Nassau County Police Department, New York
End of Watch Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Reflections for Police Officer Arthur Lopez
"The Final Inspection"
The policeman stood and faced his 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 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 silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."
Author Unknown
Sergeant Chad Miner
Powell PD
November 5, 2012
In the world of civil services, there is no greater loss than a police officer doing what he promised he would do; protect and serve. Officer Lopez was serving his fellow citizens and his sacrifice will never be forgotten. He and all those who died before him in the line of duty did something many of us, myself included often take for granted. May this young man rest in peace forever and remain a lasting beacon of light to the community he served.
Citizen, Tom Tagliente (Florida)
November 5, 2012
I have laid down my life in service to all of you.
I have been a part of the fabric that has held the line between your safety and your victimization.
As I now become a part of the rich history of law enforcement, please remember me always for I have left behind those who loved and depended upon me.
I have given my life so that others may live in peace.
My partners and my agency, please remember my family, their loss, and don’t let time soften your compassion for them.
You guard the gate now and I will continue my watch from above.
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE AND MAY YOUR FAMILY FIND COMFORT IN THE GOOD YOU HAVE DONE HERE ON EARTH.
Doug Gist, Capt. (ret) Washoe SO
Silver State National Peace Officers Museum
November 4, 2012
A young life taken from a convict who shud of still been locked up. I don't understand how these low-lives are out in the streets. My deepest condolences go out to the family of Arthur Lopez...he is now an angel watching over you. And my condolences also go out to the driver that was killed...innocent people who are gone...I am truely sorry. May they rest in peace.
Michele G. Tardabona
November 4, 2012
Rest in Peace, Officer Lopez. May the Lord bring comfort to your your fellow law enforcement brethren and loved ones during this difficult time.
Reserve Ofc. Travis Allred, #628
LaFayette (AL) Police Department
November 4, 2012
Officer Lopez,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Nassau County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
November 4, 2012
Rest in peace Artie.You were the greatest partner and friend,and the bright driving young life force of our unit.
P.O. James McMullen
Nassau County P.D. E.S.U.
November 3, 2012
Our entire staff sends are prayers to the family of PO Lopez and our support to the NCPD. Your service to this Country will always be honored. RIP my brother and friend.
Commander Griffin
MPS/DOPS OIG Special Ops
November 3, 2012
LET THE SIRENS WAIL
LET THE LIGHTS BE LIT
TO TELL THE WORLD THAT A HERO IS COMMING HOME
LET THE PIPES LAY ME LOW
AND LET MY FAMILY KNOW
THAT I DID MY BEST
I WAS NEVER FAMOUS OR RICH
BUT I GAVE MY ALL SO THAT OTHERS WOULD LIVE
R.I.P. OFFICER YOUR DUTY IS DONE
C.L.R.
CBP
November 2, 2012
R.I.P.Oficer Lopez ..your sacrifice will never be forgotten. you are a true hero.
juanita parker-marshall
November 2, 2012
RIP Brother.
PO G. Robertson
St. Louis County Police Dept.
November 1, 2012
Rest in peace my brother for you are a true hero. May God wrap is arms around your family and fellow Officers in this sad time. Thank you for your service.
Trooper Scott Wernecke #958
Washington State Patrol
November 1, 2012
God Speed to our brother in NY. Your sacrifice shall not be forgotten and you service was not in vain.
Detective
New Jersey State Police
November 1, 2012
Rest in Peace my brother
senior Officer Specialist
Federal Burear of Prisons
October 31, 2012
I am a Sgt. with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office in Phoenix, AZ.
I am from Bellmore, Nassau County. I became a cop because of how I was treated by the Officers in Nassau County when I was a kid.
I had a flat tire on my bicycle in the mid 1970's on our way to Jones Beach. My friends left me there and went to the beach. I was miles from home.
A Nassau County Officer gave me and my bicycle a ride home. I will never forget that and it is my inspiration for becoming a COP. I try to pass that on as much as I can to the public and my Deputies so when kids grow up that can have the positve memories.
I hurt for Nassaus' losses.
My thoughts and prayers are with your families, your department and your community.
I have lost several friends in the line of duty from my agency and ones we work close with. It affects all of us. Some are just a little closer to home.
Thank you for your service and sacrafices.
Sgt. Alan Goodman #866
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
October 31, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to the dear family, friends and fellow Officers of Arthur Lopez. God Bless him for his service and sacrifice he made to keep others safe. Rest in Peace sir, you will not be forgotten.
Sgt. Jim May (ret)
CMPD Charlotte, NC
October 31, 2012
God bless you Officer Lopez, thanks Lt. Wetzel
Lt. Wetzel
Beachwood Police Department
October 31, 2012
God Speed Brother!
Trooper Matthew J. Demny
Michigan State Police
October 30, 2012
RIP my Brother.
Trooper Philip D. Caponi-Retired
Pennsylvania State Police
October 30, 2012
Go in Peace Brother. You will be missed but not forgotten.
Patrolman Tom Johnson
Clarksville, TN PD
October 30, 2012
R.I.P., Brother.
P.O. Randy Evans
Kansas City Missouri Police Department
Son of Patrolman Robert Wayne Evans
E.O.W 10/14/1971
HEROES LIVE FOREVER
October 30, 2012
My heart goes out to his family as well as his police family. RIP Officer Lopez.
MPO Egidi
Va Beach PD
October 29, 2012
To the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Arthur Lopez-No words can cover this-I am saddened by this tragedy as all of us in law enforcement are. My sincere sympathy to all of you who have suffered such a great loss and are in emotional pain. Your loved one served with bravery and will be forever honored in our profession.
Sgt. Scott Bodah
Syracuse, N.Y. Police Department
October 29, 2012
I am so sad that Officer Lopez and the civilian had to live this earth in such a manor, I thank Officer Lopez for his work keeping our cities safe. God Bless You Officer Lopez.
Stacy Daniels
Civilia
October 29, 2012
A Hero may fall but a Hero shall never be forgotten. You Sir were a true Hero. Thank you for your service and Heroism Sir, RIP my brother.
James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)
October 29, 2012
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