Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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 judgement 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"

Deputy J Ward #128
Franklin County Sheriff's Office

January 10, 2010

I'll always remember our time served together at Eglin and Kunsan. You will truly be missed! I'm proud to have known you and proud of your service both in and after the military.

MSgt Ken James
US Air Force

January 7, 2010

Skip,
It was a pleasure working with you brother. Rest easy now. And thank you for your guidance and wisdom for a young buck like me.

SSgt David Heptinstall
USAF Security Forces

October 28, 2009

Your case has been closed, the world seems to be healing and moving on, but there are so many of us that miss you and think of you and Burt and Tony every single day. I am honored to have known you, and while I will never know why it worked out that I was the one on the other end of the radio that day; I know you knew it was me and that we all did everything we could to try to save you both. It doesn't get easier and the pain never lessens. You will never be forgotten, and your sacrifice was not in vain. My heart goes out to your family and friends and I know you are in the Lord's arms and finally at peace. I love you, brother.

KMB
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office

October 11, 2009

I was stationed with MSgt. York while stationed in Kunsan
Korea. York was an outstanding supervisor and I really enjoyed working for him.

to MSgt Yorks family and friends I am sorry for your loss

Deputy Nathan A. Birklid
Mason County SO Washington St.

October 11, 2009

Thank you for your guidance and leadership. Never forgotten!

SSGT R. Rosado
96SFS 1996-2002

October 10, 2009

I attended the service for Deputy Sheriff York as part of my departments Honor Guard. I was honored to do so... you have not been forgotten.

Corporal RA Capps
Sumter County Sheriff's Office

August 23, 2009

A hero is gone, but NEVER forgotten. Rest in peace Deputy

Deputy
Glades Co

August 15, 2009

Our hero of blue has fallen
A time of peace is calling
For you to go with God above
He'll give you wings of blue with love
To send a message for everyone
To remember a life and what was done
A dream fulfilled of our angel of blue
We honor you for the job you swore to do
A promise was kept from a hero like you
You put your life on the line each day
To protect and serve in everyway
And to give you thanks we will do our part
To share your message and to keep you in our heart

Josh Bennett
Valparaiso Police Dept. FL

August 10, 2009

I want to offer my condolences to this truly dedicated Deputy and his family. It's a shame to hear that another Deputy has paid the ultimate sacrifice. We protect our communities from harm but take the risk of not coming home. I appreciate the service you have given us.

(10-7) Deputy Warren Skip York " You Will Deeply Missed And Never Forgotten.

Chief Jack F Harris
Phoenix Police Department

July 30, 2009

Blessed are the peace makers, for they shall be called children of God.
Rest in peace.
Angie

Sergeant A. Hogeboom
Walton County S.O

July 29, 2009

R.I.P.

SGT.
NYPD

July 27, 2009

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Anonymous

July 25, 2009

Rest in peace my brother in blue. Thank you for your service.

Reserve Deputy K. Edge
WCSO

July 25, 2009

REST IN PEACE.

PO ADAMS
NYPD 46 PCT

July 19, 2009

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Deputy Sheriff Warren York,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Deputy Sheriff Warren York. 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 Warren York 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

June 24, 2009

To Deputy Warren (Skip) York, to all family members and friends who call him beloved, and to his law enforcement family:

I was sorry to learn of Skip's death and extend my sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you have suffered. Words are insufficient to describe the sadness I feel for the York family. May you find comfort in your faith and the support of the law enforcement community.

There are many police survivors who share this same journey with you, and that community will be there to support you. Skip's memory will be forever honored and revered.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Skip gave to his community and the citizens of Florida and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 25, 2009.

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

Anonymous

June 22, 2009

Bless you brother for your sacrifice.

Jenny Evans Patrolman
Niles City PD

June 9, 2009

Once again, the “Thin Blue Line” between peace and anarchy is stretched a little thinner with the passing of this hero.

Anyone who knew Skip will testify that he was a true professional. He was a great family man, a top notch law enforcement officer, a brother under the badge, and a fellow Blue Knight. Although he had a quiet side about him, he went at life with vigor, and he loved to ride his Harley.

Skip made the ultimate sacrifice on April 25, 2009, trying to protect the citizens of Okaloosa County and valiantly trying to save his partner. A true hero in every respect, he showed us all he lived by the principle, “No greater love hath a man than to lay down his life for another.”
Skip… Although our paths never crossed as Air Force Security Policemen, I know we treaded upon some of the same ground. You have become a great friend since you started with the Sheriff’s Office and ever closer as a Blue Knight. I’ll always remember our trip to Daytona last year and will miss you when we go back.

God Speed brother, rest easy there in the arms of the Lord. We know you are in a better place and will be looking down on us, especially when we ride. Knowing you and Burt (and of course Tony) are all up there as our Guardian Angels, watching our back, gives me great comfort and will make the day-to-day grind a little easier.

Janelle and the rest of the family, I know words can never make this situation any easier or make the hurt less intense. But know this, your husband, father, son and brother is, and was, a true HERO and he gave his life doing what he loved… protecting and serving. He touched the lives of all who have had the opportunity to serve with him and made an impact on each and every person with whom he came in contact.

Rest in Peace brother… and with a heavy heart I render you a tearful and final salute.

Lt. Ken Christmas
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office

June 8, 2009

God Bless Brother. Every time I look in the hallway where you stood not long ago, I can still see you there. I wish I could have taken you up on that afternoon ride on the bikes. You will never be forgotten, we will never let that happen!

Officer H. Nichols
DEP / Florida Park Police

June 7, 2009

Thank you Deputy York You will never be forgotten,your family will remain in our prayers
You will be missed!

Jane Harris/civilian
Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office

June 5, 2009

Hero. May you rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

June 3, 2009

God Bless you Sir.

Rick F.
Ret. CO

June 2, 2009

You are such an amazing Hero. You could have let this criminal get in his truck and just drive away, but he was a threat and you did everything humanly possible to stop him. You made the ultimate sacrifice. It's hard to understand. I know I couldn't do what you did. Your family has got to know how TRULY SPECIAL YOU ARE!!! You will never ever be forgotten HERO.

Sharon Atkins Identical Twin Sister of Norfolk, VA Police Officer Sheila Herring also shot and killed in the line of duty EOW 01-16-03

Sharon Atkins

May 28, 2009

"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.

Written By:
David L. Bell

Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

May 23, 2009