Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My thoughts and prayers go out to Trooper Cila's family, friends, and co-workers.

Patti
sister of Sgt. Michael Johnson, VT State Police, EOW 6/15/03

July 28, 2005

G-d Speed My Brother

uc
odps Inv Unit

July 28, 2005

My deepest sympathies to the family, friends and co-workers of Trooper Cila.

L/CPL J.T. Morf
South Carolina Highway Patrol

July 28, 2005

To the family of Trooper Cila my heart goes out to each and everyone of you. Your family will be in my family's prayers. Go rest now Trooper you deserve it after many dedicated years of selfless service.

Sergeant Tim L. Herbert
South Carolina Highway Patrol

July 28, 2005

First I want to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers placed with such love on these pages. over 22 years ago, Trooper Cila entered the Mass State Police as part of the 65 Recruit Training Troop. As a member of that troop I along with 100 other Troopers had the distinct honor to join the ranks of those men and women whos job and calling it is to serve and protect the citizens of this great country of ours. Although our assignments and duty stations took us far apart. Once you met Vinny you could never forget him. Vinny was one of those souls that touched everyone that came in contact with him. He always had a smile and a positive outlook in life. Today we buried an outstanding Trooper, a warrior, a brother, a FRIEND. As the priest said during the service, death should be looked as a change of address. Vinny will live forever in our thoughts, our memories our souls.

To the family, his wife and two beautiful daughters, I leave some of the thoughts that were written long ago by an union soldier named Sullivan Ballou prior to his death in battle to his wife Sarah on July 14th 1861.

My dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.

Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have oftentimes been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.

But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the garish day and in the darkest night -- amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours - always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.

Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again.

As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God's blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children.

Sullivan

Knowing Vinny I know his heart would have spoken this words to you for you were his world. He will always be with you. God Bless you and your entire family.

On behalf of all of the members of the Mass State Police 65RTT, Vinny you will always live in our hearts and souls, we will see you soon brother.

Trooper Jaime Cepero jr
Mass State Police 65RTT

July 28, 2005

The Membera nad Directors of the MMOC extend their condolences and sympathy to the Department and family of Trooper Cila

Vice President
Municipal Motorcycle Officers of California

July 27, 2005

A man of pride, a man of dignity and man who put others first. RIP trooper, you have served your time. Wish the best to the Cila family.

Patrolman Justin Ovaska
Mashpee PD, MA

July 27, 2005

MY HEART AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO TROOPER CILA'S FAMILY, FRIENDS AND CO-WORKERS.

PATROLMAN, CHAD MULLEN
HORNELL POLICE DEPT, NY

July 27, 2005

My husband is a MA State Trooper as was my father-in-law and my husband's uncle. They both know, respected and liked and Trooper Cila and his loss will be felt not only by them but by the entire family of law enforcement across the nation. Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to his wife and daughters - you have a long road ahead and I can't begin to imagine your grief. However, you have shoulders to lean on, arms to hold you close and hands to hold yours if you need them. As a wife of one Trooper to another, I am so very sorry for your loss. As the mother of three children that have a State Trooper as a Father, please know the legacy Vinny leaves behind will get them through the bad times and make them proud that they shared his life as long as they did. God bless you and yours. Vinny would be proud!

July 27, 2005

My sister is a Massachusetts State Trooper and although I may not of known Trooper Cila as well as many others, I would like to say a few words on his behalf. Additionally I believe that these thought are true of all the men and women serving in the Massachusetts State Police.

Trooper Cila,

You have kept true your devotion to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, guarding them against dishonesty in purpose and deed. You helped them to live safe and free. You did so in a manner that allowed you to face your fellow Troopers, loved ones, and thee Lord without shame or fear. Thank you for your sacrifices, I’m sure there were many that you made to protect my family, my friends and your fellow Troopers. You had the will to do the work of a Trooper and to accept your share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Your courage to be proficient in your daily performance, loyalty and faithfulness to your superiors and to the duties you performed for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have earned you a place of peaceful and eternal rest. From your heavenly perch please take some time to watch over the Troopers still actively serving and their families. Help them to wear uniform with dignity as you did and let it and remind them daily of the traditions, which you upheld. Your dedication and service will never be forgotten. God Bless you.

To the family and loved ones of Trooper Cila, I extend my deepest sympathy and prayers that you may find comfort in these trying times through the memories you have of real life hero. Trooper Vincent Cila

Respectfully yours,
Rich Gorton
GySgt USMC retired

Rich Gorton GySgt USMC ret.

July 27, 2005

You truely are a hero. I am honored to have known you. RIP brother we will miss you.

Patrolman Richard C. Laft, Jr.
Chelsea, MA PD

July 27, 2005

My heart aches for you, family and friends of Trooper Cila. Our family knows the pain you bear now only too well. May God's presence be of great comfort to you as you walk through this dark valley. Our prayers are with you all.
Debra Brewer
Mother-in-law of SC Trooper Jon Parker, EOW 5/16/2005

Debra Brewer

July 27, 2005

God speed Trooper Cila. You may rest now. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, your friends, and to the Massachusetts State Police. It is never easy to lose a friend and co- worker. We just lost one of our own earlier this month.

Trp Tim Wolfenbarger
Tenn Highway Patrol

July 27, 2005

RIP Trooper, thank you for your dedication to the job and to the state. While other people may not understand the sacrifice, others truely do. May your family make it through this tough time.

Annonymous

July 27, 2005

Rest in peace brother

Eric Newbury
California Highway Patrol

July 27, 2005

Rest, brother.

Cpl Steve Headley
Mishawaka, IN Police

July 27, 2005

this is a terrible tragedy and please know that all the troopers in my troop will be praying for you all.

jeremy byrd
SC Highway Patrol

July 27, 2005

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, we would walk right up to heaven and bring you back again. No farewell words were spoken, no time to say good-bye. You were gone before we knew it, and only God knows why. Our hearts still ache in sadness and secret tears still flow. What it meant to lose you, no one can ever know. But now we know you want us to mourn for you no more. To remember all the happy times - life still has much in store. Since you'll never be forgotten we pledge to you today a hallowed place within our hearts is where you'll always stay.

Guy Emerson and family

July 27, 2005

Trooper Cila, you have served your state and community with dignity and honor, we will carry on from here. To the family of Trooper Cila you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Remember that you now are part of a much larger family. To the men and women of the Massachusetts State Police hold your heads high as you carry on. Be careful and watch each others backs. Rest in Peace...Troop..

Detective First Grade Robert F. Jackson
Metropolitan Police Department Washington D.C./Homicide Branch

July 27, 2005

While I did not know Trooper Cila, my Daughter manages a restaurant at Logan and has met Trooper Cila many times when he has been with her cousin also a Trooper. She called me last night when she returned home after work to tell me of the loss to everyone when it comes to losing him. My sympathy goes to the family, friends and his co-workers for losing such a wonderful person much too soon in life. Another Angel is up there now looking over the men in uniform.

Dawn Donovan

July 27, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and the Massachusetts State Police.

Fallen but never forgotten.
"Heroes live forever"

Officer Bryan Laurie #1251
Haltom City P.D

July 27, 2005

My deepest sympathy to the Cila family on their loss. Vincent is a True Hero and will never be forgotten. May he continue to watch over all of you.

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

Robert Gordon, Asst. Chief, Retired
Riverside PD, Illinois

July 26, 2005

Thank you Vin for protecting us, you are the definition of man and hero. There will always be a place in my heart for The Cila's.

God Bless You...and may your soul rest in peace...

ATD

July 26, 2005

To Trooper Cila family, friends, and the Massachusetts State Police. I would like to extend my condolences and deepest sympathy to you all. My thoughts and prays are with you. Thanks Trooper Cila for your years of service. Your brothers and sisters in blue salute you. May your soul rest in peace.

Patrol Officer
Prince George's County, Maryland

July 26, 2005

Rest easy, you will not be forgotten.

Trooper
New York State Police

July 26, 2005