Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear Brother, 51 years have gone by since you and I were facing the death angel 4:00pm -5:00pm for reasons only known to God. The death angel took your soul to Paradise, why was I left behind with a broken heart and destroyed emotional system I don't know. My Brother you have been living inside my head ever since and you will be there till my last breath. Continue your peaceful rest with the Lord. By the reality of my age, we will be partners again soon. I'm ready when the Lord calls on me. This earth is no longer what it was 51 years ago when you and I were patrolling the streets of Ft. Bragg, NC. Love you my Brother!

Ralph A Romero, Sgt., Vet.
Military Police, U.S.Army, Charlotte PD, Charlotte, NC, MDP, FL.

October 31, 2024

it has been 51 years since that fateful day. Your partner misses you as do your family.
Some people are hard to forget, after reading you reflections I'm sure your one of them.
Continue to rest in peace.
definitely not forgotten.

Elizabeth Haugen Mosqueda.
Widow of Deputy Michael Haugen.
Riverside County Sheriffs Department

October 31, 2024

Jimmy it is 10:10 am 10/31/2023 little did we know that 50 years ago this date we had an appointment with fate at 4:30 pm on Hwy., 210, Ft. Bragg, NC. When you and I heard a message over the MP radio that the Texaco gas station had been robbed by 2 black males with mask on at the intersection of Butler Road and Hwy 210 and I directed you to head to Hwy,. 210 where I felt the thugs would make their get away. When we arrived in the area little did we know the angel of death was also lurking around the area. We encounter the 2 thugs and what would seem like hours it was just a matter of minutes you my patrol partner had been fatally shot, The thug that shot you was also fatally wounded and the second thug was paralyzed from the waist down by a .45 caliber round. After the shooting had stopped I immidiately I went to check on you and discovered your soul had gone to heaven at that moment my whole emotional system changed forever. I have been reflecting on that incident for the last 50 years and will continue until the day I pass on. I have come to the acceptance that you have continued working along side of me throughout the rest of my LEO career I have felt your presence partner. Jimmy today is 50 years since you and I spoke, laughed, and patrol Ft. Bragg together. 50 year that I have missed your friendship. RIP Jimmy !!!

RALPH ROMERO, SGT. (VET)
U.S. ARMY, 21st MP Co, 503rd MP Bn., FT. BRAGG, NC.
Charlotte Police Dept, Charlotte, NC
Miami-Dade Police Dept,

October 31, 2023

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

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 31, 2023

We should be celebrating your retirement by now, maybe a golden anniversary, and certainly a lot of birthdays. This day when children were getting ready to offer tricks for treats, you were on a roadside with a gun in your hand and guns pointed at you. Too many guns pointed at you. Oh my brother, I pray that the afterlife has brought you beauty and joy and love, all things you deserved from your earthly life. I hope you know you made a difference here and you are not forgotten. Loving you till we meet again.

Brenda Turbyfill
Sister

October 31, 2023

RIP

MP Matt Lyons - 1980/83
US Army Military Police - 546th MP Co. Ft. Sill, OK

July 3, 2023

I stopped by the cemetery on your birthday, Jimmy. April 8, your birthday, my first little brother was born. Yet October 31 is a dreaded day, your death day. It will be 50 years this anniversary. I am always comforted when I visit this site and see the messages from those who knew you, and those thanking you for your bravery. My thanks to each person for reaching out. Jimmy would be touched and honored at your remembrance.

Covid has kept me in NC so I have not been back to the wall where your name is engraved in Judiciary Square in DC, something I did often. But I will get back. I like to think you are still like the lion protecting its young, just feet away from your name. I have a couple scrapbooks on you, some favorite mementos of yours, your flag, helmet, tags and medals, all set to be passed on to my children and to Mike’s. Be sure, my sweet brother, you are always loved and remembered. Brenda

Brenda Boyd Turbyfill, sister
Sister

May 28, 2023

I was in the 21st from 72 to 74. This story is burnt in my mind. I remember working patrol that night after it happened. I will never forget.

Sp4 William Peebles
21st MP

March 18, 2023

I just found this page. I think of James often as I was also a member of the 21st MP Co. I rode to PMO this day with James driving. He stated to me that he was asked to be the Colonel driver. I responded, that would be a good job. He said “No, I want to be a Cop”. I stood next to him during guardmount inspection and proceeded to the impoundment lot. I later heard all the sirens. I will never forget this day. My heart goes out to Jimmie’s family and friends.

James Brumfield Sp4 21st MP Co, 73-74
Valparaiso, IN

February 12, 2023

I served with Pfc.Boyd in the 21st MP company 503rd MP BN.I worked in maintenance from 1973-1977.Such a awesome guy and a outstanding soldier. May u rest in peace my brother. Charles Worth.

SPC 4 Charles Worth
Fellow soldier.

November 28, 2022

Dear Brother and faithful partner, here I am on my faithful journey to reach out to you. It hasn’t gotten any easier after 49 years. The thoughts visit my heart at least once each day, I have relived the event so many times, yet the ending is always the same. Partner only you and GOD knows why it had to end the way it did I will only understand when I join you in Paradise, if it is GOD’s will. I have not personally been able to visit your grave since your burial. I pray that GOD will afford me the opportunity to do so before I pass on. Things here are not the most pleasant right at the moment. These notes I leave you here on ODMP yearly help me cope with the memories of that fateful day you and I last patrolled the streets of Ft. Bragg, N.C. My brother, I miss you according to human longevity, it will not be long before we will be together again. You, PFC. Tony Branch and me. Rest in Peace my dear Brother.

RALPH ROMERO, SGT. (VET)
U.S. ARMY, 21st MP Co, 503rd MP Bn., FT. BRAGG, NC.
Charlotte Police Dept, Charlotte, NC
Miami-Dade Police Dept,

October 30, 2022

Another year has passed, and with each, I wonder what our lives would have been like had you not died that day. Would you have found the love of your life and the happiness that you deserved? Would we be as close today as we were then? More of those you worked with have left this world for yours, and in my mind I see you all together, without the injury or disease that took each of you away. My love is with you, Mike, Vyky, Bobby, and Aunt Colleen. May you all be together in a heavenly world. ❤️

Sister to this fallen officer
Brenda Boyd Turbyfill, Sister

October 31, 2021

Jimmy! On the eve of your ultimate sacrifice we celebrate you. I told my kids about you and how you served your country. I told them that you made the ultimate sacrifice to make this world a better place. I know you are in heaven living it up with all your buddies. I just wanted to say you are still remembered as the hero you are. I pray for your sister and Ralph. God Speed Sir.

Patrolman ( retired ) Craig Branch
Cramerton PD

October 30, 2021

My dear partner 48 years ago on a North Carolinian cool brisk late afternoon Wednesday, October 31 , 1973 we met up with evil and we stood up as warriors that we were. Sadly enough you my brother made the ultimate sacrifice not only for our country but also for me. While the Lord took you to his loving bosom of peace and safety I was left behind saddened beyond measure and emotionally distraught for life. Brother Jimmy I know you are safe and in peace in the company of the Lord but I have missed your company and friendship throughout the years and the memories I carry in my heart. Love you Brother.

PS ODMP Please post on 10/31/2021

RALPH ROMERO, SGT. (VET)
U.S. ARMY, 21st MP Co, 503rd MP Bn., FT. BRAGG, NC.

October 30, 2021

Went to the cemetery today and put a fall arrangement in your vase, and one on Michael’s. Not sure why, but as I inserted the colored foliage, I wondered as you lay dying on the side of the road, was your last earthly sight of the seasons changing? This website now has the location of the shooting on a map. I can see you there, just like I did on the news. Bob Inman did the local story on WBTV. A long time ago, but at times feels like yesterday. You are missed, my brother. Always will be. ❤️

Brenda Turbyfill
Sister

October 31, 2020

Of The Troops-For The Troops

Fellow Military Police Officer
21st MP Co, 1972-1975

October 31, 2020

Dear Brother, 
October 31, 1973 the day that GOD ALMIGHTY called on your spiritual soul to depart from this troubled earth and come to live in eternity in His kingdom. I was privileged to be there with you when the event took place. Partner, I was the last friend you saw on this earth and you were the first friend that I witnessed his death. I understand that you are at peace with Jesus and other saints yet your last look and breath you took still haunts me 47 years later and it will till the day I die. Jimmy, I miss you, every year gets a little worse for me. I continuously reminisce about the thoughts and dreams we exchange about our individual future as civilian police officers after our tour in the military. Those  thoughts and dreams all too quickly ended,
Brother, continue to Rest in Peace. I miss you my spiritual Brother and friend!!!

Sgt. R.A.Romero, (Vet)
U.S. ARMY, 21st MP Co, 503rd MP Bn., FT. BRAGG, NC.

October 30, 2020

Remembering and missing you, dear brother. It was one week before your death that you called me, while you were waiting on the tarmac, expecting to be sent out of the country to protect other fighting soldiers. While we worried about your safety, who would have thought you would be gunned down in your own state? Despite the years, I can still see your young face, hear your young voice. That memory will never die. You, Tony and so many other brave officers are now in the glorious kingdom, free from worry and pain and grief. Loving you forever, Brenda

Your sister, Brenda
sister

November 1, 2019

Today I visited the grave where we left your body so many years ago. I know you are not there, but I know what I slipped in your pocket is, and as your soul/spirit moves, you know it is there, too. And you know what it means. Every time we lose another officer, I imagine you are there welcoming him or her to the heavenly guardian angel squad, as is your brother, Tony. And maybe you even let your younger brother, Mike, be there as well. He grieved for you so till he left us and joined you. You are always missed my brave brother. Always.

Brenda Turbyfill,
sister

October 31, 2019

Jimmy, On the eve of the day of your ultimate sacrifice, I sit in my living room remembering you and your service. We didn’t know each other and I was not even born when you battled evil on Fort Brag. You served with my Dad Tony. He spoke of you often and the others that served together. I’ve myself have seen the evil this world has as an officer. But it makes me feel better knowing there are heroes like you in the ranks of Law Enforcement. Tonight I shared you with my family. I told them what little I know about you. We don’t celebrate Halloween. We celebrate you and the others that have made the ultimate sacrifice. I’ve spoken with your sister over email a few times and hope to meet her soon. I’d love to meet Ralph as well. I believe we all live in the same area. God Speed until we meet and rest easy.

Retired Officer Craig Branch
Cramerton Police Department NC

October 30, 2019

Jimmy, here I am your partner leaving you a note of remembrance of the last tragic moments we spent together on what has become the saddest day of my life. Jimmy as long as I'm alive you will continue to live in my heart. It was a privilege to have serve with you. Continue your rest with the Lord, my Brother!!!

Ralph Romero, Sgt. (Vet.)
U.S. ARMY, 21st MP Co, 503rd MP Bn., FT. BRAGG, NC.

October 30, 2019

To whomever visited my brother’s gravesite and left the dime to let us know you were there, thank you. Knowing he is remembered after all these years means so much to us.

Brenda Turbyfill
Sister

May 26, 2019

Rest in peace Private First Class Boyd. Young, heroic and honorable!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 20, 2019

RIP in Heaven, and know that you will never ever be forgotten. I thank you for your service.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired.
New York State Police

December 14, 2018

I went to the cemetery yesterday to make sure you and Mike had fall flowers as the season changes. The 45th year of you leaving felt like yesterday, yet 44 Halloween's have passed by since you were so cruelly taken from us. Keith was only a few months old, and Ashley would come later. The older I get, the more vivid the memories of your time on earth. I so regret that your niece and nephew never personally knew you, though they know most everything about you, as does Mike's son, Josh. You would be proud of them and your two great-nephews and three great-nieces. As demands are less for me these days, I think about you more and more. I know you would have continued to serve and protect, had you been allowed to live. I pray you are with Tony and all the other brave men and women who fell before and after you. I pray that you have a life in heaven that is everything promised and everything you could have wanted here. Your name, your love, your spirit live on. Love you, brother.

Brenda
sister

October 31, 2018