Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest, brother.

Cpl Steve Headley
Mishawaka, IN police

January 29, 2009

The heartfelt appreciation of a truly grateful Ohio citizen goes out to Sergeant Curtis Massey
, who served honorably and faithfully, answering the call of duty when he was needed.

I offer my prayers and deepest condolences to the family and his department. I hope that the fact that he is a hero and is honored by so many brings you some comfort in this time of loss.

Dr. Mike Crain

January 29, 2009

We would like to send our warmest regards and deepest condolences to the family, friends and department of Sgt. Churtis Massey. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult and sad time.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

January 29, 2009

Rest easy brother.

PO S.Harris #241
Cicero PD Cicero,IL 3rd Watch

January 29, 2009

Rest in Peace Sir....

Officer Thomas Wiederhold
Fort Worth Texas Police

January 29, 2009

Rest In Peace, Sergeant Massey.

Lt T Carr
NYPD

January 29, 2009

Sir. Thoughts and prayers go out for you and your family. God speed...

Deputy Sheriff, Deputy Tutino
Los Angeles County Sheriff Department

January 29, 2009

My daughter Phoebe was stuck under the counter in our house. It seemed like a silly thing; she wedged her knee between the counter and the floor and her knee went in easily but no amount of pulling and bending would get it out and she was pinned to the floor for 20 minutes when my husband called me to come home and another 20 minutes before I called Melody and Curt.
Curt came right over. He was probably in the middle of dinner, probably back from one of his night shifts, but neither he or Melody ever for a minute made us feel like it was an imposition to have called upon him.
Our 7 year old was panicked by this time. Curt was there in less than a minute. He went right to Phoebe down on the floor and said very kindly and calmly, "I am going to get you out Phoebe and I am not going to do anything that will hurt you." It was his calm assurance, kindness, confidence and generosity that made Phoebe's fear deflate instantly. He talked to her for a few minutes before he even moved her knee and within minutes adjusted her knee so it slid out painlessly.
I asked him how he knew to do that and he told me he had been an EMT before being a police officer. And I thought that is such a long history of service to others. But it was so much more with Curt. He had a true generosity of spirit, an ingrained ethic of helping others and a huge heart.
There are so many other stories about how he helped our family and our neighborhood. He stopped a burglary in our house, arrested the perpetrators and then went on to testify and make sure they went to prison. It was like living next door to a superhero.
And in the times when there was no trouble, he was always playing with his beautiful children, always had a smile, always had something kind to say. His work did not make him bitter, even though I am sure he saw many harsh things.
Our family feels honored and lucky to have known him. We will always remember him and be inspired by his life. It is an unfathomable loss and our hearts, our love, our prayers are with his beautiful family and friends.

Kathy Katims
Neighbor

January 29, 2009

REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF E.J. MORRIS
RANDOLPH MO P.D.

January 29, 2009

Curtis was my Academy classmate. Although we hadn't talked in years, he will forever by part of our Class 279 Family and we grieve his loss along with his family and Department.

Sergeant Dan Dyer
LASD

January 29, 2009

I was saddened to hear the news of Curtis's sudden passing. I was contacted by another fellow academy classmate and GPD Officer and advised of the bad news.
When my friend mentioned Curtis I immediately remembered his face and the tan uniforms Culver City PD recruits wore at the time. I remembered Curtis because he was always smiling and was very friendly to everyone. As I recall he was always squared away and well prepared and did not flinch when he was asked to be the class leader by the LASD staff.
Having lost touch with most of my academy class over the years I was not surprised to see that Curtis had promoted to sergeant or that he had received the medal of valor from his department. As I said, he was squared away from day one.
The Country lost a dedicated, hard working, brave person yesterday, and such people are hard to find. He will be missed.

I will keep Curtis and his family in my prayers.

Respectfully,
Miguel Porras
Glendale P.D.
LASD Academy class 279

Detective Miguel Porras
Glendale PD/Academy Mate LASD 279

January 29, 2009

I grew up in Culver City, and it is a great city. It is, and has always been a great place to enjoy, because of the officers that keep it safe. My prayers go out to the department and the family of Sgt Massey.

Police Officer Stephen Ball
Grover Beach Police Department

January 29, 2009

May God Bless Sergeant Curtis Massey and his family. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. Rest in Peace.

Anonymous

January 29, 2009

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"


May GOD be with you and your family!

Motor officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano, Tx

January 29, 2009

Rest in Peace...

Detective
Syracuse Police Dept,NY

January 29, 2009

I was driving down Galloway St. taking my grandchildren
on an errand and saw all of these policemen at the house
yesterday. My daughter, Marni Galef, who knew Curt and
his family, called to tell me what had occurred. I didn't
know any of you, but I wanted to express my deep condolences
to all of your family on this awful tragedy. When someone
young dies, we all share in the tragedy of someone dying
needlessly. My heart and sympathy is with you at this challenging time.

Sincerely,

Freya Ivener

Freya Ivener
neighbor in the community

January 29, 2009

Rest in Peace, Brother.

OFC B. Grajek

January 29, 2009

I met Sgt. Curtis Massey as a member of LASD Class#279 in the fall of 1991. I am origianlly from the Northeast and moved out to Los Angeles on my own to enter law enforcement. He became a close friend and confidant during a challenging time in my career.
I knew from the beginning that he was somebody I could trust and he became a role model for me. Curt was mature beyond his years and possessed extraordinary skills that have guided him through an extrememly successful career as a police officer and familyman.
I was contacted by several members of Class #279 last night as they broke the news to me. After hours of reflection, I truly believe that by knowing Curt, he had assisted in building the strong foundation that I have built my career upon. I am assigned to the Maine State Police Academy and the Cadets will be honoring Sgt. Massey during their evening chow.
God Bless Sgt. Curt Massey, his family, and the Culver City Police department as they navigate through these difficult times.

Trooper Robert Burke
Maine State Police, LASD Class #279

January 29, 2009

Sergeant Massey,

Rest in peace brother.

Detective Dave Howell
Plano,Texas Police Dept-Auto Theft

January 29, 2009

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.

But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from Heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through
God picked me up and hugged me and he said,'I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on.
I need you here badly, you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.'
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the days chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....In the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human they are bound to bring tears.
But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you would not understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you, and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one step at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you to;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night...."My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented...that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low:
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go...from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going...you're coming here to me.
I will always be with you!
GOD BLESS YOU ALL
Canon City, CO

Marilyn Robinson
KWLF radio

January 29, 2009

Sgt Massey, may you rest in peace. You'll never be forgotten.

Sgt Richard Eckert
Town of Chester PD

January 29, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Sergeant Massey today and always... Thank you Sergeant Massey for your service and sacrifice, you are a HERO... Rest in Peace Sir...

Joyce
Sister of Ofc. John P Harris EOW 8/19/1994 Henrico PD Virginia

January 29, 2009

"ALL GIVE SOME....SOME GIVE ALL"

Your dedication to our profession will not be forgotten.
May you rest in peace as we extend our sincere sympathies to your family, friends, and everyone at Culver City PD.

Sgt. Randy Keenan / Ret.
Alameda, CA PD

January 29, 2009

Gone, but never forgotten, Rest easy now my Brother in Law, your watch on earth is over.......

SGT. John L. Gulledge (Ret.)
Escambia County Sheriff's Office Pensacola FL.

January 29, 2009

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

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

January 29, 2009