Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

So many states are represented here sharing their condolences. You are also in
my thoughts on this one year anniversary of your loved one's EOW. Lee, you
figured out your purpose in life...to glorify God with your life. You have touched
all those who knew you. You have left a wonderful legacy and made so many
proud of you. Congratulations. Even though we are sad at your passing, you are
rejoicing with the Lord and He has wiped away your tears.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

May 19, 2008

God bless Lee Newbill and his family. His full name is Lee Stewart Newbill.

Vasili

May 14, 2008

Next week I am going to the the Washington DC memorial for fallen officers. I am glad to take this time to honor my brother, who was an honorable man, doing the right thing, stepping forward not stepping back - using humor to soften the hard edges of life, and his maturity and empathy to know when to take a hard line and when not to.

Lee wrote wonderfully funny emails and letters and kept his family up to date with his life through his writing -- he had a great ability to capture the gifts, trials and tribulations of daily life in funny stories.

His last email landed in my inbox the day before he was killed - he had received good news and was sharing it. I often go back and read his notes and laugh out loud - I can see him telling those stories and just smiling. I saw him use that famous humor many times to make our parents laugh.

Lee - we are thinking of you & missing you. And I wish you were here, still sending us emails about your beautiful and wildly entertaining grandchildren and making our parents laugh.

Judy

Judy Newbill Burns

May 8, 2008

It's almost been a year.
And I still cry.

I think about your three beautiful children. You four beautiful grandchildren, and the ones who have yet to come yet. That wonderful woman you called a wife too!

I think Tina will be back soon. Lisa too! I cannot wait to hold them. It will give me an excuse to go see Becky.

I know you're still with them, as surely as they know you're still with them.

I am sad over this, yes. I am confused as to why you were the one taken. Your gifts were positive. They were comedic. They were you.

I promise to keep your family always close in my thoughts. Their strength is marvelous. I'm sure they don't feel so strong sometimes, but they are doing miles better than I could have, could do. They are just beautiful spirits. All three of them.

You have made a difference, and even now you do. Every time I see my Daddy, I hold him just a little bit closer. Thank you for that!

You are still very loved, appreciated, and missed.

Love,
Laura Sharee

Laura Moon-May
Family Friend

May 6, 2008

I never knew Lee, but from what I heard about him he was a great guy. I really do wish that I could have met him. He had to have been a great guy to be willing to put his life on the line for everyone else. I knew he was loved when I saw how the town showed support for him, his family, and his friends after that horrible incident happened. Thank you for your service Lee, my heart goes out to your family and friends.

Travis Proctor
Deary Fire Department

April 23, 2008

While I missed Lee when he went back down town to work, I still got the opportunity to work with him on incidents that occurred on campus. He would call and always say, "This is your favorite Cop" He was right. He was and still is my favorite Cop. Now, I still miss him and his family is still in my prayers.

Carry

Carry Salonen
University of Idaho

March 11, 2008

Today was a huge reminder of why police do what they do. Someone was running around Tinker AFB with a weapon threatening people's lives. I don't know what happened except that police from all around the area were called in to help and protect. Thank you dad for your sacrifice and loving your job thank you for being the best dad any one could ever have. I love you so much and I miss you even more.

Your son
Jeremiah Newbill

A1C Newbill, Jeremiah
USAF

February 25, 2008

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 Agent Officer Newbill, especially to his wife. 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 Lee, 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 Lee's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Lee's life was about so much more than the way he died. Lee will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Officer Newbill, 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)

December 24, 2007

It's Christmas Eve. I just passed a memorial of Lee's in the hallway of the Seattle Police Department where I now work. Being on the streets for the sake of the community on a night when the rest of the city can rest peacefully is something that Lee considered a privilege. I'm privileged to be able to have been changed by his perspective.

I've now met literal hundreds of police officers in my career. Lee still has an endless impression in my memory. We worked hundreds of calls, hip to hip, gun to gun, and flashlight to flashlight. I placed my blind side in his hands MANY times. I'm still here, so that means he did his job well. I and my family are thankful for that.

Lee (and I know you can here me just like all the times you chastised me for making fun people we came in contact with) Your are missed as much now as the day I lost you.

To Lee's family: My heart still continues to go out to you. Especially this time of year. I pray God will speak peace and comfort to you. Thank you again for sharing Lee with us.

Officer Tom Barnett
Seattle PD / former Moscow PD

December 24, 2007

My deepest sympathy and condolescences to the Family of Sgt. Newbill.

When the hours seem long and the going, rough
When the pay seems small and the criminals, tough
Just square your shoulders and call their bluff
Let them be the one's to cry "Enough"
You're a policeman

When the public scoffs and the papers rave
And blame you alone for the new crime wave
They'll change quick enough when they're lives to save
For deep in their hearts they count you brave
You're a policeman

When politics steps in and ties your hands
With ward heeler tactics and raw demands
Do the best you can despite these bands
They'll go their way, while the force still stands
You're a policeman

When you bid your loved ones good-bye each day
Don't be too sure you've the hardest way
You shoot it out with the crook at bay
They're the ones who sit home and pray
You're a policeman

When you get back home dog tired at night
And wonder if life's really worth the fight
Your cares will vanish and burdens seem light
If you've done your best and your conscience's right
You're a policeman

When promotion comes as it surely will
If you do your job and are loyal still
Don't forget soon in your new found thrill
Those others who are plodding up the hill
You're a policeman

When you leave this worldly din
And seek, like mortals, Paradise to win
Saint Peter, I trust, will o'erlook ev'ry sin
And say, "Well done, my boy, come right in"
You're a policeman.
WH Drane Lester
Inspector, FBI 1937

Chief Don P. Newbill (ret.)
Wakeman PD - Ohio

December 18, 2007

Dear CPT Newbill,

You will be missed Sir. I will always remember you dry wit and funny sense of humor. It was a pleasure to know and work with you while serving with "Abrams Best", the 2nd Battalion/ 37th Armor.

A big "Courage Conquers" salute to you, see you at Fiddler's Green.

1LT Bradley Iwafuchi
former Army Officer in same Battalion

November 15, 2007

Oct 3 is your birthday. Seven days after mine and seven days befor your sister. I remember as kids we get so excited because we knew there were 3 birthday dinners with cake, all exactly one week apart.
You are truly missed. I constantly think of you, Becky, Tina, Lisa and Jeremiah.
Just to let you know the police here in Florida have taken care of our family. Almost 3000 miles away and it's Like you were a Florida cop.
It's hard knownig we never will have the chance to make new memories

Ed Newbill
little brother

October 2, 2007

Lee,

It has been five months since we lost you, and yet our hearts still ache. Your ultimate kindness and great sense of humor will never be forgotten.

I took my first ride along with you.

I will never forget the day I got to go to the firing range with the Citizen Police Academy and fire the guns. It was so windy that you had to hold me up. I had a great time and you swore you would NEVER take me again. I'm still trying to get there!

Lee, I know that you know how much you are missed. You always had us laughing. Your laughter was infectious - you sounded like Scooby Doo! I still have your Scooby snacks here at the MPD. Every Friday I bring in tons of food for the guys and gals, but I miss hearing you say,"Do you even take home a paycheck?"

Rest in peace and know that your beloved Becky is being taken care of. I have seen your kids a couple of times and you have every reason to be proud of them. They are fine men and women.

God Speed, and God Bless you.

Kathy Kinman (Big K)

Kathleen Kinman - Admin. Assistant
Moscow Police Department

October 1, 2007

Hi Daddy! I miss you. I wish you were here, I miss you lecturing me about life, although I think you'd be happy with some of my recent decisions. I guess you probably are still lecturing me, but more in a silent and guiding way. I had a dream a few nights ago and you were there, I tried to hug you and when you hugged me back I couldn't feel anything. It hurt, but I know your still there, because I still have the good dreams and the memories to go. I love you so much and will never forget the man that shaped me into the woman I am today. Thank you for everything, thank God for you. XOXOX Tina!

Christina Newbill
Oldest Daughter

September 26, 2007

Dear Dad,

It has been 5 months to the day today and I still miss you more than anything. I hope to one day be able to not hurt when I think of you. I hope that I can remember the good times we had together without thinking that you were gone. But that is not the case yet, you are always in my thoughts we miss you so much. Your granddaughter is 8 weeks old today as well, she looks like you did when you were a child. Your Grandson Aiden turned 17 months today also, he is so big and smart I wish you could've met Abigail she is so beautiful. I'm still having a hard time with you being gone. I miss being able to talk to you whenever I could and be reassured from you when I was feeling down in the dumps. I just wish you had never been there that day. But if you weren't there someone else would've been hurt, and someone else's family would be feeling this hurt that we are feeling. I know mom misses you so much, she says she is doing allright but I can tell she is not the same I wish I could be there with her right now. I love you so much and will miss you forever as will Sam and the rest of the family. I love you.

A1C Jeremiah Newbill
USAF

September 19, 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

August 9, 2007

Your courageous acts are a testament to the individual that you will always be remembered as being. We are so appreciate for your heroism and for your dedication to duty. May you find the peace that you are so well deserved.

To your family, friends, and colleagues, we send our strength and prayers. Bless you and thank you for your service to our profession.

"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

July 19, 2007

My last memory of Lee was during my very last shift with the MVFD. Lee showed up at a call we recieved about a fire in the west parking lot of the Wallace Complex at UI...turned out to be some freshmen burning math 143 books--I guess some things never change. Lee arrived in a Chevy Impala police demo car (with a crazy paint job) and joked about what a pile it was, saying the Impala would never do for a police car since it would not pass the ultimate test (fitting a handcuffed football player through the door). Lee had a quick wit, a great sense of humor, and a great rapport with the community. Sir, you will be missed.

2LT J.P. Ogle, U.S. Army
Former Moscow Firefighter / U of I alum

July 16, 2007

Lee not a day goes by that I don't think of you and miss those joking spats. Tina (woo woo baby!, your dad was so mad at me for teaching you that when you were 2), Lisa, you're just like your mother, my sister, a compliment in itself. And Jeremy, I love those hugs.
Your mom and I fought like cats and dogs growing up, but I've always loved her, and loved the jokingly spats I'd have with your father.

Brenda Fouts DiPersio
Sister-in-law of Fallen Officer Lee S. Newbill, Moscow Idaho

June 29, 2007

It has been a month since the funeral. My thoughts and prayers remain with the family, and will continue to do so.

God bless.

Sr. Parole Officer Clinton Hoiland
Idaho Department of Correction

June 26, 2007

True hero, thoughts and prayors for you and your family are with us.

Deputy M. Monson
Snohomish County Sheriffs Office

June 21, 2007

Lee, as a fellow 2-37 Armor veteran I know you gave your all as a police officer, just as you did as a Soldier. There is no greater honor than service in the protection of others. God bless your family, and you, for making the ultimate sacrifice. Courage Conquers! (37th Armor motto)

LTC Brian Patterson
United States Army

June 20, 2007

Daddy, it's been a month since you left us. It isn't getting easier. I think about you everyday and wish you were here to hassle me just one more time about making my student loan payments on time. :)

I love you so much, and see you every night in my dreams.

You will forever be remembered as a wonderful father, husband, son, uncle and friend. We've gone on because we have to, but it isn't as much fun without you. We are sticking together as best we can right now. It's just hard, for all of us.

I miss you and love you forever and ever. Keep a close eye on all of us from your new watch.

XOXOXOXO
Tina

Christina Newbill
Oldest Daughter

June 19, 2007

You are a true hero R.I.P. brother

Deputy Scott Bradley
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

June 17, 2007

Daddy,

You are my hero! I am going to miss you so much.

Lisa (Newbill) Rippee
Daughter

June 15, 2007