Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I found the TV series "Rookies" while surfing Netflix this evening and seen your story. I had no idea about this tragedy until tonight. Thank you for choosing to be a brother in blue and making a difference what very short time you served. Rest in peace and watch over us while you patrol Heaven's streets.

Anonymous

April 9, 2011

I, like the poster just below me seen the episode where you were so jolly and excited about police work. So sorry to hear of your loss. I am also 22, in law enforcement and hope that your name and legacy will live on...

RIP

Kevin Jarrell
University Police

April 3, 2011

To Josh's friends and family,

Tonight I watched the episode featuring Deputy Norris' story on Rookies. I have been watching the episodes one by one, and had not heard about this tragedy before tonight. I'm saddened to hear about the violence that took Josh from his loved ones, from the career to which he was so devoted. I will keep Josh's sacrifice in my thoughts as I continue down the path we both walked.

Ranger
Yosemite National Park

April 1, 2011

Well Josh this should get a smile from you, started school again. Yea old guy in class, figure try to finish up that BA. Classes are over in Belle Chasse and the other day for the first time drove down Southwood Drive since your death. Not sure what I was looking for or why. I guess I was trying to replay what your steps may have been, what the scene looked like when approaching the call. I guess I also want to see the people of the neighborhood, I want desperately see bad people which I could blame for the pain they brought to my family and the future that was taken from you. Right after your death was thinking about visit the mother of Luke, since I had a allot of anger in me and blamed her as much as Luke for not telling dispatch her son had a weapon. The Chaplin at work talked some sense into me, since my end goal was not to bring closer, but cause pain. Paused for a second yesterday where your unit was at, the paint marking where your vehicle wheels where at for the investigation has since worn away, the neighborhood was quiet and kids played in the street, just a typical day in everyone lives. Josh the day you died God came to me, warned me that my life as I knew it was going to take horrible turn, just did not pick up on it. As I was cutting grass that day of all things, I was thinking what words of wisdom I could pass to my unborn grandchildren and the only thing which kept come back was, God does not give you anything in your life you cannot handle. About a half hour later, as Beth and I was talking about yours and Jess's wedding, I got the call from Kenny and my world start to fall apart. Josh it has been a hard 3 1/2 years, but yesterday and today during my morning prayer a peace has finally settled on me and for the first time in three years my chest does not hurt and I'm not gritting my teeth. The changes your death have cause still does not sit easy with me, but I know God will change those for the better, just in his time frame and not mine. To look at what I do have, a great wife and kids, even if I do not like their choices. I have two wonderful grandkids and possible more in the future. I'm truly blessed and even thou I would loved to have you as a son in-law, God gave me the honor to know you. To allow me to be a part of your life and my own families for a short time and hopefully I helped you in some way. Josh you are still talked about with-in the Latour Clan and are considered one of us, not sure if that is a good thing for you. But son thank you for the love you gave to my daughter, the happiness you gave to my family and I'm very proud of you. I'm a better man for knowing you, God bless you.

Anonymous

March 22, 2011

It's always hard for me to find something to put here. My heart is irreparably broken and words don't flow out as easily as tears. But I want to acknowledge all who have written such wonderful things about my precious son. He is and will always be deserving of all the kind thoughts and expressions added here. I know he is still with us all in his way because I still get little messages from him... whether it be a penny found or a gentle, warm hug just when I need one. Or it might be in some situation that works out just right...he is there making it happen. Josh was always the one that would be there, no matter what, to help out. Nothing too big or small for him... I miss that I can't just call him and see him and his special smile or his voice telling me 'Love ya, too'...I can hear it in my head over and over. Those are the last words he said to me on the phone just 5 hours before he was gone. I miss him so much...nothing is right anymore.

To Josh,
I know you sent me that dream and it makes me feel better knowing you will be there at the moment I leave this world for yours...I'll be ready with my arms wide open ready to embrace you once again. And then I will truly find peace once more.

Come keep me company...it's always nice to know you are there with me and I'm not alone.

Love ya, too...

Mom

March 11, 2011

Sir I do not know you personally, but you have my greatest admiration and respect. I found your story from Rookies on Netflix and it broke my heart. Police and military service men and women are number 1 on my short list of heroes. It pains me to see a fallen heroes story. I wish your family and friends the peace that only God can give, as for you I know you are in a safe place, where patrols are not necessary, and Jesus has you in His hands. Rest easy my friend, for when my time comes I wish to shake your hand. This poem was originally written by me more for military service, but I adapted it specially for you and your sacrifice in the line of duty. God bless you Josh, and those that love you.



Sweet Child of Grace
Wesley Garrison

Desperate for the strength to carry on, we look back one more time
At a coffin draped with stars and stripes, with the grieving right behind

I saw your picture on a website, of fallen hero’s in this war
For those who gave their all, during a patriotic tour

Branded in our heart, a memory we can’t replace
Farewell to our hero, Sweet Child of Grace

Incomplete and empty, lost and out of touch
Is the state our lives are in, for the deputy we miss so much

A smile that once lit up a room, has left us in the dark to cry
For the smile is gone with a man we thought would never die

The lifetime of memories shared with you, can never be unwound
And though you’re gone to a better place, we can feel your still around

Deep in the fabric of all our lives, is a officer we still embrace
A servant, a brother, a son, and a friend… Sweet Child of Grace

Maybe we weren’t meant to understand, and I know that service has its cost
But when the world witnessed the fall of a man, it never quite realized what it lost

Lady Liberty stands taller today, and America sleeps well right through the night
And for service you laid it all on the line, and gave evil one last good fight

You fought proud for your county, right beside your friends, and when it was over you came home
But next to paying the highest cost, the second hardest thing to do is cry alone

Your love and your laughter, live on long after, all the pain and the sadness wash away
And though we’ll never know, why you had to go, I know I’m gonna see you some day

And with heaven more secure then ever before I’m sure, the angels will rest easy in that place
The clouds will be whiter, and heaven even brighter, with a smile from that Sweet Child of Grace

Wesley Garrison
PA Resident, grateful citizen

February 26, 2011

Deputy Norris,

Just thinking of you and how I compared yourself from the show, to how I was when I first started. We were close in age. Your story has kept me grounded and alive thus far.

Rest In Peace Sir. You are not forgotten. God Speed!

Ofc. D. Abbott
Peterborough Police Dept. (NH)

February 20, 2011

I just watched you on the show Rookies. At the begining of the show, I was unaware of what had happened to you. Thank you for putting on the uniform and badge and protecting your community. RIP in peace brother....

Trooper
Virginia State Police

February 16, 2011

Hey Boy
Just thinking of you and trying to keep the promise I made to Jess to visit you regularly. Went by Garden of Memoirs Monday and when I do it feels so deserted and empty. I guess winter does that, hopefully the tree by your site blooms, not that you need shade, but will add some color. I always wonder how many visitors you get and how often. Still amazes me how that little plastic headstone thing has lasted, I think Robin got it while your brass headstone was being made. Sorry that you get an ear full when I visit of everything that is just tearing me up, you have became kind of like my therapist. I tried for the last 3 1/2 years to be a kinder and gentler person, did not work for me. So back to being my old aggressive and in your face guy, I figure GOD wanted me that way. Funny Jess had told me once when you were with us how if Beth and I made her upset she would talk with you and you would get it in perspective for her, you been helping now. Just cannot believe it will be four years Josh. You were a good kid, just wish you had more time. Take care boy and know you will always be remembered by me.

Anonymous

February 10, 2011

hey officer Josh Norris you will be deeply missed and you will never be forgotten.

Branden Godin

January 31, 2011

Miss u little brother!!!

Anonymous

January 18, 2011

Josh your story really hit home. You reminded me a lot of myself; same career, same age, same ambitions. Rest easy brother, the world needs more brave men like yourself.

Anonymous

January 8, 2011

Well Boy into a new year, this weekend will be heading to Amanda and Eons wedding, still always on my mind the what ifs with you and Jess, will probably take it to my grave. My biggest worry is that I would judging every person Jess may see to you or not even really giving them a chance. Guess not only did Jess and the family fall for you, your skinny little butt had my respect as well, again wish I would have told you when I had the chance. Well Christmas was nice, had everyone over Nana house, New Years went over to Christina and Phil's new place. Beth and I called it early and celebrate the new year like old folks, lying in bed watching TV. Will try to visit you sometime this month, just been under the weather. Miss you son.

Anonymous

January 5, 2011

Merry Christmas Josh...We love you!

Anonymous

December 24, 2010

Thank you for your service Deputy Norris.

Anonymous

December 19, 2010

Well boy Christmas is upon us again, had to make time to get out an shop for Beth since I no longer work the Lakeside Detail. Man it was allot easier picking something up for her for Christmas when I worked it. Went shopping with her, Amber and Dottie about a wek ago, made me think about that first time you worked it with in 2006. Swear you looked like a little kid playing cop at the time. Swear it was like I was looking at a son getting into the family line of work when we worked together bacj then. See you have new fans, which is good and still touching folks. Well new job has me traveling still, so sorry for the delay in visiting you. Just wanted to wish you Merry Christmas and Happy New Years, wish you would be here to celebrate it with us, but know you are still in our hearts boy

Anonymous

December 16, 2010

HEY MAN,


WELL THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS UPON US IN FULL FORCE. PEOPLE ARE OUT ALL CAUGHT UP IN THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE WITH HOLIDAY SHOPPING AND PREPARATIONS. JUST WANTED TO STOP BY AND SAY HELLO TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I HOPE THEY KNOW THEY ARE NOT FORGOTTEN ABOUT AND NEITHER ARE YOU DURING THIS TIME OF THE YEAR. GIVE THEM A HUG FROM UP ABOVE WHEN YOU GET THE CHANCE AS I'AM SURE THEY HAVE TO BE MISSING YOU.

TO JOSH'S FAMILY,

I MYSELF KNOW THE FEELINGS OF LOSING A LOVED ONE AND SOMEONE VERY CLOSE TO MY HEART. THIS TIME OF THE YEAR CAN BE SO DIFFICULT WITH ALL THAT WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH ON A DAY TO DAY BASIS. WITH ALL THAT IS GOING ON PEOPLE SEEM TO FORGET THAT WE HAVE LOST SOMEONE DEAR TO US, AND THE PAIN THAT WE FEEL INSIDE. PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU DO NOT WALK WITH YOUR FEELINGS ALONE, AND THAT YOU AND JOSH ARE NOT FORGOTTEN DURING THIS SPEACIAL SEASON. KEEP A SMILE ON YOUR FACES AND WARMNESS IN YOUR HEARTS AS YOU TOO ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.

ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON, MERRY CHRISTMAS, AND A BRIGHT HAPPY NEW YEAR

Anonymous

December 13, 2010

Condolences to families and friends of J. Norris. I know this is late but i just had to leave a message here. I was looking at ID.network on television about rookies 12/12/2010 when i saw josh story. I remembered my first day as a rookie and i know exactly how Josh was feeling and what is expected from you as a rookie. I work on an island in the Caribbean but believe you me when i say it is the same all over. it doesn't matter where in the world an officer is hurt we feel it internationally as well. My condolences again to families and friends and his fiancée and God Bless.

Sergeant/Brigadier G.A.Williams
Korps Politie S.S.S. Div. St Maarten

December 12, 2010

Josh,

I am a complete stranger to you. Well actually I guess you can call me a huge fan of yours. I was watching Rookies on netflix and just happened to watch your episode. It made cry Bro! You have some real true courage I have to say. I think you were an amazing officer and my thoughts will be with you for a long time.

God Bless you and your family.

Gregg D
Sacramento, Ca.

Gregg DeCillis
Thinking about being a Cop

November 20, 2010

Well boy sorry I missed All Saints Day, but was on the road again. I wanted to pass by my grandparents, but only got to visit you. See someone from the department must of swung by, since they left a service attachment with three stars and a St Michael card. Possible your FTO, hopefully he is making it ok and does not think he failed you. I guess with allot of us that feeling is a hard one to shake. Another month gone and closing in on completion of another year, man time is flying. Kid been trying to come to grips with the changes your death has had, but not doing good with it. I was not all sunshine and happiness before your death, but now I'm just mad all the time. Wish I could just accept the outcome.

Anonymous

November 16, 2010

Well Boy swung by Garden of Memories the other day since you were own my mine allot. See someone left some flowers since the last time I was there and that little plastic sign that said "Will always be remembered" is still hanging in. Last time I was there you had a new member joining the neighborhood, an Army soldier coming home from Afghanistan. As I looked at that family I was thrown back to the day you came there. As I watched the families faces I was wondering how much of their lives would change, who would bear the hurt the most. Sorry for the dark mood boy, just some days are hard than others. Still wondering what it would be like, since after your death the changes in some cases are hard for me to accept. Took Duke for a walk and headed pass your old house, still empty and as I walked by, just could not stop thinking how many grandkids would Beth and I been visiting over there if things were different. Well need you to watch over us, hitting some rough water with things happen to the family. I know God is there for us, but never been to proud to accept a little help. Son Jess had told me about three days after your funeral she was worried that after awhile no one would visit you and I promised her that I would always visit, been keeping that promise at least once a month and on hard days a couple of more. I see I'm not the only one which makes me happy. Again never had a son, but feel you came real close and could have not asked for any better than you.

Anonymous

October 27, 2010

Josh,

As you know i stop here from time to time, and as you know it's my way of saying hello. I got to say man even though your gone you just don't stop......touching lives!!! Although your gone it's nice to know you left such a big impact on so many people's lives and continue to do so. Glad to no you werent taken away from us for no reason as god always has a plan. In just a short time, time has changed so much around here, some for the better and alot feels for the worst. Please don't forget Josh that we havent forgotten about you, and although you may be busy up there buddy don't forget about us. Give the big guy up there a nug, let him know we are still fighting the good fight down here.

Anyways buddy just wanted to let you know you havent been forgotten, heck you know that!!! Keep on doing what you doing up there because your still touching so many even though your gone. Like I said before I PROMISE you won't be forgotten!!!

Anonymous

October 16, 2010

Josh,

I finally got to see the Rookies episode of you tonight. I heard your story before, but never had a change to see it until tonight. You really reminded me of myself when I first started, even how I am today. The episode really broke my heart. From reading the messages your mom left you, I can tell she is a really good person. I'm sure that's where you got your personality from. I can feel how much you meant to her, but I'm sure you already knew that. I'm sorry I never had the privilege of knowing you. Thank you for your service and may you rest in peace.

PFC Meyers
Baltimore County PD, Maryland.

October 11, 2010

Well son just dropping a line, since the crowd has thinned out. The months keep falling to the side, man time is flying by. LSU is undefeated but last Saturday's game the Tigers must of have a couple of LSU Fans up in heaven with you to give them a hand and then came back on Sunday for the Saints. Adam pulled up beside me at the light the other morning on West Napoleon as I headed to work, could not stop an talk since it was after 5 in the morning and running late for work. Those I still know on the force says he is doing good. Yea still checking up on people, wish it was you. Man all the ole timers are gone and you would be coming up on 5 years, imagine that. Everyone in the family doing good. The dogs still drive me crazy , to include Duke. He is so big now he can not fit through the doggie dog, but still needs to be the center of attention. Lil Mat and Katherine are getting big, Matt and Tara doing good as well. Amber, well Amber's Amber. She is working with Aunt Bea, but still going to school. She loves her job, but still banging away at school and figure you would like that one. Jess, she is finishing school and doing well. She had some rough turns with it with out you around, which I know you helped her stay focused when you two were together. Her and I have not seen eye to eye for awhile now, but as with all my kids, you included, love ya'll with out end. Know that you are always in Beth's and my thoughts. Take care up there son.

Anonymous

October 6, 2010

Boy

Well ole LSU won the first one against NC, but was not a pretty one and hopefully they get it together or Les is out. Figure drop you a line or two so you know that you still part of the family. Duke is getting chubby like Princess and Maxs, but being filled out makes him look more like a wolf than ever. Amber the other night told Beth that when her and Gary get married they will buy a house down the street from us, so the grandkids can walk to see us. That hit Beth pretty hard since that is what you and Jess use to say to us. Boy been messing up something awful since your death and just can not accept the changes your death had on the family. If you pass the big man tell him I need some help.

Anonymous

September 8, 2010