Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

hey maury ! just thought i'd leave you a note . happy belated birthday , just could'nt bring myself to come on february 3 (see i remembered this time ). been having some sad days ... i hear you , still we miss you here . i know fred is talking to you and missing you too ! you'll never know how much we love you... say hello to donovino for me... love ya ... see ya ... bye... velery

officer val pickens
bpd/birmingham , aL

March 4, 2007

I was reading reflections on Tom's page where I saw a note saying that you were there to welcome my cousin Tom into heaven. Ma'm, I cannot tell you how that made me feel. But knowing Tom, he was welcoming you! Either way, you weren't alone and that gives me peace. Heaven was forever changed that day in October!

It is also a wonderful feeling knowing we have wonderful angels looking down on us and keeping us safe. We will never forget you, or the sacrafice you made while trying to do that for us while here. We are always asking...why take the good ones...I wish I knew.

I pray for your famiy and your friend Val, that God touches their hearts and help them heal.

Rest in Peace my friend. A Hero is never forgotten.

Jennifer, A cousin to
Officer Tom Wood, Maywood IL

February 14, 2007

hi maury, it's me again it's another year now and still it does'nt seem like you're gone . sgt.horton assigned me to work your beat the other day and still i can't bring myself to do it. i miss you my friend and ask GOD everyday to help me through . you know some people are just hard to let go of. i wrote a poem for the shift for christmas and baked each one their favorite little sweet in memory of you . don't know if they knew it though . haven't been able to talk to rasheeka lately , but you know i'm still going to keep tabs on her and tammy . waiting for this guys' trial . i know GOD is in control and i hold to that tightly my friend . until again....love ya ...see ya.....bye!!

val pickens
b'ham pd /b'ham,al

January 16, 2007

"If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded." -- Maya Angelou

Aloha Police Officer Mary Smith,
Thank you for your service and dedication to your community and your country. You and all officers that continue to lay your lives on the line and pay the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities and country safe, will NEVER be forgotten.

I personally pledge, (after one of Hawaii's own, Honolulu Police Officer Steve Favela, lost his life in the line of duty protecting our Commander in Chief, President George W. Bush), to become a continuum of the "ODMP Light". That light is in the form of an ODMP tribute.

People from all walks of life, regardless of age, race, religion, profession, education, and geographical location can share here a word or two on behalf of each and every fallen officer.

Every fallen officer is an hero. The ODMP serves as a place where that continuum of "LIGHT" can be seen through and within, the heart and soul of each and every person who honors our fallen heroes with a relection and/or tribute. As we say in Hawaii, "We are `Ohana. We are family".

May God comfort the family and loved ones who have lost their beloved Mary. May God also comfort those who have lost a fellow officer and friend that can never be replaced in this lifetime.

I wish you peace and love beyond all understanding.
May you rest in peace Police Officer Mary Smith.
Me Ke Aloha Pumehana. God Bless You Special Sister. You are loved and not alone. Walk with Jesus, you are Home now.

**I pray all find comfort in this Hawaiian prayer I leave you.**

THE PEACE OF " I "
KA MALUHIA O KA "I"

Peace be with you, All My Peace,
O ka Maluhia no me oe, Ku'u Maluhia a pau loa,

The Peace that is " I ", the Peace that is "I am".
Ka Maluhia o ka "I", owau no ka Maluhia,

The Peace for always, now and forever and evermore.
Ka Maluhia no na wa a pau, no ke'ia wa a mau a mau loa aku.

My Peace " I " give to you, My Peace " I " leave with you,
Ha'awi aku wau I ku'u Maluhia ia oe, waiho aku wau I ku'u Maluhia me oe,

Not the world's Peace, but, only My Peace,
The Peace of " I ".

A'ole ka Maluhia o ke ao aka, ka'u Maluhia wale no,
Ka Maluhia o ka "I".

Moana V.C. Molale (Private Citizen)
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii Island

January 5, 2007

Mary, may you rest in peace and may God surround your daughter with his everlasting love and give her comfort.

Deputy R.S. Finley
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Swat Team Birmingham, AL

December 8, 2006

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the person they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Officer Smith. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for Mary, she sounds like she was a great woman with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew her in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Mary's life and the WOMAN that he was. Remember that Mary's life was about so much more than the way she died. Mary will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember her.

Officer Smith, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been almost four years but we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Surviving Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

December 6, 2006

THE FAMILY,

I HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING MARY BACK IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR. SHE WAS A VERY DEAR FRIEND OF MY COUSIN. I WAS DEEPLY SADENED WHEN I HEARD THE BAD NEWS OF HER DEATH. I JUST WANT TO TELL THE FAMILY TO STAY STRONG IN PRAYER BECAUSE SHE IS NOW IN A BETTER PLACE. MARY WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS. NEVER WILL WE FORGET HER.

PO K.BENNETT
DETROIT POLICE DEPARTMENT

December 1, 2006

May God be with the family of Officer Smith and know that you are in my prayers.

Stacie A. Lockhart
Fiancee of Dion R. Nelson, Sr. (EOW 09/24/05 York,AL)

November 25, 2006

Mary was a dear friend of mine; since early 1991. I miss her "smile" most of all. It has taken me this long to really believe she was taken away from us. I know she is patroling heaven as I write. Mary was more than a officer; she was a mentor. My daughter's now 25 and 27 grew up with Mary's daughter. My girls always looked up to Mary. I was looking back on pictures from when I lived in Huntsville and Mary always had a gentle smile. I will always hear her kind words "It will be alright". So I say to the family and countless friends "yes it will be alright". I love you Mary; and your legacy and memory will live on..

Your forever friend,

Sylvia Morrison

Sylvia Morrison
close friend

November 25, 2006

This is a tragic loss to the communities that Officer Smith served. May she rest in peace with God in eternal joy. May God comfort the family and friends as only God can. I am thankful for officers like Mary who give so much of their lives to their community, putting themselves in obvious danger each and every day they work for us, including days, late nights, weekends, and holidays when the rest of us take them for granted. It may not seem like it sometimes, but there are many of us out there who respect our officers and appreciate your sacrifices. We can only hope that a senseless tragedy like this has some good result, like unifying officers in every city/county as a family, and reminding us in the community to be thankful they are here.

J Grimes
citizen

November 20, 2006

Mary was a very sweet compassionate person. She was a joy to have in the family as our neice. She will be deeply missed, but will always be in our hearts. Rasheeka we love you baby, stay focused and strong.
Uncle Palmer, Aunt Dot and LaToya

Uncle & Aunt and Cousin

November 19, 2006

Dearest Family & C0-Workers of Officer Mary Smith, May the peace only God can give be with you as the Holiday's approach. They are such hard days, I wish I could tell you it gets easier, but I can't. When I came to Mary's site it broke my heart. She was the first female officer,as I have been trying to let each family know that my prayers are with them during the holiday season. A beautiful person and you can see the kindness in her eyes. To her daughter, honey your Mother is a Hero, never to be forgotten. Always remember she was a very special person, not only as your Mom but as an officer. She now patrols streets of gold with other "Fallen Officers". As your Mom entered into Heaven she was greeted by our Lord as "Fallen Officers" saluted, stood at attention and said Welcome Home sister. Always know she is ever by your side,keeping watch over you. Make her proud, do and be the best you can. Stay strong,and remember you have a family of the THIN BLUE LINE that is always there for you. Mary rest in peace,and know we will keep your memory alive forever. HERO"S live forever. With much Love and Prayers Carolyn Moore mother-in-law of Sgt. Jeffrey T. Hewitt EOW 04-04-04 Asheville,N.C.

carolyn moore

November 19, 2006

maury that's what i called you when you would call me velery and even now i smile , but my dear friend it does'nt last long . i miss you , a couple of days ago i came across the picture of us outside of carlos, harley and bennets' cars at the memorial service and as we saluted them it started to rain and i remember the rain just a couple of weeks ago as i saluted you . i still want to see you walk through the door at southwest precinct and say here velery heres your soup , but your're never going to say that. rasheka is back in school now and i know she's strong . she's so much like you... a rare gem ... she's going to be a great mother just as you were . well my friend i'm getting long winded as usual , but just know that you will not be forgotten . i'll be in court everyday and stare that guy in his face until it sears a picture on his soul . he will never forget october 23,2006, he will not forget mary smith and he will be tormented until the day he dies . i know , i can hear you say velery let it go , but not just yet maury....not just yet.

OFFICER VAL PICKENS
birmingham police dept./B'HAM,ALA

November 15, 2006

IT WAS SO SAD FOR THIS TO HAVE HAPPENED. I PRAY FOR MS. SMITHS FAMILY AND FOR ALL OF OUR OFFICERS.EVERY TIME I HAVE A CHANCE I SAY THANK-YOU TO AN OFFICER AND GOD BLESS!!

Betty BURKS

November 15, 2006

GOODBYE MARY, I WILL MISS YOU VERY MUCH.THANKS FOR BEING THERE FOR ME ON THE JOB,THANKS FOR BEING THE GOOD PERSON YOU ARE,THANKS FOR BEING A GOOD POLICE OFFICER.BUT MOST OF ALL THANKS FOR BEING A GOOD FRIEND.DON'T WORRY ABOUT YOUR DAUGHTER,SHE WILL ALWAYS BE A PART OF MY FAMILY.MAY HEAVEN BE AS GOOD TO YOU AS YOU WERE GOOD ON EARTH.

SGT. THEODIS CADY JR.
BIRMINGHAM POLICE DEPT. (RETIRED)

November 14, 2006

What an awesome officer you must have been. As a rider in the Police Unity tour, I have requested a bracelet with your name and EOW. It will be an honor to ride in your memory. You and your family are in our prayers.

Captain Rick Hill
Rainbow City Police Department

November 14, 2006

IT IS ALWAYS DISTURBING TO LOOSE A FELLOW BROTHER OR SISTER AND IT WAS ESPECIALLY SAD TO LOOSE SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN THERE AND DONE THAT FOR SO MANY YEARS. ALTHOUGH IT IS HARD TO KEEP GOING SOMETIMES, WE BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND ALSO FAMILY HAVE TO LOOK AT WHAT MARY WOULD WANT US TO DO. SHE WOULD WANT US TO PUT THAT UNIFORM ON AND GET IN THE CAR AND DO WHAT WE DO EVERY DAY, JUST LIKE SHE DID UNTIL SHE WAS TAKEN FROM US.

TO THE FAMILY, I AM SORROWED FOR YOUR LOSS. PLEASE, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP AND ALWAYS THINK OF THE GREAT THINGS THAT MARY STOOD FOR AND DO THE SAME THING.

GOD BLESS,

DEPUTY ZANE BEARD

DEPUTY ZANE BEARD
JACKSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

November 13, 2006

You are in my prayers.

Suzanne Carmichael

November 10, 2006

I knew her indirectly and am completely sorry for the loss of (what seemed to me) to be a fine person.

My father and brother are both officers and I know what it is to hear an officer is down and wonder in your mind... could it be.

Now I speak peace (in the name of Jesus) to this family and father help heal the void that has been placed there.
Let them know that you are near.

November 7, 2006

Such a tragic loss. I will pray for the family and fellow officers, and hope that justice will be served. God bless you all. Thank you, Officer Smith, for your service, dedication and sacrifice. Rest with God.

Lori Johnson Rowley, wife of NC LEO
Daughter of Sgt. James Johnson, EOW 11/11/04, FCSO, NC

November 7, 2006

Thank you for your many years of service. You are in my prayers.

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

November 6, 2006

I will always miss Moock. While she was in this World I knew there was always be a chance to see her again, now that she is with God it will take a little longer to see her again. Tammy, Rasheeka you were both really blessed to have a very kind and loving person in your life everyday. I wish I could have had something like that in mine, maybe I would be different. I will always think of her and you all with much love. Be kind to each other and pull together and wrap yourselves in her love, because it will always be there for you both. With much love and blessings Feodora.

PS.. Walter and Merlea Hansley's eldest daughter.

Feodora Hansley-Clark
1st Cousin's

November 6, 2006

To the familey of mary smith I worked with a officer algie long in hurtboro al. he was my training officer he was killed while i was at the police academy he was working my shift i wiil never forget him he was not only an officer he was my friend. I no how you feel. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILEY] [ed fullington] ashland al.

sgt.retried ed fullington
ashland police dept.

November 5, 2006

To the Smith family~ I am so very sorry for you loss, but it sounds like Mary ended her tour as she would have wanted,always dedicated to serve and protect, though just not this soon. From all that I have heard of her, she was a remarkble woman; strong, dependable, caring and kind. I pray that you find peace in the fact that she is, literally, in God's hands now, where she can relax and not worry about the bad guys. May God be with you during these trying times.

wife of a Latent Fingerprint Examiner
MPD

November 5, 2006

My dear Mary and he family,
It took me a while to be able to talk to you. This hit me hard. On numerous occassions, I had your back and you had mine. I got there a few minutes too late the other day. I'm sorry.
People who don't know will always wonder about "the soup". Do you mind if I explain...?
Mary always made soup for the precinct when something was going on. Just a few hours before she was taken away, she brought soup and cornbread to West Precinct because we had just buried a friend and our Sergeant, Joe Hill, and she wanted to be with us. I was at the precinct finishing some reports and Mary insisted I have some. Of course I did and told her how good it was. She said it was because it was "made with loooooove!" And it was....I thanked her and hugged her, small talk about missing each other, last time we ever got to talk..shoulda hugged her harder...
To her daughter, Ra Sheka, and her special friend, Tammy, we be there en masse when the diploma is handed out. We will all be whooping and clapping in Mary's stead. This was SO important to her! That makes it important to us..
Just know, for whatever it's worth, our loss is in some measure as great as yours and we are here for you from now on.
Now, Mary, watch over us and know how hard you were loved. Enjoy those wings, you earned them! We will NEVER forget...
Rick Christian
West Precinct
Birmingham Police Department

Officer Rick Christian
Birmingham Police Department, West Precinct

November 4, 2006