Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My name is Yolanda Edwards-Dandridge, and Bernard Christopher was my second cousin. My father, Rudolph V. Edwards, Sr., was his first cousin. My father worked as a Housing Police Officer in the Bronx before being promoted to Detective. I like to think they are together in heaven, reminiscing and sharing stories as police officers often do.

Although I was just a little girl when my cousin lost his life, I have always kept him in my memory. Today, I had the opportunity to speak with a retired police officer who worked with Cousin Bernard, as well as his mother, who was a former County Clerk. It was a poignant reminder of how deeply Cousin Bernard is missed.

Our family will always hold Bernard in our thoughts and prayers. We are grateful for those who remember him and honor his contributions to the Police Department and his dedication to his family. My father often shared stories about Cousin Bernard, and I treasure those memories. Our family hails from the Virgin Islands, with roots in both St. Thomas and St. Croix.

Yolanda Edwards-Dandridge
Second Cousin

September 10, 2024

Det. Christopher,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

June 24, 2024

On the 49th anniversary of your End of Watch, continue to rest in eternal peace. Your life mattered.

Ret/Lt Vincent Manzione
Mount Vernon (NY) PD

June 24, 2023

Detective Christopher, your selfless actions that day are the true definition of duty before self. Thank you for your service and always know that your sacrifice is one that will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

June 24, 2020

Rest in peace Detective Christopher.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 24, 2019

On the 45th anniversary of your line of duty death, may we never forget your sacrifice and your valor.

Rest. Lt. Vincent Manzione
Mount Vernon (NY) Police Department

June 24, 2019

Det. Christopher,
Sir, as a fellow LEO and former Marine I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC. And to your Family and loved ones,?i wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO;former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 24, 2017

I am a retired Miami-Dade County Police Officer with 27 years, I have paid respect to this Officer by telling his story to police academy students. I knew this Officer as a young boy and shot his gun in the range of the old Police HQ. I knew many City of Mt. Vernon Police Officers that were an
inspiration. May GOD bless this Officer and the other I knew
that are no long with us.

PTL. John J. Kelly
Miami-Dade County Police Dept.

July 10, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 24, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer. He was your brother in green as well so I bid you semper fi and thank you for your service in the Corps.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace

I pray for solace for those who call you beloved friend and thank them for sharing their memories through their reflections.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 13, 2012

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer. He was your brother in green as well so I bid you semper fi and thank you for your service in the Corps.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace

I pray for solace for those who call you beloved friend and thank them for sharing their memories through their reflections.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 13, 2012

I said a little prayer today for Detective Christopher and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

June 19, 2009

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Detective Christopher.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 17, 2008

brother you are not forgotten.......thank you for sharing the thin blue with me . few realize our desire to protect and serve and you paid the ultimate sacrifice in that quest .........may you rest gently , we continue to have the watch from here..........

officer val pickens
b'ham pd/b'ham , al

November 18, 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

December 19, 2007

I remember Bernie well, he was a fine Police Officer and a
great Detective. Like myself he was a Former United States Marine. I was at the crime scene in the early morning hours
of 24 June 1974. Although fatally wounded by the Robbery
Suspect Det. Christopher drew his Revolver and emptied it at
the Suspect,striking him once in the arm. Suspect escaped with a woman accomplice and both were apprehended a few weeks later. I was in Command of the Honor Guard at Bernie's
Inspector's Funeral and he was rendered Full Police and USMC
Honors. Rest In Peace Bernie and Semper Fi, Gerald W. Colbert- Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Lieutenant Gerald W. Colbert
Mt. Vernon, N.Y. Police Dept. (Ret.)

May 1, 2007

My Department is currently making arrangements to further honor our fallen brother and are looking for any pictures that anyone might have of Detective Bernard L Christopher. It is our intention to use the picture(s) for a permanent memorial located inside of our Headquarters.
Please contact me if you can help us in this endeavor,
PO Eugene H Wilsea #2182
C/O Mount Vernon Police Department
Patrol Operations Division
2 North Roosevelt Square
Mount Vernon NY 10550
(914) 666-3375
Wilseax7 @ Optonline.net
Rest in Peace Brother Christopher, you will never be forgotten.

PO Eugene H Wilsea #2182

November 13, 2006

Detective Christopher,
As one officer wrote in another fallen officer's reflections-"no fallen officer should be without a reflection."
Thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Mount Vernon.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

February 8, 2005