Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I feel the need to write to you my brother. You've been away from us almost five years now, I think of you every day. I miss you so much still. You left this empty void in me that will never be filled again. William, Its not true time does not heal wounds it just disguises them. Mom is just not the same since you've been gone but Margie and I do our best to make her be normal again. Now that I'm a mother I am able to understand her and her pain a whole lot better.

I had a son, his name is Jayden Xavier Bryan he reminds me of you so much. He has your good heart and calm attitude but dont push his buttons. He loves cars,electronics, video games, movies and walks to his own beat like you always did. He has perfected all your dance moves he surely was not born with two left feet.LOL. I talk to him about you all the time. The day he was born I had so many emotions flowing through me. I was happy and yet sad knowing you and Dad will never meet him and get to hold him. I just always saw you there in my future. Life has a weird way of changing things on me.

As your EOW anniversary is aproching I want you to know that your resting place is not in a cementary but in my heart and in the heart of those who truly loved you unconditional.

Anonymous

August 9, 2009

Fidelis ad Mortem!

PO ADAMS
NYPD 46 PCT

July 19, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this forth anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

November 24, 2008

I salute you on the anniversary of your death. Rest in Peace, and sleep forever with the Angels.

Belia Fessenden, Retired
Pinal County SO-AZ

November 24, 2008

Officer Rivera, thank you for your service and dedication. You will not be forgotten. One day your killer will face the Ultimate Judge. May you rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

May 2, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 2, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 26, 2007

wats goin on tio been along you know i come through here alot i miss you alot trynna hold on man do ma thing lol i passed my nypd test june23 yea man ou already know following in the footsteps ight love you much love always remember Shield#13282

william rodriguez
nephew And friend

August 7, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones as I know the pain they have endured every day since you were called away from duty. Continue to keep watch over them and appear to them in their dreams in vivid color so that they know you are near and watching over them. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

July 23, 2007

There is not a day that goes by that your not in my thoughts. I came here today and I don't know why. Sometimes I feel as if time stopped the day you went away. I relive every moment every single day I wake up. I miss you dearly and I still shed tears. But I'm glad I stopped by because I recieved some solace knowing that you are still in the minds and hearts of so many. You may not be here physically but your spirit lives on in the lives you touched. Nene I truly miss you. I just wish I could hear you, huge you, and tell you I love you one more time.

P.S. Thank you and Daddy for putting a good word in to
God in our behave, your baby sister is having a
baby...
... it's gonna be a boy.

Margie Rivera
Sister of William Rivera

May 20, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

May 10, 2007

man where do I begin to say how much I miss u Will man the memories i remember how i started out in 2001 as an explorer at the 104th and i did not noe a lick about the nypd till you started teaching me and telling me how things go and how to be safe in details and to notice the suspicious things that go on around me and i started getting better and better at it oh yea lol how i found out what an asp baton was the hardway when i was playing with you asp and it opened and knocked me right on my thihg lol but you know what i wish i could go back to that day everyday and you be their and laugh at me when it opened and hit me cuz i still feel that pain everday that your not around thanks for all you have taught me that has helped me become a better man and now the feild training sgt at the 104 for my explorers and i couldnt have done it without your help and you explaining to me how everything goes out in the streets i love you will and miss you so much but i will make sure that I become an officer in the nypd and hopefully go to carry on your shield # I will never forget you william rivera you have helped my life in many different ways and i promise i will finish what you started i got another 3yrs till the academy but im pretty sure your sheild # will be waiting for me love u monster

exlorer/SGT Rodriguez
104th pct

April 15, 2007

May Our Lord wrap His Arms around your loved ones today and in the future.G-d Bless.

November 24, 2006

my brother jimmy worked with you. he said you were as stand-up as they come. i wish i could have met you. may god bless your family, willie.

p.o john engebretsen
nypd

March 20, 2006

God bless you Willie. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family always. I am thankful to have known such a great man and to have worked with such a great cop.
Jimmy

fmr PO James Engebretsen
nypd

March 17, 2006

Dearest family members of Officer William Rivera:

I am so very sorry for your tragic loss. I wish we both didn’t know the devastating grief of losing one that we love so much. May you find comfort in knowing that you do not walk this path alone. Even though your beloved William is no longer physically with you, I pray that you still feel his presence all around you, his love surrounding you, and his eternal memory thriving in your hearts.

Respectfully,
Carmen Stevenson
Sister of Sergeant Howard Stevenson, EOW January 9, 2005

February 13, 2006

When I must leave you for a little while, please do not grieve and shed wild tears, and hug your sorrow to you through the years.
But start out bravely with a gallant smile.
And for my sake and in my name, feed not your loneliness on empty days,, but fill each waking hour in useful ways, Reach out your hand in comfort and cheer.
And I in turn will comfort you and hold you near.
And never be afraid to die, For I am waiting for you in the sky.

CHRIS J BROWN

November 30, 2005

To those William left behind, his mother, sisters and small daughter.

William continues to be a great impact in my everyday life as he was a great person who did not let life get him down. His appearance did not display how gentle and caring he was. Those who knew were given the privilege of knowing his true self. I, thank you his family for everything he was, his spirit and his soul.

To William,
There is not a day that goes by that you are not in my prayers and thoughts.

Nanny
Womens Prison Association

November 30, 2005

You have done great things in your life and have shown me many things and for that I thank you. You were a great family friend and a great inspiration to me and in saying that I will finish what you started and use everything you have taught me street smarts and all to perform my duties later on as a member of the NYPD

Explorer sgt william rodriguez
104th pct

November 29, 2005

Our hearts go out to Officer Rivera's family and friends, today and every day. His courage and sacrifice are remembered with respect and gratitude.

Friends of GAC Beuf PhxPD eow 11-1-99

November 24, 2005

Remembering P.O. Rivera: You were a credit to your department
and the entire human race. God
bless your memory and your
loved ones. With love from one
coast of America to the other,
Lynn Kole
Washington State

November 24, 2005

On the first anniversary of your passing, we pause to remember.
So many have gone before, and surely others will follow, but know that those left behind do not forget. We thank you for your service to your community. And know that we continue in your memory.

Master Trooper
Virginia State Police

November 24, 2005

I remember the phone call. I can't believe you are gone. Even after I left the 78 I would always see you in Grand Jury. You always took pride in your work. As you should have. You were a great COP and you did it with class.

Detective Louis Yero
N Y P D

November 1, 2005

in valor there is hope. watch over us all brother.

p.o. mainieri-240
chesterfield pd(mo)

August 29, 2005

Officer Rivera and family
my sincere sympothy is extened to you. Please watch over my boyfriend Chris he means everything to me please watch over him as he walks this beat in hell. Thank you for your sarifice you made
Jennifer Girl friend of NYC officer

Jennifer Girl Friend of NYC officer
Paramedic

July 26, 2005