Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Rodney Tomlinson Holder

Abilene Police Department, Texas

End of Watch Thursday, April 29, 2010

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Officer Rodney Tomlinson Holder

Thank you Motor Man. Your service will not be forgotten. Rest well my brother.

Ret. Senior Motor Officer
Georgia

August 31, 2010

Holder, I always think of you as soon as I enter the Station doors in the morning and hear boots walking down the hallway...I look up expecting that daily "Morning Sunshine! Whatchya know?" greeting and your contagious smile that always seem to pass me as I walked in. I will never forget your eagerness to learn. I look back at all the calls I have received to help with fatalities and never thought that one of the phone calls would be for you. I am truly honored that you considered me part of the Traffic Division and will try to follow the Christian life that you led...you made it look so easy. Thank you for sharing your joy with me and many others and showing us what life is really about. We miss you terribly but know that you accomplished the Call that God set before you and were welcomed Home with open arms. You are missed but certainly not forgotten. Thank you for your service and for being you.

Amie Miller
APD

August 31, 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

My Dearest Family and Friends

Somethings I'd like to say but first of all to let you know that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from Heaven where I dwell with Our Lord above. where there's no more tears or sadness just eternal Love. Please don't be unhappy because I'm out of sight, remember that I'm with you every morning,noon and Night.
The 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 so badly as part of my big plan. Theres so much we have to do to help our Mortal Man.
Then God gave me a list of things that He wished for me to do, and foremost on that list of mine is to watch and care for you.
I'll be beside you everyday and through out the years, And when your sad I'm standing there to wipe away your tears.
When You lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight God and I are close to you in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on Earth and all the loving years, because your only human they are bound to bring you tears.
Please don't be afraid to cry, it does releive the pain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned, But if I were to tell you You wouldn't understand.One thing is for certain, though my life on Earth is over I'm closer to you now than I ever was before.

To My many Friends, Trust God knows what is best.I'm still not far away from you I'm just beyond the crest.

So, If you can help somebody who is in sorrow or in pain, then you can say to God at night my day was not in vain.
And now I am content that with my life it was worth while,Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
If you meet somebody who is down and feeling low just lend a hand and pick him up as on your way you go.
When Your walking down the street and you've got me on your mind just know Im walking in your footstep only a half a step behind.
And if you feel a gentel breeze or wind upon your face thats me just giving you a great big hug or just a soft embrace.
I will always love you from the land way up above We'll be in touch again soon
PS God sends his Love.

Anonymous

May 21, 2010

Officer Holder,

Rest in peace brother.

Detective Dave Howell
Plano,Texas Police Dept-Auto Theft

May 21, 2010

Dear friends and family of Officer Holder,

We are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Officer Holder.

The circumstances surrounding his loss are truly devastating.

May he continue his watch in a better place.


Respectfully,


Session 48
Zone Five Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy

Session 48
Zone Five Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy

May 18, 2010

On behalf of the entire Colorado Springs Police Department Wives Association, we extend our deepest sympathies to the Abilene Police Department, family and friends of Officer Holder. Our hearts are with you as you honor and mourn one of our nation's heroes. His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Katie
Colorado Springs Police Department Wives Association

May 12, 2010

It is with profound sadness that I write this, but write I must, because Rodney Holder gave his life for us all. Fortunately, he died doing the job he loved. He has more than earned his rest, having served many years, with honor and distinction, in his profession.

I'll pray that his family will spend more time with the happy memories, than the remorse over his passing. I also say thank you to Rodney's family for their supreme sacrifice.

Special Agent (Retired)
INS

May 11, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Officer Holder and the members of the Abilene Police Dept. Officer Holder served his country on two fronts. Abilene Should be proud of Officer Holder and all members of their Department.

Sgt. P Jacobs
Bernalillo County Sheriff's Dept.

May 9, 2010

Rest in peace Officer Holder, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you very much for your sevice!

Shelly
Citizen

May 7, 2010

On behalf of all Missouri officers, dispatchers and the like I extend our sincere sympathies to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Holder. Rest in peace our fallen hero.

Scott Barthelmass, Founder/Team Manager
Missouri Law Enforcement Funeral Assistance Team

May 5, 2010

There is truly a hole in my heart. Know how truly blessed we are to have had you in our life. Stay safe APD & AFD, keep strong the voices and hearts behind the radios too

Jackie Blaise
past Dispatcher

May 4, 2010

Rest in Peace my brother.
I am sure you family knows that you are a true Hero.
May God grant them strength

Detective Senior Sergeant (Retired)
Victoria Police, Australia

May 4, 2010

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Holder family. The Abilene Police Department suffered a great loss and you will be sorely missed. May you rest in peace my brother.
God Bless!

Former Police Officer Rafael Perea
Abilene PD 1993-2002

May 3, 2010

Rest in peace, brother. May God be with the family of Officer Holder during this time of mourning. We've got the watch from here.

BL Mitchell, Patrol
FCPD, VA

May 3, 2010

Rest in peace Rodney. We will take it from here.

-3051

Tim Pipes
Abilene PD SWAT

May 3, 2010

To the family, friends, and co-workers of Officer Holder,

Please accept the most heartfelt condolences for your loss from the men and women of the United States Border Patrol, Douglas, AZ station.

We will not forget Officer Holder, and will continue in his stead, fighting evil in order to ensure a better world.

When one of us falls, all of us stumble, but must carry on in honor and memory of the fallen.

Officer Holder, all is Code-4. Rest in Peace, sir. We have it from here.

Douglas Station
United States Border Patrol

May 3, 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

May 3, 2010

R.I.P. Officer Holder, Thank-you for your service to this community. God Bless. My prayers are with the family and friends of Officer Holder and the Officers and staff of the Abilene Police Department.

Brian Ayotte
Abilene Citizen

May 3, 2010

While I never had the pleasure of knowing you and your family personally Rodney, your loss is extremely personal to me. My younger brother is currently serving as a member of the Abilene Police Department.

Though I have never served in the law enforcement community, the profession of arms gives us a common bond onto which we can all relate.

I wish to thank you, sir, for the guidance and leadership you gave my brother during your watch.

May the grace of the Lord bless you and your family my friend.

Capt Geof Cox
US Air Force

May 3, 2010

FINAL INSPECTION

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 quess I ain't,
because those of us who wear 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 alot 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 fears.

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 judgement of his God.

"Step forward now Policeman,
You've bore your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

Casey Harris Wasson

May 3, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with the Holder family, the Abilene Police Dept. (my extended family for 33 yrs now), and my community.

Rodney was a true "peace officer". He had an quite calm about him, a reasurring smile, and an infectious laugh. He knew when to be boldly active and when to be quietly present. He was a comforting shoulder and word of encouragement to so many, including my family, during times of struggle and uncertainty. I am grateful to know that he was always there, behind the scenes, protecting those I love... and that he did it with his whole heart.

Rest now, good and faithful servant. Your brothers & your motor unit (whom I know well) will resume your watch & do so in your name.

10-42: Officer Holder is home

Casey Harris Wasson
Daughter of Dep. Chief Ron Harris (Ret.)

May 3, 2010

Rest in peace brother Motorman. We've got the watch from here. May God bless your family, friends and fellow officers who all mourn the loss of yet another hero.

Motor Officer Dominick Marraccini
Easton Police Department, Easton, PA

May 3, 2010

The Florida Police Chiefs Association would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Officer Rodney Holder, and the Abilene P.D. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great sadness. Please take comfort in knowing that your extended law enforcement family grieves with you. Officer Holder, we thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten.

Members and Staff
Florida Police Chiefs Association

May 3, 2010

My family would like to send our condolences to the family, friends, and fellow co-workers of Officer Rodney Holder~you're in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. May God give you the strength to carry on and help heal your hearts. May you find comfort and support with those around you.
God bless you and rest in peace, Officer Holder.

Gail M. Pabst
Aunt of a fallen MI P.O. eow 2004

May 3, 2010

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