Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

On behalf of the Palos Park, Illinois Police Department we extend our sincere thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Sergeant Mark Renninger. We mourn his loss with our fellow brothers and sisters of the Lakewood Police Department.

Rest in peace Sergeant Renninger.

Village of Palos Park Police Department
Palos Park, Illinois

December 2, 2009

"We Remember the Officers"
We remember the officers who changed our lives,
The men and woman who protected us day and night,
People who respect for their dedication to the cause,
For when faced with danger, they never even pause.

We remember the officers who always stood true,
Whatever the color of uniform, brown gray or blue,
With pride and integrity they say "To serve and protect",
For the giving of their life, we offer our respect.

We remember the officers who we never really knew,
Persons strong enough to answer the challenge are few,
With heavy hearts we mourn the officers in eternal rest,
There's more to these people than the badge on their chest.
By Brad Miller

LEO Wife
RUPD, VA

December 2, 2009

My sincerest sympathy to the family of Sgt. Mark Renninger and the entire Lakewood Police Department. In this time of greatsorrow please know that your brothers and sister across the country are mourning with you. May God Bless you with his comfort.

Officer Doreena Wiegert
Phoenix Police Department

December 2, 2009

"REST IN PEACE"
"The Final Inspection"

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 ain't,
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,
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 times 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 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 borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

Author Unknown

Anonymous

December 2, 2009

Rest easy Sarge, we will continue the watch

Policeman
Brother in Blue, Phoenix PD

December 2, 2009

Sergeant Mark Renninger,

Thank you for all the years you dedicated your life to protect others from the evil that took you from your loved ones. I hope time can heal your friends, colleagues and loved ones. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Brown Field, California, USBP

SBPA
USBP California

December 2, 2009

Sergeant Renninger,

Our hearts grieve alongside your loved ones and fellow officers. May they find comfort and strength in their faith and lean on those of us who have walked in their shoes. We thank God justice was swift and eternal. You are a true American Hero and will NEVER be forgotten!

"When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever." Proverbs 10:25


Respectfully and lovingly,
Proud Wife of Fallen Officer Rob Targosz E.O.W. 4/30/06

Brigitte Targosz

December 2, 2009

The coward that took your life was shot and killed today by a brother in blue. Justice was served. Rest easy brother.

K. McGee
MPD, TX

December 2, 2009

Thank you for your service. You gave the ultimate sacrifice and we thank you for that. My thoughts and prayers are wtih your family and friends.

Officer J. Pope
Tampa Police Department

December 1, 2009

Thanks for your service and you will never be forgotten, May you rest in peace

Anonymous

December 1, 2009

Sergeant Renninger

You were my first training officer when I came to Lakewood. You taught me so many things 4 years ago that I think about everyday on the job. You are a first class officer. I miss you Mark! As much as I hated some of the goofy names you called me, playfully of course, I miss that and would do anything to hear those words out of you today.

You will always be in my thoughts. You will not be forgotten!

Lakewood Police Officer

Lakewood Police Officer
Lakewood Police Department

December 1, 2009

Rest in Peace, Brother.

OFC B. Grajek

December 1, 2009

May God be with your family. We will continue the battle between right and wrong. Rest in Peace My Brother.

Lt. Dotson
Greeneville TN Police Dept

December 1, 2009

Should you go first and I remain
To walk the road alone,
I'll live in memory's garden, dear,
With happy days we've known.
In spring I'll wait for roses red,
When fades the lilac blue,
In early fall, when brown leaves call
I'll catch a glimpse of you.

Should you go first and I remain
For battles to be fought,
Each thing you've touched along the way
Will be a hallowed spot.
I'll hear your voice, I'll see you smile,
Though blindly I may grope,
The memory of your helping hand
Will buoy me on with hope.

Should you go first and I remain
To finish with the scroll,
No length'ning shadows shall creep in
To make this life seem droll.
We've known so much of happiness,
We've had our cup of joy,
And memory is one gift of God
That death can not destroy.

Should you go first and I remain,
One thing I'd have you to do:
Walk slowly down that long, lone path,
For soon I'll follow you.
I'll want to know each step you take,
That I may walk the same,
For someday down that lonely road
You'll hear me call your name.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Should you go first and I remain
For battles to be fought,
Each patrol we walked along the way
Will be a hallowed spot.

I'll hear your voice, I'll see you smile,
Though blindly I may grope,
The memory of your helping hand
Will buoy me on with hope.

Should you go first and I remain
To finish with the scroll,
No length'ning shadows shall creep in
To make this life seem droll.

We've known so much of brotherhood,
We've had our grief and joy,
And memory is one gift of God
That death can not destroy.

Should you go first and I remain,
One thing I'd have you to do:
Walk slowly down that long, lone path,
For soon I'll follow you.

I'll want to know each step you take,
That I may walk the same,
For someday down that lonely road
You'll hear me call your name.

Ofc. Brian M. Walsh
Dept. of Veterans Affairs Police

December 1, 2009

Sergeant Renninger, justice has been served. You can now rest in peace. You have served well and honorably; we now have the watch.

Deputy Mark Wilde
El Paso County (CO) Sheriff's Office

December 1, 2009

Nine children lost a parent. Husband, wives, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, grandmothers, grandfathers, cousins and other extended family, friends and coworkers lost someone very dear to them. In addition to the lives of the four officers lost in this incident, so so so many other lives were also shattered. And to know that all that pain is a result of a such a horrific act sickens me. I weep, mourn, and pray for all.

Anger, sorrow, frustration, pain, utter sadness, fury. These are but a few of the emotions so many I know have felt over the last two days. While I cannot begin to imagine what family and friends are feeling, please just know that others all around the country share your grief.

Although these words rightfully might not mean anything now, please know that they are heartfelt: we are simply just so very sorry.

Wife of Retired Police Officer
New Orleans Police Department

December 1, 2009

Thank you for your service, courage, and sacrifice!

P
North Augusta Dept. of Public Safety (SC)

December 1, 2009

Thoughts and prayers are with your family, the Lakewood community and Pierce County. Rest in peace knowing your brothers and sisters have the watch. God Speed.

Off. J. Christensen
Johnston PD, Iowa

December 1, 2009

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle Autumn rain.
When you awaken in the mornings hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.

- Author Unknown

Constable D CARMICKLE
Windsor Police Service

December 1, 2009

Rest in peace....

Pennsylvania
Patrolman

December 1, 2009

My thoughts & Prayers are with you all. Rest Easy.

Cindy, Arkansas
Sister of slain Officer Randy Basnett, EOW 9/24/1976

December 1, 2009

No words can describe the loss that has been bestowed upon your family...may the memories that made them laugh outweigh this one sad day.
My thoughts are with you and your family.

Cpl. Mike Barnes
Burr Ridge Police Department

December 1, 2009

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

December 1, 2009

Rest well, Brother. To Sergeant Renninger's family, may God provide you peace and understanding during this time of grief and confusion. There is no reason to the acts of madmen, but know you have a larger family than you can comprehend that will help you through this time.

Anonymous

December 1, 2009

For: Sergeant Mark Renninger
Officer Ronald Owens
Officer Greg Richards
Officer Tina Griswold

A Sunday morning. To most of us in law enforcement this normally is a time to recooperate from a Saturday night of duty when, in most cities, police activity peaks. Sunday morning is a time to catch-up on reports. To discuss business and take a breath. For a new week lies ahead.

Most of us who wear the badge know that emergencies can occur anytime. And anywhere. No city is too big for the most trivial of incidents and no city is too small for that call that will, for some law officers, cost them their life. None of us are truly safe. Ever.

Mark, Ron, Greg and Tina, I am certain, knew this. Just the same, to live in a constant state of readiness and supreme alert is hardly possible. We are human. We can flip the switch that springs us into action quickly, but we do not remain poised over it without a reason. We rely upon our experience and our training. We need to be activated by something we have previously experienced or have been taught in training. None of us - not any law officer - beholds the public at large as killers-in-waiting. For our work is with the public, in the public and for the public. Most of them appreciate us. Many do not. And, yet some, hate us. It is our lot.

For these four police officers, doing reports, discussing work, and refreshing themselves with a breakfast beverage - it was a normal day. In fact is was a Sunday.

Suddenly, and without warning, a maniac appears. A coward. A culprit. One who would hide his intentions and move-in close. His plan, reportedly known by others, and for whatever reason, would chose to remain silent. The plan, then, would proceed. No alert would be sounded. The aftermath was four slain law officers.

We pray for each of these officers. For them and their respective families, friends, co-workers and all who care about them. We pray for the understanding of what cannot yet be understood. We pray for the relief from pain, heartache, shock, sadness, rage, and angry thoughts far to complicated to be understood by anyone not directly known to these officers. While we mourn the loss of public protectors and soldiers-the-law, they mourn for a lost father, mother, wife, husband, son, daughter, other relative, friend or fellow officer. Each of them having a loss far greater than the mind of others can hardly imagine. We pray that they all survive not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

No words can heal quickly. No individual can solely bring something forth that will make an instant change. No act can be now performed that will bring about some relief at this moment. Hardly anyone who cares enough can bring any measureable change by tomorrow. A time to grieve must be allowed. A time to cry must be granted. Time to ask all of the questions that no one can answer must occur. And, during this time, all who call themselves relatives, neighbors, co-workers and friends must be ready to reach-out when it is their time to do so. If you knew Mark, or Ron, or Greg, or Tina -- then you will know what to do -- and when to do it. All you need to do now -- is to be patient. To be available. To be strong. And, to be ready.

To Sgt. Renninger, Off. Owens, Off. Richards and Off. Griswold, I am pround to render a final salute.

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

December 1, 2009