Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Our Greatest Fear

Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again, I hold back a tear.
They patrol in the state, city, county and town,
in uniforms colored white, green, blue and brown.
The shape of their badges may vary,
but it’s a symbol that they all, proudly carry.
They leave for work with a kiss goodbye,
but some don’t come home, no matter how hard they try.
To uphold the law is the job that they pick,
with such high aspirations, why must some die so quick?
They leave behind loved ones, family and friends,
after their lives have met tragic ends.
Some die in crashes, others hearts not too stout,
to many have been lost when gunshots ring out.
Our Heavenly Father has called them home,
no more these dark streets do they roam.
Through trial and error they have given their best,
please Lord, now grant them eternal rest.
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again I hold back a tear.

Officer Shawn Eckhart
Federal Law Enforcement

July 19, 2005

In Honor Of Joseph Kievernagel and Kevin Blount
By Gail Naramore
7/13/2005



A little child waves, a mother smiles
A spouse gives a good bye kiss
An officer leaves for another day
And thinks ‘what could be better than this?’

Every day we go out and give it our best
No matter what work we’re assigned
So we can look back at the end of the day
And hold our heads up with pride.

Each of us knows the danger it holds
When we put on a badge and a gun
We accept the stress, the fear and long hours
To do what we know must be done.

Today is the day no one wants to see
Our tears flow as steady as rain
One of our own, a partner, a friend
Won’t be going home again.

No matter the uniform color or type
No matter a star or a shield
Officers everywhere mourn with us now
Today we lost one in the field.

Deputy Gail Naramore
Sacramento County Sheriff's Department

July 19, 2005

On behalf of the men and women of Industry Sheriff's Station, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and co-workers of Deputy Joseph Kievernagel and Deputy Duane Reeves. Having lost Deputy Michael Arruda last year (EOW 06-15-04) and now Deputy Jerry Ortiz (EOW 06-24-05), we know all too well the pain and reality of losing one of our own. Take comfort in knowing that your extended law enforcement family grieves with you

Industry Sheriff's Station
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

July 19, 2005

As next door neighbors growing up I remember Joey was a really great kid, even through his teen years =) He was respectful to everyone, friendly & funny. He and his brothers would do yard work for my widowed mom - mowing her lawn or raking her leaves when they did their own yard. I remember his parents pride when he joined the Sheriff's dept and his youngest brothers and sister running out to greet him when he'd stop by in his patrol car. We all moved our separate ways and it's been a few years since I've had contact with his family. I want to extend my deepest sympathy to his family & friends.

Pam (Jones) Fuller

July 18, 2005

God bless you and your family at your tragic loss. You will never be forgotten for your service and sacrifice.

DE
St. Louis City Police

July 18, 2005

Joe, I did not get the chance to really know you. I have met you and seen you on some calls. What I do know is that you are a very good officer and loved your job. Thank you for doing your job perfectly that day (July 13th). Deputy Tamara Bergman #1109

Deputy Tamara Bergman (Mickelson)
Sacramento County Sheriff's Dept

July 18, 2005

Rest in Peace Brother,My Thoughts and Prayers are with You,Your Family and fellow Officers. May you watch over and guide them.God Bless

RetPaState Narcotics Agent II DiMiceli
Pa Office Of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigations

July 18, 2005

In Valor there is Hope Rest in Peace Brother.

P.O. Chris Welby
Bridgeton, Mo PD

July 18, 2005

Deputy Kievernagel,
Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. You and your family are in our prayers. Rest Easy Brother !

Dep. Paul Sperandeo, Off. Amy Sperandeo
Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office, Gretna Police Dept. LA

July 18, 2005

God bless you, your wife, family, friends and co-workers. May they never walk alone.

Jennifer Aaron
Wife of Ofc. Duke G. Aaron, III (EOW 07/20/04)

July 18, 2005

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Deputy Sheriff Joseph Kievernagel and the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department...our hearts and prayers are with you all...... Thank you for a job well done Joseph... rest in peace as you continue your watch from the heavens......your memory will never be forgotten...

God Bless....Be Safe..... and wear your vests...

Vin, Pook and all of us at beyond-the-blue

Vinman & Pooky- Site Owners
beyond-the-blue

July 18, 2005

I knew you as Joey while you were growing up living next door to my mother. You were so kind to her. You would mow her lawn without being asked. She was pleased to be able to offer a character reference when you first signed up to became a deputy. I hope your family can find some comfort in knowing that you are remembered not only for your accomplishments as an adult but also for your kindness as an adolescent.

Sincerely,
Linda(Jones Glasson)Meyers

Linda J. Meyers
Private citizen

July 17, 2005

Deputy Kievernagel and his partner have given their lives in service to their community and for this will be honored by this country and their community forever. My deepest condolences to the family and co-workers of these heroes.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

July 17, 2005

I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the family, coworkers, and friends of Deputy Kievernagel. Many of our brothers and sisters are gone, but none are ever forgotten. May you rest in peace.

July 17, 2005

PEACE, OFFICER...YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

Family of Officer Robert Stanze
EOW 8/8/00

July 16, 2005

God Bless and rest easy. You will not be forgotten.

Ohio

July 16, 2005

You, your family, and your department are in my prayers during this difficult time.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

July 16, 2005

My heart breaks for your family & friends for I know the pain they are going through. May God wrap his loving arms around them and help them through the rest of their lives without you. It is not an easy road to travel. My prayers are with them.

Denise
Survivor of Trooper Calvin E. Taylor

July 16, 2005

Rest well Dep. Kievernagel. Your dedication and sacrafice will never be forgotten.

Tpr. Denis McGuckin
Michigan State Police, Post 38

July 16, 2005

May GOD bless your family and friends at this terrible time. Thank you for serving and protecting us. Rest in peace.

Shirley Roberts
Aunt of Fallen Officer John Logan EOW-3-14-04

July 16, 2005

Rest in peace sir. Thank you for your service.

Shannon
Collins Fire Dept. (MS)

July 16, 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 ***

Chief ( retired ) douglas A. Koeppen
Washington New Jersey

July 16, 2005

Rest easy brother, we'll take it from here...

Officer L. Beardsley #214
Wyoming, MN Police Department

July 16, 2005

May God be with your family . Rest in peace now , your work here is done. You have paid the high price.

Cpl. Simon Baumler
Military Police Swiss Army, Traffic Unit

July 16, 2005

WHAT IS A COP?

Cops are human ( believe it or not) just like the rest of us. They come in both sexes but mostly male. They also come in various sizes. This sometimes depends on whether you are looking for one or trying to hide something. However, they are mostly big.

Cops are found everywhere-on land, on the sea, in the air, on horses, in cars, sometimes in your hair. In spite of the fact that " you can't find one when you want one", they are usually there when it counts most. The best way to get one is to pick up the phone.

Cops deliver lectures, babies, and bad news. They are required to have the wisdom of solomon, the disposition of a lamb and muscles of steel and are often accused of having a heart to match. He's the one who rings the door-bell, swallows hard and announces the passing of a loved one; then spends the rest of the day wondering why he ever took such a "crummy" job.

On TV, a cop is an oaf who couldn't find a bull fiddle in a telephone booth. In real life he's expected to find a little blond boy " about so high" in a crowd of a half million people. In fiction, he gets help from private eyes, reporters, and who-dun-it fans." In real life, mostly all he gets from the public is " I didn't see nuttin'."

When he serves a summons, he's a monster. If he lets you go, he's a doll. To little kids, he's either a friend or a bogeyman, depending on how the parents feel about it. He works " around the clock", split shifts, Sundays and holidays, and it always kills him when a joker says. " Hey tomorrow is Election Day, I'm off, let's go fishing" ( that's the day he works 20 hours).

A cop is like the little girl, who, when she was good, was very, very good, but, when she was bad, was horrid. When a cop is good, " he's getting paid for it." When he makes a mistake, " he's a grafter, and that goes for the rest of them too." When he shoots a stick-up man he's a hero, except when the stick-up man is " only a kid, anybody coulda seen that."

Lots of them have homes, some of them covered with ivy, but most of them covered with mortgages. If he drives a big car, he's a chiseler; a little car, "who's he kidding?" His credit is good; this is very helpful, because his salary isn't. Cops raise lots of kids; most of them belong to other people.

A cop sees more misery, bloodshed, trouble, and sunrises than the average person. Like the postman, cops must also be out in all kinds of weather. His uniform changes with the climate, but his outlook on life remains about the same: mostly a blank, but hoping for a better world.

Cops like days off, vacations, and coffee. They don't like auto horns, family fights, and anonymous letter writers. They have unions, but they can't strike. They must be impartial, courteous, and always remember the slogan " At your service." This is sometimes hard, especially when a character reminds him, " I'm a taxpayer, I pay your salary."

Cops get medals for saving lives, stopping runaway horses, and shooting it out with the bandits ( once in a while his widow gets the medal). But sometimes, the most rewarding moment comes when, after some small kindness to an older person, he feels the warm hand clasp, looks into grateful eyes and hears, " Thank you and God bless you, son."

Officer Dave Carroll
Choctaw, Oklahoma

July 15, 2005