Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Zolendziewski , it has been 14 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your 23 years of law enforcement service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

February 11, 2024

I was stunned when I got the news. You were always professional. Your happy disposition and quick smile was always appreciated. I always viewed you as such a great representative of the HPD. I know that you made a difference and that you are resting peacefully. Respectfully, Billy Moran

Firefighter Billy Moran
Holyoke Fire Department

February 12, 2022

Officer Zolendziewski today marks the 12th anniversary of your passing. You have not been forgotten. I cannot begin to speak from the heart the way Ms. Lisa Curtis did, 2 years ago, but I wanted to leave a reflection. Ms. Curtis, if you should read this, thank you for your efforts and concern. All in Law Enforcement, especially in these very difficult times, pray for an Angel such as yourself in our time of need. You are as much a hero as Officer Zolendziewski.

Brother, God Bless and may you forever Rest in Peace.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department

February 11, 2022

It has been 10 years since I found you on the side of that icy road. I did my best to keep you comfortable, talk to you and monitor your vitals until EMTs arrived. I am glad that I have medical and social service training and it gave me the ability to react and assist you. I remember calling the police department that same day and everyday after to check on your status. Your wife even called me. I never got to speak to you personally after the accident and thank you for all that you did for your community as a Police officer and first responder. When I last checked in on you and found that you passed, it broke my heart. I just want to thank you for your service as a police officer in one of the most difficult cities in Mass and I am so proud and happy that your son decided to follow in your footsteps and continue your legacy as a Holyoke police officer.

Sleep in Peace

Lisa Curtis, BA, CMA, RMA, Phlebotomist
First person on scene of accident

February 21, 2020

Officer Zolendziewski,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Holyoke. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 11, 2020

John 5:28, 29 - "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I pray that everyone can find peace in knowing that we will see this officer as well as many others again in Paradise soon. Until then, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

September 30, 2018

Dave was a cops cop. Rest in Peace Brother

Retired Patrolman James Briant
Holyoke Massachusetts Police Dept.

February 11, 2018

Rest in eternal peace my brother. You were taken away too soon. Watch over your loving family from a better place, and may God bless them and give them strength for your loss.

Lieutenant Ray Flores (Ret.)
N.Y.P.D.

February 11, 2017

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones and close friends today. Continue to keep watch over all of them. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

February 11, 2013

You were always there for student in Holyoke High. You were there for me when I had issues with students who were harrassing me and making extreme threats and it was you who ended it. You got me interested in the field of law enforcement and I have made it my goal to become an officer of the law in dedication to you.

Steven Negron
Graduate of Holyoke High School

October 10, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the second anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never dimishes respect.and your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 11, 2012

You Were Taken From This Earth One Year Ago But Your Memory Lives On May Your Service And Dedication To The Community Will Never Be Forgotten

Civilian,Robert Booth
Citizen Of The United States

February 11, 2011

To Officer David T. Zolendziewski, his family and his fellow officers with the Holyoke Police Department:

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

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

February 11, 2011

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Every time I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the officer they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Officer Zolendziewski. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. (The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. I can also be found on Face Book.) You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for David, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember David's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that David's life was about so much more than the way he died. David will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Officer Zolendziewski, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been seven years and a half years but he's still very much missed and forever loved.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

July 5, 2010

The Dail family of Ocala, Florida sends our deepest condolences to you and sincerest love. We are praying for you and grieving with you. May the LORD carry you and protect and provide for you. Trust Him, rest in Him.

The Dail family, Ocala, FL
in-laws Ofc. Tony Zeppetella eow:6/13/03

July 2, 2010

Officer Zolendziewski, thank you for your service to the people of the City of Holyoke and the Commonwealth as a whole.

God Bless and may you Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

June 16, 2010

Officer Zolendziewski,
I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Holyoke. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

April 25, 2010

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Holyoke Police Department. May peace be with you during this tragic time. We grieve with you and know that your hero will never be forgotten. To Officer's Zolendziewski's family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Lauren Yanez
Colorado Springs Police Department Wives Association

April 13, 2010

Rest in peace, Officer Zolendziewski. Thank you for your many years of service to your community. You will not be forgotten. Prayers for your family, friends, and fellow law enforcement officers.

Kathy B.
Ohio Citizen

March 27, 2010

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Police Officer David T. Zolendziewski,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Police Officer David T. Zolendziewski. 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. Officer David T. Zolendzendziewski 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

March 27, 2010

Gone, but never forgotten, Rest easy now my Brother in Law, your watch on earth is over. God please watch over, and tend to the loved ones left behind.......

Sgt. John L. Gulledge (Ret.)
Escambia CO Sheriff's Office Pensacola FL.

March 26, 2010

Thank you for your service. May God Bless you and your family. May he grant your family, friends, and co-workers the strength they need to get through the rough times ahead.

PO James McPartland Jr
Mount Vernon PD NY

March 23, 2010

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"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

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

February 24, 2010

RIP Dave....

Anonymous

February 23, 2010

Rest in Peace Officer Zolendziewski, You will never be forgotten by your Brothers and Sisters to the North. GODSPEED!

Aaron P. Sparks
Newbury Police Department N.H.

February 22, 2010