed

Anderson
LAPD

June 5, 2004

Rest In Peace.

P.O.
Albany PD (NY)

June 5, 2004

Rest in Peace...

Police Officer
Syracuse Police Dept, NY

June 5, 2004

May god be with you Mr Goodman

CHP Explorer

June 5, 2004

Rest in peace brother.....

Detective John O'Sullivan
Eagle County Sheriff

June 5, 2004

The life of another hero is taken too soon. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Goodman. 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 5, 2004