Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

“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 battlefield, 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 rookie’s side.
He answered the call, of himself and gave his all,
And a part of America died.

Rest in Peace, Officer Freeman

Peggy

Peggy Rogers, Retired Dispatcher

December 17, 2007

Another Officer has fallen, Lord, You must have had a very special reason for needing him now, which is unknown to us. Officer Freeman is now standing his watch in Your Kingdom. He watches and now protects ALL of us. God bless you Officer Freeman, and thank you for all your time of service and God bless your family for allowing you to serve. Dear Lord take care of him, for he is special and you now have another fine Officer.

Inv. Carl Rockefeller
Richmond VA DSS Fraud Unit

December 17, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. As an officers wife I can't begin to imagine what your family is going through. You will always be remembered. Heroes live forever.

HPD Wife

December 17, 2007

"SELFLESS SACRIFICES"
The Bible says, "No greater love does a man have than this, that he lay down his life for a friend". This was said by Jesus himself and yes it brings much meaning to our lives. On April 27th 2007 I lost a dear friend and fellow officer as she directed traffic during an accident assisting other officers when she was struck by a drunk driver. She sacrificed her life for her friends. My only question is, what kind of sacrifice is it when we, Officers, lay down our lives for complete strangers? So many times we are slammed and bashed by the public and media who do not have the luxury of knowning the things that we know. Blessed not to have to see the things that we see. They read about the 2 year old sexual assault victim, they don't have to look into the baby's eyes. They hear about the highway fatality, they don't have to notify the family. He who complains on me today, I will place myself in harms way to protect tomorrow. Selfless sacrifice, without thought. Running towards, when others are running away. This is the life of a Police Officer. To the friends and family of Officer Freeman, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I can not say that the pain will soon go away. It hasn't for me yet. But I can say that I remember my friend often as you will. Blessed are the peace makers, for they shall.....

Patrolman
Beaumont, Texas Police Department

December 17, 2007

My prayers go out to the Huntsville Department and Ofc. Freemans family. May GOD bless you.

Patrolman Mark Knighten
Bessemer Police Department Bessemer,Alabama

December 17, 2007

As the gates of heaven open to welcome another hero home, may the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ comfort the family and co-workers of Officer Freeman.

DEPUTY DJ FETKENHOUR
OTTAWA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE (MI)

December 17, 2007

OFFICER DOWN!!! The last words anyone in law enforcement wants to hear.It's not any easier when it is someone you don't even know.On behalf of the Cullman County Sheriff's Office and myself, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Officer Freeman as well as his Law enforcement family.His tour of duty is over here on earth,but he is on a new assignment in HEAVEN up above.He will forever be missed but never forgotten.To Mrs. Freeman, We stand beside you in you and your childrens time of need.
ALL GAVE SOME...SOME GAVE ALL

Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9

Sgt. Jeff W. Rainwater
Cullman County Sheriff's Office

December 17, 2007

God speed brother... We thank and commend you for your sacrafice.

#101
EPPD MN

December 17, 2007

Rest in peace Officer Freeman. I will keep you and your family in my prays.

RM Taylor
US DOJ

December 17, 2007

We were in Lowes. I came up to you and you wife and shook your hand. You looked at me like I was crazy. 2 weeks later I saw you at the jail and gave you hell for not knowing who I was. Why would you know? We had only been on one or two calls together. Plus I looked like someone we deal with on a day to day basis, 2 day stubble, sleve less shirt, and covered in dirt because like you and every other officer, we all have to work other jobs to provide for our family. You said that you felt bad about not knowing me at Lowes. You said you were not sure if I was someone that you had arrested. We just laughed it off and I harassed you more. I never got the chance to tell you that the first time we met I already knew everything I needed to know about you. I knew how you had made a woman that had been through so much feel needed and loved. You gave her and her children a husband and a father. I wish I would have told you how much I respected you. We now have to go back out on the street and "Serve and Protect" But now I serve for you, Daniel and all the other officers who have left there wifes and children behind for a "Greater Cause". I serve for your children who will never get to know how good of a person you were. I serve for your wife who has to deal with raising your children without her best friend. I serve for your parents who will not be able to make any new memories with you. I serve for you. Rest in peace brother I serve for you.

HPD

December 17, 2007

Rest in peace,brother...

Sgt. Juan Padilla
Manati City Police Puerto Rico

December 17, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Officer Freeman and the Huntsville Police Dept. Rest in Peace Brother.

Officer Bill battista
Narberth PD (Pa)

December 17, 2007

Rest in peace brother. May God Bless you and your family.

Patrolman

December 17, 2007

At work on Friday night states away, I had no idea that my brother was fighting for his life or that my other brothers and sister were lining the halls of a hospital. Godspeed my brother in blue. Your families - both your wife and children and your brothers/sisters in blue - will remain in my prayers.

Miller
CPPD

December 17, 2007

From the moment the Breaking News bulletin pre-empted "It's a Wonderful Life" on Friday evening, I was glued to the television. Little by little the news came out. A police officer had been shot and was in surgery at Huntsville Hospital. It was with pride and sadness that I saw all the other officers rally to the officer's side, flocking to the hospital. And then there were the officers who even in the midst of tragedy continued to do their duty, investigating the scene where their fellow officer had been shot. The officer's name was finally announced, along with news that he was in surgery and there would be no further word until Saturday morning. I turned off the television and fell asleep crying and praying. I awoke Saturday morning, still crying, still praying. I learned Saturday afternoon that Officer Freeman had died. I cried and I prayed. And now it is Sunday night. And still I cry. And still I pray. I didn't know Officer Freeman yet I can't seem to stop crying. As time passes, the Freeman family and the HPD family will continue to be in my prayers. May God comfort you at this sad time. Your loved one lives forever in the stories you tell, in the laughter you share, in the memories you made, and ultimately in heaven with God where you'll see him again someday.

Huntsville citizen

December 17, 2007

I don't even know where to begin. Eric, you will NEVER be forgotten. Rest in peace my friend. Leslie, I suppose since our husbands are brothers, that makes us sisters and family. I just want you to know that I am here for you for anything, talk, cry or whatever. I am here for you. We have truly lost a wonderful person and a great asset to the police force. I only had the pleasure of meeting him a few times, but I can tell you I will miss him. Eric, shine your light, down on us, lift us up so we can see. Shine your light, when you're gone, give us the strength to carry on. Rest in peace Eric.

Belinda Chappell
wife of fellow officer

December 17, 2007

Eric
I wont forget you or the help you gave me being a new officer on the street. I will always remember what you told me. May God bless your family and childern. You are a hero to all of us and we will never forget you. Rest in Peace.

Officer M. Chappell
HPD

December 17, 2007

Eric,
Once again the nightmare plays out. We will once again gather to grieve and reflect on your life and your service to your community. I know you and Daniel will be there watching over us and your fellow officers as they risk everything daily to serve others.
God spoke to the officer as he stood at the gates, "Enter my son to walk to streets of heaven for you have served your time in hell."

God bless you Eric, I know you and Daniel will be waiting for us someday.

Friend
Huntsville Emergency Medical Services Inc.

December 17, 2007

I SEND MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND HUNTSVILLE POLICE DEARTMENT REGARDING THE DEMISE OF POLICE OFFICER WILLIAM ERIC FREEMAN. I PRAY EVERYONE WHO KNEW THIS HONORABLE MAN WILL CONTINUE TO REMEMBER HIS BRAVERY, COURAGE, AND THE LEGACY IN WHICH HE LEFT.

POLICE OFFICER WILLIAM ERIC FREEMAN YOUR SHIFT IS OVER NOW, WE WILL TAKE IT FROM HERE. REST IN PEACE, BROTHER...

DEPUTY SHERIFF JAMES E. BRADFORD JR.
BRADLEY COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

December 17, 2007

To my brothers in blue, I grieve with you. To the family, I pray for God's peace to be with you and comfort you.

Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.

The authorities that exist have been established by God.
For he was God's servant to do you good.

... We should love one another. Do not be like the murderer, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder his brother? Because his own actions were evil and his brother's were righteous.

God does not take his eyes off the righteous; he enthrones them with kings and exalts them forever.
Their light shines brightly, ....even in death the righteous have a refuge.

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

---------------Rest in Peace "Brother"------------

May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge."

Officer
Alabama

December 17, 2007

I am another that did not know you but your death has had a profound impact on me. I grieve for your children and wife, the husband and father that they lost. I grieve for you as a sister who cares deeply for her brother as I can tell your sister deeply cared for you. I can not claim you as a brother except my bother in Christ. As you stand in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ we know you are in a better place. God Bless Leslie and children. You have been in my thoughts an prayers since Friday night. May you find a peace.

A Sister in Christ

December 17, 2007

To the family of Officer William Freeman and the Police Officers of the Huntsville Police Department. I am very saddened by you loss of a HERO. May GOD be with all of you during this time. RIP Officer William Freeman, we have the watch from here.

Patrolman
Utica,NY PD

December 16, 2007

To the Friends, Family and Co-workers of Officer Freeman,

Sorry is not enough for what has happend to this fine officer. I do know the fear of the husband/wife leaving each day to work. I stood by my husband as he but on his ACU's and went to patrol post for the US Army. Now we have lost one of our fine officers of HPD. Rest in Peace Officer Freeman.

Mrs Freeman and Children,
Remember we are here for you in this hard time. Don't be scared to call on us anytime. I feel for you and the children. I don't have the words that would bring Eric back. He now is with God watching over you and your family. I feel the pain off this loss. You and your family our in my prayer. May God help you every step of the way as you recover from you loss of a friend, husband, father and son.

Jennifer White and Family
Huntsville, Alabama

Jennifer White
Wife of a Military Police Office

December 16, 2007

My thoughts & prayers are with Eric's family tonight and for many nights to come. Know in your hearts that he is a true hero. As the wife of a police officer, I know this could have very well been my husband's life taken all too soon. I know Eric & Daniel are watching over Eric's family and all of HPD in this tragic time.

HPD wife

December 16, 2007

My children and I are deeply saddened by this loss to our community, for he served everywhere he went. We will keep you all in our prayers.

With Honor and Respect;
Jeanie, Daniel and Erin

Jeanie Foltz; Daniel and Erin Reinhardt
Citizens of South Huntsville

December 16, 2007