Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Forty years ago I stood in the parking lot and wondered why?.... At seventeen ya think you have all the answers, until something like 27 December hits you square in the face. As with every other year at Christmas I think of you Detective and say thanks for your being a friend to a kid whose own father wasn't around much. I always counted you a friend and have missed you over the years. Know that you will forever be remembered by boy grown to be a man without a father to claim his own. Barbara, it's been awhile since I last spoke with you. I hope you and the family are doing well and enjoying life. I have remarried, selling the farm in KS and moving to Hot Springs, AR area. I hope we can be in touch soon. Love You. Myron "Keith"

fmr TRP II Myron K. (Cleveland) Nichols
KHP. Family Friend

January 2, 2013

Thinking about you this holiday season and the great memmories we all had together. Try to think about the good times and not horrible way you had to leave. I'm thinking canasta game... Christmas Eve, 6 kids, parents yelling at them to go to sleep so Santa can come, Kids hearing jingle bells outside...then "Gosh darnit!". A little different vocabulary though. Santa was running around outside but tripped on something. Didn't know Santa cussed. Thankyou for the great memmories! You put true meaning to Hero! Give Dad a hug!
Love you! Smallchange xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Colleen Birney Wheeler
niece

December 26, 2012

Junior, I went to the cemetery last week and put some flowers on your resting place beside your mother. Now your brother Leonard is with you and I would like to hear that conversation. God bless you both.
Bette (your sister-in-law)

Bette Birney
sister-in-law

November 17, 2012

As I sit here reading some of these reflections especially Officer Nichols I am humbled that so many people not only remember my father but that he had an impact on their lives. Dad you were a great man and as far as I am concerned shall live forever if only in my heart.

Love Forever your daughter,
Judy Birney

Judy Birney
Daughter

August 27, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

December 27, 2011

Detective, it's been 39 years since that day at Seminary Plaza. It was an unbelieveable day in my life that lives with me every day, I was just 17 when Mac Holland and his bunch destroyed the lives of so many in taking your life. I thought of you as a good and decent man, a roll model for me that I wanted to be just like. I so wish I could have done something that day to have changed the events that took place. I have always remembered you and appreciate the times you took to stop and speak with me. As I told the media then, when you saw Detective Birneys car coming, you knew there was a friend on his way... I ve been in touch with some of your fellow officers and Barbara over the years. Know you are thought of often and always missed. I love ya man !

Myron Keith (Cleveland) Nichols
KHP

October 24, 2011

Happy Birthday


Love you,
Barbara

Barbara Birney
wife

August 9, 2011

Hi,
Another year without you and Rob. Thank god I have my two yorkies to spend Christmas with. As you know Cheryl and family are living in Fl. and Judy has a new man in her life and can't be bothered with anyone else.
You and Rob have a nice Christmas and I will talk with you later.

Love you,
Barbara

Barbara Birney
Wife

December 24, 2009

It's hard to believe another year has past, yet the events of December 27, 1972 are as real today as they were 36 years ago.

Even-though I only rode with you for a very short time in my rookie year what you taught me was the foundation on which I built a successful career.

I will never forget you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Rick Moore (Sergeant - Retired)
Alexandria Police Department

December 27, 2008

Merry Christmas
I miss you and love you
I know your're happy celebrating Christmas with Jesus and your son.

Your Wife

Barbara Birney
Wife

December 25, 2008

My Uncle Junior was a good, brave man and the whole family still misses him, even 35 years later.

Patty Sherwood
Niece

October 8, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 1, 2008

Thirty five years, seems like a long time unless it is a time without someone special. I miss my Uncle and not a day goes by that I do not think of him. He is a real life hero, plain and simple. He gave the ultimate sacrifice so others could be safe. He and my father were not only brothers, they were buddies. He had so many good qualities and traits. My uncle was an very good police officer, excellent family man, a talented painter, and a kind person, who loved his family very much. I admired him so much. It is such a waste that three scum of the earth had to take this man away from us.

I Love and miss you Uncle Junior..take care of your son!

your nephew....Butch

Butch Birney
nephew

January 19, 2008

Today it has been 35 years since you left me to be with God. I miss you more each day and year since 1972. Take care of our son who is with you. I love you forever.

Barbara

Barbara Birney
wife

December 27, 2007

To the family, friends, and colleagues of Detective Birney:

The heroic actions of this brave officer will forever be remembered by the training staff and the students at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy. The name of Detective Conrad Birney is inscribed on our Academy Memorial Stone along with the words "Dedicated to the memory of those who died while in service to their communities. Their lives and professionalism inspire all who follow”.

On this 35th anniversary of your ultimate sacrifice, the men and women of the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy thank you for your exemplary service and extend our thoughts and prayers to your family and friends.

Executive Director William C. O'Toole
Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy

December 27, 2007

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 26, 2007

In the same year I was born, a hero lost his life.
May GOD continue to bless you and your famiy.......

Senior Officer D. W. Reichhardt
Waverly PD, Va.

December 28, 2006

Another Christmas without you. Your son is spending his second Christmas with you and I miss you both so much.
Rest in peace and take care of our son. I love you.

Barbara Birney
Wife

December 14, 2006

December of 1972 will always be with me. The week-end prior to the murder of Detective Birney, I was working at a First Virginia Bank on Rt.236 and it was robbed by the same people that shot Det. Birney and they shot at me. The bullet went over my ear and missed me by only about an inch. I knew Det. Birney because I was also a Juvenile Detective at the time and we had worked cases together. As Christmas nears I always think of my shooting incident and the death of Conrad Birney. He was a great Police Officer and will never be forgotten as long as I am alive to remember him and Cpl. Charlie Hill of the Alexandria Police Department. I had the privilege to work with Cpl. Hill as a firearms instructior at the Fairfax County Police Firearms Range. Both men are greatily missed.

Lt. Charles Vickers
Fairfax County Police

February 6, 2006

Brother Birney,

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Respectfully,
You’re Brothers in Blue

Untouchables LE Motorcycle Club

January 5, 2006

you are missed and loved as much today as you were 33 years ago.

Barbara Birney
wife

October 19, 2005

Dad you are my inspiration I shall never forget you and will always guide my life so you will be proud.
Love your daughter,
Judy

September 15, 2005

Remembering you along with all the others on 12-27 who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Rest in Peace. You're not forgotten.

Anonymous

December 27, 2004

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor your for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies...

Rest in peace, hero.

December 27, 2004

On behalf of the men and women of the Virginia State University Police Department, our thoughts and prayers to the Birney family and the Alexandria Police Department.

Virginia State University Police Department