Clark County Sheriff's Office, Washington
End of Watch Friday, July 30, 2004
Reflections for Sergeant Bradley W. Crawford
My condolences to brads friends and family. i have heard alot about him, and how nice he was to a friend of mine on a ride along with the sergeant. i hope the procedings all run smoothly and my most heart felt thoughts are with all those affeced.
Josh Wilcock
ATC/RAF England
August 3, 2004
I seldom get the opportunity to return home to Clark County. Both my parents worked for the CCSD and my mother still does. It is a sad day to lose an officer and I will grieve for both your family and our law enforcement family. I am sure that in all the communities that you have served they are better off today due to the assets that you have provided. Your ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten and will be felt by many.
Officer Robert Tamez
Fort Lee Police Department-VA
August 3, 2004
Brad,
I was on vacation in California when I got 'the call' that we never want to get. I was told of this violent encounter and the loss of your life. It has taken me several days to try to put it into perspective. I still don't know that I have. I have shed tears, felt anger and disbelief. But I also find myself seeing your smile, remembering our talks about 'life' and your passion for God. We prayed many times together as you helped me through trying times in my life. You always gave yourself to others including me in times of need. I do not remember a single time you had a negative word about anything. You often reminded me it was all in Gods master plan. I (we) will never forget that wisdom and optimism you always shared. I truly have never met anyone so positive about life no matter the obstacles. You approached your career with that same optimistic attitude. You are and always will be missed and remembered. I know you are in a place of peace. I look forward to the day of meeting you there and again seeing that warm welcoming smile. Rest now my friend for you have earned your place among angels.
Officer Steven Dobbs
Vancouver Police Department
August 3, 2004
My god bless you as you patrol the havens now.No matter what uniform you wear ,we all bleed blue when we lose a brother.
Lt Keefer
NYCSP
August 3, 2004
Each time I read of one of our own passing in the line of duty, I feel a cold shiver down my spine. How tragic it is to lose one, but two in one year is catastophic. It is God's plan to call Sgt. Crawford home. His work here on earth is done. We mourn for Sgt. Crawford and his family, yet we celebrate his life and the influence he had here on earth. Although Sgt. Crawford was taken from us by the actions of another, he did his job. He served and he protected the citizens of Clark County, Los Angeles, and Flag Staff. I thank you Sgt. Crawford for your sacrifice and commitment to your badge, your departments, and your citizens. God bless your family and your partners within the Clark County Sheriff's Office.
MPO James Belford
King County Sheriff Office, WA
August 2, 2004
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 a badge
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"
GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA
August 2, 2004
One year ago today, 8/2/04, our department lost Officer Patrick Maher. As we honor him today, we mourn the senseless, tragic loss of Sgt. Crawford. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and with the Clark County Sheriff's Dept. All of us in law enforcement feel the pain of your loss and cry with you. Sgt. Clark, thank you for your service and sacrifice. Keep an eye on us and rest easy my brother, we have the watch.
Pam Hall (LAPD Reserve Retired)
Federal Way Police Department
August 2, 2004
Dear Superman
Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live in a better world. Your flag will always fly.
August 2, 2004
I had recently gone on a ride along with the Clark County Sheriff's Department, Central Precinct. My ride along was during Sergeant Crawford's shift. I had met with him before and during my ride along. We had talked for quite some time about the job and about my career plans. Sergeant Crawford was an oustanding officer. All during my ride along, he helped out the other deputies with their calls, assisting them when requested. He was a very caring, compassionate, and considerate officer. The loss of this individual is a loss to us all. I will keep his family and fellow officers in my prayers. I am very saddened by the loss of one of our country's law enforcement. It was a pleasure to know this man.
C/2c Josh Pearce (AFROTC)
Student: University of North Dakota Air Force ROTC
August 2, 2004
GODSPEED BROTHER..EVERY OFFICER LOST IS MOURNED
PATROLMAN
NJ
August 2, 2004
Brad- I can't believe you are gone. I spoke with you hours before this happened. Always the same friendly smiling Brad. You were a friend, brother-in-arms and my Sergeant last year. Brad, I (we) will always admire your professionalism, your integrity, your friendliness, your hard work and dedication to your job and co-workers. You stood behind our squad every step of the way. You were always helpful when we needed something. You gave twenty-plus years of your life serving this and other communities. It deeply saddens me you are gone, and I pray for your family and remember that you spoke of them often. You know they will be taken care of. We miss you Brad. I know you are in a better place now. They say a funeral on earth is a wedding feast in heaven. I know that's true for you my brother. God bless you and your family. You are a hero and will never be forgotten.
Deputy Mike Walker
Clark County Sheriff's Office
August 2, 2004
Brad,
You have no idea how much I looked up to you in the four years we worked together in Flag. God doesn't make 'em any better than you. You will be greatly missed.
God Bless
Craig Stoneberger
August 2, 2004
Today we mourn as another hero is taken from us. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Sergeant Crawford. 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
August 2, 2004
Brad was a wonderful human being who understood that police work was a higher calling. Brad treated everyone with respect, including people who probably didn't deserve it. Brad was always prepared to answer whatever type of call came over the radio. I know he was prepared to answer the Lord's call as well. God bless you Brad and God bless your wife and children.
Sgt. Mike Cooke
Clark County Sheriff's Office
August 2, 2004
May GOD bless your family and friends, Sir. May they know that they are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your many years of service and dedication. Rest in peace, Sir.
Shirley Roberts
Aunt of Fallen Officer John Logan EOW-Maech 14, 2004
August 2, 2004
Outside the police memorial in Wash. DC an engraving reads "It's not how these men and women died that makes them heros, it's how they lived their lives" On behave of the New Castle County Police we share in your sorrow with the loss of a hero.
PTLM
New Castle County Police - Delaware
August 2, 2004
Godspeed brother! Rest assured the members of your dept. will take care of your family from here.
Mark Holthaus
Washington State Patrol
August 2, 2004
To the family, friends and co-workers of Sergeant Crawford, my prayers are with you. There is nothing I can say at this time to make it any easier for you. I know that you will miss Brad everyday for the rest of your life, but we will never forget him...
Brad look my son up tell him we miss him and we love him.
Connie Barker
Mother of P.O. Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04
August 2, 2004
God Speed, Brother.
P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ
August 2, 2004
To Sergeant Crawford family, friends, and the Clark County Sheriff's Department. I would like to extend my condolences and deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prays are with you all. Thanks Sergeant Crawford for a job well done; may your soul rest in peace.
Patrol Officer
Prince George's County, Maryland
August 2, 2004
“REMEMBER ME”
Law enforcement officers are, indeed, a special breed of people. Ask anyone on the street and they will tell you that they would not have our jobs for anything in the world. It takes something special to do what we do and at the same time be able to even contemplate retirement. We try to be optimists. Unfortunately, there are a few of us who will never make that date with retirement. By the very nature of our job, we are at risk everyday of losing our lives, either at the hand of some deranged individual or in some other situation that we, by virtue of our occupation, may be unable to avoid. Some people have recognized the hazardous duties we involve ourselves in, the risks we take, and the pride we take in accomplishing that job. There is National Law Enforcement Week, dedicated to us who gladly accept the responsibility of protecting the citizens in our respective jurisdictions. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day is dedicated to those who gave their lives in the line of duty. These are but a two examples of remembrances specifically for law enforcement personnel. Remembrances that come but once a year. We should remind fellow officers of another type of remembrance, one that will last a lifetime. Sooner or later, a doctor will pronounce us dead. It is inevitable. Regardless of whatever happens, death is the end we will all have to face.
“IT IS DEATH THAT WE CAN LIVE FOREVER”
This was written by an unknown author.
Jim Moore
New Orleans PD, Retired
August 2, 2004
The members of the Royal Palm Beach Police Department wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family, coworkers, and friends of Sergeant Brad Crawford. He has fought the good fight and has now gone to his reward. Many of our brothers and sisters are gone, but none are ever forgotten.
Sergeant T. E. Murphy
Royal Palm Beach, Fl. P. D.
August 2, 2004
Brad,
Thank you for your dedication and courage. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go to your family, your friends and to the CCSO.
You are a hero brother!
Officer B. Goldsmith
La Center Police Department
August 1, 2004
Brad,
I am cuurently in Illinois on vacation and my wife just called me yesterday with the news of your death. I was in shock when she told me and I needed to speak with someone to tell me that she was mistaken. I called Duane Boynton and he told me that it was true. He explained to me what had happened and how he was talking with you just minutes before you were taken from us. I hung up the phone and cried....cried because I wasn't there. To be with those we work with when one of us is taken is important. I had my family with me on vacation, but my other "family" was 2300 miles away and I felt alone. I played out every conversation we had over the years concerning our investigations of the forgeries and frauds that we love so much. The times I saw you smiling at the courthouse or just passing time on the street. I am so sad for your family. I know there were times that we talked and it was obvious how much they meant to you. We, the officers serving throughout Clark County, will look after your family. In return, please look out for us, the warriors that continue the fight. I am not sure the citizens we protect will ever truly know what we go through in doing this job. But they will know who you were and the job that you did so proudly. I am catching a flight outta here on Wednesday. I will be there with my department and I will honor you at your memorial service. I am sorry Brad, but I know that you are with our God and are at peace.
God Bless
Jeff Wilken
Vancouver Police Department
Officer Jeff Wilken
Vancouver Police Department
August 1, 2004
My family would like to send our heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends, & fellow co-workers of Sgt Brad Crawford.
You're in our thoughts and prayers. May God watch over all the brave men and women in law
enforcement who put their lives on the line everyday as they serve & protect their communitites.
Your job is a difficult one and we truly appreciate all you do. God bless each & everyone of you.
Gail M Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit P.O. Jennifer Fettig eow 2-16-04
August 1, 2004
Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:
- Quick access to your heroes
- Reflections published quicker
- Save a Reflection signature
- View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past