Connecticut State Police, Connecticut
End of Watch Wednesday, June 5, 1991
Reflections for Trooper Russell A. Bagshaw
I visited Russ last week as I have many times. I take my grand-daughter with me and we visit Russ AND his parents. I have explained to the circumstances of his passing, but wonder if she really understands as she is only 7.
Russ was a wonderful person and Carol is so sweet and loving, even after all she has been through and continues to go through.
Troop K will never, ever Forget!
Carole Garreau, Ret. Head Clerk Troop K
Connecticut State Police
September 29, 2011
RIP Russ- Your memory will forever be continued as we march forward at Troop K. 20 years ago June 5, you made the ultimate sacrifice. I started the academy 20 years to the date after you, Russ. I have been honored to work with many of your classmates and fellow troopers that were on that horrific night. Many have shared personal stories and it is now my duty to continue your memory and to make sure you are Never Forgotten.
Trooper Daniel Greenwood
Connecticut State Police - Troop K
June 5, 2011
Russ, I met Carol a while back and had the chance to meet her for lunch today. She is a doll and I know that you must have been a fantastic man. Although I never had the honor of meeting you, your service to our state and your memory will always live on. Thank you for that and thanks for watching over your brothers and sisters in blue!
Det. Renee Luneau
February 22, 2011
I miss you every day and you are always in my thoughts even tho you are gone i would like to say that my son has Russell as his middle name in memory of you, i miss you very much you were taken way too soon in my life..
crystal bagshaw
neice
July 31, 2010
To a classmate and a friend, you are gone but never forgotten. Rest in peace.
T.F.C. Tim Wetter
Ct State Police
July 6, 2010
"Gone, but never forgotten". R.I.P. Brother
TFC Orlando C. Mo
Connecticut State Police
May 31, 2010
I remember Russell as a young kid working at Woodland Gardens and from also from high school. I new he went on a few years later to become a Ct State Trooper. I was shocked the morning of 6-5-91 to hear of his death. Five weeks later my family and I moved from Manchester to start my career in law enforcement in Florida. Each time I go back home and visit my dads grave I also visit Russell's. I often tell fellow officers I work with about the details of his death and remind them to be safe out there. Eighteen years later I still think of Russell and the sacrifice he made for us all. Rest in peace Russ.
Sgt Daniel M. Boland
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office
February 22, 2010
the man that deffended us all
Anonymous
August 1, 2009
Your untimely death is the ultimate reminder of the danger Troopers face everyday. I know some lessons will be learned after reading your profile.
Trooper
Kentucky State Police
July 19, 2009
Russ,
Today marks 18 years now since you were gunned down. Your brother Troopers have not forgotten you. Rest in Peace my young Trooper.
Your Sergeant and one of the last few to see you alive,
Sgt. Terry Sumner
Sgt. Terry Sumner
CSP- Ret.
June 5, 2009
I have just posted a reflection to my late uncle, and after doing so i have read all the reflections left by others.I want to say you are all very kind reading them i started to tear up. Thank you for all of your kindness. He will always be loved and nevee forgotten.Rest in Peace uncle Russell
crystal
neice
November 29, 2008
Uncle Russell you were the best. I was almost 5 when you were killed i miss you terribly. I am now 22 and i have a daughter that is 3 months and i will tell her about you when she is old enough to understand. Her name is Anastasia Marillyn Rose Bagshaw. I love you and wish you were sill here... Love always Crystal
crystal
neice
November 29, 2008
RIP Trooper Bagshaw a CT hero.
January 17, 2008
"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
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission
Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
September 25, 2007
God Speed, Brother.
P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ
September 3, 2007
Russ,
We who were then when you died will never be the same, some, will never let you name be forgotten. As long as my husband is alive, we can be found at St. Columba church at 1000 hrs on June 5th. As i gaze at you face I can't help but notice how young you were !We tell the stories often, especially to new recruits and we are so proud of you - rest in peace Russ #534
Dispatcher Kathleen Farley
State Police Troop K
August 23, 2007
You are not forgotten.
Former Police Officer (Dist.Hghts. MD)
Warrenton, Virginia
June 5, 2007
G-d Bless you and your loved ones.
June 5, 2007
Russ, I will never, never forget the telephone call I got from one of the midnight shift dispatchers that June 5th morning at 0400, telling me you were gone. Only three and a half hours earlier I had you sitting beside me at my desk going over some of your reports before you went out on patrol and I went home off evening shift. I sat on the edge of my bed in disbelief. My wife woke up and asked what was wrong and I told her you were gone. I felt so helpless and devastated. I got up and my wife said that I should go in to the barracks...and I did..for 3 days. It's been sixteen years now and it still seems like it was just a few hours ago we were talking.
Rest in peace my boy!
Sergeant Terry Sumner
Connecticut State Police, Ret. #204
May 22, 2007
Every time I drive to north windham I see your name on I84 and I wonder who you were....now I know....Thank you for your service....RIP!
ken rooney
May 2, 2007
Thank you for your service and dedication. May you rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.
Police Officer
March 25, 2007
Rest in peace knowing that you are NEVER going to be forgotten. Carry on brother.
Officer Michael Hicks
Coventry Police Dept.- CT
February 12, 2007
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE ON AND OFF DUTY! I KNOW YOU ARE STILL WATCHING OVER US FROM THE STREETS OF GOLD!!!!
DISPATCHER GRETA M HUFF
KY STATE POLICE POST 13 HAZARD
February 10, 2007
I am 28 years old, and my dream is to be a Connecticut State Trooper....Russell Bagshaw is my hero; my drive to become one of Connecticut's Soldiers of the Law; most sharpy dressed agency in the U.S....My inspiration, rest in peace, Trooper Bagshaw.
Peter J. Pendziwater
Connecticut State Police aspiring trooper
December 3, 2006
Trooper Bagshaw did not die in vain. I always tell the midnight tour to be careful with burglar alarm calls, don't treat them as routine. I frequently tell the story of Trooper Bagshaw.
RIP
Sgt. Alexander Lindsay
MTA Police Dept
November 15, 2006
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