Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana
End of Watch Thursday, July 5, 2007
Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Joshua Everett Norris
JOSH I SIT HERE AT WORK AND CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S BEEN ALMOST 2 MONTHS SINCE YOU WERE TAKEN FROM US. I REMEMBER IT AS IF IT WERE YESTERDAY. AND AS I SIT HERE AND WRITE THIS I CAN STILL SEE YOU STANDING IN MY OFFICE TELLING ME HOW HAPPY YOU WERE WITH JESSICA AND Y'ALLS NEW HOUSE, AND THAT WE NEEDED TO COME SEE IT. I KNOW I PRAY FOR JESSICA EACH AND EVERY DAY, I PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY TOO. JESSICA- I KNOW THAT YOU ARE A STRONG GIRL, KNOW THAT YOU ARE ALWAYS ON MY MIND AND IN MY HEART. TO OUR FAMILY, YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE, I AM ALWAYS PRAYING FOR THE GOOD LORD TO HELP HEAL THE PAIN AND HELP YOU THROUGH THE TOUGH TIMES. JOSH WAS LIKE A LITTLE BROTHER TO ME AND I KNOW THAT HE WAS LOVED BY MANY. I KNOW THAT HE DIED DOING WHAT HE LOVED, I HAVE SOME COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT WITH HIS BELIEFS THAT HE HAD LITTLE FEAR WHEN HIS TIME CAME.JOHN AND I LOVE YOU AND KNOW THAT WE WILL SEE YOU AGAIN. UNTIL THAT DAY WE LOVE YOU.
RANDI REMBOWSKI - CLERK
JPSO
August 31, 2007
You have walked your beat with Honor, now rest in peace. Let God bless and watch over your family.
A Brother Officer
Lafayette PD
August 27, 2007
Josh,
You are missed greatly from everyone in your District, and we will ALWAYS remember you.
Dep. Nick Davidson
JPSO
August 18, 2007
The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
that wasn't mine to keep
though I worked a lot of overtime
when the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
among the people here.
They never wanted me around
except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne
where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
for the judgment of his god.
"Step forward now, policeman,
you’ve born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
you’ve done your time in hell"
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers, thank you for your service and dedication to the law enforcement field, its men and women like you that make everyday a better plac to live.
911 Dispatcher
Franklin Park Illinois
August 18, 2007
I FOUND THIS ON A WEB PAGE FOR POLICE WIVES AND THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE IT. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S BEEN OVER A MONTH. THE PAIN STILL FEELS LIKE IT WAS YESTERDAY. JOHN AND I MISS YOU WITH ALL OUR HEARTS. WE KNOW YOU WERE RECEIVED IN GOOD ARMS. LOVE YOU JOSH.
IN THE LINE OF DUTY
I NEVER DREAMED IT WOULD BE ME,
THE BADGE NO LONGER ON MY CHEST,
MY NAME FOR ALL ETERNITY.
I SLEEP NOW IN ETERNAL REST,
RECORDED HERE AT THIS HALLOWED PLACE.
MY SWORD I PASS TO THOSE BEHIND,
ALAS MY NAME, NO MORE MY FACE.
AND PRAY THEY KEEP THIS THOUGHT IN MIND.
“IN THE LINE OF DUTY” I HEAR THEM SAY:
I NEVER DREAMED IT WOULD BE ME.
MY FAMILY NOW THE PRICE WILL PAY,
AND WITH HEAVY HEART AND BENDED KNEE:
MY FOLDED FLAG STAINED WITH THEIR TEARS.
I ASK FOR ALL HERE FROM THE PAST,
WE ONLY HAD THOSE FEW SHORT YEARS.
DEAR GOD, LET MY NAME BE THE LAST!
GEORGE HAHN
RANDI
SISTER
August 17, 2007
May You rest in peace Brother. May God watch over your family and your brothers as they do the job we all do because we that is what we love .
Corporal Jamie Knight
Louisiana Tech Police Dept.
August 10, 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
You are in my prayers.
Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol
August 3, 2007
It is so hard to get onto this site and see all our hero's name here. My husband was a Vice Detective on the Toledo Police Department who was shot and killed in February of this year. It breaks my heart to have to keep seeing new officers added to this list. I can only say God Bless you to the Department and to the family of this young hero. I know how much you are hurting.
Danielle Dressel
Wife of a Fallen Officer
August 3, 2007
Its never easy hearing that a fellow brother has fallen in the line of duty. Watching your documentary hit me very hard. You had your whole life ahead of you, but the Lord had a reason for taking you to his home. As I write this I cant help but shed some tears. You dedicated a service to not only your community, but your country as well.
Thank You brother for laying your life down, for all of us, and those you loved. I pray that you will be a beacon of light to all of us here on this earth, and that we never forget your passion,your energy,and your determination, and dedication to yourself,your family, your agency, and your community!!!!!!
God Bless you brother!!!!!!!!!!!
Trooper Cadet Michael Sparks
Washington State Highway Patrol
July 31, 2007
Hero's are not made by how they die but by how they lived. Godspeed and rest in peace.
I am sure you will be standing by the side of our fallen brother Kelly Fredingburg, Say hello for us.
You and your service to your community will never be forgotten
Deputy Steve Polanski
Marion County Sheriff's Office (OR)
July 30, 2007
Joshua,
You were 2 years ahead of me at East Jefferson High School. I will always remember your kindness to me. Look out for your fellow brothers and Mom and your department.
Angel
friend
July 30, 2007
May the Lord comfort your family and friends and give you eternal peace in that special place reserved for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
RIP Brother.
Ptrlmn. James Murray - Retired
Chicago Police Department
July 27, 2007
Officer Norris,
May your soul rest, even though we have never met you were my brother. Your loss is felt by all of us left behind. Please watch our backs and keep the light shining. God bless you.
"A Part of America Died"
Somebody killed a policeman today,
and a part of America died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect,
will be buried with him at his side.
The suspect that shot him will stand up in court,
with counsel demanding his rights.
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids,
and spend many long, lonely nights.
The beat that he walked was a battle field too,
just as if he'd gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast,
to his name they will add a gold star.
Yes, somebody killed a policeman today,
in your town or mine.
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,
a cop put his life on the line.
Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
and he stands at each new rookie's side.
He answered the call, of himself gave his all,
and a part of America died.
©1984 America Police Hall of Fame
North Port, Florida
Officer Christina Hardy
Walla Walla Department of Veterans Affairs
July 24, 2007
God Speed Brother
Tina/Reserve Deputy
ACSO, SC
July 23, 2007
Our prayers go out to you and your family during this horrible time. Thanks for serving and protecting the citizens of this great state.
Louisiana Support Enforcement Services
July 23, 2007
Deputy Norris, you will be missed my prays are with you and your family, your bravery and service will never be forgotten. God Bless and Rest in Peace.
Bobby R. P.S.O.
July 22, 2007
You were one of the best friends I have ever had. Sitting here now I still can not believe what has happened. You will forever be in my and many others' memories. Thank you.
samantha turnage
friend
July 21, 2007
Deputy Norris,
We are the same age and I am sure we started Law Enforcement at about the same time. Rest in Peace Brother and protect the rest of us down here. Your time in Hell is over. I guess the good lord needed another good Deputy to guard the streets of heaven.
Semper FI
Deputy P.Bignotti #113
MCSO
July 20, 2007
Thank you Deputy Norris for your service and sacrifice. And to his fiancee, parents, and two brothers: You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God strengthen and comfort you during this difficult hour. And God bless the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office.
Chaplain
White County Sheriff's Department, Arkansas
July 20, 2007
My thoughts and prayers go out to you Deputy Norris. May you rest in peace. Thank you for your dedicated service. God bless your family and friends.
Ofc. Joe Hunchard
New Smyrna Beach (FL) Police Department
July 19, 2007
All of Boston ourns your loss! Thank you for you brave service. You will be missed!
PO MICHAEL CONNOLLY
Boston Police Department
July 19, 2007
As I sit here reading all the wonderful remembrances of my son, I just wanted to thank everyone for their kind words and prayers. It has meant alot to our family to know how much Josh was loved and will be missed by so many from all over. He truly loved his job and would be humble but very deserving of the outpouring of honor that his death has brought. I know Josh is watching over all of us from his loftly place above and that is some comfort to know that he is continuing in his protective job...to keep us safe until we will join him one day.
Josh was always there for anyone in need...and always will be, just from a different address.
May God bless all Law Enforcement Officers and keep them safe from harm...and keep watch over my other 2 JPSO sons to allow them to fulfill their mission here on Earth.
Claudia Calvert
Mother of JPSO Deputy Joshua Norris
July 19, 2007
I am deeply saddended by the loss of this brave officer. I wish to pass on my deepest sympathies to Deputy Sheriff Joshua Norris' family and colleagues.
I too lost a mate whilst performing his duty and I just wanted to let you guys know I'm thinking of you all at this tragic time.
Kind Regards,
Senior Constable Craig STEER
Senior Constable Craig STEER
Wagga Wagga Police, New South Wales, Australia
July 18, 2007
Rest in Peace Josh. You were far too young to be taken away already.
Louisiana State Police Crime Lab
July 18, 2007
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