Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

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

October 12, 2020

I had the pleasure of knowing derek! You are a true hero in my eyes. I promise to watch over your family and to let everyone know what a true, honorable, loving person you are! We love you man, and we will take it from here!

Deputy C. W.
Alexander County, NC

January 13, 2019

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

Thinking of you and your family. Your life and dedicated service will never be forgotten.

Survivor G. Birkholz
Mother of Officer Craig Birkholz EOW 3/20/2011

December 15, 2017

rest in peace we will never forget you

kurt frerotte

January 20, 2017

God bless you and your family, never forget!

Police Officer (retired) Steve Brooks
Nypd

October 12, 2016

Rest in Peace brother. You are a true hero.

"Blue Lives Matter"

Steve Van Slyke, retired K9 Handler
El Cajon Police Department

October 12, 2016

Thinking about you today, and how you used to crack me up in court. I'll see you again someday my brother.

Patrolman Mark Junod
Allegheny Twp. Police Dept.

August 24, 2015

Officer Kotecki... Although we have never met, I would like to thank you for your service. This was such a horrible act that was committed by such a coward. I wanted to take a second and thank you for your service and selfless sacrifice to our country, and for ultimately giving your life while trying to make this world a better place. You are a true hero in every sense of the word and clearly a great man who was loved by many and is missed by all. I, like you, have a wife and son and put on this uniform every day not knowing if this will be the final inspection. Nothing will ever make the pain go away for your family but rest easy knowing that you are a warrior and your legacy will live on through your children. This post is made with the utmost respect for you and your family. Be easy brother...

Sergeant Ron Lacher
North Charleston Police Department, South Carolina

March 10, 2015

Rest peacefully brother. You, and your sacrifice, have not been forgotten.

David F Hoechstetter
ex-Patrolman (Disabled)
Conway Police Department
Pennsylvania

October 12, 2013

hes resting in peace after keeping his town safe and taking care of his family. thinking of family and will always think of him

kurtfrerotte
none

October 24, 2012

Thinking of Julie and the boys today. Hugs to all of you.

Denise Wise Brandt
Widow, Michael H. Wise II EOW 6/5/04

October 12, 2012

rest in peace god bless you

Pfc Jon Pease
Cmpd-Retired Bpd

October 12, 2012

im a 15 year old student at pinellas park high, Criminal justice program (florida). I have been honored of being assighned this officer in a special annual "officers down" project that will be used to honor our fallen heros in law enforcement. i plan to do my best to honor him and creat a true memorial project.... If you would like to share some personal facts, and qualities about Patrolman Derek Kotecki, i would be greatful.

EMAIL,

Edward p. Nappe, Freshman
Pinellas park high, Criminal justice acadamy.

September 19, 2012

I had the honor of meeting your family and recently spending time fishing with your wife and kids at COPS camp in Milwaukee. Alex caught a nice bass and wouldn't you know it the hook got stuck in my thumb. I had to get it pulled out and never really got to say bye to them the way I wanted to. It left me thinking a lot about your sacrifice over the weekend. God works in different ways...but in my case the short time I spent with your sons has now changed the way I will spend those precious moments with my two boys for a lifetime. RIP and thank you for your service.

S. Deeney, Game Warden
Wisconsin DNR

August 5, 2012

Derek thanks for making the job easier. The laughs we had. You were one of the best Officers I worked with. You caught many a felon prowling our city at night and kept the citizens safe. I miss you and know that you are watching over all of us from Heaven. Until we meet again.

Brother Officer
Lower Burrell P.D.

May 25, 2012

Derek,
My sergeant Matt Snyder and I had the absolute HONOR of sitting down and speaking to your dad while sitting in front of the panel that bears your name on the National Law Enforcement Memorial in DC. You have a great family. The time we got to spend talking to your dad made a huge impact on the both of us. What an awesome family you have.

Blessed are the Peacemakers. RIP Brother, Gone But NEVER forgotten. Keep an eye on us all down here while you patrol heavens streets!

Officer Kyle Matlock #748
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, Ohio

May 16, 2012

Derek and Family,

I recall meeting you back in 2006 or 2007, (on a cold March day) while I was re-fueling the one of City of Lower Burrell's Fire trucks, as I was an active member of the Fire Department and a resident of the city at that time. During our brief conversation, I recall telling you that I had been active in law-enforcement for 17 years, with three agencies, but as we were discussing my prior law enforcement background, you had to respond to a call. In thoes few brief minutes we spoke to each other, I was firmly left with the impression that you were, friendly, courteous, polite, yet firm. An Officer who was an idealist, and who could make a difference in his community. An officer who was proud of the uniform and badge and what they represented, a true professional dedicated to the profession and the community which you served. Although I really did not know you, in thoes few minutes we spoke I did, brother officer. And now, that you my brother have given the ultimate sacrifice to the community in which you served, to make a safer for the following generations of its citizens. My brother officer, your watch has ended now, go and patrol the the streets of haven with the All Mighty. May you now find peace, and grace in God's Heavenly Kingdom, my fellow officer.

Mark P.
Former Law Enforcement Officer

May 12, 2012

We will never forget Derek, nor will we let Julie and the boys be forgotten by our law enforcement family. We had a picnic last October to raise money for the family. We were beset by a freak snowstorm and little time; but we will do it again this year, and every year after that. We will not only honor the memory of our brother Derek and his family; but we will strengthen the bonds of brotherhood between our different departments. We are all in this together. The patch on the shoulder makes no difference. Only that the patches stand as one. The blue, grey and the black. We will stand together, and we will take care of our brother's survivors, as best as we can. His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and I will never allow his family to become a footnote, with support dwindling as the years go on. Keep your calenders clear for September, brothers. We will honor our brother again. And we will remember those he left behind with his sacrifice. The Northern Westmoreland Brotherhood Picnic will take place late September 2012, in Derek's honor. If you can't be there, remember that a family is left without a provider, and a department and community still mourn. Contact us if you want to help. To all our fallen...we will never forget you or those you've left behind. God Bless.

Trooper
PSP

March 14, 2012

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP

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

February 24, 2012

R.I.P Brother God bless you, your family and your partner Odin

Ptl R P Hartman
Millersburg Police Department (OH)

February 7, 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 Patrolman Kotecki. 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 Derek 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 Derek's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Derek's life was about so much more than the way he died. Derek will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Patrolman Kotecki, 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 nine 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)

February 1, 2012

I disagree, most dogs would have stayed. In my experience, dogs are more loyal than most people.god bless k9 odin and Patrolman Derek Kotecki's family.

General Spaz
citizen

February 1, 2012

ODIN WAS VERY LOYAL TO STAY MY DEREKS SIDE,,GUESS WE THINK ABOUT HOW PEOPLE FEEL,BUT NOT THE ANIMALS,,HE WAS STILL TRYING TO PROTECT HIS PARTNER,,THATS AN AWESOME DOG..WORTH HIS WEIGHT IN GOLD.... most dogs would run off,,odin stayed,, thats enough to bring tears to your eyes and lump in you throat,,

911 CALLTAKER
SAC CO SO

December 22, 2011