Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Extending our deepest sympathy and prayers for Officer Nicholson, his friends and family, and all of the men and women in law enforcement that have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Words cannot begin to define what a tragedy this is. Thank you for service, your courage, and for your sacrifice. You will not be forgotten.

James Glenn, DOS
Valley Mall Security Department

December 23, 2007

Once again the thin blue line thins tragically and for no reason other than this young man did what he loved to do.

This man dies a hero. I hope the family can take that with them and gain some comfort. It's not much, but then it's never enough.

Det/Lt Timothy Hahn (Ret)
Mt. Rainer City PD (Ret)

December 23, 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

December 23, 2007

Rest in Peace brother, Heroes may fall but they are never forgotten.

Dep. Hamilton #2481
Loudoun County Sheriffs Office

December 23, 2007

God looked around and needed an angel. He then came down and placed you into the palm of his hand and took you up to heaven. May you rest in peace! God bless your family and friends.

Sgt. Rocky Reed
Cumberland City PD

December 23, 2007

December 19 we all lost a brother. I did not have the honor of knowing Officer Nicholson personally but I know fellow officers who did and they can't say enough about the good man that he was. We will all remember the sacrifice that was made and our prayers are with Officer Nicholson's family, friends, and co-workers. My hometown was 5 minutes from Smithsburg in the neighboring county, and this brings the reality of the dangers of law enforcement service even closer to home. May we all be more aware, more vigilant, and even more officer safety minded every day knowing Ofc. Nicholson and others are riding along with us. Gone but NEVER forgoten.

"Rest easy Chris...we have the watch now."

Deputy Sheriff #0398
Frederick County Sheriff's Office, Maryland

December 23, 2007

Home alone and awaken with the news report that Chris had been killed still pains me in a way that is difficult to express in words. There is a sadness in my heart because Chris' life was cut short so tragically. Each day, I've been conforted by the rays of hope that come from knowing that he did what was right and just while living his dream of being a police officer.
While in the Academy, Chris was surrounded by and supported by a group of 13 men who established a special bond with him because of their chosen career. They are in pain over the loss of their brother; but, they will, in Chris' memory, continue to serve and protect their respective communities.
While in his darkest moments, Chris was again surrounded by and supported by a group of men/women who daily risk their lives for their communities. They, too, are in pain over the loss of their brother; but, they will, in Chris' memory, continue to serve and protect their respective communities.
While living life, Chris was surrounded and supported, too, by family and friends who loved him and shared memories with him--which are now even more precious.
They are in pain over the loss of their son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, fiancee, friend, and acquaintance; however, they (in time) will, in Chris' memory, move forward living life as Chris would want them to.
Now, while surrounding and supporting each other, we must, as taken from Thena Smith, "TAKE TIME TO GRIEVE":

Take time to grieve
And yes, to weep
But cherish sweet memories
For those you will keep.

Do not forget
Though it now makes you sad
For someday remembering
Will again make you glad.

We know that sorrow
Never entirely goes away
But the burden will grow lighter
And you live from day to day.

Rejoice in the time
That you had to love
And look forward to reunion someday
In Heaven above.

For God knows every heartache
And He sees every tear
And the one that you love so much
The Father also holds dear.

And, finally, from Thena Smith, "TIME WILL HEAL YOUR HURTS"

Time will slowly heal
The pain, which is now so sharp
And will fill with sweetest memories
That hole left in your heart.

Think of the one you miss
Think loving thoughts and smiles
And know that you see him again
Though it may be awhile.

In God's Word find your comfort
It's as if He holds your hand
And know that when in Heaven
You are reunited
You will understand.

For though it may be painful
To miss him as you do
Let the knowledge that
He is with the Father
Bring peace and comfort to you.

Rest in peace Chris--knowing that you are still surrounded and supported by all those who were touched by your life.

Family and friends, be comforted and hopeful--knowing that you too are still surrounded and supported by the love that Chris shared with us.

Lt. Margaret A. Kline, Hagerstown Police Department and
Western Maryland Police Academy Director

Lt. Margaret A. Kline, WMPA Director
Hagerstown PD/Western MD Police Academy

December 23, 2007

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. May God bless you and your family at this time of sorrow.

DE
St. Louis City Police

December 23, 2007

Gone but not forgotten. Rest in peace Officer Nicholson. I pray for your family, friends, and many others that you leave behind.

Officer Grand Rapids, Michigan

December 23, 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 judgement 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."

God Bless you and your family and co workers.

Deputy Angie Mackley
Ste. Genevieve County Sheriff Dept., Missouri

December 23, 2007

Rest in peace brother. Your duty is done. We walk your beat with easy steps and heavy hearts.

Huntsville Police Officer

December 23, 2007

REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER

DEPUTY ROWE

December 23, 2007

Rest in peace and your memory and ultimate sacrifice will forever remain strong in our hearts and prayers. You are a true hero in every sense of the word.

Investigative Section/Dist. 1
Prince Georges County Police

December 23, 2007

No one has greater love than this – that one lays down his life for his friends

John 15:13

My deepest sympathy for the family and loved ones, thank you for your service and for being part of this great family. You will be greatly missed RIP

#5676
Washington County Sheriff's Office

December 22, 2007

Rest in Peace brother. We've got a handle on things down here. You gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Detective #2853
Prince George's County Police

December 22, 2007

Karen and Paul Highbarger
Christopher's Mom and Stepdad and Family

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND MY HEART IS WITH YOU, I WILL BE ON WATCH DURING CHRISTMAS AND DURING THE SERVICES FOR YOUR SON.
I WISH I COULD ATTEND TO EXPRESS MY THANKS FOR CHRISTOPHER'S SERVICE. LET HIM KNOW WE GOT IT FROM HERE! AND TO REST, AND LOOK OVER US ALL.

PFC.
FAIRFAX COUNTY (SULLY)

December 22, 2007

God Speed Officer Nicholson. You are a reminder of the reasons why officers choose this profession. May you rest in peace.

B. Haapoja
WPD Reserve Officer

December 22, 2007

What an honor it was to meet a hero like you before this event. You will never be forgotten. I know that God was waiting with arms wide open saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Go rest high on that mountain, Chris, and be our "angel" watching over us!

Cpl. Brian K. Smith
Maryland State Police

December 22, 2007

Somebody killed a policeman today and a part of America died. Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service.

nc game warden

December 22, 2007

This is a terrible thing that happened to you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace.

PO1 C. Handler #0111
Brunswick, MD. Police Department

December 22, 2007

Chris gave his life to make Washington County a safer place, he will be greatly missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

Deputy C. Hose
Washington County Sheriff's Office

December 22, 2007

Ofc. Nicholson,

These past few days have been hard for everyone here at the Sheriffs Department and surrounding agencies. I have had the privilege of both working with you and speaking with you on the radio, in person, and on the telephone. You always had a way with your words when speaking with us in dispatch that always brought a smile and a laugh. The memories that I have in my mind will never leave, as our memories of you will live with us forever. God bless you and rest in peace.

Ofc. Nicholson's family may the lord be with you during this tragic time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

PCO ALAN S CRAWFORD (DISPATCH)
WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT

December 22, 2007

To The Family Of Officer Nicholson,
May you be comforted today and always.

Holley Orr
Wife Of Kevin Orr EOW 11-22-06

December 22, 2007

My heart goes out Chris' family and all those who had the priviledge of knowing Chris. I only got to meet him in person on a few occasions, but I had the honor of talking to him on almost a daily basis. He was one of the nicest guys I have ever met, he was always so polite...he always called me ma'am! I keep expecting his cell phone number to pop up on caller id at the Sheriff's Office. My prayers are with the family, I'm terribly sorry for your loss. We are all mourning him and he will always been in our hearts. He will always be remembered as a hero, it was tragic that he lost his life so soon. I thank Chris for trying to make the world a better place and for trying to keep us all protected.

PCO White
Washington County Sheriff's Office

December 22, 2007

My prayers go out to the families.

R. Snavely C.OII
MCI-H

December 22, 2007