Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in Peace Officer Dittamo.

Ofc. B. Firehock
MPDC

November 6, 2010

Rest in peace brother, God Speed......

Officer E. Borghesani
San Francisco Police Dept

November 6, 2010

Dear Wife and Family of Officer Dittamo,
My heart breaks for you as I share in the loss of your beloved husband, son, brother and uncle. I was out of town attending to my own loss when I heard of the tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as I know the pain of losing a loved one, especially when it's sudden and without warning. It cuts deep within your soul, leaving a hollow that cannot be filled. Only the love of family that surrounds you and the grace and mercy of God that enfolds you will ease your sorrow. Love, grace, mercy and time will heal the hurt. Nothing will answer the "why". Just know that Officer Dittamo was proud and fulfilled at the time of his death, living up to the oath he took. I honor him and I honor his wife and family for their sacrifice.

Janis Leslie Evans
MPEAP Counselor

November 5, 2010

I share deep sadness with the rest of the community and Paul Dittamo's family. The world has lost another good person. No words can comfort, I know, but I will say this. His spirit is with you all. He has not left you. He's only left his shell.

Teresa Rowley

November 5, 2010

Rest in Peace my brother, and God Bless your Family.

Trooper
New Jersey State Police

November 5, 2010

Rest easy, brother. You're work is done and you're safe now. Those of us left behind can never repay you for your sacrifice.

PFC Raynes
Prince George's County Police, MD

November 5, 2010

Paul,
Our lives have crossed paths several times. First, it was in high school when we attended the same high school and graduated in the same class. Then 13 years later, we ran into each other at the FOP. We both had court that day and I sat at the table next to you for breakfast. We caught up on the past and then we had to go for our court cases. RIP brother and I am honored to wear the same badge as you.
Sincerely,
MPO Sipes, J
First District
MPD
Class of 1997 Woodbridge Senior High School

MPO Sipes, J.
MPDC

November 5, 2010

Its always hard to say goodbye to hero, even worse when he or she is from your dept. Rest in peace Officer Dittamo and watch over us from above. May God Bless your family in this tragic time.

Ofc.Thomas Caddell MPDC-6D

Ofc. Thomas Caddell
MPDC-6D

November 4, 2010

God bless you brother.

Sgt. Richard Gunning
Moorestown Police NJ

November 4, 2010

Sympathies to the family in this time...Salute to our fallen Brother

Officer in Charge Robby F Anger
Cohocton Town Police, Cohocton NY

November 4, 2010

My deepest sympathy to your wife and family. I remember Paul's Dad was my stepson's Boy scout leader...neighbors in Lake Ridge...a tragic loss

PFC (ret) Lisa Patton
Fairfax County Sheriff's office

November 4, 2010

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"

Author unknown

May God be with everyone

Motor officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano, Tx

November 4, 2010

Brother Paul,

Please keep the gates of heaven open for the rest of us.

R.I.P. my Brother

Cpl. Robert L. Padgett ( ret.)
Charles County sheriff's Office, Md.

November 4, 2010

Officer Dittamo, your ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. In this time of grief and mourning may God continue to watch over your family, friends and MPD brothers and sisters. St. Michael, patron saint of police, please continue to watch over those in blue who effortlessly put others safety and well being ahead of their own. God bless you all, now and always.

Kerstin Rae Magnuson
DC Child Protective Services Investigator

November 3, 2010

May god bless the family of Officer Dittamo. God needed another to protect the streets of gold. Your fellow officers have your watch from here, may you rest in peace and know you'll never be forgotten for the sacrifice you made.

Cpl Harvey Macy
Naval District Washington Region Police

November 3, 2010

Officer Dittamo

Thank you for your service. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and loved ones. May you continue to safeguard us from above and I know that all MPD members can take comfort in knowing you still got our backs. Rest in peace brother in blue.

Officer Bellavance
MPD 3D

November 3, 2010

Ladies and gentlemen
With deep consternation, we must learn that Ofcr. Paul Dittamo in a traffic accident died. We would like to ask the family, friends and colleagues to express our deepest condolences. Tell them that our prayers and thoughts are with them. Unfortunately, we ourselves can not attend the funeral because we come from Germany.

Sgt. Rainer Stephan and Ofcr. Rosalie Stephan

Police Sergeant Rainer Stephan
Police Station Forst/Germany

November 3, 2010

Officer Dittamo, you will not be forgotten! R.I.P.

Deputy Sheriff
Livingston County (Il) Sheriff's Ofc.

November 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 whose 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 (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 3, 2010

Rest in peace LEO/role model.

You will always be in my thoughts

Anonymous

November 2, 2010

Thoguh I didn't know you personally. The MPDC Family will truly miss you. My condolences to your Family and those members of the 7th District.
GOD Bless!!!!

Officer Richard Carter
MPD 2D

November 2, 2010

Officer Dittamo, thank-you for your brave service. Rest in Peace.

Lt. Stephen A. Joy #980
Prince George's County Police Department

November 2, 2010

My deepest sympathies to your family, friends and all of our colleagues in the Seventh District and the Metropolitan Police Department. R.I.P Sir!

Wm Jean-Paul Rochat
Swiss Army, MP-Service, Traffic Unit

November 2, 2010

Paul- we will miss you!!! To the entire Dittamo family-- our hearts and prayers are with you!! Rory Barb, Rory and Kayleb...

Anonymous

November 2, 2010

Rest In Peace and thank you for your service. My prayers are with your family.

Deputy John Latour (retired)
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

November 2, 2010