Phoenix Police Department, Arizona
End of Watch Saturday, August 28, 2004
Reflections for Police Officer Eric James White
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. 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 for assistance 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 that no one really cares and that I am taken for granted. Sustain in me the conviction that so many 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 Master Officer J.D.Koeppen, Capital City Raleigh North Carolina; Trooper D.C.Koeppen, New Jersey State Police and Cadet Officer A.M.Koeppen,Wilmington North Carolina.
Chief (retired) Douglas A. Koeppen
Washington New Jersey
August 30, 2004
Eric, I had the privilege to work with you for a couple years while you were in Maryvale. Although we were never on the same squad, we saw each other daily. We have talked a few times since then, most recently just a few weeks ago. You will be missed and your family in my prayers.
Ofc. D. Perkins 6863
Phoenix P.D.
August 30, 2004
Rest in peace my brother.
Police Officer
Burlington Township PD NJ
August 30, 2004
My heart goes out to the family and friends of the two fallen officers from the Phoenix P.D. Having lost a close friend recently when officer Walsh from the Joliet P.D. was killed in the line of duty only a week ago, I can understand how difficult of a time this is for everyone. Thank God for people such as these who put their lives on the line everyday for others. They are truly heroes.
August 30, 2004
My heart and prayers are with the family, friends and the Phoenix P.D., may God be with you all in this terrible time of loss. Officer White rest in peace and continue your watch on safer streets above.
Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
August 30, 2004
Eric,
You are going to be missed dearly. Your family will always be in my thoughts. Thank you for everything.
Phoenix Police Department
August 30, 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 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."
P.O. Andrew
Chicago PD
August 30, 2004
On behalf of the men and women who serve and work for the Georgia Perimeter College Police Department, our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Eric White's family, friends, and co-workers with the Phoenix Police Department.
Rest in peace our brother in blue. The watch is ours now.
Officer Johns
Georgia Perimeter College Police Department
August 30, 2004
We offer our heartfelt condolences to Officer White's family, friends and fellow officers. Please know that we are thinking of you during this difficult time.
The family of Dave Grant EOW 5/31/04
Tuolumne Co. Sheriff's Dept.
August 30, 2004
Officer White, you are gone but not forgotten. We love you brother
Detective
Virginia Beach Police Dept.
August 30, 2004
The words that we all write in these reflections won't bring you back. They are a release of our emotions showing we care. We are frustrated that so many of us have to die to keep others safe but it is what we want to do. You made a difference Officer White and Phoenix will miss you. You died a hero, sir. Rest in peace.
Captain Robert W. Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.
August 30, 2004
We extend our deepest sorrow and heartfelt prayers to the family & friends of PO White.
PO S.HARRIS #396
Cicero PD Gang/Tactical Unit
August 29, 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 IN DEATH THAT WE CAN LIVE FOREVER”
This was written by an unknown author.
Jim Moore
New Orleans PD, Retired
August 29, 2004
Rest in peace Officer White, you made a difference while you were here. My condolences to Officer White's family and friends, and to the men and women of the Phoenix P.D. may God bless all of you.
Master Officer Don Hurley
Eloy, Az. P.D.
August 29, 2004
God bless the officers involved in this tragedy. I know because of there actions innocent lives were save. Officers you are in a better place now.My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families/fellow officers.
Ofc. Dale Cottongim
LMPD (Lou,Ky)
August 29, 2004
Our Greatest Fear
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again, I hold back a tear.
They patrol in the state, city, county and town,
in uniforms colored white, green, blue and brown.
The shape of their badges may vary,
but it’s a symbol that they all, proudly carry.
They leave for work with a kiss goodbye,
but some don’t come home, no matter how hard they try.
To uphold the law is the job that they pick,
with such high aspirations, why must some die so quick?
They leave behind loved ones, family and friends,
after their lives have met tragic ends.
Some die in crashes, others hearts not too stout,
too many have been lost when gunshots ring out.
Our Heavenly Father has called them home,
no more these dark streets do they roam.
Through trial and error they have given their best,
please Lord, now grant them eternal rest.
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
" Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again I hold back a tear.
God speed Officer White. Keep watching over us, your time in hell is done. We will walk the beat now. Thank you for all you have given!!!!
Justin W Yohe
Indiana State Police, Fort Wayne
August 29, 2004
DAY IS DONE,
GONE THE SUN,
FROM THE HILLS, FROM THE LAKE, FROM THE SKIES.
ALL IS WELL, SAFELY REST,
GOD IS NIGH.
GO TO SLEEP, PEACEFUL SLEEP,
MAY THE SOLDIER OR SAILOR, GOD KEEP.
ON THE LAND OR THE DEEP,
SAFE IN SLEEP.
LOVE, GOOD NIGHT,
MUST THOU GO,
WHEN THE DAY, AND THE NIGHT NEED THEE SO?
ALL IS WELL. SPEEDETH ALL
TO THEIR REST.
FADES THE LIGHT;
AND AFAR
GOETH DAY, AND THE STARS SHINETH BRIGHT,
FARE THEE WELL; DAY IS GONE,
NIGHT IS ON.
THANKS AND PRAISE,
FOR OUR DAYS,
'NEATH THE SUN, 'NEATH THE STARS, 'NEATH THE SKY,
AS WE GO, THIS WE KNOW,
GOD IS NIGH.
A Brother In Blue
Anonymous
Detective Troy S. Pilivi
Box Elder Narcotics Strike Force (Utah)
August 29, 2004
My family would like to send our heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends, & fellow co-workers of P.O. Eric White.
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 29, 2004
For the last week or so no names have been added, until tonight. My condolences go out to the family of PO White and to the brave men and women of the Pheonix Police Department. Let these officers lives never be forgotten.
SPC Anthony Narug
US Army Military Police Ft Hood Texas
August 29, 2004
Rest in peace Officer White, you and Officer Wolfe have done your duty and now its time to go home.
T. Donaldson
August 29, 2004
May God surround Officer White's family, friends and co-workers with a peace that passes all understanding. We are all hurting with you. Psalm 55:22
Denise Nichols - surviving spouse
Alabama State Trooper Brian Nichols EOW 2/17/2002
August 29, 2004
To the family, friends and the officers of Phoenix Police Dept. I wish to extend my sympathy at the loss of Officer White. May you gain strength from your brothers and sisters in the law enforcement in this dark hour. Officer White, Rest In Peace.
Sgt.J.Baird
Union City Police Dept
August 29, 2004
My thoughts and prayers are with Officers White and Wolfe, their families and the men and women of the Phoenix Police Department. God Bless you brothers. We will not forget.
Chesterfield County Police Dept., VA
August 29, 2004
To the family, friends, and fellow officers of P.O. Eric White, we offer our deepest sympathies and prayers. Having lost one of our own only one week ago, we are too familiar with the pain and the loss you are feeling. Our only comfort is knowing that he is walking with God in a better place. I had the privilege of attending high school with Eric. I knew him to be a good man and I know he passed while doing what he loved to do. He made the ultimate sacrifice protecting his community. Heroes such as Eric live on in our hearts forever and are never forgotten. Rest in peace and Godspeed my brother.
Ofc. and Mrs. Shawn D. West
Joliet Police Department, Illinois
August 29, 2004
God bless you, Officer Wolfe and your families. Heroes that will never be forgotten for the service they paid to their community. I owe my deepest respect and gratitude for keeping our town safe for our citizens and their children. I am grieving along with the entire “valley area” in the loss of these two great men.
Mike
ex- IL officer
August 29, 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