Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio
End of Watch Saturday, March 1, 2008
Reflections for Police Officer Derek Wayne Owens
"The public sleeps peacefully at night knowing rough men stand ready to face evil and serve justice on their behalf."
See you in Heaven.
Ofc BJ Horn
Adrian, MI PD
March 1, 2008
Derek,You will be missed. Although I worked with you for a short time in the 5th. while on probation, what I remember most about you is your smile and outgoingness. Rest In PEACE.
Ptlm. Frank Giuliano, # 1313
Cleveland Police
March 1, 2008
Rest in Peace my Brother, God Bless you, your family and your Dept.
OFFICER BOB SWOPE#5609
OLMSTED FALLS POLICE DEPT.OHIO
March 1, 2008
Today, I was assigned to the midnight shift. At approximately 0231 hours, while on standard routine patrol, I heard the call of how Cleveland Police were transporting the body from the hospital to the Coroners Office. I provided traffic control for the Cleveland Police so that they could stay focused on the issue at hand. I know that the next several days will be occupied with arranging various details for the funeral.
As I write I can’t help but think how shallow, hollow, and futile any words of mine must be to describe our loss in comparison to the family’s grief and anguish. The words I chose are of no consequence in comparison to that of the absence of a father, husband, brother, or son.
We can only pray that our Heavily Father assuage the loss of this most outrageous fortune. On behalf of a grateful nation, a somber law enforcement community and a saddened neighborhood, we can only pray that the Grand Architect of the Universe takes Derek’s soul into his loving hands. Only the family of the fallen truly appreciate the sacrifice that has been laid upon the alter of freedom. Please know that he can rest in peace knowing that we have his watch from here, for he has completed his tour.
Patrolman Todd J. Vogler #166
CASE Western Reserve University Police Department, Cleveland, Ohio
March 1, 2008
May our Lord watch over your family and friends during this tragic time. I pray that our Savior watches over your children as they grow. Rest in peace now my friend, you've earned it. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police
March 1, 2008
Officer Owens
You have given the ultimate sacrifie for your country and are a true American hero. May you Rest in Peace in heaven above as your duty here on earth is done.
Douglas W. Bennett
Ky Dept of Juvenile Justice Juvenile Probation Officer
March 1, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss.
Susie of Barling, Arkansas.
Susie Cross
Sister of Police Officer
March 1, 2008
my deepest respect and thoughts go to you,your family and fellow officers.thanks for keeping this world safer! rest in peace! belgium(europe)
francky wygers
March 1, 2008
Rest in peace know we will do all we can for your family. As you walk your new beat on heavans golden streets you will not be foregotton
Robert Thornton
Friend of Officer Melissa M Foster
Columbus Ohio Police
EOW12/04/2004
Robert Thornton
March 1, 2008
well take the watch brother sleep easy
brother-in-arms
mpd
March 1, 2008
Derek,
Your smiles and jokes will be terribly missed. You always had us laughing. :) You will truly be missed. This world will not be the same without you, though you will always be in our hearts.
Ericka,
The Lord has called another one of his angels home. Derek was a good brother, a family man and a devoted Alpha man. He was my husband's best friend.
I can not imagine the pain you must feel. Many blessings to you and your babies! You are such a sweetheart. I pray your strength in the Lord. I pray that the Lord would surround you and your famiy with His angels of love and comfort during this difficult time.
Lorna Smith
Friend
March 1, 2008
Derek,
Your smiles and jokes will be terribly missed. You always had us laughing. :) You will truly be missed. This world will not be the same without you, though you will always be in our hearts.
Ericka,
The Lord has called another one of his angels home. Derek was a good brother, a family man and a devoted Alpha man. He was my husband's best friend.
I can not imagine the pain you must feel. Many blessings to you and your babies! You are such a sweetheart. I pray your strength in the Lord. I pray that the Lord would surround you and your famiy with His angels of love and comfort during this difficult time.
Lorna Smith
Friend
March 1, 2008
To the family, friends, and co-workers of Off. Owens, may God give you strength and peace as you deal with the loss of your loved one. Know that your fellow officers throughout the state of Ohio mourn with you, as well as all officers throughout the world sworn to protect their citizens. Off. Owens died a Hero's death, and shall always be remembered. Reading about how his watch came to end, brought back the painful memories of the death last year of one of Toledo's Finest (Det. Keith Dressel). Find strength in one and another, as you need each other now more than ever. God bless you.
PTLM A. Herrick
Toledo Police Department Toledo, OH
March 1, 2008
Rest in peace brother.
-Matt
LVMPD
March 1, 2008
We are sorry for the terrible loss that you have suffered. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends. You service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.
Police Officer
Manchester, NH police Dept
March 1, 2008
God Bless you brother. We have the watch now. 1*
Officer
AA CO PD Maryland. From Cleveland.
March 1, 2008
Our many thoughts and prayers are with the brothers and sisters of the Cleveland PD and FOP LODGE #8.
President Jim Gilbert
Fraternal Order of Police,Capital City Lodge #9, Columbus, Ohio
March 1, 2008
My sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Police Officer Derek Owens as well as to the Cleveland Police Department. Rest in peace Officer Owens, you are gone but will not be forgotten...
Dispatcher Sue Rusch, CTO
Punta Gorda PD, Punta Gorda FL
March 1, 2008
In Your Memory Derek -
"God and the Policeman"
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 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 awfully tough.
But I never took a penny, Lord,
That wasn't mine to keep.
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.
I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I felt some 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 have a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected nor had too much,
But if you don't.... I'll understand."
There was silence all around the throne,
Where the saints do often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God!
"Step forward now, Policeman,
You have borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat, on Heaven's street,
You have done your time in Hell!!"
***********************************
Detective Ron Pruitt, (Ret.)
Cincinnati Police Dept., Ohio
March 1, 2008
Our sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Officer Owens. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
Det Marty Jaeger
Columbus Police Dept
March 1, 2008
Rest in Peace...
Detective
Syracuse Police Dept,NY
March 1, 2008
REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO.
Deputy Davis
Pittsylvania County Sheriffs Office
March 1, 2008
Your dedication will never be forgotten. My prayers are with your family, God bless them all.
Michael Goodwin
Mayfield Heights Fire
March 1, 2008
You've fought the noble fight and now God has called you home. Return to Him in honor, my brother, and rest forever in peace. Thank you for your selfless sacrifice. You are my Hero!
Jeff
Former GPD Officer
March 1, 2008
Rest in peace Officer Owens...
Lieutenant
Genesee County, Michigan
March 1, 2008
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