Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I only had two close friends up until the age of 13 and josh was one of them...we would spend weekends in my treehouse,or play with nerf guns in each others yards.I hadn't seen him much after high school but that kind of connection,from deep inside when you needed the friends you had to cope with the things you've lived,NEVER GOES AWAY...I remember my father calling me and telling me he heard the news...he said "I'm sorry son"...I didn't have anything to say...memories fade,time corrodes the very ground we walk on,but friendships forged in rainy nights in oaks trees never die..I never got to know the deputy Josh Norris...but I knew the boy and the young man..and I was proud to have known him..I love you brother..
Ryan rigdon

Ryan rigdon
close friend

July 19, 2011

I felt the need to immediately come to this page and let you know how honored I am to know that you showed so much passion for your profession. As others I saw your episode on "Rookies" and was completely suprised at how it ended. It literally brought tears to my eyes for many reasons. I feel like I got to know you as well as share some of the same "rookie mistakes" we all tend to make. There is no doubt in my mind your name would have ended up on the "Officer of the Month" plaque if it hasn't already. I pray for you, your family and your agency and assure that you will never be forgotten.

Deputy J. Gonzalez
Harris County Sheriffs Office

July 19, 2011

My husband and I stumbled across "Rookies" on Netflix and had a good time watching it and remembering his own "rookie" experience years ago. My heart about broke at the end of the episode and I immediately came to ODMP.

You'll be in our family's prayers, Norris family. We're parents to five sweet babies and I can't even imagine losing one of them. May God continue to bless and comfort you with Josh's memory.

Officer's wife
California Highway Patrol

July 16, 2011

Recently watched an episode of "Rookies" featuring Deputy Norris and was excited to see the passion he showed for the job. I was completely caught off guard by the episode's ending in reference to his sudden and tragic EOT. Being that I'm also a law enforcement officer, I felt as if I'd lost a close family member. My condolences go out to Deputy Norris' family, friends and colleagues."Watch over us brother, for we will carry on the watch".

Officer K E Harris
Richmond Police Department

July 14, 2011

Well Boy
Had a chance Sunday to visit you, missed the last two months. See that Timmy stopped by an left you a smoke like he always does and Amber dropped off some flowers. Not sure who left the Mardi Gras beads with the deputy on it. I know Will and the guys visited you a couple of days earlier and said they past by Kevin as well. Figure since I visiting you, I swing by him also and it made me thinking back when I saw you and Jess at Kevin's funeral that I escorted on the Bike. I was thinking how young ya'll were to be at a peers funeral. Son cannot start to tell you how I wish you were still here. I know you and Jess would have been great together.

John Latour
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

July 12, 2011

My Heart goes out to the Jefferson Parrish SO, and Deputy Norris' Family. I just recently had the chance to see the show Rookies, and saw Josh's episode. I thought he did a great job, and seemed like an Outstanding Deputy. I was saddened to hear he was Killed in the Line of Duty. It hurts when ever we loose one of our own. I have been in Law Enforcement/Corrections for 10yrs, and am Currently a Member/Sgt at Arms for my Local Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, so I have seen several Brothers and Sisters of the Badge have to be laid to rest. It never gets easier and never will. Rest in Peace Deputy Norris, We all have you Watch now. Thanks for your Service.

Sr. Corrections Officer
Travis County Sheriff's Office

July 11, 2011

Just watched the episode where Josh Norris was featured on "Rookies". The episode really took me by the heart. My condolences to his family. Just happens today is his death anniversary. Rest in Peace Josh.

-C

Chris Evans
Distant Friend

July 5, 2011

From the messages your mother and your father in law have left for you on ODMP you must have been a really great guy. Obviously truly loved and very missed. Thanks you for sacrifice. To Joshua's mother: I am so sorry for your loss, I hope you are able to find peace and are able to really find joy in life again

Officer Mullen
SPD

July 5, 2011

To: Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, Family, and Friends of Deputy Norris,

It is hard to believe it's been four years already since Joshua lost his life in the line of duty. Our agency lost a fellow deputy in 2007 as well. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about how the loss effects those still working in our job as Law Enforcement Officer. I'm proud to say that I was able to be at the National Fallen Officer Ceremony in 2008 with our fallen officer's family. Even though I'm several states away there is a Brotherhood among Officers that spans the U.S.A. I know everyday that you are looking down from above Joshua. You WILL never be forgotten Brother in Blue!

D/S Andrew D. Roedel J-27
Jackson County Sheriff's Department

July 4, 2011

Well boy we are closing in on a date that I have come to hate. I try to focus on that last day which I saw you, the morning of the 4th when you came over the house asking to marry Jess. That evening for the last time to grab a fan since you did not have central air in the house and you telling Beth how good Jess's beef stew was , but that it did not match her stew. Hard to believe 4 years, some days it seems like a life time ago and others as if it was just the other day. Son you are still missed by us all, really wish things would have been different. I'm sorry if I gave the impression the job was not dangerous.

Deputy Latour Retired
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

July 1, 2011

I just watched the episode of Rookies on Netflix and for some reason after the part in the episode Josh was given the patrol car and before the words came across the screen I just knew deep down that something awful had happened. I don't know how I could tell but I just could. Then to have the remainder of the episode confirm that he was gunned down in the line of duty was heartbreaking. I'm very sorry for the loss of this brave deputy. God be with his remaining loved ones.

Joshua

June 28, 2011

It saddens me to think that anyone would take the life from someone. It is even harder to imagine what it would feel like to lose a son, brother, friend, fiancee, etc... I will continue to hold Josh and all fallen officers in my thoughts and prayers. Utmost respect for law enforcement.

Patrick
None

June 25, 2011

I just watched the episode of Rookies. Once they showed the engagmnt announcement & about the call my heart dropped. To the mom of Josh Norris - Stay strong I have no idea how it feels to lose someone in that kind of way. But Josh was & still is a hero :)

Shannon
Random girl from Cincinnati, Ohio

June 24, 2011

It will be four years on July 5th this year since my son Joshua was taken to Heaven. Wow... I never imagined in a million years this would ever happen. It is difficult to deal with the aching pain I still feel in my heart. Josh’s friends are getting married and having children. Though I am happy for them, my sadness deepens with the thought of how different it could be if he were still here.

The anxiety that begins to build in the month of June in preparation for the anniversary of Josh’s passing gets stronger and stronger as the day comes near.

The past almost 4 years have been shock years for me. I still can’t figure out how to deal with it all. I listen to other parents that are further along in their grief for coping strategies, but it does not truly seem to help. How could anyone help me heal my heart after it was broken into a trillion pieces?

I have found that speaking about Josh to friends, family, and new acquaintances helps me tremendously. At first it was difficult to do because it does make some people uncomfortable, my other sons in particular. The more I do, the easier it gets, and the better I feel. Talking about my son has been like a pressure relief valve for me. I am so very proud of the young man he became. I had looked forward to his forthcoming marriage and eventual children...Jess was a perfect fit for him and he was so very happy. It still just doesn't make sense to me that he had to be taken away from his future...their future...our future!!

I make time to think about Josh and release my emotions behind closed doors every day. This time alone to reflect and weep brings some relief, although temporary. And I don’t hold back the tears and feelings. I like to think I can maintain control when necessary, but I find the tears just fall from something that will always trigger that reaction in me.

Thinking back to the beginning of this tragic event, I should have sought counseling from a grief therapist. I truly believe this would have helped me develop better coping skills. At that time I didn’t think counseling would help me, but I’m coming to believe that I just can’t do this alone. It’s just not enough to talk to everyone I meet about my son because most will never know or come close to understanding what I am going through.

I have been told about several different groups to try and I have gotten involved with Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS). They provide programs, once a year, for parents to attend and I do enjoy the company of others that truly understand, but I need more. I sit at home, alone, 90% of the time and I don’t feel like I can do anything besides go to work and come home. Yes, I have my grandkids quite often on the weekends and the occasional friend to call or pass by, but something will always be missing and I’m not sure if there is a way to go forward with that feeling.

So, I plan on giving a local support group a try. This one sounds like they are truly compassionate to the feelings I have been going through. I know just going there will be difficult the first few times (or maybe just the first time?). Hopefully with subsequent visits I will start to heal more and find that I do have some strength left in me to carry on.

I will probably update this as things progress… I do so want to be able to be better to and for myself again. God willing…

In Memory of my beloved son,
JPSO Deputy Sheriff Joshua Everett Norris
4 years still feels like yesterday...I love and miss you deeply!

MOM

June 18, 2011

Well boy you been on my mind more than usual so figure the big guy is using you to direct me to something. Looks like Will is the last hold out from the original gang of you guys in getting married. Since Eon, Eric and even Mickey is now old married men. Still think of the what it would have been like with ya'll. Would you guys still be close, having each other over and your kids growing up with each other. Jess has slowly pulled away from the gang, so only see the boys when over Mike's or Chuck's house. I guess since did not have a son of my own, I viewed you as it when you and Jess was together. Just a note to tell you are in my thoughts and if you are directing me I see you still dragging around to getting the question out. Take care son and watch over everyone.

Deputy Latour Retired
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

June 16, 2011

My deepest condolences to the Norris family. Like many of the commenters on this page I never knew Deputy Norris, but just saw his story on Rookies. I had an eerie feeling toward the end of the episode when the announcements of his FTO completion and engagement were displayed... it was heart breaking to see the notice of his passing. It was a grim reminder to me as to how dangerous our job can be and how, even when everything is done right, that things can go so wrong, so fast! Your story has once again opened my eyes and I will use it to ensure that I do the most important thing a police officer can do at the end of his/her shift... go home safely! God bless and rest in peace brother.

Patrolman
NPD, MA

June 9, 2011

I went to a call on Southwood the other night and I was not at ease the entire time I was there. All I could think about was you. I just want to let you know that you are in the back of my mind at all times and especially when I go 10-8.

I was at an officer safety training seminar yesterday and your story was told again. There were over 100 officers from departments all across the state.

I thought you'd appreciate the fact that your dream lives in us and you are still out there saving lives everyday. Nobody has forgotten you nor will we ever.

I wish we could run the streets together but I know we'll be able to one day.

Deputy
JPSO

June 8, 2011

To the family, and department where brother Josh worked, you have lost a jewel, but God has gain an angel... I was sadden when I seen the end of the show... That's just a harsh reality what the men and women in blue face on a daily basis... We will keep you all in our prayers.... My sincere condolences on your lost, but god makes no mistakes... Have a blessed day all

Bradley Warren
Viewer

June 5, 2011

To Josh's Mom,
I, like most others on this site have learned of your son's passing from the show on A&E. My fiance and I were watching Josh's episode and were both stunned to hear of his passing at the end of the show. My fiance and I both cried for your son even though we have never met him. I have a 13 year old son and cannot imagine the pain the passing of your son has caused you, but I am glad to read in your letters to Josh that you KNOW you WILL see him again. Your son was a brave young man and died doing what he obviously loved to do, which was to protect and serve those who could not protect themselves. I am so deeply sorry for your loss and would like to offer a "Viking Prayer" for your son......

Lo, there do I see my Father..
Lo, there do I see my Mother
And my Sisters and my Brothers..
Lo, there do I see the line
Of my people back to the beginning..
Thay do bid me to take my place among them..
In the Halls of Valhalla,
Where the Brave may live forever.

RIP Officer Josh Norris

John Williams
CHOP

May 29, 2011

Hey Josh, I was watching Rookie Blue on netflix and saw your episode and it tore me apart. I'm 21 years old and going into law enforcement. You remind me of myself, smart, confident. I just want to say thank you for your service and you will never be forgotten. This just eats me up inside.

Brandon
Michigan

May 17, 2011

Happy Birthday sorry for being late

Went by on the 26th when heading to school and saw that Amber left you a plant and your older brother stopped by as well. Was never that big on flowers, but figure Beth and I need to finds some more of those yellow and purple flowers we placed last year and try an plant them near that tree by your site. Since you are such a LSU fan and give some color which may last a lttle longer.

Anonymous

May 2, 2011

My Sweet Josh,
We celebrated your Golden Birthday on the 26th. Miss you like crazy (and it's showing). I find all the pennies you drop from Heaven, heard one of your fav songs (Fall Our Boy "Dance, Dance") that you played on my way to work and I felt your kiss on my cheek when I asked for it... Thanks!! It made my day a little better.

"I kiss his picture on the wall...the image is cold and flat. But my heart can still feel his warmth..and I'm okay with that."

Happy 26th Birthday to my wonderful baby boy!!
(not belated to him, just on here)

Love ya, too

Mom

April 30, 2011

Well Boy
Was talking about you yesterday, the world could use more men of your character. Well finally in the groove with school, hoping to be done by May next year. Taking a government class and subject was on probable cause and other law enforcement related issue. The class got on how cops are just so aggressive, well you know me and that holding my tongue is a quality God left out when making me. In short gave my fellow students the perspective from behind the badge. Got mixed responses, but hopefully hit home. Introduced you to my class and highlighted that like you, there many who join to do good for the community and in some cases make the greatest scarifies for those asking for help. Just want to let you know you are not forgotten son.

Anonymous

April 20, 2011

Deputy Norris,

I was watching you on "Rookies" on A&E last night and was deeply saddened to hear that you were killed in the line of duty. I was not expecting the show to end that way. You seemed very bright and enthusiastic about your law enforcement career. I know you would have done a great job. I am praying for you and your family.

Godspeed brother

Detective Kyle Kucauskas
Murphy Police Department

April 18, 2011

RIP Josh.

Anonymous

April 17, 2011