Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Gezzzz, I just got off work and find out my former adviser was killed doing his job, that he loved so much. Scott you were a good adviser, cop, and friend. You will be missed sorely.

John Laumeier
Former Bridgeton Explorer

January 12, 2005

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 judgment 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

January 12, 2005

Dear Chief:

My name is Amie Larish, and although you don't know me, I saw that you just lost an officer, and I wanted to express my condolences.

THE POLICEMAN'S LAST ROLL CALL

The Policeman stood and faced his 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"
Cause those of us who carry badges
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 just got too steep

But I never passed a cry for help
Though at times 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 silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod
As the policeman waited quietly
For the judgment of his God

Step forward now, policeman
You've borne your burdens well
Come walk a beat on heaven's streets
You've done your time in hell

****************************************

Although I didn't know the officer personally, I am still very deeply saddened by the lost of another one of the protectors of the citizens of this nation. May God be with the officer's family and friends during this most trying time. God Bless.

Sincerely Yours,

Amie E. Larish
(Buffalo, N.Y.)

Amie Larish

January 12, 2005

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 Patrolman A.M.Koeppen, Wilmington North Carolina.

Chief ( retired ) Douglas A. Koeppen
Washington New Jersey

January 12, 2005

Officer Armstrong
I am shocked at the way this year has started. Yet another servant who has given his life while making this world a better place. And taken far too soon. You will never be forgotten and your legacy will live on with those that now carry the torch. Rest in peace, now that you are at the feet of Christ, rest in his peace. As I pray that he will provide grace and peace in the hearts and lives of those who love you, as only he can.

January 12, 2005

Rest in Peace, Brother. Your service will not be forgotten. The sacrifice you made may have very well saved the lives of many others. You have been chosen to serve under the greatest Commander of all. Watch over your family and keep them safe.

A Squad
Woodbridge PD

January 12, 2005

Thank you for your service, you are a true hero; may your soul rest in peace.

Patrol Officer
Prince George's County, Maryland

January 12, 2005

My condolences to the family,friends and co-workers. This is such a tragedy.

May God give each of you strength to accept this.

Officer Armstrong...you are a hero in every sense of the word. I THANK YOU for making our world a safer place.

May you now...REST IN PEACE...

Mother of a Police Officer

January 12, 2005