Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Today I sit here reflecting on my memories and what could have been. Dad, we miss you still so much. I moved closer to Cheryl and we plan to grow old together, something you were denied. The last of the three thugs that took your life, our life that day, was released in February. The good part of me, that you raised hope he spends the rest of his time on this earth doing good. The realest and hurting me hope he suffers greatly. I’m still working on healing from your loss. Perhaps it will be completed the day I see you again in Heaven.
Love you, say hi to Mom!
Judy Birney
Daughter and former APD Officer

Officer Judy Birney
Alexandria Police Department

July 31, 2023

A TC William's classmate was talking to me recently about an event in Alexandria in the 1970s. It reminded me of when I was a Junior in high school in 1972 and my mother and I walked across hwy 95 over a little bridge from Southern Towers to a bank at Seminary Plaza. My mother was conducting business in the bank and I was waiting near her inside the bank. I remember thinking the whole time that if the bank were to get robbed, where would I hide. I did not see any hiding spots. We then left the bank and went next door to the grocery store to pick up a couple of items. About 10 minutes had passed and we left the store. When we left the grocery store the bank had been robbed and what I saw was a body already covered up. All of these 51 years later I never remembered it was a Police Officer that had been shot and killed that day. I always thought it was a robber! Thank you to Officer Birney and may his memory always be a blessing!
Marilyn Martin

Marilyn Buckner Martin

March 17, 2023

Det. Birney,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Alexandria. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I,P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 27, 2022

Another year passes, now gone for 50 years along with so many others who once knew and served their communities. It's a completely changed world we have today. Woke ways have made our heroes in blue anything but, enabling criminals to run rampant in society. The world could use many more good men like you my friend. As the world seems to binge out of control it's time for good men to stand up. So, because I know you would, I will be returning to active law enforcement to serve my community as you did so many years ago. God Bless you and your family.

M Keith Nichols
KHP

December 27, 2022

Its 2021, 49 years have passed since your being taken from us. I've grown old and a little gray but my memories of you are as fresh as when I was just 17 growing up in Alexandria. I keep your memory close to my heart as you were one of the GOOD ONEs ! There were a lot of great officers on APD back in the day, I was honored knowing most all of them. I often wonder how different things might be for so many if you were still with us here on earth. I hope you and Barbara are sharing all that Heaven has to offer. Judy and I have been in contact over the years and I know she is both proud of you and misses you very much as I do. God Bless My Friend.

TRP II Myron Keith (cleveland) Nichols
KHP

December 26, 2021

It's never easy for me to come here and remember that day you were taken from us. So many days have passed, so much has taken place since then... Times have become uncertain and blinded for so many and the creeds and oaths we once lived by seem to fade away daily. I miss you my friend. I wish you and many more like you were here today with us to strengthen a seemingly failing future. I thank you for your service and your sacrifice. I will forever more carry the thought of a good man known to me as Conrad Lee Birney with me. You shall not be forgotten. God Bless.

MYRON K NICHOLS, TRP ll (ret)
KHP

March 1, 2021

I was 18 when you were killed. I was just a kid . My friends and I had interacted with you a few times while we were hanging out( probably loitering). You had an incredible manner about you. Just thinking of you today and found this. God bless you.

Private citizen- Jack Packard
friend

May 20, 2020

Dad,
As you know Monday was my 60th birthday and the day Mom came to join you in Heaven. I promise you Cheryl and I shall take care of each other and your grandchildren until we meet again.
We Love you two Forever,
Judy Birney

Officer Judy Birney
Alexandria Police Department

February 16, 2020

Forty Seven years have passed and I still think of you often. I remember that day as if it were yesterday. I remember telling the reporter; "when you saw his car coming, you knew there was friend on the way." I miss you. I wish we had a lot more officers today like you. The streets haven't gotten any safer and it seems there are fewer willing or able to serve but those that are continue to serve communities in hopes of making a difference. As you look down on the rest of us help us all in living by your words to me many years ago... "To make a difference you have to get involved... If, you get involved ...Make a Difference!" God Bless my friend.

Trp II Keith Nichols (ret)
KHP

December 27, 2019

Another year has passed my friend, the loss remains deep. The impact caused by those responsible for your death affected far many more than any one could have imagined. I'm unaware if Mac Holland and his cohorts have come up for parole or not but I am in hopes that the life of a fallen police officer still counts far more than the hope of such men being reformed and deserving to be allowed to walk free among society. You have always meant a great deal to me and will forever be honored wherever I may go or whatever I do. May the Lord Bless you and your family in the years to come.

Trp ll M. Keith Nichols
KHP

December 27, 2018

Dad,
I am sorry I have not been here for awhile but I speak to you everyday in my heart. I read all the messages and see the constant ones that hold you dear to their hearts as well. You would think that as the years pass it would become easier but it actually becomes harder. This year I rode in your name in the Police Unity Tour and at the end of 240 miles I rode my bike into the memorial crying tears of pain and joy. The pain off your loss and the joy of being able to say I was your daughter. Thank you God for, although a short time, allowing us to have one of your greatest angels.

Judy R Schoenle (Birney)
Alexandria Police Department

August 1, 2018

Late due to illness, but you are never out of thought. The memories of being a kid in Alexandria, growing up in questionable times back then, seeing the changes to our country in the 60s and 70s was a real experience for a young mind. Having men such as yourself to look up to made a world of difference to me and I am sure to many others as well. I have wished so many times that I could have changed the events of December 27th 1972 but have had to live with the reality of being just human with humanly limitations. I hope there is some way that you know how many lives you touched and made a difference to. It's been 45 years without you with us but I carry your wisdom with me wherever I go. I am keeping on ...keeping on still serving, educating, and being in spite of what the world has become. I'll never forget "To make a difference, you have to get involved... if you get involved, make a difference." God Bless my Friend!

M.K. Nichols
KHP, Trp

December 28, 2017

Thinking of my Uncle Junior today. Good man, great loss

Patty Birney Sherwood
Niece

December 27, 2017

Thinking of my Uncle Junior today. Our family lost a great man with a kind soul 44 years ago today. I was a young kid when he died, but I remember his smile, laugh, and hugs.

Patty Birney Sherwood
Niece

December 27, 2016

It never fades from memory, throughout the years I have occasions that spark the thought of December 27th, 1972. That parking lot, that sidewalk, that bank entry, the delivery driver, the response but most of all the loss. 44 years later and my heart aches today as if it were just yesterday. Conrad Lee Birney known as a husband, son and brother, a Marine, police officer, and detective. To me he was a friend to a kid that admired him and many others on the APD. He was a good man then and remains a living inspiration for this man to follow. I miss you Detective, thanks for being there for me! Making a difference.

TRP M. Keith Nichols (ret)
KHP

December 26, 2016

I think of Conrad regularly and he is fresh in my mind. On a couple occasions, he drew sketches for me. He drew one of Officer Bob Lincoln, Fairfax P.D. Bob was 6' 150" tall and he rode motor. Conrad drew Bob on a Harley and it showed Bob's knees extending to the front fender of the Harley. I rode motor for APD and we would meet in the Hunting Towers area and ride the parkway.

Bob Fregoso
Spotsylvania Co. S.O.

December 21, 2016

To the Birney Family,
Less we ever forget the sacrifices made by those brave enough to stand in harm's way to protect and serve... 43 years and Conrad lives on in my heart and mind. I will never forget his saying to me, "To make a difference, you have to get involved, if you get involved, make a difference." I've tried to live by those words. Sometimes it saved lives, other times it caused me to be labeled a "Serpico" but it was all for the best in the long run. I wish there were more Conrad Birney s in the world today, we sure could use a few! Judy, Marsha and I had a daughter, Makayla Grace, named after my mother. Planning on another this year, perhaps a boy (???), if so his name sake will be in honor of your dad. Know you are forever in our thoughts and prayers. The day I last saw your dad, December 27, 1972, is a memory that I will have always. I too miss him. I so wish I had been able to do something that day to change the outcome of events. Love to all.

Myron "Keith Nichols, Trp (ret)
KHP

December 15, 2015

Proud to send my No Parole letter today. Rest in peace brother, we will do our best to keep your killer behind bars for life. God bless the family, friends, and former co-workers of Detective Birney as the wound is re-opened once again.

Sr. Ptlmn Donnie Meaders(RET)
Wewoka (OK) Police Department

October 15, 2015

Thank you Kathy for sharing that with us. It's very inspiring.

Sgt. McDaniel
Interlochen Center for the Arts

October 15, 2015

These guys are coming up for Parole. Hopefully Life means Life. I remember this clearly. This happened about 5 years before I started my career. I was in college studying Criminal Justice.

Sgt D L
Retired from Virginia

October 15, 2015

I just came across this and had to leave a reflection. When I was 16, and beginning to head down the wrong road, Detective Birney took me into his office. He sat there and built me what he called the reputation tree and for two hours talked to me. Before I left he told me he wanted me back in 5 days and at that time I had to memorize the Ten Commandments. He was a tough man with a very gentle soul who truly cared about the people he served. He made a big impact on my life.

Kathy Sutphin

April 15, 2015

Missing my Uncle Junior today on the anniversary of his death. He was a fun, joking uncle and a wonderful man. I wish I could have known him longer and had him in our lives more. I loved him very much

Patty Birney Sherwood
Niece

December 27, 2014

You were my mentor. Prior to joining, you told me all the bad and the good things that might happen. You were right, they did. But I always tried to remember the things you told me. I still miss you, my friend.

Retired Officer, Hampton Virginia Police Division
Retired Senior Officer, Federal Reserve Police
Former Officer, Alexandria Virginia Police Dept.

February 22, 2014

Thinking of you, Uncle Junior, this Christmas. I still remember your smile and laughter. Hope you and Dad are watching over each other now.

Patty Sherwood
Niece

December 29, 2013

Another year has come and gone, and yet your memory never fades... you will forever be a part of me and my life. I share the memories of us with those I have circle with today, letting them know how you impacted me in earlier times. I don't know where Kathy, Bev and the others of the JB are today but I too remember their service and give tribute to you and them for a job well done! I was in touch with your daughter, hope to hear from her again...Rest in Peace my friend for you are missed and loved by many.

TRP II Myron "Keith" (Cleveland) Nichols
KHP/ Friend

December 2, 2013