Broward County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch Friday, August 10, 2007
Reflections for Sergeant Christopher Reyka
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 just got 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 judgement 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"
Rest in Peace Chris, we will take it from here. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Det. Masters
BSO Lauderdale Lakes
August 10, 2007
Sergeant Reyka
Thank you for the years of service and the sacrifice you made. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
WPD
August 10, 2007
Sarge, your killer will be brought to swift justice and I hope someday you are able to see him again as he is confronted by his maker. Until then, know that you will never be forgotten and my prayers and thoughts go out to your family and co-workers. Rest in peace.
Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
August 10, 2007
I am saddened more and more each time I hear of another Police Officer be killed. The job has always been a dangerous one but lately it getting out of control. There is no longer any regard for the value of a human life.
I pray that our Lord takes care of Sergeant Reyka's family during this tragic time. I also hope and pray that He will comfort you in his loving arms. You are a "True Hero" taken from us way too soon.
I pray that the cowards that did this to you will get what these deserve. My prayer is that you rest in eternal peace and that your family is forever protected. Rest easy my freind, you've earned it!
Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police
August 10, 2007
"A Part Of America Died",
Somebody killed a policeman today,
And 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 he walked was a battle field too
just as if he had 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 locked doors,
A cop put his life on the line.
Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
And stands at each new rookies' side.
He answered the call,of himself and gave his all,
And a part of America died.
What a tragedy.........again we lose an officer because someone has no value for life. It is so sad to come to this memorial hoping another officer is not listed. So many are gunned down for no reason. We hope this memorial will be a comfort to the loved ones,family and all who knew Sgt Reyka. Our prayers are with you constantly through all time. We hope you can feel the arms of Jesus surrounding you and giving you comfort through these next few hours days which will be the darkest.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL
Canon City, Colorado
Marilyn Robinson
CC-Pirate Internet Radio
August 10, 2007
REST IN PEACE OFFICER REYKA. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO YOUR POLICE DEPT. AND TO THIS COUNTRY. MAY GOD BLESS YOUR
LOVED ONES.
RETIRED OFFICER BROOKE W. CHRISTOPHER
FRANKFORT POLICE DEPT. FRANKFORT KY.
RETIRED PATROLMAN
FRANKFORT KY. POLICE DEPT.
August 10, 2007
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family,friends, and fellow officers at the Broward County Sheriff's Office.God bless you Sgt.Reyka for your dedication to duty.
Deputy
Montgomery County Sheriffs Dept. Indiana
August 10, 2007
Sergeant Reyka,
Your sacrifice will not go unnoticed. Rest assured that your brothers in blue will bring you justice. Thank you for your service and for giving the ultimate sacrifice. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Rest easy Brother.
Police Recruit
Virginia Beach Police Department
August 10, 2007
With a heavy heart, I would like to offer my sincere condolences. I am proud to say I had known Sgt. Reyka. As a high school student, several years ago, I went to school with his children and am proud to have known his family. It pains me to hear this news, and I can only hope that Christopher's family will find comfort in the memory of their brave fallen hero. So for the family, please know that Christopher's memory will never be forgotten, and that his sacrifice will always be remembered. Our prayers will be with you always.
To Christopher, you will be missed. Rest well brother, you have served your time well. I know you have finally found peace on the streets of heaven.
Thank your for your service:
Respectfully,
Dy. J.P. Prescott
Dy. J. P. Prescott
EBRSO
August 10, 2007
My condolences to the Reyka family and all the members of BSO
Jesse
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office
August 10, 2007
Sgt. Reyka gave the ultimate to help protect the community. He may have saved several lives by stopping the suspects from going into the store. Sgt. Reyka, you have honorably served your country and may you now rest in peace brother. God has called you home...
Sgt. Hughes
Sgt. Walter Hughes, Retired
MNPD - Nashville, Tennessee
August 10, 2007
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY AND DEPT
CAPT MJB
MULLINS POLICE DEPT SOUTHCAROLINA
August 10, 2007
Rest In Peace Brother.
Deputy Sheriff David Bradford
Wake County Sheriff's Office K9 Unit
August 10, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Sgt. Reyka and his fellow deputies of BCSO. He gave his life while bravely serving his community and his agency. Hopefully, justice will come to those responsible for this senseless killing. Rest in peace, Sergeant.
Major C. Broughton
Volusia County Sheriff's Office
August 10, 2007
Sgt. Reyka,
You are in my heart, and your family in my prayers. I only met you a few times, passing by in the hallway at D11, but you always had a smile on your face!!
Seeing the response on scene this morning from surrounding agencies was AMAZING! Know that we will catch who is responsible for this.
You will be sorely missed! We love you! We got in from here! RIP my Brother in Blue!
Deputy / District 13
Broward Sheriffs Office
August 10, 2007
"A Part of America Died"
Somebody killed a policeman today,
and 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.
God rest your soul Sgt.Reyka**
CORRECTIONS DEPUTY
BROWARD SHERIFFS OFFICE
August 10, 2007
To Chris' family: Death ends but a life, not a relationship that continues on in pleasant memories. He was my Alpha Shift partner. I will forever miss him. A part of me was lost today. God bless.
Sgt. Marty Katz
Broward Sheriff's Office
August 10, 2007
The Final Inspection**
The policeman stood and faced his 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 badges
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 times 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 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 borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."
Rest In Peace Sgt. Reyka
CORRECTIONS DEPUTY
BROWARD SHERIFFS OFFICE
August 10, 2007
My family would like to send our condolences to the family, friends, and fellow co-workers of Sergeant Christopher Reyka~you're in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. May God give you the strength to carry on and help heal your hearts. May you find comfort and support with those around you.
God bless you & rest in peace, Sgt Reyka!
Gail M. Pabst
Aunt of a fallen MI P.O. eow 2004
August 10, 2007
May you rest in gods hands my son.
Ken Jennie
Sheriff BSO
August 10, 2007
God bless you, your family and friends...May you rest in peace.
B. Nguyen
Criminal Justice Student
August 10, 2007
God bless you and your family. My deepest sympathy goes to your brothers and sisters at BSO.
Trooper Chris Gatewood
Florida Highway Patrol- Broward County
August 10, 2007
Sir,
GODSPEED...WE WILL NOT FORGET. REST IN PEACE.
Patrol Officer
Ellisville, Missouri Police Department
August 10, 2007
God bless you!
August 10, 2007
Thank You Sgt. Reyka for your service to the citizens of Broward County. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family. Rest in peace Sir.
Chief John Hughes
National Park Service Law Enforcement Division
August 10, 2007
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