Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

October 25, 2004

A warrior can lose
But will never be defeated.
A warrior can be beaten
But can never be conquered.
A warrior will die
But will never perish.
author unknown

For those of us you left behind, only the greratest of respect do we have for you. To give your life for those around you without hesitation is a character few truly possess. In my 20 years of service I have had the personal honor of knowing only a few who have made the ultimate sacrifice. God bless you.

“You see, you can’t be a good cop simply because you couldn’t get another job. You can only be a good cop because you want it.”
Author Unknown

Your family will forever be in my family's prayers.

Wyatt

Officer Wyatt Sharp
Springfield Missouri PD

October 22, 2004

Tim your lost hurts us all in Missouri. I was at St. John's the day you lot your hard battle. Giving yor life to save another is a true part of being a officer. I promise you this when I have children I will always till them about the officer I never met but ment so much in my heart. When I heard that you pasted away I have never cried that much in my life. You brought about the true person that was hiding inside me. Tim I want to thank you for serving your city and for bringing out the true officer in me. I look at my job in a different light now.

Officer Bobby Smith #035
Republic Police Department, Missouri

October 15, 2004

Thank you officer Nielson for keeping our city safe. You are a true hero. Your service to our community will never be forgotten.

A saddened family

October 6, 2004

Our deepest sympathies. Rest in peace and we will continue what you started.

The Toledo Ohio Police Department
Toledo Police

October 5, 2004

I am so sorry to hear about the death of Officer Tim Nielson. My son, Nick was shot and killed on duty on January 30, 2004. He was murdered by a coward during a narcotics investigation. I hope that Tim and Nick will get to know each other in heaven, I am sure they will have a good time together.

Tim, make sure you keep in touch with your family because they will need your help.

My wife Chris and I were in Jefferson City on Wednesday. We visited the monument for slain officers where Nick's name was added to the list of heroes during May of this year. It makes you feel very sad, but also very proud, to see your loved one's name with all of the other heroes from Missouri.

You and your family will always be in my prayers. For your wife, children and parents, "take life one day at a time...."

Sergeant Terrence Sloan
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department

October 2, 2004

Tim-
I wish you were here to see all of the wonderful things that everyone is doing to honor you. I know that you are watching from heaven and thinking that all of this is really incredible. I want you to know that I am so proud to be your wife. Every day when you went to work, I always said a prayer that you would be home for the girls' bedtime stories- safe and with us. Bedtime stories aren't the same without you (apparently I don't do all of the voices right), but I have shown both of our girls your picture everyday, just like I promised you that I would. We miss you so much. Sometimes, I think I would give anything to go back to August 1st and convince you not to go to work, and then you would still be with me. But then I realize that for you, that wouldn't be a good life. Being a police officer was part of you- it was the brave, strong, noble part of you that got up everyday and risked everything you had to help other people. Those are the things that I love the most about you. That, and the way your crooked nose crinkled up when you laughed really hard.
So, now life is a lot different for "your chickies". Everything is changing, which is really scary. But, I know that everyday, you are still with me. When I get really upset, I go outside, and the wind always blows at the exact moment that I feel like my heart is breaking, and I know that is you, telling me that everything will be alright. I hold tightly to every memory that I have of you and I will do my best to keep going with the dreams that we had for our family.
Thank you for being the most amazing man I have ever known, and for letting me love you completely. If you get bored in heaven, start looking for the most beautiful spot there is up there, and someday, when I get to see you again, I'll meet you in that spot. I love you
trace

Tracy Nielson

October 1, 2004

This is my Shield
I bear it before me into Battle
But it is not mine alone
It Protects my brother on the left
It protects my city
I will never let my brother out of its shadow
Nor my city out of it's shelter
I will die with my shield before me
Facing the enemy.

Tim, You are well respected by all officers and we will miss you. You would be proud to know that your brothers in blue have taken care of your family. Just know that I would have been proud to have you "back me up anytime".

Det Brady Stuart
Joplin Police Dept

September 28, 2004

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; Here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you.

It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on.
I need you here badly, you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go....from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me

Rest in Peace brother in Blue.

Police Officer in Boone County Missouri

September 26, 2004

Just thinking of you , Tim ,and will deeply miss you as will all the officers.

Patrolman Dennis Garrison
Joplin Police Department

September 25, 2004

His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" Matthew 25:21

Tim,
Go be with our Master and we will continue your work here. You will be greatly missed by myself and the other members of the Joplin Police Department. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to be your fellow officer, supervisor and friend. God has his special plan for you, but I know you will always be there watching over us. You will always be in our hearts and memories. See ya!

Sgt. Michael Hobson
Joplin Police Department

September 25, 2004

Dear Tim,
I am honored to have been your instructor at the Missouri Southern State University Law Enforcement Academy. Each day you brought a fresh light and inspiration to the class. I knew that you were determined to fullfill your dream in becoming a Law Enformencent professional.
Your determination was sensed by the attention to detail and the willingness to study long and hard to succeed at the academy.
The Joplin Police Department and I will continue out the mission for you. You are a true hero and will be missed by many.
God's speed, Gary Esson-Traffic Division

Patrolman Gary Esson
Joplin Police Department

September 22, 2004

To the Officers of the Joplin Police Department and family of Officer Nielson My self and our department want to say that the service for Officer Nielson was very moving and I feel that your department honored Tim very very well. The most touching moment for me was the departments final good by for Tim when the Chief ordered all radios on and reported Tim out of service it was an honor to be a part of the service. To all of you be safe and God bless.

Kevin
Baxter Springs Police Department

September 21, 2004

I have no words that could comfort such a loss except to say, no one gives a higher gift then to lay down his/her life while trying to save another.
I have met Officer Tim Nielson. He was always polite and helpful. He was dedicated to his job and a tribute to his department.
I am very sorry for your loss Tracey, you and your children will be in my prayers.

Sgt. Criss #802
Duquesne PD

When I start my tour of duty God,
Wherever crime may be,
as I walk the darkened streets alone,
Let me be close to thee.
Please give me understanding with both the young and old.
Let me listen with attention until their story's told.
Let me never make a judgement in a rash or callous way,
but let me hold my patience and let each one have his say.
Lord, if some dark and dreary night,
I must give my life,
Lord with your everlasting love
protect my children and my wife.
AMEN

"Knights of the Shield"

Whether it is day or night, I shall shine my light. Let those who practice evil, beware of my plight.

I have taken an oath to serve and protect. I will not fail, nor will I neglect.

If the need should arise I will go into battle dressed in my armor, weapon and shield.

Like the Knights of the past, I will lay down my life for you if that be the cost of such a prize.

My God is with me and I shall fear not. He strengthens me with his might and guides me with his light.

On this day I give up the ghost, I shall abide in his kingdom with the entire heavenly host.

My tour of duty will be at an end and I shall be at rest. I pray for my family that they may be comfort in such a time as this.

The die has been cast and the roll call has been answered. I lay down my life another.

I gave it my all, I’ve completed the task. And when the darkness called for a life, I shined my light. I shined it so bright.


*This Poem was written for Officer Tim Nielson of the Joplin Police Department.

Author; Sgt. Robert V. Criss #802

Sgt. Robert V. Criss #802
Duquesne PD Joplin, Missouri

September 21, 2004

with deepest sympathy

P 0 anthony williams
columbus police, columbus ohio

September 20, 2004

PATROLMAN NIELSON, OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS & CO-WORKERS DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. REST IN PEACE....GO FLY WITH THE ANGELS

BRADLEY & KIMBERLY NEALE
MARION COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE, OCALA FL

September 19, 2004

Rest in peace brother. We will carry on for you.

OFFICER S SORENSON
Fort Dodge Correctional Facilty

September 19, 2004

Dear Tim,

My son, a Kern County Deputy Sheriff, lost his partner yesterday answering as backup on a code call. I know that every time you put on your uniform and head to work you are putting your life at risk for the safety of all of us. Go with God and rest in peace. We love you Dear One.

Mary Lynn Hinkle
Parent of a Kern County Deputy Sheriff

September 19, 2004

BUFFALO, NEW YORK

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE
OFFICERS SENT OUR CONDOLENCES. OUR
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH OFFICER
NIELSON, HIS FAMILY AND CO-WORKERS.

GOD BLESS...

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE

September 19, 2004

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis was a Deputy Sheriff with the Davis County Sheriff's Office in southeast Iowa. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Tim did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Tim be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Patrolman Neilson's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Tim is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Tim was well respected and well loved.

Thank you Patrolman Nielson for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

September 19, 2004

We are deeply saddened at Tim's loss.
--------------------------------------
We all recall you gave your best.
You did your job, now you can rest.
Your comrades now can cover your post
as you take your place with the Heavenly Host.

God Bless Our Fallen Brothers & Sisters.
---------------------------------------
Our prayers will be with you, your family, and co-workers!

Ptlm. P.K. Harding
Binghamton (NY) P.D.

September 18, 2004

On behalf of my family I wish to extend our heart felt prayers and sympathy to Patrolman Nielson wife and children and to the Joplin Police Dept. My family knows all to well the pain that you are feeling right now. I pray the God will hold you close during this trying time. Another hero is taken from us by the cowardly acts of another. May knowing that your husband and father died a hero bring you some comfort.

As a wife of a Law Enforcement Officer it is my nightly prayer that all our LEO's stay safe. To the spouses of these special people, stay strong too.

Peggy Maher - Dreher

Peggy Maher- Dreher
Sister of Patrick Maher EOW 8-2-03

September 18, 2004

Rest in Peace Brother. You have done more than your share. Rest now with the Heroes of like kind and know your loved ones are not alone for we are but a phone call away.

Bob Johnson VA-VI

Bob Johnson U.S. Marshal's (Ret'd)
Blue Knights International Police Assn.

September 18, 2004

The members of the 67th Precinct Anti-Crime unit with to extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Patrolman Nielson.

Having just lost two Detectives from our precinct last week, we know all to well what you are going through right now.

Stay strong. The law enforcement community is with you.

67th Precinct Anti-Crime Unit
New York City Police Department

September 18, 2004

My condolences and deepest sympathy to the family of Patrolman Nielson. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. May God be at your side. May his presence be forever felt in his community. Rest in Peace my brother in blue.

Patrol Officer Robert Engelhart
Middleton Police Department

September 18, 2004