Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear,Dad
Dad,life is so difficult without you.I just need you so bad back here on Earth.I just cannot seem to find the old Bobby that you would want me to be.I know that you want me to be happy and to not think about the terrible tragedy that ended your life,but I can't.I just wish that I could've blocked your car from hitting that truck,because I just cannot seem to find me going on throughout the rest of my life without you Dad,it is impossible.Even though I still have family and friends it just is not the same because I know that you are not here on Earth anymore.We are all together Dad and this does help in a way,but I always remember at the final month of your life,that I was starting to see you more and more.Every day of my life Dad,I remember the last words that I said to you the night before you got killed,"Dad please do not let anything bad happen to you at work tomorrow and I will talk to you tomorrow as well Dad".Every time this phrase comes to me I just lose myself in tears and misery,just like everybody else on this website Dad,because you mean our whole lives to us and the feeling will never change.I just will never understand why I had to lose you at some of the most important times of my life at 12 years old and on.Dad,I can't stop this depression,even with any help that I receive because you were my savior in life and this will last forever even if you are in Heaven or when you were here on Earth.I know that you know this but for everybody else on this whole website now knows how incredibly important you were to me in this world and how much you still will be forever.It is so hard to look at other Fathers and Sons because you are not on Earth anymore and seeing them getting along and having everything going great for them and I can always look at them and say,hey nobody in this whole entire universe can ever match up to my Dad because for you just being who you were Dad is what has gotten me through my life so far and that you have made me the person that I am in this world cannot beat anything else that God can create and everything that you have done for me and what you still are doing for me as time goes on.
Forever and ever Love you Pal,Your proud son Bobby Knapp.

Bobby Knapp
Son of a Terrific Father

November 10, 2008

Darling Husband,

The memorials are over and it's already Autumn. The weather is changing and soon it will be so cold. You always hated being cold. Now it's my turn to be cold honey. I'm cold and empty without you. Time is flying by but your EOW seems like it was yesterday to me. The grief is the same. Missing you never stops. I saw a picture of a German Shepard in a magazine and broke out crying thinking of our Sammie. I miss her too. Knowing that my love for you is eternal is the only constant in my life Jim.

Forever yours,

Your loving wife Grace

Lt. Grace M. Knapp (Retired)
Cook County Sheriff

October 21, 2008

Dear Jim,

I met your wife tonight playing a word game on the internet. I just wanted to say I think she IS a very lucky woman to have had you in her life. Reading these letters from your family lets me know what kind of person you were. I'll pray for strength for them as you and the other angels in Heaven help mend their hearts.

Karen

July 23, 2008

Darling Husband,

Today is Father's Day. I can't help thinking about the boys and how much they are missing you today. They love you so much Jim. Bobby graduated grammar school. Look down on him and watch that he has a great summer and as he starts on his new adventure - high school!

I will miss fussing over you today Daddy. You always could have the world on your special day (or just any day)! You were my world, and, in so many ways, you still are. Two hearts in one always angel mine.

Give my Dad and your Dad a hug for me. I miss my Dad, my Rafael, so much. I wish you knew him in life before meeting him in Heaven. Both of you were taken from us much too soon.

Pray and watch over me Jim. You know that I need that. Keep your Mom in mind. She's not doing too well these days. Pet Sammie for me.

Love for eternity,

Your adoring wife, Grace

Lt. Grace M. Knapp (Retired)
Cook County Sheriff

June 15, 2008

Dear Dad,I miss you as the days go on,and the worst part of it is dad that there is no way of healing this grief and depression,unless you are here.I still do not know how I am going to live without you.It is just to hard and complicated.I still wish that I could of saved you from that accident but I could not.Dad,I just miss all of our memories together,and I just wish every day of my life that I could have spent a lot more time with you than I got to.As you can see dad,I am not the only one dad who is still crying and grieving every day of their lives as well,along with me.If I could just have you living back here on Earth again,it would be the best thing of my life.I am starting baseball again dad and it looks like the white sox and cubs both will be in the playoffs this year together.I absolutely miss you so much pal,and I am still not sure I will ever carry on my life totally,because I need you here so much dad,for any problems or terrible times that
I have had in my life dad.Though dad,I know that you want me to be happy,but the truth is that I really am not sure how to,especially without my all time hero in my life on Earth anymore.It is still so different that you are not here anymore dad,and it is just tearing me apart completely.I could always go on about all of the best times that we had together dad and I will never forget all of those great times that we shared.Please dad,be safe and healthy forever in Heaven with Papa,Sam,and God,along with all of his other Holy Angels up there as well,your proud son,Bobby Knapp,I Love You Dad And Please Take Care For Now And Forever For The Rest of your Eternal Life.

Bobby Knapp
son of a terrific father

April 15, 2008

NEVER FORGOTTEN- You will aways be in our thoughts.
+ Rest In Peace My Brother +

A Brother Leo
A Brother In Blue

March 30, 2008

My Darling Husband,

Today is Easter Sunday. I'm hoping that you spent some time with my Dad on Good Friday because as you know,it is the anniversary of his death. I went to dinner with Katie and her family today. Had they not invited me, I would have been alone. I am ever grateful for my friend Katie and for my sister and her family because they are all I have now. Yes Dear, all the well intentioned ones who said they would never abandon me are gone. I don't see or hear from them anymore. But I always have my memories of you. I'm not whining honey, I know people get busy and move on. But how do I move on? But as always, God is with me. He's never too busy to listen to me and to my prayers. He hears from me daily. I thank Him for every second I spent with YOU.

I love you forever and into eternity,

Grace

Lt. Grace M. Knapp (Retired)
Cook County Sheriff/Surviving Spouse of Ofr. Knapp

March 23, 2008

Hello my angel. Christmas has come and gone. The second anniversary of your death has come and gone. This year was harder for me than the last. The incredible hole in my heart will not heal. There is no chance. God's purpose for me here on Earth, without you, escapes me. Someone said, "I belong to my beloved and my beloved belongs to me." I think they wrote it for us. I love you to the moon and back and for eternity I will love you.

Your loving wife,

Grace

LT. Grace M. Knapp (Retired)
Cook County Sheriff

February 11, 2008

Officer Knapp,

I have talked with your wife by email and even a couple of times on our cell phones during Police Week. I know she misses you and I just wanted to say you will be remembered always, even by those of us who never knew you. We will also be here for your loved ones.

Ellen Guerdat
Gates Police Victim Assistance Counselor
VP WNY Concerns of Police Survivors

Ellen Guerdat
VP WNY COPS

January 4, 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 1, 2008

Just a few minutes left until 2008 as I sit here, pal. Another new year dawns, and two have passed since I'm able to even call you and see how you are. You got to see how hard Christmas Day was for me. I can't celebrate it anymore. I stood in front of your picture on the refrigerator and tried to say Merry Christmas to you. The words wouldn't come as fast as the tears. Sometimes I laugh to myself, because the books say this gets gradually easier with time. I don't know exactly who they lost when writing that, but me and Bobby still cry all the time. A song, a memory, a restaurant we ate at, a movie we watched together. Life is so hard without you. Keep strong on the Lord's beat, my friend. You have your job and I have mine. I continue to look after Bobby for you and I wait for the day when I can visit your home of rest in my own police uniform. I love you and miss you so so much. Rest in peace, buddy!

James R. Knapp
Proud son of a hero

December 31, 2007

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 31, 2007

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones during this holiday season. I know these are very diffuclt times for all of us as we all face each day with a challenge, but the holidays are even harder to face without our loved ones here. I have decorated the outside of my home in all blue lights, one of those lights is lit in honor of Jim for his dedicated service and the sacrafice he gave. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol as we have lost a large number of officers so far this year. You have not been forgotten.

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

December 17, 2007

Dear dad,I miss you so much.I just wish that you were here.Life is just so extremely difficult without you dad,because you were always there for me whenever I needed you or even if I didn't need you at the time.As you know Christmas is coming up and I know that you are always watching me and protecting me wherever I am all the time.There is even snow all over the ground dad,so it's a white Christmas for sure.I still am so miserable without you dad,and I know that you wouldn't want to see me upset,but I just can't help myself at all dad.I am always so glad to see that all of these people on this website are so supportive for you dad.I just will always be upset and will miss you forever,because you are not here on Earth anymore.I just hope that you are safe and healthy along with Sam forever and ever in Heaven dad with God and all of the other Holy Angels as well dad.Love your pal, your son Bobby Knapp

Bobby Knapp
son of a terrific father

December 7, 2007

Officer Knapp and Family
As a former Cook County officer there remains a bond that doesnt break. With that being said. I and my family will keep the whole Knapp family in our daily prayers.

God Bless you all
Sgt. Dooley and Family

Sgt. Joseph Dooley
Arizona State Department

November 21, 2007

Darling Husband,

Tomorrow, 04 October 2007, would have been your birthday. The only thing I can celebrate is that you are with the Lord and at peace.It gives me some comfort, but every moment of every day, I still wish you were here with me as I find no reason for happiness without you.

Pray to God for your Mother and for your brother-in-law Enzo who could both use some divine intervention just now.

And look out for Bob's Mom Frances who just joined you all in Heaven. Hug my Dad and yours.

I sure wish I was preparing to serve your birthday cake which you enjoyed so much each year.

Love you to the moon and back Angel.

Your loving wife,

Grace

Lt. Grace M. Knapp (Ret.Cook Co. Sheriff
Spouse

October 3, 2007

My dearest condolences are extended to Patrol Officer J. F. Knapp's family, friends and colleagues.
God Speed Brother

MDS Robert L. Knapp
Fairfax County Office of the Sheriff

August 12, 2007

Daddy Please keep Jim and Bob safe they need you now just as much as the day you left... Well we all do!I know they are both longing for your advice and even more to see you and hear your voice.I don't think I've gone a day without hearing a story about you!Jim still cries every day...please give him comfort to know your still daddy...no matter where you are! We all love you very much!

Amanda
soon to be daughter!

July 12, 2007

Dear Grace, I know what you are going through, I have been thru the same, my husband Officer Emilio Miyares, was killed in line of duty in 1986, I would love to talk to you in reference to spouses weekend, is in Sept. in I believe all surviving spouses should attend at least once...
Please, take care and contact me at your convenience.

love, terry

Terry Miyares, surviving spouse
Officer Emilio Miyares, HIaleah PD,

June 26, 2007

Hello Sweetheart. Happy Father's Day. Today the family visits at the cemetery to pay respect to you, and now to your father. It's been a hard year and a half darling, and, a part of my life's journey that I'd rather not have taken. I miss you so much that it physically hurts.I love you to the moon and back for all eternity.

Grace

Lt. Grace M. Knapp, Retired
Cook County Sheriff/Surviving Spouse

June 17, 2007

Darling,

Wahington D.C. was so amazing. The love and support I received in your honor was magnified by the thousands. I met with many people and some of them will be lifetime friends. Keep your wings wrapped around all I have shared my angel with, and all officers that I did not have the pleasure of meeting. There will be more time for that next year and the next year, etc. I sincerely intend to pay it forward.

You received the medal of honor honey during a ceremony on the Capitol lawn with the President of the United States.

Sweet days in Heaven my angel,

Grace

Lt. Grace M. Knapp - Retired
Surviving Spouse

May 23, 2007

On this day, National Law Enforcement Memorial Day, I salute you for your dedicated service to law enforcement and want you to know that you have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones today and every day.

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

May 15, 2007

In meeting your wife at the DC memorial I have seen how your deeds are continuing to insipire even though you have passed on.

Heros do live forever.

Sgt Jeffrey Wilson
Portsmouth SO, Virginia

May 14, 2007

Darling Husband,

I just returned from your memorial ceremonies in Springfield. I am once again awestruck by the love and support from so many others who know what I must be going through as they have gone through it themselves. You must have been looking out for me honey. By the grace of God and you, I actually got to hold, hug and spend time with Bobby. Everyone was so impressed by him. I told them all how much he is like you. Jeff was the honor guard for you. He, Bobby and I all cried together. I gave Bobby the shell casings from your 21 gun salute. I am now preparing to go to the National Memorial in Washington. Give me strength sweetheart. Oh yeah, Mac, Matt & Dave were there with several officers who never even had the pleasure of knowing you but were there for you. Tom F and Laura T were there too. You were so well loved and respected. My friends (family really) were all there too. They carried me through it all. Thanks for being my angel - then and forever.

I love you eternally,

Grace

Lt. Grace M. Knapp - Cook Co Sheriff Ret
Spouse

May 4, 2007

Jim, please be with your true loved ones thru this difficult and trying time, and help them find the strength they need to correctly deal with those that are falsely presenting themselves. Only thru the memories of your love can they cope. Rest well, my brother.

PJN

April 30, 2007