Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Ben was killed.

To the Zirbel family, fellow officers, and all who call Ben 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 Deputy Zirbel gave to his community and the citizens of Florida and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 21, 2018.

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

August 27, 2018

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God”. Matthew 5:9

Thank you for your service. May you rest in peace, my brother.

Retired Chief of police Jim Spratlen
Durango Police Department

August 27, 2018

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers during this difficult time. Your service and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Thomas H. Kelly Jr., ASAC
Federal Air Marshal Service

August 27, 2018

"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 Police department
Powell, Wyoming

August 27, 2018

I am sorry to learn of the passing of a brother and hero in Deputy Sheriff Ben Zirbel. I know our Heavenly Father has welcomed him home where he will now patrol the golden streets of Heaven. May the Lord deliver blessings, comfort and peace to his family, friends and peers.

T W Martinez, Retired and FOP member
State of New Mexico/JJS

August 26, 2018

Rest easy Brother. Prayers for family, friends and coworkers.

Career Officer (Ret.) Victor Agosto
Chesterfield County Police (Va.)

August 25, 2018

Rest in Peace Deputy Zirbel. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and Prayers go out to your family, coworkers and friends.

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

August 25, 2018

We send our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Deputy Ben Zirbel. We are saddened by this news, but encouraged that his life will live on through the donation of his organs and by the Amazing Grace of God who makes all things possible. Please know our thoughts and prayers go with you all.

Chaplain James Gysel
Calhoun County MI Sheriff's Office

August 25, 2018

Rest in peace Sheriff Zirbel!
You will not be forgotten!

Willie Bell Hopewell VA!
Friend Of All Law Enforcement Officers!

August 25, 2018

Rest easy Brother ! We got it from here

DFC A Grinage
PGSO

August 25, 2018

RIP Deputy Zirbel, we have it from here. Prayers to Deputy Zirbel's family as well as the brave men and women of the Clay County (Florida) Sheriff's Office and officers everywhere who put their lives on the thin blue line each and every day!

Detective Lieutenant K. D. Cheers (RET)
State of Florida Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations

August 24, 2018

My family and I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and fellow coworkers of Deputy Sheriff Ben Zirbel during this difficult time. May they find comfort and support from those around them. May happy moments from the past bring forth precious memories to cherish for a lifetime. May God help heal their aching hearts. Thank you for your service and may you rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Ben Zirbel.

Gail Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit Police Officer Jennifer Fettig eow 2/16/2004

August 24, 2018

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 whose 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 (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

August 24, 2018

I happened to be about ten cars behind the accident. I did not know the accident involved a deputy at that time. I would later find out who was involved.

Although it was years ago, I will remember Deputy Zirbel as a school resource who was a joy to work with. No matter how involved the situation was, Deputy Zirbel always had a great attitude and was wonderful with all of the students. I know he continued to touch hundreds of lives after I worked with him and always will be remembered for the outstanding officer and person he was.


My deepest sympathy goes out to his family. You are in my thoughts.

Miss Lisa Hawn
Civilian

August 24, 2018

Another fine young man lost. He has gone to our Lord, he will walk with God and the rest of our angels but he leaves behind a young wife and son and his brothers and sister's. We will think of him and he will always be in our prayers. Blue lives are so precious we need to protect them as we do our own loved ones.

GYSGT MERLE
USMC

August 24, 2018

Your service is appreciated. Rest In Peace

Retired Chief of Police Johnny McCurry
West Point Ga P.D.

August 24, 2018

Thank you for your service, and rest in peace Deputy Zirbel. Praying for your family and the entire CCSO family at this difficult time.

A.J. Schaefer
Postal Inspector (Jacksonville, FL)

August 24, 2018

Rest In Peace brother.

Corporal (Retired) Glenn Elliott
Temple Police Department--Temple,Tx

August 24, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother, may God continue to watch over your family.

Sergeant Stephen Woodard- Texas Highway
Texas Department of Public Safety

August 24, 2018

May God bless Officer Zirbel and his family and his brothers and sisters in blue. Rest In Peace.

Special Police Officer Art DeVre
Clark Police

August 24, 2018

R.I.P. BROTHER Zirbel!!!

Nebraska Police Officer

August 24, 2018

Rest in peace brother, we have the watch now. Thank you for your service, you will not be forgotten. Thank you for being an organ donor so you can live on in others. God bless the family, friends, and co-workers of Deputy Zirbel during this time of tragic and sudden loss.

Deputy Donnie Meaders
Okfuskee County (OK) Sheriff's Office

August 24, 2018

Rest in peace brother.

Officer Kyle Groose
Laramie PD, WY

August 24, 2018

God bless you Deputy Zirbel.

Ret. Officer JR Neary
East Los Angeles

August 24, 2018

May the good lord welcome you with open arms, for you have done your job well.

Douglas Maykowski
Fraternal Order Of Police Central Macomb Lodge #187 Macomb County Mich

August 24, 2018