Scranton Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Sunday, July 12, 2015
Reflections for Patrolman John James Wilding
"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 Ched Miner
Powell PD
July 24, 2015
God's peace and speed Patrolman Wilding. Thank you for your brave, dedicated service. RIP Brother.
P/O R. Popelka #7903
Chicago P.D.
July 21, 2015
Rest in peace fellow Officer, you did your best, sad it had to end like this.
Sergeant Riley Wilkins
New York Police Department, 120th Precint.
July 20, 2015
Rest in eternal peace, Patrolman Wilding, for we have the watch now. Your family and your brothers and sisters in uniform, our brothers and sisters, too, are in our thoughts and prayers. May they find comfort in remembrances of your dedication and service.
Deputy Warden Patricia Powers
Philadelphia Prison System
July 20, 2015
On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family of Patrolman John Wilding and the extended law enforcement family of the Scranton, Pennsylvania Police Department. Rest in Peace brother and watch over us.
I fight not for glory or fame, for they are momentary. I fight for those who can't. I fight for Justice. I fight for the oppressed and the down trodden. And if I should lose my life for these just causes, then I have no regrets, For I serve to protect the innocent. It matters not where or when, for evil knows no boundaries. Be it fire, flood, or the threat of tyranny, I will not flee. Justice is my weapon. Faith is my shield. Hope is my armor. Cry not at my passing, for it was my Honor to fight for you. Shed not tears of sorrow, But tears of joy, for now, I stand with God.
By Jon F. Hooper
"Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends."
Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police
July 20, 2015
My prayers to you and your fanily. Taken too soon brother
Deputy Juan Espinoza Juan Espinoza
Fresno County Sheriff's Department
July 19, 2015
Rest in peace Brother.
Sergeant Charles Rockwell
Stillwater Police Department
July 18, 2015
For Patrolman John James Wilding:
The duty of the law-officer on patrol is a combination of providing assistance to others along with confronting law-breakers. When fate deals a deadly hand to one among us who wears a badge we sadly realize that this supreme sacrifice is what enhances the proud reputation of those in law-enforcement everywhere. It is unfortunate that John lost his life doing what so many of us have done and have escaped the same fate simply by luck or circumstance.
We pray for John's family, co-workers, friends and all who care about him. May they be ready to reach-out to one another in the days ahead.
We are proud to render Patrolman John Wilding, a soldier-of-the-law, a final salute.
Cpl. Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
Pennsylvania State Police
July 18, 2015
You will never be forgotten brother. Your dedication & service to the citizens & city of Scranton is beyond honourable. You went above and beyond, rest in peace brother, your brothers and sisters in blue now have the watch.
Cole Phelps Security Officer
July 18, 2015
23rd PSALM
Earnest Hawkins Jr.
Prince Georges County Police MD (ret)
July 18, 2015
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.
N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE
July 17, 2015
Rest in peace my brother of blue.
Officer J. Rhodes
Maize Police Department, Kansas
July 17, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and fellow co-workers of Officer John Wilding during this very difficult time. May you find comfort and support from those around you. May God help heal your aching hearts. Rest in peace, Officer Wilding.
Gail M. Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit P.O. Jennifer Fettig eow 2/16/04
July 16, 2015
You are a hero who fought the good fight. May you rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers.
Special Agent Quarterman
Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation
July 16, 2015
Rest easy brother, you have stood your watch with pride and professionalism. Go to the promised place where you can look down to see your brothers continue what you have started. Thank you for your service. May the light of Christ ease the pain on the ones you have loved, and those who have loved you in return.
Sean D. Creamer; Chief
TPSU, New Bern NC
July 16, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and your agency
Retired Lieutenant
NH
July 15, 2015
So saddened to hear the news.
May you rest in peace after having served those around you. My thoughts are with you, your family, fellow officers and friends.
Reserve Police Officer G. Krystof
Los Angeles Police Department
July 15, 2015
May the Lord God welcome you home and be with your family through this loss!! God Speed brother!!
Agent Joey Gallegos
New Mexico State Police
July 15, 2015
Rest in Peace My Brother in Blue.
"Blessed are the Peacemakers for they Shall be Called Sons of God." Matthew 5:9
FTO D. Vaquero
San Diego Police Department
July 15, 2015
OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF THIS FALLEN HERO. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. WE WILL NEVER FORGET.
Officer Edwin Lara / Division 9
Cook County Sheriffs Office, IL- Honor Guard
July 15, 2015
My Condolences to the Family, Friends, Community and the Scranton Police Department
May the love of our Lord and Savior comfort and guide through this most difficult time.
Thank you for your Heroism Patrolman Wilding
God Bless
Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas
July 15, 2015
R.I.P. BROTHER Wilding!!!
Nebraska Police Officer
July 15, 2015
RIP Officer John Wilding. All of the stars in the universe now beckon and welcome you. Carry on, sir, and may the night skies forever glow with your passion ……
Ronald W. Moyer
NASA HQS, retired
July 15, 2015
Rest in Peace Patrolman John Wilding. Thank you for your service to this country and your community. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and your department at this time.
Chief Reuben C. Black
Barnwell Police Dpet., Barnwell, SC
July 15, 2015
The Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary of E. B. Jermyn #2 wishes to extend their sincere sympathy to the family of Officer John Wilding. Please know that we are here for you in Scranton. Do not hesitate to call upon us in your time of need.
Ann Cammerota, President
E.B. Jermyn #2 FOP Auxiliary
July 15, 2015
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