Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you Officer Birkholz. My prayers and condolences go out to your family, your department, and your community.

Sgt. Steve Scheuer
Bismarck Police Department, ND

July 21, 2011

To your family,

I want to let you know that I first saw this tragedy play out on the news and it had me reliving the day my uncle and friend Wayne Koester (who was also killed in the line of duty in Florida in 05)was taken from us in the same way your husband and son was taken. Your family has been in my prayers and will continue to be. Not a day goes by I don't reflect on what has happened in our life not having Wayne in it and while the roads will be long, with prayer and strength- God will carry you. God bless you and keep you.Thank you also for your service Officer Birkholz in the middle east, myself as well as my uncle are veterans as well and I know that God has a special place in heaven for his soldiers.
Brandy Koester Currie

Brandy Koester Currie

April 14, 2011

Rest easy brother; know that you will never be forgotten.

Officer Sam Fox
Marshfield Police Department

April 14, 2011

RIP Brother

331
CLSO

April 13, 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 Birkholz. 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 Craig, 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 Craig's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Craig's life was about so much more than the way he died. Craig will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Officer Birkholz, 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 eight years and 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)

April 12, 2011

To you, eternal rest. To your family, peace beyond the loss. Godspeed. Never Forgotten.

Anonymous

April 11, 2011

Officer Birkholz,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community, but also for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan and Iraq. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
USBP

April 7, 2011

I just cry when I see this. Thank you - all of you - who make up LE in this country. There is nothing any of us regulars can say or do to offer up an adewuate appreciation for everything that you do.

Peace

Citizen
USA

April 5, 2011

Ashley,
I made you a promise that Craig would never be forgotten, I will always keep that promise, always.

Deputy Eric Essinger
Washington County Sheriff's Dept

April 5, 2011

May God grant your family and friends the strength to get through these difficult times. Heroes will never be forgotten and you SIR are a hero. I salute you. R.I.P. my brother.

Detective Senior Sergeant (Retired)
Victoria Police, Australia

April 3, 2011

Rest in peace brother. Thanks for your service to your country. You are a true american hero.

Officer Eric Fluent
Plum Police Dept. Pennsylvania

March 31, 2011

Rest in Peace Brother. We'll take it from here.

Anonymous

March 29, 2011

We have your watch for here. May you rest in peace, Sir. You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

March 29, 2011

You are in our hearts and your brothers and sisters in blue will continue to hold your beliefs true. You will not be forgotten!

Ralph Goar
Lindenhurst Police Department

March 28, 2011

Rest in peace brother my prayers go out to Officer Birkholz family and fellow officers.

Jake Youngmark
CFPDR

March 28, 2011

Thankyou for your service, you are a hero for us all to look up too. You will never be forgotten. God bless your family.

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

March 27, 2011

Godspeed Brother.

Detective
Joliet PD

March 27, 2011

Godspeed Brother.

Detective
Joliet PD

March 27, 2011

My heartfelt condolences to Craig's family, friends, and co-workers. Hold onto, and support each other, during the difficult months to come.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Ptlm. P.K. Harding (Ret.)
Binghamton (NY) P.D.

March 26, 2011

Rest in Peace BROTHER, our prayers are with your family, friends and fellow officers.
Saukville Police Department

Officer Matt Caswell
Saukville Police Department

March 26, 2011

RIP Brother. You will be missed but never forgotten.

Anonymous

March 26, 2011

A Police Officer Meets His Maker

The 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 shoulder & 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 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.

-Author Unknown

Officer Sedevie
Holmen PD

March 26, 2011

Off. Birkholz, may God bless you and your family. Your sacrifice is one of honor and freedom. Thank you for your service here and in the Army.

Robert Hallisy
Kenosha Sheriff

March 26, 2011

My prayers are with you Officer Birkholz, your partners who were injured, your department and most important your family. Thank You for your service and your bravery Rest Easy Brother.

Greg Marquez
Rialto P.D. Gang Unit

March 26, 2011

To the friends, family, and co-workers of Craig,
Today you lay to rest a hero. My heart is heavy with this senseless tragedy. Please know that Craig will always be a hero. Obviously born a leader and leaves a leader, a role model, and a hero in every aspect of the word. His sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest assured we have a few good officers up there to show him the ropes. May God bless your family and your department.

Communications Officer
Green Lake County Sheriff

March 26, 2011