Brevard County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch Friday, October 8, 2004
Reflections for Investigator Lucille Cruz "Lucy" Ross
As a very young Deputy at the Osceola County Sheriff's Office I was always happy to see Lucy's smiling face. She always encouraged me and always told me "you have a long career in front of you." 10 years later and now a Sergeant, I will never forget her words, wisdom or talent. We should all be inspired by her work and dedication to the job. I will miss you.
Sergeant Kris Brewer
Osceola County Sheriff's Office
October 12, 2004
To the family, friends and co-workers of "Lucy". We are very sorry to hear about your terrible loss.You all are in the prayers of the Michigan State Police.
Trooper Denis McGuckin
Michigan State Police
October 12, 2004
On behalf of the men and women of Industry Sheriff's Station, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, our condolences to the family, friends, and co-workers of Investigator Lucy Ross. Having lost Deputy Mike Arruda recently (EOW 06-15-04), we know all too well the pain and reality of losing one of our own. Take comfort from knowing your extended law enforcement family grieves with you.
Industry Sheriff's Station
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
October 12, 2004
My heart was saddened to hear of the passing of Lucy. I worked many cases with her when she served as a Detective on the Child Abuse Task Force in Haywood County, NC. Lucy could outwork 10 people on the job and still have energy leftover to volunteer in her community & church.Lucy was so proud & loving of her husband & sons.Lucy is one of those rare people that you will remember with a smile on your face & in your heart-yes, she was that "special"
Heather Mathews
Haywood County DSS Social Worker
October 12, 2004
Again we mourn as another hero is taken from us. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Investigator Ross. 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
October 12, 2004
I was fortunate enough to have Lucy as a teacher during my Crime Scene Investigation course study. Her dedication and brillance will be missed dearly.
God Bless you and your family
A Former Student BCC
Former Student
October 12, 2004
“When God made Peace Officers….”
When the lord was creating Peace Officers, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, “You’re doing a lot of fiddling around on this one.”
And the Lord said, Have you read the spec on this order? A Peace Officer has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn’t touch, and not wrinkle their uniform.
They have to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvass the neighborhood for witnesses, and testify in court the next day.
They have to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half- eaten meals. And they have to have six pairs of hands.
The angel shook her head slowly and said, “Six pairs of hands….No Way.”
“It’s not the hands that are causing me the problems,” said the Lord, “It’s the three pairs of eyes an officer has to have.”
That’s on the standard model? asked the angel.
The Lord nodded. One pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket before he asks, “May I see what’s in there sir?” (When they already know and wishes they had taken that accounting job.) Another pair here in the side of their head for their partners’ safety. And another pair of eyes here in front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say, “ You’ll be alright ma’am, when they know it isn’t so.”
“Lord,” said the angel, touching his sleeve,” rest and work tomorrow.”
“I can’t,” said the Lord, “I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident and feed a family of five on civil service paycheck.”
The angel circled the model of the Peace Officer very slowly, “Can it think?” she asked.
“You bet,” said the Lord, “It can tell you elements of a hundred crimes, recite Miranda warnings in it’s sleep; detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five judges to debate the legality of the stop…and still it keeps it’s sense of humor.
This officer also has phenomenal personal control. They can deal with crime scenes painted in HELL, coax a confession from a child abuser, comfort a murder victim’s family’ and then read in the daily paper how Law Enforcement isn’t sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects.
Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the Peace Officer. “There’s a leak,” she pronounced. “I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model.”
“That’s not a leak,” said the Lord, “It’s a tear.”
“What’s the tear for?” asked the angel.
“It’s for bottled-up emotions, for fallen comrades, for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American flag, and for justice.”
“You’re a genius,” said the angel.
The Lord looked sober. “I didn’t put it there,” he said.
Anonymous
Senior Instructor
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
October 12, 2004
The members of the 67th Precinct Anti-Crime Unit with to extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Investigator Ross.
Having just lost two Detectives from our precinct, we know all to well what you are going through right now.
Stay strong. The law enforcement community is with you.
67 Precinct Anti-Crime Unit
New York City Police Department
October 12, 2004
My heart was saddened by the news of Lucy's untimely death. I was very fortunate to be able to work with her in her duties as one of two Child Abuse Task Force investigators for Haywood County, NC. Lucy was committed to the investigation of Child Abuse and searched endlessly for the truth. Not only did Lucy perform her duties above and beyond the call of duty but she also gave back to her communtiy in many ways. She painted each Child Welfare social worker a flower vase one year. She also spent much time painting murals on the wall of our local Child Advocacy Resource Center in order to make it a child friendly atmosphere for children who had to be interviewed about some very hard things. Haywood County lost big when we lost Lucy and Brevard County gained much.
Frank and boys may God bless you and comfort you. May you find comfort and peace in the wonderful memories that Lucy has left you with.
Kelly Dotson
Haywood County DSS
October 11, 2004
Rest in Peace.
Officer J Pacheco
MD Transportation Authority PD
October 11, 2004
To all Family, Friends, and Co Workers of this Officer:
On Behalf of myself, and the Family of Police Officer Daniel Starks (Ft Myers Fl, E/O/W 10-25-03) we want you to know that you are all in our prayers! The Lord will sustain you as you go through this difficult, and trying time, but just remember your loved one is being cared for in Heaven, and is now eternally safe. We hope that you all remain as strong as possible, and know that we are all thinking of you. No words are quite ever adequate, but Police Officers make the ultimate sacrifice everyday, and our hope, and prayer is that they will always be remembered for their heroic efforts, and kind hearts.
Blessings Always,
Jessica Ruhl (Daniel’s Fiancée) & the Family of Officer Daniel Starks
October 11, 2004
I am so saddened to see that we have lost another fine officer. I have known Lucy for years from Haywood County, NC.
My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and coworkers. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Thank you Lucy, for years of dedicated service to each community in which you have served.
Gone, but never forgotten.
Marti Ingle (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co. EMS (NC)
October 11, 2004
My heart breaks for your family & friends for I know the pain they are feeling. You will never be forgotten and I will keep your family in my prayers for that is the only way I have made it through 3 years. God bless you.
Denise
Survivor of Trooper Calvin E. Taylor
October 11, 2004
My deepest sympathy to the entire Ross family during this very trying time. All of you will be in my prayers.
Robert Gordon, father of fallen Officer
Michael P. Gordon EOW: 8/8/04
Robert Gordon, Asst. Chief (Ret.)
Riverside PD, Illinois
October 11, 2004
Luci,
You were a talented artist, a dedicated mother and wife , and most of all a deputy that will never be forgotten. I have worked with you on several occasions and took it for granted that I would several more times. You will be missed. You are a eternal member of the B.C.S.O family.
To your family: Ret Chief Ross and sons I extend my thoughts and prayers to you, and wish you well in your endeavors.. you too are a part of the B.C.S.O family.
deputy
brevard county sheriffs office
October 11, 2004
I never dreamed it would be me,
My name for all eternity,
Recorded here at this hallowed place
Alas, my name, no more my face.
"In the line of duty, " I hear them say:
My family now the price to pay.
My folded flag stained with their tears;
We only had those few short years.
The badge no longer on my chest,
I sleep now in eternal rest.
My sword I pass to those behind,
And pray they keep this thought in mind.
I never dreamed it would be me,
And with heavy heart and bended knee,
I ask for all here from the past:
Dear God, let my name be the last.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children OF GOD
Police Officer O. Dennard
Newark Police Dept.
October 11, 2004
I only breifly knew you. I worked at the Haywood County Sheriff's Dept. NC. You had alot freinds you will be missed.
Your family is in my prayers
Officer Donna Hogsed
Patrol
Western Carolina University
October 11, 2004
Rest in peace.
Offc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.
October 11, 2004
Her Journey's
Just Begun
Don't think of her
as gone away--
her journey's just begun,
life holds so many facets--
this earth is only one...
Just think of her as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how she must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of her as living
in the hearts of those she touched...
for nothing loved is ever lost--
and she was loved so much.
Brenda T. Sutton
Haywood County E O C of NC (retired)
October 11, 2004
Rest in peace sister.
Police Officer
Burlington Township PD NJ
October 11, 2004
It's hard to believe you're gone. I will always remember my pal from N.Y.C. You made the academy bearable. May God Bless and keep you for all eternity. May God Bless your family. Friends forever. Billy
Deputy W. Cornaz
Orange County S.O. Orl. Fla.
October 11, 2004
To the family and friends of Investigator Ross, and to the BCSO members, may God bless you and be with you in this time of sorrow. America lost another hero today; you are now 10-42 go walk a beat on Heaven's streets, you've done your time here, you are a blue angel, R.I.P. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. God Speed Sister.
Diane Dodge
Polk County Sheriff's Office, Bartow FL
October 11, 2004
He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
PSALM 147:3
Sgt
Frankfort Police
October 11, 2004
Haywood County Remembers and loves you and your family. May God keep them and bless them in this time of tragedy. You will be greatly missed.
Melissa Massie
Department of Juvenile Justice
October 11, 2004
To the family, friends and co-workers you are in my prayers. The one thing that kept me going through the nightmare of Clint's death, was knowing that Clint loved being a police officer and would not have traded places with anyone.
Lucy your family will miss you everyday but we will never forget you. Look Clint up tell him his mother says, "she loves him the most", he will know what it means and you will get a laugh out of him.
Thank you for your sacrifice.
Connie Barker
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04
October 11, 2004
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