Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The policeman stood and faced 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 a badge
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 time 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 a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

December 4, 2004

We know you are now watching over us from above angel in blue. God speed and enjoy the ride home.

Ohio Police Officer

December 4, 2004

To Officer Foster's family, my heart goes out to you as you struggle through the coming days, months and years. I know how difficult things will be, but please know that you have a large family within the law enforcement community and they will have their arms around you, giving you strength and love. I was in your shoes, almost 10 years ago when my husband Marc was killed and I still feel the love and support of the Columbus Police Department. You and your family will be in our prayers.

Becky Muncy
Surviving Spouse of Sgt. Marc Muncy, Columbus, Ohio P.D. (E.O.W. 04/05

December 4, 2004

Melissa...My heart was broken when I watched the news this morning. Our CPD family has lost another warrior. You are a hero. You will always be honored, and NEVER forgotten. I will proudly pipe you into the gates of Heaven.

Officer Jim Parsons
Columbus Division of Police

December 4, 2004

My family would like to send our heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends, & fellow co-workers of P.O. Melissa Foster.
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 communities.
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

December 4, 2004

Your watch is over, say hello to Officer Mark Vance for me.

Patrolman Bill Odom
Bristol TN Police Department

December 4, 2004

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 with haste realizing that so many are dependent upon me for life and safety. Support me with your consoling power when I am tempted to think no one really cares and that I am taken for granted. Sustain in me the conviction that so many thousands 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 Detective J.D.Koeppen, 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

December 4, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Officer Foster. Rest in Peace my sister.

Deputy Katie Gee
Warren County S.O., Ohio

December 4, 2004

Rest easy Officer Foster, for your brothers and sisters will carry on the battle on the streets. You made the ultimate sacrifice and you gave your all. You will never be forgotten. God Speed

Melissa
Friend of Jake Laird EOW 8/18/04

December 4, 2004

Thank you for your years of service, may your soul rest in peace.

Patrol Officer
Prince George's County, Maryland

December 4, 2004

Melissa. We shall carry you forward each day along with those that have made the same sacrifice. You can rest easy because we will provide for your children, as we are each other's keeper. This we'll defend. Taps will sound, but you will never be forgotten.

Officer Michael B. Smith
Columbus Division of Police

December 4, 2004

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. It is outrageous and unfair...I offer my prayers to your family and children. I hope Brandy meets you in Heaven.

Sara Winfield
Wife of Brandy EOW 10/14/04

December 4, 2004

YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN! I WAS AT THE SCENE AND CONDUCTED OFFICER SUPPORT ASSISTANCE FOR MANY OFFICERS WHO WERE BY YOUR SIDE AFTER THE ACCIDENT. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

POLICE OFFICER JIM GILBERT
COLUMBUS DIV OF POLICE

December 4, 2004

"God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with its turmoil....the Lord of hosts is with us" (Ps. 46:1-3, 7).

From all of us at the Bean Station P.D. we hope and pray that the Officer Foster's family and fellow officers will find peace, comfort and hope during this time of trouble.
God Bless and Comfort you all.

Chaplain:Ptrl. Bryce Justice
Bean Station Police Department

December 4, 2004

Rest in peace Officer Foster... your family will be in our prayers.

December 4, 2004

To those I Love and Those Who Love Me

When I am gone, release me, Let me go
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,
Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it's time I traveled alone.

So grieve a while for if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a while that we must part
So bless the memories within your heart,

I won't be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll
Hear all of my love around you soft and clear

And when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say,
"Welcome Home"

In memory of a great friend
141...gone but not forgotten

PCSO friend

December 4, 2004

You made the ultimate sacrifice. God bless.

December 4, 2004

Rest in Peace Melissa. You will never be forgotten. God Bless You, Your Family and Your fellow Brothers and Sisters in blue.

NJ Officer
RPD

December 4, 2004

My condolences go out to her family and friends. I have worked with her brother who is a Detective/Sgt here for the last 6 years. I can only assume she was as great a person and officer as he is.

Dispatcher
Ionia Co Central dispatch Mi

December 4, 2004

Rest in peace.

Officer K.A. Lokey
Norfolk Police Department, Virginia

December 4, 2004

May the Lord hold you in his arms and guide to a better place. We'll take it from here, my Sis.

From the Brother and sister's of Palm Beach County Sheriff's Dept. Fla.

Palm Beach County Sheriff's Dept.
P.B.S.O.

December 4, 2004

I AM SITTING HERE WITH SADNESS IN MY HEART AS I READ AGAIN OF ANOTHER FALLEN OFFICER. TO THE COLUMBUS POLICE DEPARTMENT: MY HEARTFELT SYMPATHY GOES TO EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU. TO OFFICER FOSTER'S FAMILY: PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS MOST DIFFICULT TIME OF YOUR LIVES. ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT YOUR LOVED ONE DIED A TRUE HERO. AND TO OFFICER MELISSA FOSTER: YOU ARE TRULY A HERO TO ME AND NOW YOU GO REST HIGH ON THAT MOUNTAIN. GOD SPEED OFFICER FOSTER.

CORPORAL ELAINE HUNTER
CHAMBERS COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT ANAHUAC,TEXAS

December 4, 2004

Each day I come to this site hoping that there are no new names, but we all know that will never happen as so many officers walk the thin blue line every day. Another warrior, Melissa, has been brought home on her shield after another battle. I hope that her department and friends assist in every way they can with her family. May she rest in peace and never be forgotten by those that love her. The Family Blue will never forget her. My prayers go out to her family.

Robert Gordon, Father of Chicago Officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Asst. Chief Robert Gordon, Retired
Riverside PD, Illinois

December 4, 2004

BUFFALO, NEW YORK

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE
OFFICERS WISH TO SEND OUR CONDOLENCES.
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH
OFFICER FOSTER, HER FAMILY AND CO-WORKERS.

GOD BLESS...

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE

December 4, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Ofc. Foster and the entire Columbus Police Department.

God Speed.

Ofc. Chris Stilwell
Broward County Florida Multi-Agency Honor Guard

December 4, 2004