Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Stopped by the site of shooting today and thought of your service and sacrifice. Such a wonderful memorial. Rest easy.

Lt. Riley Finnegan (retired)
Billings, MT Police Department

February 24, 2024

Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:

“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]

[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]

And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

January 12, 2024

Thinking of you as I do every year. Went to the mountains... As I do every year. Celebrated my family that I likely only have because you were my brother. Miss you more than anyone knows.

Always your Sister

August 5, 2023

Officer Armstrong,
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 Rapid City. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 6, 2021

Rest easy

Mark Mottola

August 6, 2020

Rest in peace knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 2, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Armstrong.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 8, 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 20, 2018

Rest in eternal peace my brother. May your family always be blessed and watched by you.

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

August 6, 2017

Officer Armstrong your life, service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Your family is in my thoughts as the anniversary of your E.O.W. approaches.

C.O.P.S. survivor G. Birkholz
Mother of Officer Craig Birkholz EOW 3/20/2011

July 31, 2017

You made the ultimate sacrifice my brother, and you are remembered always for your courage and leadership. Rest in Peace, and may the Lord bless your family always.

Sergeant Barton
Garden City PD

July 31, 2017

Thanks for the work you did with the community! Your time was far too short.

Alf LW

October 21, 2015

One last breath, it draws deep
Why this night and how they’ll weep
Lord knows I’ve done your work
And will you call me home

The time has passed the near
And with honor I shall go
Fear has gripped my soul
The nothing and the now are one

Take this time when sorrow calls
And blue has washed up red
With me I’ll take these memories
And everything you’ve said
One last breath, be not afraid
For I am in the wind, I am in the wind

When shadows fall, we all must rise
Arm to arm and look them square
Tower through the icy lace
The wicked’s time draws near

And so my final words to you
Are carry on with great resolve
For all your steps shall be lighter
As I hold you in my arms

From blacktop paved
To gold engraved
Eternal gaze
Before these gates I stand

The shield I bore
Replaced once more
Of this Earth no more
In His service I am manned

Flash of light
And Heaven’s might
Have bred new life
From the final breath I drew

One last breath and you take me away

Emily Beck

August 2, 2012

"The mountains are calling and I must go" rings profoundly in my head this week as we approach that day one year ago. I never thought to be a part of this type of call during my career and on that day I answered the phone thinking that surely the caller was wrong telling me we had two officers down. From that my moment on my life was never the same. You will never be forgotten.

Dispatcher
Friend

July 31, 2012

Hey brother, just wanted to touch base with you. I was hoping to ride this summer out on SCU but I wasn't selected. October maybe, but know this, I will ride that bike soon. I walked the streets of Summer Nights last Thursday and it was awesome. Your pride with this event only a year ago has turned into an amazing thing for this city. 6...39 still rings everyday. See you soon bud.

Officer
Friend

July 24, 2012

Nick, I sit here tonight after a BBQ at my house, I know you would have been at. Its my day off but I know you would have been there in a heart beat. 22-6...39 still rings in my mind. Today, above all, I miss working the streets with you. The question you asked me at station 1, the answer is yes. If I can work it out, I will be on a bike in your honor. I, as well as everyone still here, miss you today especially. WE remember what you stood for and the loss the City sustained. WE, will carry on in you and Ryan's honor. I can't wait to see you, but wll carry on the fight until then. It was a shock when I heard your brother on the radio in a foot pursuit and caught the guy setting fires. Mac will carry on the tradition of excelence in your family, because he is a winner (just like you). I loved working with you and miss you everyday. Keep on fighting the good fight in Heaven, I will back you when it's my time.

Police Officer
Friend/James - 650

May 29, 2012

Running in the National Police Week Memorial 5K in Washington DC tomorrow, in your honor. Will give my all, in your memory.

Family member of many on the job

May 11, 2012

I am soory for ther family and many people miss you.

Trooper Johnson
SDHP

May 8, 2012

As the summer draws near the Rapid City Summer Nights team is busy with the last minute event details and you are often in my thoughts. The team will miss your brilliant smile, your quick wit, and the committement you made to Summer Nights. You consistant presence insured the safety of the staff and patrons. Rest in Peace Officer Nick Armstrong.

Sandra D. Schwan
Pres. RC Summer Nights

May 3, 2012

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

February 24, 2012

Nick, I drove by the Memorial dedicated to you and Officer McCandless. Miss you much. Rest In Peace.

Kenneth Cummings Parole Agent
South Dakota Dept. Of Corrections Parole Services

February 5, 2012

Officer Armstrong you will never be forgotten, my prayers
to your Mother. I am the mother of Scott Armstrong
EOW 1-12-2005

Karen Armstrong
mother of fallen Officer

February 5, 2012

You will never be forgotten- you meant so much to so many. You are deeply missed. Very blessed to have known and worked with you. God bless your family- may God give them the needed strength to get through each day.

Telecommunicator Adams
Spearfish PD

January 13, 2012

Hey Nick, I know you would like to know I am moving on....but sadly I am not, nor will I ever. I think about you everyday, almost constantly. The hole you left will never be filled.

Sad news from the National Park Service today, a young mother and Ranger was shot and killed. Like your deal, so senseless. I hope all you are together in Heaven, as you are the best of the best. Angels now.

Love and miss you,
Mom

Kim Armstrong
Nick's mom

January 1, 2012

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiance 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 Armstrong. 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 Nick 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 Nick's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Nick's life was about so much more than the way he died. Nick will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Officer Armstrong, 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 fiance Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been eight & a half years and he's still very much missed and forever loved.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

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

December 14, 2011