Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To the Family, Fellow Officers, and Friends of Deputy Josh Norris:
I saw an episode of "Rookies" last night, the episode about Josh. I said prayers to Saint Michael for him afterward. I am a Texas Police Officer now, but I patrolled Jefferson Parish as a State Trooper many years ago. I retired from there and came here to Texas to begin a second police career, but my heart is still there in Jefferson Parish, because of my fellow Officers, fine and honorable Police Officers like Deputy Joshua Norris. I will never forget the honorable service and sacrifice made by Josh Norris, and I will begin this Sunday to always light a candle at each Mass for Josh. God bless you all, and God bless Deputy Joshua Norris. Respects from Jerry, a Texas Police Officer.

Police Officer J.L. Bowden
Texas Police Officer

January 14, 2009

May peace be with your family.

Anonymous

January 14, 2009

Deputy Norris,

Though I have no personal connection to law enforcement, the work you all do on a daily basis is my motivation for trying to get to each of your memorials to thank you for your courage and sacrifice.

Last night I turned on Rookies just as you and your FTO were arriving at the scene of the little girl who was lost in her sleep. The episode ended as you were cut loose.

"June 10th...Josh is cut loose."

I was happy for you.

"July 4th...Josh is engaged to his high school sweetheart."

I started to get concerned that a sequence of dates was being shown.

"At 8:45 PM on July 5th, Josh responded to a domestic dispute..."

I was heartbroken.

While we'd never met, I hope that your family knows that you, and everyone like you, touched an entire nation, and we will NEVER be able to fully articulate the appreciation we have for you.

May you forever rest in peace, sir. God be with your family, now and forever.

A Grateful American

January 14, 2009

I just saw you on "Rookies" I never would have imagined the end, I admire your courage and the service you put in. Not many are willing to sacrifice for the safety of a community ....God bless you man take care.

Vernon / VaBeach, VA

January 14, 2009

I just watched your episode of rookies and it was very upsetting. It was so sad to see you do so well in FTO only to lose you a day after you got engaged.

Rest in peace brother.

CVP Rodgers
IMPD

January 14, 2009

Deputy Norris,

Though I did not have the pleasure of knowing you personally, you have given me a new motivation and outlook on my career as a Police Officer. As a Police Officer that finished his Field Training Program almost 5 years ago, it was very hard for me to type this because I saw myself in you with the way you prepared yourself at home for each new day and challenges that awaited you at work. I must say that your enthusiasm and the great attitude that you expressed while going through your Field Training not only showed professionalism, but more importantly showed the type of person that it takes to truly achieve in this profession. Though your watch ended very early in our eyes, and though I feel as if I had lost my own little brother out there on the streets, I am confident in saying that God had a plan for you and for all of the people's lives that you touched before he brought you home. Here it is January 14, 2009 and your life as a Deputy/Patrol Officer still touches people like me. Brother, just watching you and getting to know you for the short amount of time that I did not only re-energized my hunger and passion for this career, but unknowingly you may have saved my life some day in the near future. As we all know as Police Officers, being un-motivated and not caring about what you do could place you and your fellow Brothers and Sisters in unecessary danger. I thank God for allowing me to come across your story this morning and for allowing me to remember what it was like to be a highly motivated and eager Officer. I will not forget the lesson that you have taught me and I will make sure that your story lives on through me as I'm sure many other Officer/Deputies are doing as well. Deputy Joshua Norris you are MY Hero!

Officer Eugene Bell, III.
Certified Peace Officer State Of Georgia

January 14, 2009

Im not for sure what to say. I have seen alot of disturbing things in my career but I saw your episode on Rookies and it really touched me.

Josh, thank you for your service and paying the ultimate sacrifice.

Your family, I am so sorry. I will pray for you.

Bostic/FTO: you did your job well. It was not your fault. You have a good reason to be proud. Josh was top notch because of you. I will pray for you.

Sgt/FTO Dan Cheadle
Oblong Il Police Dept

January 14, 2009

We just watched the Rookies episode with Josh, and our hearts go out to his family, his fiance, and friends. We were touched deeply by this episode, and it brought home the reality of what officers must face every day. My husband was an EMT in some of the rougher neighborhoods in the San Francisco Bay Area, and could relate to the rookie days. Josh seemed very conscientious to learn, and we were rooting for him to succeed. This story truly touched our hearts and makes us grateful for all the men and women who protect us citizens. God Bless and watch over you all.

The Howells
Rookie Viewers, Seattle, WA

January 14, 2009

Josh, I just finished watching you on "rookies" again. Although I did not know you personally, your loss still hurts me as if I had known you for years. I'm embarrassed to admit my tears began to fall yet again after watching. I hope you and your family know that you are both a hero and an inspiration to all. You will NEVER be forgotten, Josh. Rest in peace, my Brother. I am once again honored to leave a reflection for you.

Seasonal Deputy
ICSD Michigan

January 14, 2009

Your service will be remembered, you did not die in vain.
I have been in law enforcement for 7 years, but I still learned somethings from watch your training. Thank you.

You may rest in peace, we will continue watch from here.

My prayers are with your family and loved ones.

Davis Patrolman
Greenwood PD, Indiana

January 14, 2009

Josh,

I just saw your episode on "Rookies". I was not expecting that ending, although, I don't think you were either. Despite that I did not know you after watching I became very proud of you. I know your family is as well. (I have a son who is only 2 and, Dad, my heart goes out with you. I can never imagine that sort of loss.) I couldn't resist to research you online and send my condolences to your family. I didnt have tears until I read the messages on this page and that so many other people feel the same and that your family still posts their messages to you here. I dont know what else to say except, Mom & Dad, we that have served pray for you and Josh. You will not be forgotten.

SGT Bethel, Christopher
Prior-US Army

January 14, 2009

Deputy Norris,

Like many other people here I saw your episode on "Rookies." It showed that you were in the job for all the right reasons and had what it takes to do the job. I was happy to see you finish FTO and go solo. I was riveted to the T.V. at the end of the show when I saw one of your FTO's on screen talking about a call you were dispatched to as a first responder. I knew then it wasn't going to be a good outcome.

Thank you for your service and condolences to your family/fiance and those you served with. Rest in peace brother, I feel like I know you.

Deputy
Colorado

January 14, 2009

In 17 years I have seen far too many of our own go too soon. Watching your journey reminds me of my own 7 years as an FTO and my time as a rookie as well. It reminds me to stay vigilant and that each day is a blessing not to be taken for granted. To your FTO's: I know your hearts are heavy for the loss of a son and a brother. Know that you did what was expected of you. Someone evil was responsible for his death and no one else. The war for civility, peace, and justice that is fought daily sometimes claims our brave and righteous warriors. My prayers to your family, fiance, fellow deputies, and all that were touched by your life. May you rest in peace, young brother. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

J Wilson
Blount County Sheriff's Office, TN

January 14, 2009

My prayers are with the Norris family and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office.

Sergeant Brian Sells
Republic MO Police Dept

January 13, 2009

God bless you Deputy Norris, may you rest in peace.

Fraternal Order of Police - IL163
Olympia Fields, IL

January 13, 2009

Your story has revived my wilting view of law enforcement ... Godspeed to you and all your surviving family and friends!

Anonymous

January 13, 2009

Josh, when I saw you on Rookies I knew there was something special about you son. Nobody can ever take that from you. Thanks, and one day I'd like to shake your hand and give you a hug.

Al in PA

January 13, 2009

I was watching rookies and i called my sister into the room, i said to her, look how soft spoken and small he is. When the first FTO seemed a little frustrated that he stood the wrong way in front of the "suspect" i yelled at him at the screen I cringed when they brought you to the scene of the death of the nine year old girl, i wanted you to do well and i was happy when you did, why? I dont know you, why should I care? Because there was something about you, something that made me like you from miles aways through an electric box withing the 17 or 19 minutes i caught in the show I liked you, and then the screen went black, i read the words and they kicked in slowly, my heart sank and i yelled out to my sister to tell her the news, she was now in her bedroom, she yelled out "oh no thats so sad" and i wept inside. My prayers to your family, fellow officers and friends.

Anonymous

January 13, 2009

Dear Josh, I just watched your Rookie show and was shocked and heartbroken. You are a hero. RIP

Anonymous

January 13, 2009

RIP brother.

Ret, Det, Sgt. John Pegram
NYPD

January 13, 2009

Officer Norris, I just watched your episode of Rookies. Seeing you smile when you were give your squad car brought a smile to my face, and later tears to my eyes when I learned of your death. My condolences go out to your family, and your fiancée. Rest in peace brother.

Anonymous

January 13, 2009

I just saw your episode of rookies and it was devastating to hear that you were gunned down during a domestic dispute. I lost a good friend on 6/6/2008 Officer Todd Bahr and was fortunate enough to be one of the Deputies there that took out the suspect. My deepest sympathies go out to your family. RIP we have got the watch now.
Deputy Steve Johnson 526 Fredericksburg Sheriff's Office

Deputy Steve Johnson
Fredericksburg Sheriff's Office

January 13, 2009

My name is Francis. I am a freshman college student studying criminal justice in Massachusetts. I am very interested in all aspects of criminal justice and I am a devote watcher of policing and law tv programs. Recently I watched the show "Rookies" on A&E. The episode told Mr. Norris' story. I was deeply saddened by the episode but after I thought about it I realized that Mr. Norris' hard work and determination can be a inspiration to me in my pursuit of a CJ career. As someone who has family on the police force and as someone who wants to be involved in the CJ world I just wanted to say that I am sorry for what happened to Josh but that he has helped me see what it takes to be a good person and a good cop.
Thank You.

Francis

January 13, 2009

I just watched the episode of Rookies. You showed dedication to the job and there needs to be more officers out there with your passion. RIP.

Deputy Turner
LC

January 13, 2009

I just got finished watching "Rookies" and found myself screaming at the tv. I did see much potential and a fine officer in you. I can't stop crying. I did not even know you but I would have been honered to have you in my department. God bless you and your family.

Chief Nicolas Monroe
Saratoga Springs Forensic Lab

January 13, 2009