Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I met Nick my senior year at IU. We were next door neighbors at Jackson Heights and we had a criminal justice class together. We became good friends; playing Sega's NFL Football '94 all night, watching one of his roomates 10 million movies; or going to Mother Bear's Pizza down the street. Nick was such a nice guy and it shocked and tore me up when I heard about what happened. I'll always remember the jokes and phony insults we laid on each other. Rest well my friend.

Darin Atkinson
College Friend/next door neighbor

December 14, 2007

Judgment Day for a Police Officer
.....Author Unknown

The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, Policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my Church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
Can't always be a Saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my work was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep,
I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills just got too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."

There was silence all around the Throne
Where the Saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

Nick
Winona Lake PD

December 6, 2007

Nick,

It is still hard to beleive you are gone. Over the years we did not have many chances to just chat, but I wish I had the chance just to talk to you again before you were taken so tragically. I am still in disbelief. I hope that Joe always knows what a great person you were and how much you loved him. Your eyes would light up whenever you would talk about him.

Friend

November 14, 2007

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 man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Corporal Polizzotto. 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 Nick, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him 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 Nick's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Nick's life was about so much more than the way he died. Nick will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Corporal Polizzotto, 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 five 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)

October 28, 2007

I'm sorry for you all sorrow ,Nick will live in everyone hearts forever.The Chicago Police Dept will keep you all in our prayers. May GOD bless you all. Corporal Wright your son and I pray for you as well.I remember you telling me about your co-worker. Stay strong South Bend .
Nick watch over your son and guide him in the right direction.Your son has a personal star watching over him now.

Police officer Goree
Chicago Police officer

October 24, 2007

I was only priveleged to have met you personally on one occassion while on the police department.
It would have been nice for the department to have a "general roll call" so we all would have had opportunity to be familiar with each other. To my memory, that only happemned on one occassion, and that was within the first two of my 42 year career on the departrment. I have read all of the "reflections" about you, and now regeret even more not having the pleasure of knowing you on a more personal basis.
You are among the many officers that have been taken from us,by the "rotten element". during my time with the South Bend Police Department.

Det. Sgt. (Retired)Forest L.(B
South Bend Police Department

September 28, 2007

THIS DAY THE LORD WELCOMED YOU WITH OPEN ARMS AND SAID
WELL DONE THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVENT.MAY YOUR FAMILY
FIND PEACE AND COMFORT AS WE ALL PRAY TOGETHER.

PAUL VALENCIANO
RETIRED

September 21, 2007

when he die my heart just brok because he die on my birthday!! and he was a fallen heroes

tyshawn
no

September 11, 2007

Nick was an amazing man! We shared a love like neither of us had felt before. We were the loves of each others life. I miss his infectious smile, that great laugh of his and his incredible hugs. I have so many wonderful memories of Nick. I will carry those memories with me for the rest of my life. Nick had a way of making a person feel special and appreciated for the little things that they did. He will always have a large piece of my heart. I will always love him...always. I love you baby...forever.

Ja_Ann Aters
Former Fiancee

August 12, 2007

Dear polizzotto family,
i'm sorry that Nick passed away, it seemed like only yesterday when he pulled
over my mom and i, while we were on our way to chruch. i am really heart-
broken for this tragic lost, he was a hero in many ways
there isn't a day i don't think about him, he was a true
friend,hero, and kind loving young man. you are all in my prayers
always and forever, and i hope that nick's little boy is okay. Again
i am deeply sorry about what happened to nick god bless you all
and stay strong .

Theresa LeeAnn Laurence
friend

August 11, 2007

A friend turned me onto this website and the more I read through these the more it pains me. Senseless incidents that end so many wonderful lives. I'm a Michigan resident, but close enough to state line that this hit home. The night I watched the news Cpl. Polizzotto I cried over and over hearing his final 10-42. As with any department, the goal is to get all officers home safe and sound every night. Unfortunately, this is part of the job. Every officer knows the risk when he signs up and that's what makes an officer so commendable. He comes to work every morning knowing that he'll never be able to save the world, but what he is doing will make a difference to someone, somehow. Nick became a hero nine years ago when he signed on to SBPD long before the day that he died. May the Lord watch over your family and know that your son is standing by his side.

Dispatcher

August 7, 2007

"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

July 31, 2007

Nick,
My cousin, Kelly Dulcet has joined your force in heaven. It has been a rough couple of days here, and I'm sure that you and Scott are with her, watching over us all. Her dream was to be an officer, and she was so close. You are all so missed! Rest in Peace.

Amy
Citizen

July 17, 2007

Hey Schlick!

With you and Scott up there, Tony may have had a little bit of an advantage over the other golfers in the Metro. Nobody stood a chance against him this year, did they?

You're both missed so very much, buddy. I hope that the two of you are up there playing under par .....

friend

July 16, 2007

Nick,
It has only been a short time since we lost you, but since that time, we have buried two other heroes in Indiana. I miss you, my friend.

Sgt. Bill Kraus
South Bend, IN PD

July 12, 2007

GOD CREATED SPECIAL PEOPLE AND THOSE CREATIONS ARE POLICE OFFICERS WHO MAKE OUR WORLD A MUCH BETTER AND SAFER PLACE. I JUST HOPE YOU GUYS PULL TOGETHER AND GET THROUGH THIS TOGETHER AS A FAMILY. LOSING A BROTHER WHO YOU HAVE FOUGHT TOGETHER WITH AND JUST BEEN WITH IS BEYOND WORDS THAT THE UTSIDE WORLD CAN NOT UNDERSTAND

PTLM CHRISTOPHER DEFORITIS
TAUNTON POLICE DEPT

June 26, 2007

There are no words to express the gratitude we have for the work that you have down to protect us all. You are a heroic individual who risked everything so that we may enjoy peace and security.

Bless you, your family, your agency, and your loved ones.

"Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."

Respectfully submitted on behalf of my department,

Officer Matthew Lewek
Menomonee Falls (WI) Police Department

June 25, 2007

To the family and friends of Corporal Nick Samuel Polizzoto and his fellow officers with the South Bend Police Department:

On behalf of our family, we wish to extend our deepest condolences on the grievous loss you have suffered because of this tragic line of duty death.

I pray that his loved ones will be comforted by the support of your faith and your law enforcement family. There are many other survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty who share this difficult journey with you, and they too can be a source of great comfort. How very sad that he was robbed of his life at such a young age. He will never be forgotten and his honor will always be revered.

Heaven has another hero today, but how I wish it were not your beloved.

My son was fatally shot and died exactly two years before Nick during a foot pursuit of two robbery suspects so they share the same eow date. Forgive me for not writing sooner, but this time of year is especially hard and especially so now since we are starting trial this month.
I share his parents' anquish in losing a cherished child.

This refection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished and dedicated service Nick gave to the citizens of Indiana, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 24, 2007.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg (CA) Police Dept, eow 4/24/05

June 13, 2007

It's been almost two months now Nick. We miss you so very much. Please help keep us all strong. Rest in peace.

Citizen

June 12, 2007

I had the opportunity to run into you at the jail a few times. I didn't know you well, other than you were a brother in blue. You laughed when I asked if they charged you extra for all the letters in your name on your uniform. You will be missed. Thank you Nick.

Cpl. Michael Dube
Mishawaka PD

June 2, 2007

Well Nick its been a month and not a day goes by that I don't think about how once again our hearts were ripped out of our chest.. SBPD is my family and we still morn our brother.. I drive around and look at all the flags to make sure they are supporting our fallen brother.. I sit here and wish that the past few year were different you and scott were here with us in body as well as in spirit.. Every night when I'm walking to my car I wait to see you walk off the back ramp.. some times I even imagine it.. Rest in peace Nick.. you are always in on our minds and in our hearts.. Heros never die!

Dispatcher
SBPD

May 25, 2007

I grew up in South Bend and went to Christ the King grade school. Nick was a year behind me in school. A friend that I keep in touch with from S.Bend emailed me about Nick. I am so sorry for Nick's son and family. My husband has been an officer for 12 years, and every day he leaves for work I worry and pray for his safe return. South Bend has grown considerably in the 18 years since I lived there, but it seems to be stricken with more tragedy than a town it's size should expect. My prayers go out to Nick's family and friends, as well as to the families and friends of other fallen heroes.

Susie
Wife of LEO

May 21, 2007

You are in my prayers.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
CHP

May 16, 2007

From Officer Christopher K. Fowler, Patrolman, Franconia NH Police Dept., I send my warmest regards to the south Bend Police Dept. This past Friday, my friend, training officer, and partner Cpl N. Bruce McKay was fatally shot and run over by a suspect after motor vehicle stop, and brief pursuit in rural Franconia NH. My relationship to South Bend is intimate. My Grandfather, Daniel W. Fowler was the minister at the First Presbyterian Church of S.B. many, many years ago. Fred Fowler, my uncle, owns a small company in South Bend. My father was born and raised in South Bend, and my Grandmother recently passed away in South Bend as well. My thoughts are with all of you. Cpl. Bruce McKay will meet your officer in Heaven. To all my brothers and sisters, on behalf of The Franconia NH Police Dept. and from Ofc. Dan Fowler III, Littleton NH Police Dept. we pass on our deepest thoughts and prayers. Regardless of being in a city of thousands, or a town of 900, the job is a dangerous one. Our thoughts are with you.

Ofc. Chris K. Fowler
Franconia N.H. Police Dept.

May 15, 2007

Rest in Peace brother! Heart felt condolence to your family!

Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside, Ca PD

May 13, 2007