Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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.

I remember the dat this happened and how it was such a silent day. He was a great person. A great officer who put his life on the line for his community. People should be more thankful for cops and what that stand for. They put their life on the line every day for us...

Lena

August 20, 2010

On this day, one year ago, you were tragically taken from us. We will never forget you....

The Anderson Family
Crestview, Fl

July 22, 2009

To Deputy Sheriff Anthony E. Forgione, his family and his fellow officers with the Okalossa County Sheriff's Office:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Deputy Forgione’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Deputy Forgione and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc.
Members and Staff

July 22, 2009

Forgione family all of you are in our prayers,Thank you for sharing Anthony with us

Jane Harris/civilian
co-worker

June 5, 2009

Tony,
It was a long, tough road at first for me. Not having the chance to say "Goodbye". But, as I told you many times when I said "I love ya bro", I never said that light-hearted. You know I meant it every time I said it. As you have seen I have spent many hours at your memorial resting place both crying selfishly, and laughing even more selfishly. For you were the most honerable person that I have known to walk this earth and, it showed daily by the way you conducted you life and raised the girls. I trust that you are watching of me and riding with me each time I take the "Forge-On Racing" drag truck down the strip. We race in your honor. Rest my friend. I will see you again.

Steve "Douche" Massengill
Friend

April 4, 2009

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:1

God bless you and all who mourn you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

February 28, 2009

I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family..
sister to Deputy Harold Michael Altman EOW 1/30/07

Marcia Altman-Grandstaff

January 30, 2009

Tony-

It was a blessing and a privilege to know you. I can still remember getting the phone call of this horrible tragedy like it was yesterday. I can not express the saddness I felt, and still feel to this day knowing you are gone. I visited your gravesite in October, and could not hold back the tears. I know you are watching over each and everyone of us in uniform. Your job here is done, god needed the best in heaven, and thats exactly what he got when he chose you. Rest in peace brother....we got it from here..

P.O. Tony Elliott 598
Port St. Lucie Police Dept.

December 15, 2008

Tony,
There is not a day that goes by where I don't think about you and all the good times you and Joey had. I miss everytime you made me laugh and I will always remember the last time I saw you when I was in the hospital and you went to see Joey. You are a very special person and I know you are up in Heaven watching down on everyone because that was the kind of person you were. We will always be here to keep an eye on the girls your pride and joy. We all miss you so much.
Love Always,
Laura

Laura Boles
Future sister in law

December 13, 2008

Deputy Forgione,
Your journey on this earth is complete. You followed your dream, raised a great family, had many friends, and always kept a positive attitude. I never had the privilege of knowing you, but have heard many great things about you from a terrific ASA. Now the time has come for your brothers and sisters in law enforcement to watch over your family, but you will be watching over all of us, and giving us strength along the way.. Your journey while complete on earth is never going to be complete because there are a lot of us who need you to be there for us.. It is not how you died that will be remembered it is the how you LIVED people will remember.. Thank you for your service and may God bless your family

Deputy Jimmy Hellickson
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office

November 22, 2008

May God lay his healing hand upon the family and friends of Deputy Forione and may they know he will never be forgotten. Thank you Deputy Forgione for your dedicated service to the people of Florida and the United States.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

October 18, 2008

I just wanted to stop by and tell you that you may not remember me but I had the great privilege of meeting you in a gang training class just a few weeks before this horrible tragedy. You sat behind me in the class and I had found you and the other guys from Okaloosa SO to be great bunch of guys. You guys were the comedians of the class. I am just truly saddened by this incident. My heartfelt prayers go out to your family and friends. May you watch over us down here and still continue to protect us. I have a friend I worked with up north and he is up there with you. His name is Scott Armstrong, EOW 1/12/05. He too was a good guy. May you two meet up with the other angels behind the badge and guide us thru life's difficulties with protection. Rest in peace my brother, Godspeed!

Deputy Sheriff Dan Parks
Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office, FL

October 10, 2008

To those who loved Deputy Anthony Forgione, 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. It's been a long hard road, and 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 Anthony 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 Deputy Forgione 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 R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

September 26, 2008

To the family and friends of Deputy Sheriff Anthony Forgione and to his fellow officers, and most especially to Anthony:

On behalf of our entire family, we wish to extend condolences for the grievous loss you suffered when Anthony so tragically lost his life. His heroism, valor and bravery will be forever remembered.

May you be continue to be comforted by the support and caring of your law enforcement family, and other police survivors. We grieve for you and with you.

Our family lost our beloved Larry Lasater when he was fatally shot in April of 2005 during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers, so we know the anquish you are experiencing. We know the meaning of lives forever changed because those bullets didn't just kill our beloved officers, but killed a part of everyone who loved them so dearly.

Rest in Peace, Anthony. May your spirit continue to soar and your memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Anthony gave to his community and the citizens of Florida, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on July 22, 2008.

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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

September 21, 2008

RIP Brother

Ofc. Collar
Austell Pd, GA

September 14, 2008

I knew you via my father when I still lived in Florida. You were such a good person, doing what you loved. Even though I'm a firefighter, police and fire are in the same family together. Thank you for your dedicated service to the public. You will never be forgotten.

Jennifer Luecht; Unit 15
Willeyville Volunteer Fire Department

August 28, 2008

I will be riding in your honor at the Law Emforcement ride in Washington DC during Police Week. My prayers and thoughts are with your family and your Department.

SA Dale R Alford
USACIDC

August 21, 2008

Tony, my friend and partner, it has taken me until now to sit down and try to put into words how much I miss you. You are truly a good man and a great friend. No matter what, you were always there and willing to do whatever it took to get the job done, even if it meant getting your patrol vehicle stuck on the curb! You always knew how to make me as well as your other Destin shift mates smile, whether you were walking into shift briefing in your Wolverine costume or telling us stories about what you did on your days off. You were always so enthused about coming to work and making sure the “bad guys got the ride.” It was a true pleasure to work with you and to have you for a zone partner. I am truly a better Deputy and person because of you.

Tony, you and your family paid the ultimate sacrifice, please know your OCSO family will continue to watch over your family and keep them from harm’s way. It is now your time to rest. But I must say I know you to well… I know that every call I go on you will be backing me up just like you have always done in the past.

To Jessica, Caitlin and Cassie: Your Husband and Father was a wonderful man. He was always telling stories about things you did or things he was looking forward to doing on his next day off. He loved spending time with each of you. He was always talking about his girls and always had a smile on his face while doing so.

Tony, you will be forever missed but never forgotten.

Deputy Sheriff Kelly Henderson
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office

August 15, 2008

Tony, your sacrifice has made a major affect on me. I take the job that you and every other law enforcement officer do as a blessing. You gave your life to protect others. I hope that my future career will do you justice. Where you have fallen another is ready to take your place. RIP brother. Don't worry we got a handle on things down here, and we will watch over your family, and maybe one day we will meet again.

dispatcher/deputy's son Josh Bennett
valparaiso police dept, okaloosa county fl

August 13, 2008

Thank you for your service.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

August 12, 2008

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Deputy Sheriff Anthony Forgione,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Deputy Sheriff Anthony Forgione. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement for support. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Deputy Sheriff Anthony Forgione is a hero.

Respectfully,

Alissa Scott
Widow of Beryl Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-04

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network

Anonymous

August 9, 2008

My thoughts & prayers are with you. Rest Easy.

Cindy, Arkansas
Sister of slain Officer Randy Basnett, eow 9-24-1976

August 9, 2008

You are the sheepdog that will forever watch over the flock. Rest in peace knowing that we will forever "watch your six". Thank you for your service to Okaloosa County and this great nation. I will pray for you and your family "without ceasing".

Deputy E.Gulbranson/Patrol/SWAT
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Oregon

August 8, 2008

Rest in peace Tony. Job well done...

Lt. (Retired) Michael Haley
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office

August 7, 2008

Tony, it has taken until now until I have been able to sit at the computer and type this. Even now it is hard for me. I still can't believe that you are gone. I'll miss our great conversations. I'll especially miss the very interesting conversations we had as fathers raising two girls. I am happy that I have the memories of the times we shared on the job, especially as my TRT brother. Rest In Peace Tony. I'll see you on the other side.

To the Forgione family, I have considered it a privilege and an honor to know and worked with Tony. I know there are no words to help in your loss, but I was impressed with the strength you have shown. God Bless you and your family.

We'll miss you brother.

Cpl. Steve Hull
Fort Walton Beach Police Department

August 7, 2008