Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

RIP you did not die in vain.

PO Wanderman
Yonkers PD

February 26, 2008

We will never forget your sacrafice. God bless the Byrne family, and God Bless the N.Y.P.D.

Lt. Rob Ortlieb
NYPD

February 26, 2008

Today, like all days..just to say...you will never be forgotten..

Michael Duffy
An Garda Síochána - Ireland's Police

February 26, 2008

Twenty years patrolling the heavens above. Eddie is never forgotton. Continue to watch over us.

Lt Paul Sanzone
NYPD

February 26, 2008

KNOW THAT YOU HAVE BEEN REMEMBERED FROM THE DAY YOU WERE BORN AND SINCE YOU HAVE LEFT US TO PATROL OVER YOUR BREATHERAN . IT IS WITH THE GREATEST ADMIRATION OF YOUR ULTIMATE SACRIFICE THAT I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT YOUR NAME MEANS MORE TO ALL OF US THAN CAN EVER BE EXPRESSED. EVERY LAST WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH FOR ALMOST 19 YEARS WE HAVE GOTTEN TOGETHER WITH MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY AND CELBRATED YOU WITH THE EDWARD R. BYRNE COP OF THE MONTH AWARDS ISSUED TO HUNDREDS OF OFFICERS WHO HAVE SELFISHLY DONE THEIR DUTY AT GRAVE RISK TO THEIR LIVES. WE SALUTE YOU AND KEEP YOU IN OUR THOUGHTS EVERYDAY OF OUR LIVES. THANK YOU.

LIEUTENANT CLAUDIO FERNANDEZ
NYPD HIGHWAY PATROL

February 25, 2008

It's been 20 long years but any of us still on the job from back then still remember and we think of him often. The city owes so much of it's successful turn around to PO Byrne's sacrifice. His death at the hands of the lowest life forms imaginable woke a city up and sparked a police department to hit back hard and not let up. We will never forget you brother !

Sgt Jim Bolden
NYPD

February 24, 2008

We were hired the same day and should have retired the same day. But your life was cut short by savages. You did NOT die in vain and will always be remembered. Rest In Peace Brother.

Lt. Timothy Davin (Ret.)
NYPD

February 24, 2008

I was on the job that day and will always remember what happened. Rest in Peace Brother, you will always be remembered.

P.O. Ernie Dove
Retired NYPD

February 24, 2008

Yesterday would have been your 42nd birthday. It's been 20 years and thoughts of you are still in my head. My children even know who you are. Things remind me often of you, whether it be the number 42 on something or a Billy Idol song, there are so many memories. I think of you now as my guardian angel looking after us. My nephew is now in the 103rd and I know he has you on his side. Happy Birthday Eddie.

Vivian Roca Fitzgerald
old friend

February 22, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE AND DEDICATION, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE, GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THOSE THAT LOVE YOU

Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

February 20, 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

January 2, 2008

Although many years have gone by, you are still remembered as a hero. I was a young officer back then also, and your death left a deep hole in my heart. I was so very saddened for many years after. I know that it is always said that we should'nt question God, but I always asked God why? Why like this? It didn't matter that I had never met you or even worked with you. All that mattered to me was that you were my brother in blue and your life was a part of my life. When you died, it took a part of me too, and I knew that I would never forget your name. Eddie, I never forgot. I realize now that God needed you more, and you had to leave us, but you will forever be a hero to me. God bless you Eddie, and your loving family.

PO Cathy Williams
Retired NYPD

December 10, 2007

I lived in Bellerose at the time of Eddie Byrne's death. I remember taking my daughters to PS 33 and the streets were blocked off. The News people at the 105th precinct with microphones asking how we felt. This was the day when the police were moving the accused prisoner.

My husband and I went on the march for Eddie Byrnes over the 59th Street Bridge. In March of 89, we moved to N. Massapequa, NY where Eddie Byrnes went to High School. Weird, we lived not far from the area he where he died, and moved to an area where he went to school. I've seen his badge photo at the Plainedge High School many time, and remember that horrible day. What sadness his family had to endure. May you rest in peace forevermore, Eddie Byrnes.

December 7, 2007

I will never forget listening to the news on my way into work at the firehouse on Princeton Street that fateful day.I had met you a couple of times when you had stopped by the firehouse to use our bathroom. I remember asking you if you had a brother that worked there, because one of our guys had the same last name. On that horrible morning,when those cowards stole your life from you, we all got on our truck and headed over there to tell your brother Police Officers that if they wanted a hot cup of coffee or to call their families,to stop by the firehouse.It was the least that we could do.I said a prayer for you while we were there at the site, and I am sure the others did also.Rest in Peace Eddie.You will always be remembered as a hero.

Firefighter 1st Grade ret.
FDNY Engine Co. 303 South Jamaica

November 30, 2007

Eddie,
I can't believe, it's been 20 years since I walked into the kitchen of my Firehouse in South Jamaica on a cold January day in 1988, and the guys asked me if I had a brother in the NYPD. I responded, A father, retired NYPD, but not a brother. They stated there is a PO. named Byrne in the TV room. I walked in, we talked for awhile, wondering if we were distant Cousins. As he was leaving, I jokingly responded "Lets be careful out there tonight", quoting the hit show of the time Hill Street Blues. Little did I know how prophetic that statement would be, just a few short weeks later! I still think of that night whenever I visit the firehouse, and pass that horrible scene just a few short blocks away. Rest in Peace Brother!!

Larry Byrne
Ladder 126 FDNY. Retired

Larry Byrne
FDNY Retired

November 23, 2007

What can I say buddy, its been a long 19 plus years. I still can't bring myself to go to the place where you entered into eternal life. I always feel the loss and the pain of losing my best friend, you are always in my thoughts and prayers. I think of you when I awake and before I go to bed. Not a day goes by when I don't think of all the fun we used to have from the first grade to junior high, high school and the few years after. Who would have thought it was going to end so soon? As Simba, Mark and Steve came over the other day, I thought of you not being here. When I had a huge party over the summer, and we were all together, I thought of you not being here. I can't understand to this day why you were taken, I remember going to your house that Friday morning, it was cold. When Kenny met me outside I knew something happened. I remember my legs buckled, and I could barely get from the driveway to the front door, I never felt so empty. I misss you, you will always be my closest friend, may you know comfort and joy with our heavenly father, until we meet again.

Robert Pucciarelli
Old Friend

November 21, 2007

I come from the same proud Irish family as officer Byrne, and my great uncle Edward Byrnes, was Chief of Detectives in N.Y.C. in the 40's. The family has long been involved in law inforcement, and Mr. Byrne will be well taken care of in heaven. Not only by his brothers in arms, but also by his family. May you rest in peace forever.

John Boudreau
Distant Cousin

September 26, 2007

It's been 20 years now since we worked together in District 32 before you left for the 103, and I can still remember your face at roll call. You are still very much missed. REST IN PEACE, GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Richard Cosentino
Retired NYPD

Sergeant Richard Cosentino
NYPD

September 25, 2007

i had only been a correction officer for approximately 6 months when officer byrne was murdered. i think we were about the same age when we started our journey in law enforcement. i am getting ready to retire and often think of officer byrne, i was raised in hollis queens. may you continue to rest in peace knowing that justice was served. you are always in my thoughts and prayers. god bless you.

officer coe
nyc dept. of correction

July 21, 2007

I have yet to understand how depriving someone of their life can be rectified by determining the amount of years the killer(s) must lose of their freedom to make it right, and in your case, in the performance of their duties. Rest easy, Officer Byrne, and know your brothers in the NYPD have carried on, and will continue to.

Houston Police Dept.

July 12, 2007

GOD BLESS YOUR SOUL. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMBERED BY YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS ON PATROL

PO CIRIGLIANO
20 ANTI CRIME

June 30, 2007

EDDIE REST IN PEACE YOU ARE ONE OF THE REASONS I BECAME A COP

P.O CHRIS PALMS
TAMPA POLICE DEPT.

April 10, 2007

A piece of every decent American died, when Eddie was assassinated. Eddie R. Byrne's sacrifices will NEVER BE FORGOTTON.

He served honorably and in the "Finest" traditions of the NYPD.

Bless your soul, brother.

Lt Paul Sanzone
NYPD

April 8, 2007

Officer Byrne,
I just saw a TV program here in England called "The FBI Files" about your awful murder. We share the same surname so my ears pricked up when I heard your name. I have been a Police Officer for 24 years over here. Just 2 days ago I was almost run over by a car at a fatal accident scene. Eddie, my son wants to be a Police Officer. I have tried to put him off but you will know that's impossible. I hope he makes me proud just like I'm sure you made your parents and brothers proud. Keep an eye on him for me please. Rest in peace........... Pat Byrne.....Cheshire Police, England

Police Constable 2121 Patrick Byrne
Cheshire Police, England

March 14, 2007

Dear Mr and Mrs Byrne,
19 years ago the day after the heartbreaking loss of your son Ed,I came out of business meeting in lower Manhattan and found myself staring at a wall where some jerk wrote a NYC PD was killed and how happy the jerk was that it happened.
I couldn't care if a hundred people saw me in a suit take a black marker out of my brief case and crossed out the entire wall, which I did AND ENJOYED DOING IT.
At the time my twin brother John was an active cop in ESU Truck 2 , Harlem.
I remember seeing Mr Byrne on TV saying " If my son is not safe sitting in a patrol car in uniform, then none of us are safe."
All these years have gone by and I will never forget that.
Little did I know what was in store for John and our family.
A few days after 9/11 when for the first time I layed eyes on John's tomb at the World Trade Center Site I thought to myself "if these people weren't safe at work at 9am on an average Tuesday morning, then none of us are safe."
I sincerly thank Mr Byrne for that true prespective in my time of personal loss.
On an average Tuesday so many years ago I became a twinless twin, 9/11 family member and an NYPD LODD Surviving family member.
Yes, tonight for sure I remember and pray for soul of NYCPO
Edward Byrne.
The courage of the Byrne family has been taken deep into my heart as personal healing.
Tonight my thoughts are with them.
Where ever they are , what ever they are doing our family wishs them peace.
God Bless all of them.

Dan D'Allara
Survivor of the Shield

February 27, 2007