Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in Peace Sir..and may God provide strength and comfort for your family and your brothers and sisters of the badge...

Major Gary McGraw (Ret)
West Virginia State Police

May 29, 2014

THE FINAL INSPECTION
The officer 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 shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't. Because those of us who carry badges, we can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was tough. And sometimes I've been violent, because the world is awfully rough.
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 fears.
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 judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Policeman, You've borne your burdens well. Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets; you’ve done your time in Hell."
~Author Unknown~

Lt. John Kelly
Nassau County,NY Police Department

May 29, 2014

Rest in Peace Trooper Skinner. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and prayers are with the Skinner Family and the New York State Police.

Cpl. Gary Hughes (Retired)
Passaic County Sheriff's Office Wayne, NJ

May 29, 2014

Trooper Christopher Skinner,

When you made your decision to enter law enforcement some thirteen years ago you became blessed:

For the Lord said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9 ESV

When you initiated that traffic stop on I-81 in Broome County, New York, on Thursday, May 29, 2014, you answered God's call to serve:

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

As a result, you were struck by a Hit & Run Driver; sacrificing your life so that others might live and be protected:

And the Lord said, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 ESV

I, along with your family, friends and comrades, will mourn your sacrifice and loss in the line of duty:

And the Lord said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4 ESV

Now go! Rise up! And do battle against Satan and his demons as an angel for the Lord!

In His Service,

Pastor Steven R. Closs
Retired Captain of Police, Nashua NH Police Department
The Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

Pastor Steven R. Closs
Retired Captain of Police, Nashua NH Police Department

May 29, 2014

You gave your live giving your life to serve your community. God bless you and prayers to your family and fellow officers. Please give my best to our brothers and sisters who have proceeded us to the next patrol. Thank you for your service Sir.l

Chief Albert Mares, Retired
Las Vegas City Police

May 29, 2014

We at the Somerset County Sheriff's Office pass our condolence on to your office and the Trooper's family.
May he rest in peace.

Sheriff frank J. provenzano
Somerset County sheriff's office, NJ

May 29, 2014

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO! May God
Give the family and friends the strength and faith to deal with this tragic loss. Words can not express my sorrow!

"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 whos 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

Investigator David L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

May 29, 2014

IN MEMORY OF TROOPER CHRISTOPHER SKINNER

To the family, friends, and colleagues of Trooper Christopher Skinner:

From the beginning of time after Cain killed his brother, Abel, there has been a need for law enforcement officers to protect the weak and to bring evildoers to justice. This work is necessary in a sinful world and is dangerous. In modern times, some one hundred and twenty-six New York State Troopers have sacrificed their lives to protect the citizens of the State of New York. Today, we honor Trooper Christopher Skinner's sacrifice.

Lord God, we are grateful for the life of Trooper Christopher Skinner. He died serving us. Help us never to forget. Help us celebrate Trooper Christopher Skinner's life and honor his sacrifice. Be with the family, friends, and colleagues of this fallen hero. Comfort them and give them your strength. Guide those who seek to take care of the family of this hero. May those empowered to do so, care for them with integrity. In commemorating the death of this hero, help those who mourn to remember that death is not the end. Death does not have the final say, but is simply the transition to the glorious life to come. They should look forward to that life to come with joy and thanksgiving.

As for the citizens of the State of New York, help them to faithfully equip their Law Enforcement Officers with the best tools to protect their country. May their training be adequate to the task. Help the citizens of the State of New York to remember to pay their Law Enforcement Officers fairly and treat them with respect. Help the citizens of the State of New York to obey the law and treat each other with dignity so as not to add to the burden of crime and pain to the State of New York.

The time for mourning will soon pass. We have now remembered and celebrated the life lost in this great tragedy. As the family, friends, and colleagues of Trooper Christopher Skinner go forward, they must celebrate the good things in their lives; and to celebrate life itself!

Lord God, hear our prayers.

Now, may the Lord bless you, and keep you: the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. Amen.

In His Service,

Pastor Steven R. Closs
Retired Captain of Police, Nashua NH Police Department
The Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

Pastor Steven R. Closs
Retired Captain of Police, Nashua NH Police Department

May 29, 2014

Rest in Peace Trooper Skinner. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and Prayers go out to your family, co-workers, and friends.

Lieutenant Robert T. Mote (ret)
Buena Park, CA Police Department

May 29, 2014

Rest in Peace Trooper Skinner 1042. May God Bless his family and fellow Troopers.

Det. JP McGrath(retired)
Schenectady, NY

May 29, 2014

Your family is in are prayers and we thank you your serves to the New York committee. May God keep his hands upon you and your family.

Lt. Troy N. Houghtaling, Sr.
Five Star Process Service

May 29, 2014

Rest in Peace, Hero. Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice. May God comfort your family, co-workers, and friends in this difficult time. God Bless You.

Noranne stubbs Lenox
Arizona Department of Public Safety

May 29, 2014

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

May 29, 2014

Condolences To The Family Of Trooper Skinner And The New York State Police Family. Thank You For Protecting The Citizens Of New York.May You Rest In Peace.

Officer
Schoharie County Tactical/Rescue Force

May 29, 2014

Rest in Peace...

Detective
Syracuse Police Dept, NY

May 29, 2014

RIP Trooper Skinner.

Sincere condolences to family & friends.

SGT. RANDY KEENAN (Ret)
City of Alameda, CA Police Dept.

May 29, 2014

Heroes live forever. Prayers to family and friends.

BLR
Team Texas

May 29, 2014

May you Rest in Peace my brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Investigator
NYSP - CNET HVR

May 29, 2014

May you have God's speed in your new journey! Thank you for your service we have got it from here. May God bless your family and be with them through this. P.S. When you get to Heaven say hi to Kurt Ford and Ron King; two brothers that were taken too early like you!! R. I. P. !!!

Sergeant John Rose
Douglas County Sheriff's Office

May 29, 2014

God's speed, Brother. Thoughts and prayers are with your family and all those grieving your loss.

Sgt. Dean Gustafson (Retired)
California Highway Patrol, Team Leader, MAIT

May 29, 2014

RIP Trooper Skinner. We think of all you family and friends as well as your brothers and sisters in blue.

Know Kentucky is thinking of you all...

Bonnetta Martin Daugherty
Daughter if a Proud Officer, KY

May 29, 2014

Thank you Trooper Skinner for your years of hard work and dedication and for paying the ultimate sacrifice for the fine folks in the great state of new York. You are a true AMERICAN HERO !!!!!! My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers. May you forever, rest in peace, my brother.

HEROES NEVER DIE...

Sgt. Mitch Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

May 29, 2014

A police officer should be remembered not by how he died, but how he lived! A great man has gone to secure a safe path for the rest of us to follow. Thank you to you, your family and the New York State Police. Our region is a little less safe without you. Rest in Peace Brother!

Anonymous

May 29, 2014

Rest in peace brother. Thank you for your service. God bless you and your family.

Police Officer Terry Hardesty
Norfolk Police Department

May 29, 2014

God bless Trooper Skinner's family, friends and coworkers and give them strength and peace to get through their grief and pain. Thank you for your service brother.

Sergeant Clark O. Parry
Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office, New York

May 29, 2014