Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear Tony:
This is the first reflection I have written since I retired. But it still hurts just as much to write a reflection like this. Unfortunately, another brother has gone down in the line of duty. Officers killed in the line of duty, sadly, is accepted as "part of the job". WRONG. It is NOT part of the job, to die, and leave a family behind, hurting and heart broken. But it is a risk we knowingly take everyday we leave our families behind, to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

I want to say to you, while you are at home with the Lord, thank you for the job you did, never forgetting our commitment to "serve and protect". Some folks might think this is a worn out phrase, but to us, it is a code to live by. It's more than words, it's a way of life for us. And as a result, our thin blue line, just got a little thinner.

Police officers never truly die, we live on in the dream of our forefathers, that we shall live free, free from fear, free from anarchy. And Tony, you too, shall NEVER die..because your sacrifice has cemented your name in the annals of heroes, and you are a hero. Your being here, even for a short time, made this world a better place, but with you gone, it will less of a place to be. But you have left your footprints in the sand, in a most memorable way, and I give you the words I lived my whole career by: "Above all else, honor".

Detective Ron Tomassi (Retired)
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office

August 7, 2008

My deepest sympathies to all of the family, friends, co-workers and loved ones of Deputy Forgione. Please know that Deputy Forgione's death was not in vain. The memory of his kindness, strength and care for his community will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Corrections Deputy
Weld County Colorado Sheriff's Office

August 7, 2008

To Dep. Forgione's family and co-workers,

My wife, Heather, and I offer our condolences on your loss.

Sergeant Lyle Agins
Monroe County Sheriff's Office

August 6, 2008

Our heartfelt prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Alayna Wilcox, Secretary
Slidell Police Department

August 6, 2008

Our agency is filled with sorrow at learning of the murder of Deputy Anthony Forgione. May you and the members of his family find strength to work through this very difficult time.

Lieutenant James Bond
Albemarle County Police department, Virginiab

August 6, 2008

My children and I were vacationing in Flordia when Sheriff Forgione was killed. What a fine human being your loved one was. Our lives are better because of people like him, as well as the families that support them, and pray for their safe return. It broke my heart to hear about his death, as well as the family that he left behind. My prayers and thoughts are with you. I unfortunately know the pain you feel. My husband was killed while serving in Iraq last summer, he was also 33. My advice for you is this, be gentle with yourself, take time to heal, and rejoice in the memories you have, nothing or no one can ever take those away. Most of all, when you need to cry, cry, don't hold it in. And on those days when you honestly feel like you'll never make it thru, just know that you will. The day will come and go, and when you wake up the next morning it's a chance at a better day.
I wish you the best, and please know how much my family and I appreciate your husband's service, as well as his sacrifice, and yours, to make our world a little better.

Danielle Balmer, Civilian
Proud of widow of SA Ryan A. Balmer KIA 6-5-07

August 5, 2008

Deputy Forgione, you may be gone but you will never be forgotten by your brothers and sisters of the Agency you so proudly and bravely served. You can rest now and God will take care of your family for you. You served the people of this State, and I hope that they appreciate it.
God bless you Sir.

Deputy Fred Brownbill
Pinellas County Sheriffs Office

August 5, 2008

The policeman stood and faced 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 a badge
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 time 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 a silence all around the throne
where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
for the judgment of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
you’ve born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
you’ve done your time in hell"

Motor officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano, TX

August 5, 2008

God always picks the best to be at his side.

Patrol Officer
James City County Police Department

August 5, 2008

My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of this fallen hero. Rest in peace.

Andrew / Narcotics Detective
Baltimore City Police, MD

August 5, 2008

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Forgione. Heros are never forgotten. May God comfort you all.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

August 4, 2008

Rest in Peace Brother. My thoughts are with your family and fellow officers during this very difficult time.

Lt. Joseph Ward, Ret.
Jackson, NJ PD

August 4, 2008

My prayers go out to the wife, children, and fellow officers of Deputy Forgione. May God comfort you during this difficult time and always. Share the stories, the laughter, the tears - every aspect of the time you had with him. My hope is that you'll keep his memory not only alive but shining bright in your hearts.

Darla
Huntsville, Alabama

August 3, 2008

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a brother in blue and protecting your community. To the family, I can't imagine, being a cop and father myself, the pain you are feeling. Your police officer IS a hero and contributed to society in ways most people are too coward to attempt. You will always have a huge family across the nation that will forever moarn for your loss.

Anonymous

August 3, 2008

Thank you for your years of service and dedication. May you rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

August 2, 2008

Deputy Sheriff Anthony Forgione,

I read the circumstances of your death. I have become hardened to a lot of things in my years as a law officer, but the death of a brother officer, especially in the heat of action, is always numbing.

I have nothing but contempt for cowards who open fire on an officer, especially since the public is generally of the opinion that we must only fire when fired upon. As if some imaginary shield deflects an aggressor's bullets. Likewise, I have only admiration for any law officer who accepts not only life as cop but the added responsibilty of showing courage when the situation gets hot. To give one's life for others is always honorable. It should never be necessary, but it is a reality.

Honor, Valor and Dedication speak for you now. You have laid down your life rather than swerve the path of duty. You stand out in front as a model for others in our field. You are a valid hero. A legion of law officers, who have died in similar circumstances, stand at Heaven's gate to greet you. I am certain of it. As a soldier of the law you have earned the highest honor...the respect of your peers. It exceeds all other earthly recognition.

In addition to being a reiired state trooper I am also a retired Lake County (FL) sheriff's major crimes detective. Losing a fellow deputy deepens my sadness.

I render, to you, a final salute.

Cpl. Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
Pennsylvania State Police

July 31, 2008

our prayers are with the forgione family

Anonymous

July 31, 2008

The Latino Officers Association Florida, would like to express our condolences to the family of Deputy Anthony Forgione, and the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office. We ask the Lord to comfort the family in their time of need.

"I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” May the Lord bless all.



"In God We Trust".

Latino Officers Association Florida

July 30, 2008

The Latino Officers Association Florida, would like to express our condolences to the family of Ofc. Andrew Widman, and the Fort Myers P.D. We ask the Lord to comfort the family in their time of need. The Lord will comfort Andrew under his wing forever. " I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” May the Lord bless all.



"In God We Trust".

Latino Officers Association Florida

July 30, 2008

Due to the overwhelming number of officers and friends in attendance, I was unable to personally express my support for the family's loss. I would like to say that I would have enjoyed knowing Tony personally and professionally due to the fact that I share the same outlook toward the public and the service which I have strived to provide for the past 35 years. My sympathy also to Sheriff Morris and his department. I am born and raised in Walton County, so therefore we were in essense neighbors. Rest in Peace Tony,
Brother In Blue.

J.W. Brown
New Brockton Police Department
Alabama

Officer J.W. Brown
New Brockton, AL Police DEpartment

July 30, 2008

Rest in Peace.....

Patrolman
New Hartford Police Department, NY

July 30, 2008

I offer my most sincere condolences...to the entire Forgione family...in the tragic loss...of their loved one.

Trust that life...is changed...not ended...and that love...lives in the soul...and the soul...never dies. Remember that someday...you all...will be reunited again...for eternity...but until then...hold close your memories of him...and share them...with one another.

Know that he will be watching over you...from a far better place...than the one he was called from...and he is never more than a thought away.

May God bless him...for having made the ultimate sacrifice...in serving...and protecting...his community.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord...may the perpetual light shine upon him...may the soul of Deputy Sheriff Anthony Forgione...and all the souls of the faithful departed...through the mercy of God...rest in peace. Amen

With my deepest sympathy...and prayers.

Anita L. Culosi
sister of NYS Tpr. Salvatore J. Embarrato eow 7/6/61

July 30, 2008

Your life was full and had so much meaning,
You never dwelled on the chance of leaving.
Facing each day with a possible threat,
And not one moment lived with a regret.

So many people see but don't understand,
That we protect and serve in a not so perfect land.
There wasn't time for you to say good-bye,
But I can hear you clearly saying -- 'Please don't cry'.

Your life has been rich and sweet,
You’ll be missed by your brothers and sisters on the street.
You don't have to face another hassle,
Now you can relax in your own magnificent castle.

Getting your wings up in the sky,
Where one day you will teach us all to fly.


Dedicated To
Deputy Anthony Forgione Unit 245
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office

You may rest assure knowing your family is our family and they will be taken care of. You will be missed.

Police Officer Nolan Weeks
Crestview Police Department

July 29, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and fellow officers of Deputy Forgione. You may be gone, but never forgotten!
Rest in Peace

Deputy Jason Williams
Henry County (IN) Sheriffs Department

July 29, 2008

God has called his faithful brother home. May the family be comforted knowing Deputy Forgione is home with his creator. RIP my brother. Bob

robert lester

July 29, 2008