Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I wish you and Danny were still here, I know that this must be a stressful time for both of your families. I miss you two a lot.

Greg Addison
Mt. Vernon PD

December 25, 2008

its been almost a year now chris and i still miss u,we have done alot of things in honor of ur name,but i wish we didnt have too i wish u were still here making everyone smile like u use to, ur gone from us chris but u will never b forgotten love u

po anderson
mvpd

October 19, 2008

You and Danny V. will be missed. My thoughts are with you and the Vize family as this year has been a tough one to go through. Godspeed.

PO Keith Gannon
Ardsley Police

September 24, 2008

To the family and friends of Detective Christopher Ridley and the members of the Mount Vernon Police Department, and most especially to Christopher:

On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Detective Ridley was tragically killed.

To Detective Ridley's family, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in the Bay Area embraced us in a circle of love and support, and I know you will receive the same support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace.

Chris, your memory will be forever remembered and revered. Rest in Peace, Chris.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Christopher gave to his community and the citizens of New York and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on January 25, 2008

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD (CA), eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

September 23, 2008

Chris, take care of our friend Danny Vize, he needs a FTO for heaven.

Miss ya,

Greg

PO G. Addison
Mount Vernon, NY Police Department

September 6, 2008

HEy Chris,

Just wanted to let you know that I'm still thinking about you, and will never forget you. I just came back from Vize's funeral and can't help to think how sad it is to lose two of my friends in one year! I know you guys are kicking up in heaven together, so that brings me great comfort. I miss you dearly Chris...Rest In Peace

P.O. McKennie #2149
Mt. Vernon P.D.

September 5, 2008

Chris,
I think of you all the time, and it hurts. I think about roll calls and you just sitting there quite as can be. Always polite, just a great person.

I can't help but think of what pain your family is going through, has gone though and will continue to go through for the rest of thier lives. You were a trully special person. The ordinary person has no idea of the pains and struggles that we go through every day as Police Officers. The painful memories that will never go away.


Rest in Peace GREAT WARRIOR, REST IN PEACE.

Det. Paul J. Puccini sh#151
Mt Vernon P.D.

September 4, 2008

CHRIS JUST WANTED TO SAY HELLO,AND THAT I BROUGHT MY WIFE AND KIDS TO YOUR BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AND THEY HAD A GREAT TIME. I THINK ABOUT YOU ALOT MIS YA BROTHER. R.I.P

P.O. HUGHES # 861
YONKERS POLICE DEPARTMENT

August 19, 2008

Reading your story brought tears to my eyes. Such a tragedy. I've lost a few friends in the line of duty, and each time I read another tragic story of an officer making the ultimate sacrifice, it seems to reopen those wounds. God bless you and the ones you left behind. Rest in peace, brother, we'll take it from here.

Cpl. Chris Cooper
Alexandria, LA PD

July 17, 2008

It's amazing that nearly 6 months have passed since we lost you Chris. I know you are missed here in Mount Vernon and we think about you everyday.

PO Wuttke #2114
Mount Vernon Police Department

July 11, 2008

To those who loved Detective Ridley, my heart goes to you all. Know that you're not alone in this journey you walk. I lost my fiance in the line of duty January 2003 and my world was forever changed. Even as time as gone forward, and I've found many reasons and ways to smile, I still have not forgotten the man that he was. Dennis was a beautiful person and he forever has a part of my heart, just as I'm sure Christopher will always be a part of yours.

It takes a special person to put their lives on the line everyday to make this world a little safer for us all. I know many of these men never would've thought of themselves as "heroes" but they were in so many ways. It's sad that it they had to lose their lives for some of us to see that. Having said that, thank you Detective Ridley for helping to make this world a better place. You will not be forgotten here in Winnipeg. I know this isn't a very manly thing to do, but if you happen to run into Dennis up there, please give him a big hug for the kids and I. Dennis was a good man and we miss him more than words can say.

Wishing those who loved you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis Ray McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

July 9, 2008

The funeral line was long, There's an awful lot of cars, Folks came out of the restaurants, They came out of the bars.
The workers at the construction sites All let their hammers drop. Someone asked. "What is this all for?" And they said, "Aw, just a cop."
Some chuckled at the passing cars. Some shed a silent tear Some people said, "It's stupid," "all these dumb policemen here."
"How come they are not out fighting crime?" "Or in a doughnut shop?" Sure is a lot of trouble, For someone who's just a cop."
They blocked the intersections, They blocked the interstate. People yelled and cursed, "Damn, it's gonna make me late!"
"This is really ridiculous!" "They're makin' us all stop!" "It seems they are sure wastin' time, On someone who's just a cop."
Into the cemetery now, The slow procession comes, The woeful Taps are slowly played. There's loud salutes from guns.
The graveyard workers shake their heads "This service is a flop." "There's lots of good words wasted, On someone who's just a cop"
Yeah, just a cop to most folks. Did his duty every day. Trying to protect us, Till they took his life away.
And when he got to heaven, St. Peter put him at the top. An angel asked him, "Who was that?" And he said, "Aw, just a cop."
His Judgment Day:
The officer stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning, Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek To my church have you been true?"
The officer squared his shoulder and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint, 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 tough.
But I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep.. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got 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 an unmanly tear.
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 often trod. As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell"

Rest in Peace!!!

Motor officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano,Tx

June 28, 2008

i am the mother of this police office ad i sit and try to write is memorial page i just keep cry and say ( why my son old god )Its been 6mo. each time i come onto this page i can't stop crying so i am going to write ( pappy my son job well done you are my HONOR) LOVE YOUR MOM ............

felita
mother

June 25, 2008

Chris was and is a good man. An inspiration to every one.He is definetly missed by many. He was and is the bravest person i know. His death hurts me to my soul. He loved being a cop. He loved helping people even more. I love you chris and you will be in my heart forever. Your kindness,honesty,integrity,bravery,inteligence, and diligence to be a better person and cop, should be the precedent in which every cop and person in the world should aspire to be like.You are a shining example of what every man should be.

Lamar Gantt
Best Friend, Brother from another

May 6, 2008

CHRIS JUST THINKING OF YOU BROTHER MISS YA ALOT R.I.P.

P.O. HUGHES # 2040
MT VERNON P.D.

April 18, 2008

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Detective Ridley and we honor his distinguished service to the cause of justice and peace. Sadly, our nation has lost one of its finest citizens, a community has lost a friend and protector, and a family has lost an example of character and courage who they will love and respect forever. Today, because of the sacrifice Detective Ridley has made, the house of freedom is stronger, sturdier, and more secure.

To the family, friends, and colleagues of Detective Ridley, I would like you to know that a lot of people pray for you, and my hope is that their prayers will give you the strength necessary to move on. Just as you were always with him when he walked the beat or patrolled the streets, know that he will always be with you - wherever you may be. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Detective Ridley is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

For those who pledge to uphold it, Freedom requires a sacrifice the protected will never know.

Special Agent
FBI New York City

March 21, 2008

A senseless tragedy. My heart goes out to Officer Ridley's family and friends.

Hamilton Stevens
citizen

March 19, 2008

Dear Family and friends:

May your loved one rest in peace. Although, I did not personally know Detective Ridley, his passing has touched us all. I am a product of Mount Vernon, New York and in the worrds of Rev. Al Sharpton, it is comforting and encouraging to know that we buried Chris in blue. His legacy will live. "The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." Numbers ^:2424-26.

Min. Donald Lee Johnson
Clergyman; and Probation Officer for Westchester County, New York

March 11, 2008

Dear Family, Friends and Members of the Mount Vernon Police Department,

I want to express my sympathy at the tragic death of Detective Christopher A. Ridley. You have all been in my prayers and those of my students. Your tremendous loss has touched so many. What a brave and honorable man. When I think of his courage and his willingness to help it shows us all that his work was so deeply important to him on and off duty.
May Detective Ridley's life inspire young people to serve our communities. May God Bless each of you in your grieving.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Alexander
Cardinal Spellman High School

Kathleen Alexander
Teacher in Parochial High School

March 9, 2008

May God be with the family, friends and Dept. of Detective Ridley during their time of bereavement. It's always tragic to lose a loved one unexpectantly and so young like this. God Bless you my brother in Law Enforcement. You're untimely death will not be in vain for we'll continue the fight to protect and serve. Now gear up and grab a beat in Heaven we'll see you soon.

Patrol Officer V. B. Arceneaux 239
Houston Port Authority Police

February 28, 2008

May you rest in Peace and may your fellow Officers at MVPD have the strength and courage to go on during these most difficult of times.

Police Officer Nelson Marti
New York State Park Police/Long Island region

February 28, 2008

Chris. Words are not enough to express the overwhealming sorrow of loosing your physical presence. Although I'll be missing you, you will continue to live in my heart. Rest in heavenly peace brother, until we meet again.

Detective Baltimore #108
Mount Vernon Police department

February 28, 2008

R.I.P. My Brother In Blue you are gone but not forgotten. God Bless to the family and friends.

PO P. COLBERT
ELSBERRY POLICE DEPARTMENT

February 24, 2008

Christopher, as I read each of these reflections written for you, I keep asking myself the "what if's" and "why's". It is still such a shock knowing you've gone on to Heaven. Calling your sector for a job will never be the same. You are a HERO, my friend, for now & forever. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your Family and to all of us who love you so much. We at the department will do our very best to make your other dream of your sister going to college a reality, so rest easy my friend, in peace and know that you will never be forgotten.

ESD Emma Blauvelt
Mount Vernon Police Department

February 19, 2008

Chris
I did-nt know you all that well and I'm so sorry I did-nt! We passed in the locker room but never really spoke, but I want you to know I'm so proud that I wore the same uniform you wore, more so you gave us honor from your final act that we will never forget.Rest in peace my brother,until we meet again..

PO.John R Jones Jr 2103
Mount Vernon Police Department

February 15, 2008