Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Well son had some close calls this month, Kenny and his guys got into it while doing a stop and it became a fight for his life. Stop was going as routine, then became a hands on, in short while wrestle with this guy, the guy try's to shot Kenny, the end result Good Guys 1 , Bad Guys 0. Figured you watched over Kenny and helped him in the fight, since you know the family can not take another hit so close. Kenny says he remembers ever detail of the weapons as the guy kept trying to aim at his head, but he held on to the slide like we use to tell you until his guys could help. Was worried how it would effect Jess, but after losing you I do not think much will effect her, but Beth and Tara are on me to hang it up. Almost got nail while doing the float movements on the bike, hate Mardi Gras time and man has it been cold. If you were still here, it would have been a boring first Mardi Gras season for you, figure the weather is helping that and people are more concern in staying warm than getting stupid. Jess approached me about possible doing the Reserve thing, she is thinking about going traffic and trying to get on the bikes, so we will have some else besides me wearing the Han Solo boots. Lost a NOPD the other day and I know you met her at heavens gate, take care of her she fought a terrific fight, 7 minutes against a guy that out weight her. Talked with a ground keeper a couple of days ago, you are very popular at cemetery according to him and always having visitors, which is good and is testimony of the people you touch. Not sure if A&E going to air the The Rookies program you did, part of me wants it to air so the world knows about you, but another side knows how hard it will be to see you and hear you again, definitely be hard for Jess. She tells me it still feels as if you are on the fishing trip and she is just waiting for you to come home. Gave Adam one of my old clip boards and ticket books,I was planning to hang it up once you got cut loss for good and give you all my stuff, but just can not leave now since you are gone. We all miss you at the house and in the complete family from CawCaw,Nana, Kenny,Gina and all the kids. Be good up there and keep looking after us.

jal

January 30, 2008

I'm very sorry I never had a chance to know you as well as I could have. I don't understand why things happen the way they do. In the short amount of time I knew you, you've helped me in a lot of ways. You helped me learn to fire a weapon and decide where would be the best route for me to take after graduating from the academy. Adam and I are finally out of the JPCC and in the 4th District, Robin is in the 1st. Look out for us! We ALL look up to you and will remember you always!!!

Deputy Roy Lambert
JPSO

January 29, 2008

I just watched Deputy Norris on BLUtube. My heart goes out to his family and his fellow officers. What a heavy loss. He's looking out for us now....No one I'd rather have sitting on my shoulder. God Bless...

Cpl. Cara Grumbles
St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, Maryland

January 26, 2008

Hey Josh,

It has been over 6 months now, and I still often think about you. You’re a true hero!!!

Well, your brothers hit the streets Friday; they finally get their pardon from the J.P.C.C., so watch over them from above, as I know you will, when they take your place down here. They will be on the Eastbank.

Josh, we miss you and we will never forget you lil brother. I still make a point, every day when I walk into the district, to look at your picture on the wall in the lobby and say,"whats up, lil brother".

Well Josh, I just wanted to stop by and say hello and I'll be honoring you this year in Washington, DC on May 15th, amongst many others.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

January 16, 2008

Hey Josh,
I realized the other day that it's been over six months since we lost you. I don't really know what to say, I know what my heart feels, but I'm having trouble putting it into words. I love you, miss you and would give almost anything to have you back, including myself. I am proud of you and I always have been. You never let me down ever, I don't know if I can make that claim. Just know that I think of you everyday and talk to you in my own way. The holidays were difficult, as expected, but I know you were there. I'm honored to be your older brother and always will be. Please help Adam and I as we are about to go out on the street to serve. Look over all of our family both near and far and help keep all safe. God bless you bro, take care.

Deputy Robin C. Calvert
JPSO

January 15, 2008

to those left behind by this tragedy, there really are no words. just the reminder that you are not, nor will you ever be, alone. your family of shoulders to cry on extends as far as heaven reaches.

i am a policeman's wife in louisville, ky. almost 3 years ago, i watched my then fiancee and his department bury a brother, a friend, a comrade, a husband. he and his wife had just returned from their 1 year anniversary trip out of town. i've struggled to make sense of it, but sometimes i can't. peter had such a warm demeanor. he was a good man, just as i'm sure josh was.

peter's killer, too, committed suicide. no justice. those are the words that we've felt from the soles of our feet to the depths of our souls since peter was taken from us. no justice. a trial and sentencing wouldn't bring peter back, but it wouldn't feel so hopelessly final if we had the chance to punish the boy(he was 17) who took him from us

i wish there were words or promises i could make you, but sadly, there are not. it will never be easy, but it does get easier. and you are surrounded by people like me that will never let you or josh be forgotten. i still remember the rainy day of peter's funeral. i remember waking up at 5 am that morning, choked with sobs. my heart aches for those that mourn josh now because i know you're suffering is great. i know because it was once my suffering. i am sorry. i pray that God continues wrapping his arms around you as you take it day by day, trying to make sense of it all and trying to carry on this beautiful young mans memory and smiles like he would have wanted

officer's wife
survivor of peter grignon EOW 3/23/05

January 11, 2008

Deputy Sheriff Norris,
May your first new year celebration in heaven be glorious. Continue to watch over your loved ones as they remember your legacy: a hero forever.

Pennsylvania citizen

December 31, 2007

Will Josh getting ready to bring in 2008 and wish you were here, will probably head over to Eric's house like we did last year. Jess is doing good , she puts on a good face for everyone, but still misses you so much. Beth and I got Jess the new X box game and figure you and her would be playing every free moment you two had if you were here. Duke and Jess are taking a dog obedience class, which he is not being a good student and wants to be the social butterfly with the other dogs according to Jess. That dog is always making noise with that off key howl of his, plus has to be the center of attention when in a room. You and he are a pair, it figures you would get a dog that everyone makes over , at least he has not gotten Beth chocolates to get me in trouble like you use to do. If you have not heard Adam is married , yea from heaven you directed his soul mate to him and they are expecting already. Looks like you will be a uncle for a second time, but to a nephew who will be name Joshua. The A&E program with you completing the FTO training is to air some time in January, which I know we will have tears flowing again when we get to see you and hear your voice again. I have to re-certified on the bike next week , which should be good and cold while doing all the obstacles. This Mardi Gras is coming earlier and will be a cold one, figure you would have joined in with Kenny and Gina telling me how nice it is to be in a warm car during the parades. Josh you are always on Beth and my thoughts, we visited you to drop of a flowers and see that your LSU flowers are still going strong. Beth and I went to see the movie P.S. I Love, I know what a chick flick, but swear it had both Beth and I watery eyed. Figure it was your way to mess with me from heaven and tell us you still around. Son take care

jal

December 31, 2007

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 Deputy Norris, especially to his fiancee. 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 Joshua, 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 Joshua's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Joshua's life was about so much more than the way he died. Joshua will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Deputy Norris, 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 30, 2007

Somewhere on these many pages of heroes I came across Joshua's name and came to visit his page and leave a reflection. There are no magic words I can give to help any of his loved ones with their grief except that all they can do is take one day at a time and never let his memory die. I know many tears of love have fallen for Joshua, enough to fill a small pond that all his loved ones could sit next to and think of all the wonderful memories of him from the past. Joshua, continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and protect them from harm. Also, keep watching over those officers still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You are a true hero and heroes never die.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

December 26, 2007

I recently saw a video of this young man. What passion, what pride. God Speed Brother.

Sgt
MCSO

December 25, 2007

Deputy Latour,

I feel compelled to thank you for your kind words left on Mark Sawyers page. Although 3 1/2 years have passed, new reflections still warm our hearts as deeply as the first. On behalf of the Sterling Heights Police Dept, please accept our condolences and know that we will be thinking of you during this holiday season. The first without your Hero.

A few things I have learned...

We do not "move on", we make changes. We cry less frequently and smile more often. And although these wounds do not completely heal, the minutes, the hours and the days do get easier with time. When I say "we", I am referring to this police family. A family that may be seperated by miles, but is bound by a Thin Blue Line, and all too often, this unexplainable grief.

Deputy Sheriff Norris you will be remembered and honored as a husband, a son, a son-in-law, a brother, an uncle, a friend, a co-worker..... A HERO!!

Rest Peacefully Joshua

Kathy
911 Dispatcher

Friend of Mark Sawyers EOW 6-5-04
Sterling Heights PD, Michigan

December 21, 2007

To all the family of Officer Norris.
Our family knows that this will be a hard Christmas for your family this year. Know that Officer Norris will never be forgotten! So young but such Bravery and Dedication in doing the job I'm sure he loved doing. He gave his life to protect the lives of others. Even though things do not seem fair and why Joshua? Just remember that God had a Higher Calling on Joshua's life from this world. We will keep your family in our prayer's for God to continue to hold them up and give the strength for this Christmas season and for each NEW day to come. Thank you Joshua for service to us all. Even though you are in a better place waiting for your family, I pray that they will feel your spirit with them and feel your love all around this Christmas and always. Thank you Mr. Latour for your very kind words. It is people like you that help keep us all going. John 14:27

Tammy Persin
Mother of Military Police Officer
Pfc Brian Thomas Gleason 8/9/2000

Merry Christmas Officer Joshua Norris
You are still alive, just in a better place waiting for all of us.

December 20, 2007

Joshua is all his Own, He Wanted Just a Real Home
He and Jess wil always be...
For they are a Perfect We....
Only God Can say Why, Even thou We all Cry...
The Only comfort that will be..
He is Always Watching Thee....

Designer
HomeLand Security

December 16, 2007

JOSH I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT IT HAS BEEN OVER 5 MONTHS.... WE ALL MISS YOU HERE....I FOUND THIS ON MYSPACE AND THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE IT WITH ALL OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS...

_OFFICER DOWN_

He started his service with hope in his heart,
to make the world better, because that was a start.
To help little children be safe when they played,
To aid those who were beaten, abused or betrayed.

His life was at risk, but he gave it no thought,
He faced death and danger the way he was taught.
He was a rare breed that had courage and dare,
his heart full of love, his soul full of care.

From rescuing kittens, to chasing down thieves,
all just as important, that's what he believed.
He wanted to change all the things that were bad,
when he looked at the world it made him so sad.

So he put on that badge, and it made him feel bolder,
for the wieght of the world was now on his shoulder.
He faced all the evil so we would not have to,
In trouble it was our door he'd beat a path to.

With hardly a thanks, for us he risked all,
with no hesitation, he answered our call,
He loved what he did and he knew what it meant,
he went where he was needed and hurried when sent.

He served all the people, even those who don't care,
even they called him, for they knew he'd be there.
He helped all in need, to him all were the same,
He did it for all of us, not money nor fame.

Each day held a challenge he faced with no fear,
until that sad day, and he was no longer here.
His wife left with memories, a flag, and an ache,
the loss of her husband made her heart break.

Now its just she, and the kids left to bare,
the horrible pain someone evil left there.
It isn't fair that he had to die,
while criminals inflict harm and addicts get high.

The price is too much, the cost is too great,
why someone so kind should meet such a fate.
But he knew the answer, it lived in his heart,
he was a cop, and that was a start.


Written by Julie Lynch especially for WIVES BEHIND THE BADGE.
May God Bless you always.

JOSH THIS IS SO TRUE IT JUST HAS YOU ALL OVER IT...AND I KNOW IT MADE ME SMILE TO KNOW HOW TRUE IT WAS. I LOVE AND MISS YOU SO MUCH.

RANDI
JPSO

December 13, 2007

Josh

This holiday will feel empty with out you and will be a hard one for Jess and us as a family. Jess is doing a little better and starting to improve in school again, which you help her stay so focus in the pass. Just want to wish you a Merry Christmas and for you to know that you are not and never will be forgotten by our family. Thank you for still being there for Jess from heaven, she is starting to smile again, but still misses you deeply.

JAL

December 11, 2007

Hey Josh, still cant believe you're gone. Did this really have to happen? Its like yesterday I saw you walking in your uniform in the clearview mall. Most of all, to Jessica, you did not deserve this at all, I haven't talked to you either in awhile, hope you doing all right. I cant even imagine what you're going through, take care Jes.

Adam Goldstein
acquaintance

December 10, 2007

I don't understand, and probably never will, why such things as this happen. You are a hero and I trully believe that you and our other fallen brothers are with us everyday that we walk our beats. Even though your tour of duty was short we all know that you have made a difference in so many peoples lives. Thank you for the service you provided to your city and this county.

To the family and coworkers of Josh. I'm sorry for your loss but keep in mind his absence is only temporary. We'll all be walking his new beat along side him one day.

Detective Mike Sandlin
Haltom City Police Department - TX

November 20, 2007

Deputy Norris,
As we have never met, I'm still very saddened to be writing this. Seeing how young you were breaks my heart. Today I came across your documentary video and was very saddened by it. I am only 18 year old student from PA and have been debating between becoming a police officer or not. After seeing the video it showed me how much love you had for your job and how you enjoyed putting on your uniform everyday. I now plan to pursue a career in Law Enforcement because of the happy life you lived as a police officer. To the family and friends of Josh, I would like to give my deepest sympathies to everyone including the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office. He will be in my prayers and thoughts. Its is such a blessing to know that wonderful and brave people like Josh put their lives on the line to protect us. God bless you and your family.

Johnathan Woodward
Citizen

November 18, 2007

I am very sorry for your loss. Speaking to his Fiancee, I am praying that God will help you to cope with your loss. As the wife of a military man, I know what its like to worry every time your man dons the uniform of his trade. My father-in-law is a police officer in Fort Myers, FL. I send out a huge hug to you, and a note to let you know that God is catching every single one of your tears.

Caley G.
Wife of U.S. Navy Petty Officer Gartee, daughter-in-law of FMPD Gartee

October 20, 2007

I WILL NEVER FORGET YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR,
YOU ARE MISSED.

Dep.R.FOX
J.P.S.O

October 3, 2007

It's still so hard, Josh...2 months and it still feels like it just happened. Every day I fall apart piece by piece and I know it really won't get any easier. You were always my strength, no matter if you were here or with your friends...I knew I could always count on you. I know that you are still with me whenever I may need to talk to you just to make me feel better for a little while as I'm sure that you do the same for all of your loved ones. That's just you. I love and miss you so deeply and I want so badly to make things right...the way you would want them to be. It's just harder to do without you here. Keep watch over everyone, but mostly help heal all of our broken hearts.
Love,
Mom

I'm adding this poem which was given to me from some special people...It hurt to read it the first time, but now it makes me feel a little better:

"I'LL LEND YOU A CHILD"

"I'll lend you for a little time
a child of mine", God said,
"For you to love the while he lives
and mourn for when he's dead.

It may be six or seven weeks
or thirty years or three,
but will you till I call him back
take good care of him for me?

He'll bring his charm to gladden you
and should his stay be brief,
You'll have his loving memories
as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise that he will stay
since all from Earth return,
but there are lessons taught down there
I want this child to learn.

I looked the wild world over
in my search for teachers true,
and from the throngs who crowd life's way,
I have selected you.

Now will you give him all your love
nor think the labor vain,
nor hate me when I call around
to take him back again?

I fancy that I hear you say."
'Dear Lord, thy will be done.
For all the joy this child has brought
all fateful risks we run.

We sheltered him with tenderness,
we loved him while we may.
And for the happiness we've known,
we'll forever grateful stay.

But you came around to call him
much sooner than we planned.
Dear Lord, forgive this grief
and help us understand.'

Thank You, God, for picking me to be Josh's mother. I will eternally be grateful for that honor.

Claudia Calvert
Mother of JPSO Deputy Josh Norris

September 11, 2007

Josh,
It's been over two months since you were taken from us all and it still feels like yesterday. I love you so much and I miss you every bit as much as that first night. I don't know if I ever told you how much of an honor it is to be your older brother. I hope that you know how proud I am of you and always was. I remember the day that you took your initial physical assessment to get into the academy. I knew that you would pass because you were always fit, but I was nervous anyway because you wanted it so badly. I couldn't wait for you to stop by and see me when you got out of the academy so that I could hear all about it and how excited you got telling me everything. The night of your graduation I was so nervous you would have thought I was the one graduating. I remember seeing you in your dress uniform for the first time and I felt such a sense of pride, that pride still endures. You are truely my hero. I recall the first time you brought Jessica over for me to meet. I saw the love in your eyes and the love in hers. Because of you and because of her we also fell in love with her. Be with her and with us all, I want to be selfish and tell you to be with me, but I know that Jessica needs you now. Help her to get through as best she can and let her and all her family know that we were family long ago and still are. We love them all. I love you Josh and always will, be in peace and let the rest of us pick up the slack. See you later brother.

Deputy Robin Calvert
(Josh's older brother) Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

September 11, 2007

Josh

It has been two months to the day and your lost feels the same as it did that night we made it to the hospital. Your memoir is still strong in our house regardless how may times Beth makes me re-arrange furniture or has me paint rooms, you know how she loves to supervise and change things. Finished your old room you helped me replace the ceiling in. Duke is now a inside dog with the other two and I should have just broken down the first time you came home with him and made him a inside dog. It would have saved my yard of holes he added. I swear I still wait for you come in the door with that grin talking about something new that had happen while patrolling or what you learned from training. Still see you sitting with the headset on play X box and talking trash to the lil kids playing Halo on the InterNet. I regret not telling you how proud I was of you and of your accomplishments while you were with us. If I had a son I would like him to be just like you, you always impressed me with your hard work, the determination you had to accomplish any task, your self pride to stand on your own merit and that spirit in you to stand tall in face of danger with that 5' 8" 130 lb frame regardless the size of your opponent. When you asked me to married Jess, my heart and soul was at peace because I knew you would take care of her and I could have not picked a better man for her if I tried.

From your heavenly spot continue to watch over Jess and from heaven help her as you did when you were here. She misses you deeply, help her heart to heal since this is something a father can not fix. Son you will be missed and I think of you every morning when I wake up and every evening I lay my head down. When it is my time to leave this earth, throw in a good word for me, since I may just be heading in the opposite direction and will need any help I can get.

Deputy John Latour
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

September 5, 2007

I was sitting here at work thinking about the date and realized that in about 3 days, it will be 2 months since that day. I was the only assistant supervisor at work for the evening watch and I had the help of a nightwatch supervisor who happened to be here on overtime. I was sitting at the supervisor's desk when the dispatcher screamed that there was a deputy down and did everything th at I could to keep my cool. I did what I had to do at first instinct, as I am new to being a supervisor, and took care of notifications. That was one of the hardest things I had to do in the 4 and a half years I have been with the Sheriffs Office. I was very touched by this incident and I still think I haven't gotten over it yet. It always replays in the back of my mind. I was so nervous and upset but I maintained myself for the comfort of my girls that were still taking calls in reference to an officer that had been shot. A couple of the call takers as well as the dispatcher and I went to a debriefing to assist us in getting over this tragic incident...it is a slow process but in time, it will get better. I pray everyday for your family and hope that they are doing ok. I am very sorry that this has happened, I truly am but just know that you are remembered, not forgotten.

Jennifer Rodriguez
JPSO (communications) evening watch a/supv

September 2, 2007