Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I can't believe its been 4 years... Think about you everyday. I'll never forget our conversation the night before you were called up.. Love you brother!

Detective Matt Hatfield
Mercer County Sheriff's Office WV

May 30, 2021

The worst day of the year. Think about you everyday brother. I'll never forget the last time we hung out. Love you brother!

Detective Matt Hatfield
Mercer County Sheriff's Office WV

May 30, 2021

There’s not a day I don’t think about you! Love you brother, rest easy!

Officer J.J. Harris
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department

February 28, 2021

Rest easy

Mark Mottola

May 30, 2020

On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Aaron died in the line of duty.

To the Crook family, fellow deputies, and all who call Aaron beloved, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in our area embraced us in a circle of love and support, and I know you will receive the same support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace. I hope that your family knows that a nation mourned for you.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Lt. Crook gave to his community and the citizens of West Virginia and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on May 30, 2017.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

September 8, 2018

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

August 30, 2018

My family and I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and fellow coworkers of Lieutenant Aaron Crook during this very difficult time. May they find comfort and support from those around them. May their times spent together bring forth happy memories to last a lifetime. May God help heal their aching hearts. Thank you for your service and dedication to your community. Rest in peace Lieutenant Crook.

Gail M Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit P.O. Jennifer Fettig eow 2/16/2004

August 19, 2017

Rest In Peace Brother

Captain S. Yancey
Forest Hill Police, Texas

August 10, 2017

As the chief of police for this department I feel as if I lost a piece of myself!! Aaron was truly one of the best and honest police officers I ever had the privilege to work with. He cared about each person he dealt with. Rest In Peace my brother I love you!! Chief D.M. Dillow Jr.

Chief of police Dennis Dillow
Bluefield West Virginia PD

July 5, 2017

The best officer I have ever worked with! It was truly a blessing to learn from you! You're truly miss brother! Love you and rest easy!

Detective J.J. Harris
Bluefield Police Department

July 1, 2017

My training officer, my co-worker and most importantly, my friend. Thinking about you everyday my brother. Thankful for everything you've taught me throughout the years. I'll never forget the last time we were together. I love you brother rest easy.

Deputy Sheriff Matthew Hatfield
Mercer County Sheriff's Office, previously Bluefield Police Department

June 21, 2017

My training officer, my co-worker and most importantly, my friend. Thinking about you everyday my brother. Thankful for everything you've taught me throughout the years. I'll never forget the last time we were together. I love you brother rest easy.

Deputy Sheriff Matthew Hatfield
Mercer County Sheriff's Office, previously Bluefield Police Department

June 21, 2017

May his soul rest in peace. Lt. Aaron Crook served well here on Earth. To Aaron's family and friends, I'm so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

And to the two surviving officers, if you're reading this... I sent a handwritten letter to the Bluefield PD and wasn't sure if you ever got it. So I'm putting here in hopes they will possibly see it.

" To the two surviving officers involved in that car accident on May 30, 2017, plus anyone else who might need this:

I am 17 years old. And I'm praying for you.

I'm so sorry to hear about what happened on that night. I have no idea how much guilt you may have because of that car accident. But that accident was just that. An accident. Something you could not control. Something that was out of your hands. You may not believe this at times, but it's the truth.

Please, please, please, do not let this get to you as it has to others. I know Aaron wouldn't want this. I know you may think it was your fault and you could have done something differently to change the outcome of the situation. But you couldn't have. You did what you thought was best at the time and honestly that's all anyone could ever ask from anyone.

Please reach out to your coworkers, or someone you trust for help if you need it. If you believe you or someone else might have PTSD and/or depression, this one of the biggest ways you can help or get help. Don't put yourself alone and in the dark like so many others have. Many of you might think it will give you a reputation of being crazy or weak. You're not. Trust me.

These people who stand by your side know what you do every day and night. They feel the same stress and trauma as you do. Even if they might not have experienced the same situation, there are a lot of traumatic things that happen in your profession. They will understand. And as PTSD awareness is becoming more common in law enforcement, there will be help available for you, either through your peers or supervisors.

Because you're serving in one of the toughest jobs in the world, you are a strong person. In fact, you are the strongest, most caring person I know. That's why respect you guys so much. You care enough about the safety of the people in your communities to help them in their time of need. I care about each of you, your families, and peace of mind. You matter to me.

"Why?" you ask.

You matter to me because you serve and protect the people of Bluefield, WV. You don't serve in my community, as I live in Michigan, but you matter. You matter to me because you matter to your family. They love you and are anxiously awaiting your return back home. You matter to me because you have the heart to serve and protect people in your community, which is especially hard during these days we're living in.

I'm just trying to show my support for you guys during this difficult time. I'm praying for you. <3"

Much respect and appreciation for all involved. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You are heroes.

Teen supporter, future 911 dispatcher Re

June 20, 2017

Semper Fi brother.

Civilian Mike Stivers
None

June 13, 2017

You helped make this world a safer place to live.
May God grant you eternal peace.
Prayers to your loved ones and to your department.

Det. Billy Russo (Ret.)
Nassau County PD, NY.

June 11, 2017

Rest In Peace Lt. My prayers go out to your family and co-workers.

Probation Parole Officer III Aaron Linn
WV Parole Services

June 10, 2017

Rest in peace, Lieutenant Crook. You deserve your divine reward.

May God comfort your family, friends, and fellow officers at this difficult time.

God bless and protect the Thin Blue Line that protects us all.

Private Citizen Kathryn Felts
Mother of & Family Member of Law Enforcement

June 7, 2017

“Marines”

You can have your Army Kakiis,
And your Navy Blues,
But here’s a different fighting man,
I’ll introduce to you.
His uniform is unlike,
Any you’ve ever seen,
The Germans called him “Devil Dog”,
His title is “Marine”.

He was trained in Parris Island,
The place that God forgot,
The sand was fourteen inches deep,
The sun was blazing hot.
He awakened up one morning,
In front of his rack he’ll stand,
And in through the doorway walked,
A giant of a man.

He turned and faced this young Marine,
With eyes as cold as steel,
He said, “I am your DI,
And this is for real.
I’ll make your life as miserable,
As miserable as I can,
And when you finally leave this place,
You’ll be a fighting man.
You’ll be a rifle expert,
You’ll know your weapon well,
And when you encounter the Viet Cong,
You’ll send their souls to Hell.

Now gather around you young Marines,
And lend me all your ears,
And I’ll tell you of a few things,
We’ve conquered through the years,
We fought at Iwo Jima,
The land of fire and Hell,
We killed all those Japanese,
And took their land as well.

Now you can tell your ladies,
And this my Lad is true,
To get herself a young “Marine”,
There is nothing he can’t do.
He’s peeled a million onions,
And twice as many spuds,
Then you’ll find him in the slop chutes,
A soaking up the suds.

And when he gets to Heaven,
St.Peter he will tell,
Another “Marine” reporting Sir.
I’ve served my time in Hell.

Written and copyright by: David Lee Bell
1968
USMC 1968-1971
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1968 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

June 7, 2017

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"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 who’s 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
and may not be duplicated without permission
Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

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

June 7, 2017

Rest in peace brother. We have watch from here. May God Bless your Family and Friends.

LT. A. Orozco
ADOT/ECD

June 7, 2017

Rest with God Lt. Crook. Your dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten. Prayers for your family during this time in their lives.

retired police officer Bob Lester
Midland Texas Police Department

June 6, 2017

RIP my Brother, RIP.

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

Your sacrifice was far too great.

Thank you for your service to our country and your community.

God Bless

Investigator Q. Warren
Alaska, AGO, Special Prosecutions

June 6, 2017

RIP Sir, may God be with your Family and loved ones. Rest easy now. Protect from above.

Officer Steven Austin
Lawrence TWP P.D. (NJ)

June 6, 2017

Rest in peace, my brother. You will never be forgotten.

P.O. Chip Marcks, Ret.
PD Mariemont,OH; PD Easton,MD (Ret)

June 6, 2017

My condolences to the family and friends of Lieutenant Aaron Lloyd Crook. Losing a loved one is always difficult. Please take comfort in Jesus words found at John 5:28,29 where he said that there would be a resurrection. Just think of the time when you will see your loved ones again, in paradise conditions, here on earth. Once again, my condolences.

Cpl. William Stanback (Retired)
Pennsylvania State Police

June 5, 2017