Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Several years ago when I was considering becoming a police officer I went on a ride out with you. I was unsure at the time and wanted to see what the job entailed. You demonstrated that you could handle your business on the streets with savvy. You convinced me that it was the right thing to do and I took your advice, and I thank you for it.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Officer Paul Shackelford
Arlington, Texas

Officer Paul Shackelford
Arlington, Texas

January 28, 2007

Dear Tim:
"Above all else, honor". These are not my words, but rather the words of my late Dad. He gave them to me, and now I give them to you. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. May Almighty God bless you and your family, and may St. Michael, the patron Saint of police officers, keep you with him as he watches over us. Amen

Detective Ron Tomassi
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office-Florida

January 25, 2007

Tim, thank you for your service. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace.

Reserve Officer Ryan Marsh
Seneca, Missouri Police

December 18, 2006

It has been just over two years, I just wanted to say we will never forget you. I think about you alot when I'm going into work, I hope you are proud of all of us. Keep watching out for us.

Your Fellow Officer
JPD

September 20, 2006

Officer Nielson, I ask The Lord to shower your family with special Blessings and also that the Officer and his family
who was with you that day.May He wrap His arms around you all especially tightly that you may all know His Love and Comfort.G-d Bless you.

September 13, 2006

Rest easy brother. We will take your watch from here. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family and brother officers.

A.C. Green
Lima Ohio Police Department

September 13, 2006

It has been 2 years since your tour of duty ended and I know the tears still flow and the pain is still present in the hearts of those that love you dearly. I want them to know that they are not alone as there are others of us out here. As for your parents, I know that they would trade places with you in a heartbeat if they could as I would for my son so that you could both be back here pursuing your career and be with your loved ones. All any of us can do is take one day at a time and keep your memories alive. Keep watch over your loved ones and protect them from harm and help them with their grief. Also, keep watch over those still out watchig over the Thin Blue Line. You are a true hero and heroes never die, you will never be forgotten.

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

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father

September 13, 2006

Tim,
I can't believe that it has been almost two years. That day, the exact moment down to the last second is forever frozen in my mind like it had just happened yesterday. Your life is forever honored, we do not mourn, but we celebrate you and what you have given us. Your selfless act makes me proud to say that my husband is who he is. I have never in my life met a finer group of men and women than the ones in our law enforcement family, our extended family. That day I had the pleasure of finally meeting you and your wonderful family. I won't forget the feeling of seeing Tracy for the first time that day. How we embraced in a hug like we had known each other all of our lives, but before that moment we never even knew each others name. The sharing of information back and forth about how each of you were getting along from one day to the next. The day that my husband got to come home, but for some reason there was no celebration in that, because you didn't get to leave with us that day. You would be so proud of Tracy. She is the most forgiving, understanding and loving person I have ever met. I look up to her in so many ways. She was my rock when I should have been her's. You daughters are so beautiful, and your life will forever live on through them. One day we will all be home together and the celebration will continue. Until then, I know that you walk beside my husband and the rest of the Joplin Officers keeping them safe as they carry on their daily duties of keeping us safe. Your legacy continues, Tim. Thank you for your bravery, and thank you Tracy for sharing Tim with rest of us.

Tammy Batson
Friend and Wife of Fellow Officer

May 29, 2006

Tim-
I just got home from the Memorial Services in DC. This is year #2 there, and it was so much different this year. I didn't sit in the front row this year... in fact, I was way back in the nose bleed section! : ) But I'm grateful for that. I could be there and feel the support of the officers and families there and grieve, but I didn't feel like people were staring at me. I found a lot of solace in that anonymity. But seeing your name etched into the wall still makes me fall apart. As far as I have tried to deal with your death in the past year and a half, I still miss you every day.
The girls are growing up so beautifully. Gracie likes to look at the picture of you and her holding Rachel the day she was born. She keeps the picture on her night stand, because sometimes she likes having it there, and sometimes she wants to put it in the drawer and not see it for a few days. I wish I could heal her little heart, but I can't. She misses you so much.
And Rach, well, since she was so little when you died, she really doesn't understand. But she knows her daddy lives in heaven, and that he's an angel. She told Susan that 'Daddy has BIG wings and he flies SUPER fast!'
Do me a favor? When your girls look up at the sky at night and take comfort that you're sleeping on the moon, see what you can't do about making the stars twinkle a little brighter in that very moment so they know you're watching over them.
We love you.

And Greg- I saw your entry, where you wonder what you could have done differently. Please don't do that to yourself. You and Tim went to that house and you both did your jobs. You did it exactly how you were trained to do it. Unfortunately there is no way to be prepared for something like that. But you did something else that day. You went back to a house that was engulfed in flames to pull Tim out of that fire. YOU did that. You risked your life for a second time to save him, and you did. You gave him, and me, five weeks that we otherwise wouldn't have had. I got to be there, and look into his eyes, and see him mouth 'I love you' and I got to say everything that I needed to say to him before he died. If it hadn't been for you, I wouldn't have had those opportunities. He would have died right there in that fire, and I would have tortured myself with the fact that I didn't get up with him that morning, and that I don't remember if I said I love you too when he kissed me goodbye because I was half asleep.
Tim had a lot of respect for you. I didn't know you before the explosion, but I do now. And now I know why Tim held you in such high regard. You are an incredible man, and I am lucky to have you as part of my family. The only thing that I wish could have been different would be to have known you and your family a lot sooner than I did.

trace

Tracy Nielson

May 17, 2006

I didn't know you but I've lived here all my life and I'm sure you knew my dad, Roger. I couldn't believe what had happened to you and I'm sorry that I was unable to attend your funeral. I'm sure the family knows this already but there are people out here who, even today, honor your memory. Your passing was a brave and noble one, something your family and fellow citizens are extremely proud of. You're always in our thoughts.

James Wormington
Galena Police Dept.

April 25, 2006

Tim, I wish you were still here with us. There is not a day that goes by that your not in my thoughts. I think about Tracy and the girls all the time. I always think of that day and wonder what I could have done different. You'll always be remebered. We never forget the brave.

"TO THE ONE THAT WENT BEFORE"

We shared the streets
We shared the life
We handeled the calls that cause most to run in fright
We love the life that took you away Now your shinning light brightens our day.

We still walk the beat with you by your sides
Only now your light covers us, it protects us from the dark side.

We are proud to call you brother
And that you wore the badge so proud We honor the man you were and the man you are right now.

Batson 8-10-05

Greg

April 5, 2006

Officer Nielsen, Every day I read the ODMP to say a prayer for those lost. I feel a loss everytime that I see another of my brothers or sisters has been taken. On the day that you passed, I was welcoming my son to this world. I did not read that day, I did not read for weeks. I missed the day they posted your passing, and therefor have said my prayer for you now. I am sorry. I am sorry that your family must face this world without your touch, but as I read your reflections, I know they were not left here without your never ending love. Every year as I sing Happy Birthday, I will also say a prayer for you and your family. I will ensure that my son will know you and the price you paid. Please rest in peace brother, your job has been done. To your family, my heart truly goes out to you. I wish there were words. You will always be in my prayers and my heart.

Tim, Thank you.

Reserve Sgt Timothy Myrice
Ossian, IN Police Department

March 13, 2006

Tim, It's been over a year now. Every time I walk into the P.D. I see your picture and I think of the day. As I pass by, I remember the day's we were explorer's together. The day you were hired as an officer and we helped you move in to your apartment. The day that I was hired and you gave me advice for FTO. I see your brother Joe from time to time. Tracy has donated money to the explorer post and a College Fund. Tracy seems to be in good spirits, although I know that she misses you. Your girls are getting so big! I know that you would be proud of Tracy and the girls. Hobson still sends email's from Tracy to all of us and keeps us informed. He is truly a friend. Rest easy buddy, We will see you in a while.

Jared

P.O. Jared Delzell
Joplin Police

January 16, 2006

well, tim, its been over a year now, and there hasnt been a day bob and i havent thought of you or talked of you. we have an 8x10 photo of you and my younger brother, officer kelly johnson, on the wall in the living room. i see now just how you felt about your job. after you died, i begged my brother to find another job. and one day i saw on the news a delaware county officer had been shot. and i knew it was kellys day to work. i flipped and i looked to picture and i said a quick prayer and just pleaded for god not to take another one from us. and by the grace of god, kelly just happened to not go in that night, or it would have been him. i hounded kelly enough that after the shooting, realizing it would have been him if circumstances were different, he did quit and find a couple of other jobs. but thats when i learned what this job means you men and women who do it everyday. its not a job for you. its in your blood. kelly is now back to being a cop, and i know now, that even if something does happen, this is his life. this is exactly how he would want it. and i guess you helped me realize that too. this job makes him and it made you happy. after all, isnt that what we all wish for people we love. happiness. and even though we dont want to lose you so early, i know you loved your job, and you make me proud everyday. thanks tim, we miss you. ronda

bob and ronda mccullough
tims uncle and aunt

December 7, 2005

ON THIS ANNIVERSARY OF YOUR SACRIFICE, I AM HONORED TO LEAVE THIS REFLECTION.

REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND. I SALUTE YOU! MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. YOU DID NOT LOSE YOUR LIFE, YOU GAVE IT IN SERVICE TO OTHERS. A TRUE HERO INDEED.

JIM SWEENEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

September 13, 2005

Thank you sir, you are a true hero to all.

May 27, 2005

Tim,
I want you to know that you have a wife who has God truly living inside of her-she is so strong and I can feel the strentgh from her when I'm around her.
I'm honored to have known you for a short period of time and the community is very proud of your bravery. We sing a song at my church called "I shall wear a crown" and you are most definitely wearing your crown. Thank you Officer Tim Nielson for serving your community with pride.

Wife of an officer

May 24, 2005

Rest in peace brother, your work is done. May God bless your family. The sacrifice you have made does not go unnoticed, nor will you be forgotten.

PM
KCSD

May 19, 2005

Sitting here at midnight looking at the pictures of all of the Officers that died in the line of duty like you did. I met several of their family members, but my mind always comes back to you. I saw a lot of me in you, from pictures of you when you were little untill the way you handled calls on the street. Rest in peace my brother. I will always love ya.
Sgt. Michael Hobson

Sgt. Michael Hobson
Joplin Police Department

May 19, 2005

Tim,
We just got back from Washington D.C. where you were honored along with many other police officers across the nation. I have been blessed to have known you and been able to work with you. Tracy and the girls are doing fine. You know they will be okay, because Shelby and I are here for them. You know that I will keep my promise to you, that I will always be there to take care of them.
Always know that you will be in a special place in my heart, and you will never be forgotten. I Love Ya, Rest in Peace Brother.

Sgt. Michael Hobson
Joplin Police Department

May 18, 2005

our dearest tim, i met ever so briefly, and i feel so left out. i never knew all you little quirks, but i love to hear tracy and genie tell about you. i pray for tracy and the girls everyday. we all are SO immensely proud of you. you are our hero, and you are sorely missed. with all our love and respect, uncle bob and aunt ronda

ronda and bob mccullough
uncle and aunt of timothy nielson

May 10, 2005

God holds a special place for those who give their lives in the service of others. Rest in His peace, Brother.

Sgt. Bill Richardson
Anchorage, Alaska PD

January 8, 2005

I want to give my condolences to the family and fellow officers... my heart goes out to you...

Officer Gage T Clark
Phoenix Police, Oregon

December 30, 2004

I have been trying to think of what to say since the tragedy occurred but the words would not come to me. I worked with you for a while and enjoyed those days that we went in service together. We will never forget that horrible day. The brotherhood has become stronger and you and your family will alway be near my heart. We have all learned that it could have been any one of us that went into the house that day and that we would have done the exact same thing that you and Greg did. Tracey and the girls will always be a part of the brotherhood family. Take care, brother, and I look forward to seeing you again someday. I know that you are watching over us as we do the job that you did so well.

Officer Darin Hickey
Joplin Police Dept.

October 31, 2004

Tim, it's taken me awhile to figure out exactly what I wanted to say. The most important thing is that you know that Tracy and the kids will be taken care of. It's amazing the way that you have been able to bring the department closer to one another and instituted a sense of comaraderie that was not there before. Even the community seems to have pulled together during the tragedy.
I also want you to know that I feel honored to have been able to spend so much time with you and your family while in the hospital. Those are memories, even though sad, that I will never forget. When I agreed to be the family liaison for you and Greg it was my intentions on bringing both of you home. I never dreamed that things would turn out like they did. I can easily say that knowing what I do now, that I would do it all over again. I know that you would have been there for me and my family.
I will always remember the times that we laughed, especially during our "ticket war" and after one of your many accidents. You were an asset to the department and will be missed by all.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God."
Matt. 5:9

Officer Shelby Howard
Joplin Police Dept.

October 26, 2004