Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sgt. Joseph M. Cournoyer was one of my officials who gave his life, in the line of duty and serving his community, on Tuesday, January 29, 1985. Joe was an excellent official, someone who would help anyone, in the time of need. A man who always wore a pleasant smile and enjoyed speaking with members of the community as he went about his law enforcement duties.
On this day, the Sergeant was doing what he enjoyed, performing his sworn duties, looking out for the citizens of the Sixth District. Attempting an arrest of an armed suspect, who had robbed a local business.
I think of Sgt. Cournoyer frequently and only wish that I could have been closer, at the time of the confrontation with the criminal. That just maybe, I could have been of assistance and kept him safe and alive.
I know that Sgt. Joseph M. Cournoyer is in heaven....God bless you sir.

Retired Lieutenant Everett W. Boober
Metropolitan Police Department, Washington, D.C. (Sixth District)

June 29, 2019

Sgt. Cournoyer,
On today, the 34th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the District of Columbia. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

January 29, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

March 9, 2018

Sgt. Cournoyer I didn't know you. I came across the circumstances of your untimely passing years ago and it stuck with me for years. Every year on this date I remember the sacrifice you made to keep our community safe. It's obvious from the comments on this page that you were an exceptional person who deserved to be on this earth much longer than you were. I am the relative of an MPD officer so I'm aware of the sacrifices that law enforcement officials make. I pray that you are resting in peace.

Elizabeth R.
Relative of current MPD Officer

January 29, 2018

I remember Joe well to this day. We worked together briefly at the First District Police Station, Washington, D.C. He was kind and brave. He was a nice guy. Glad to see Joe memorialized here. Gone too soon.

Officer Lisa Parks
MPD (retired FBI)

July 1, 2017

IN HONORE CASORUM
The promise... Always honored, never forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones.
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

January 29, 2015

Joe and I shared our first local law enforcement experiences together when we patrolled the Prospect Heights and Crook Manor Public Housing Projects together while serving as Community Services Officers with the Pawtucket Police Department (CETA Program - 1975). I have great memories of the time we worked together.

Bruce S. Busby - Patrolman
Fellow officer and patrol partner

September 16, 2013

Joe was a great kid to be around growing up in pawtucket, ri. We went thru elementry and high school together. One of most memorable friends fron those years.

jim rivard
a friend

January 30, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

November 26, 2012

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Cournoyer. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 5, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 27th anniversary 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect, and your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today.

Rest In Peace.

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

January 29, 2012

Joe, I will always remember you and what you taught me as my training officer, my partner and my very best friend! You taught me to deal fairly with all and to have compassion for those that were less fortunate than me. You taught me how to take care of myself on the streets and to realize my limitations as well. You were an excellent officer and I know, with time, you would have been an even better Sergeant! I will never forget you Joe.

Retired Sergeant Patricia Newkirk
MPDC

May 19, 2011

Joe, it's been thirty years since we raised our hands and swore to protect and serve. Our class of officers are now retiring, we will never forget you and your sacrifice.

Detective Grade One
Sworn on to MPDC the same date (11/20/1978)

April 27, 2010

After all these years, I still remember and miss you. You were a great partner and friend and I will never forget you.

Lt. Bob Morin
MPDC Retired

November 23, 2009

God Bless You Sir.

Trooper
Virginia State Police

April 4, 2009

I remember you as if it were yesterday. You were a great guy and I miss you as a friend. Roll call was never the same without you. I know you're being taken care of.

Dave Vann
MPDC Friend

February 25, 2008

It's been twenty two years and I still remember the honor you always showed.
You did your job well with always a kind word, what an example you were.
I will never forget.

K. Brooks

January 29, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 26, 2008

Sgt. Cournoyer, thank you for your service and dedication. Neither you, nor your sacrifice, will ever be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

January 10, 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

September 27, 2007

Joe, I remember you often volunteered to work details and I would sometimes work with you on one. I remember a Robbery Squad detail when we had to stake out a liquor store together.
I guess we each had about two years on then. It was boring until the guy walked in with a ski mask over his face. ( I still remember the look on that intoxicated individuals face when we jumped out with the shotgun).
I always liked your sense of humor. You were a great cop with a lot of guts.

P. A. Cooper
M.P.D.C. Sgt. Retired

April 24, 2007

"My Brother"

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was idealistic and believed he could make a difference.
He was immensely proud of the uniform and the badge and what they represent.
He felt privileged to be of service to his department, his community and to his country.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was friendly, courteous, and polite, yet firm.
He laughed and joked, but was serious when necessary.
He was competent, trained, and professional.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He had a strong sense of right and wrong and became
frustrated when true justice became sidetracked.
He felt the sharp criticism that goes with the job, but he
never wavered.
He stood by and for his fellow officers.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He longed for his family during the long hours.
He worried about them during his shifts and the lonely
weekends, holidays and midnights when they were apart.
He felt guilty about the lost time, but knew his calling
and prayed they would understand.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was a good son, a loving husband, and a devoted father.
He was dedicated to the profession and cared about the
people he served.
He wanted to do the best job that he could and strived to
be the best he could be.
He was a good citizen and a good neighbor.

He was a cop.

Yes, I did know him.
He was a cop, he was my Brother.

Rest easy Brother Cournoyer, we have the watch...



”I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”
---Isaiah 6:8

You answered the call and made the ultimate sacrifice. Rest easy in God's kingdom and watch over us as we continue the battle here on earth!!!

Officer
MPDC

April 8, 2007

I still have not forgotten the evening of January 29, 1985. You were a good friend and a great man. God bless you.

Chief Michael B. McNeely
Bath, Ohio Police Department

January 17, 2006

20 years has not diminished your
sacrifice. God bless your service.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

November 23, 2005

I only knew you for a few months but couldn't have known a better guy. My loss that I didn't know you longer. As a rookie officer at the time, you gave me someone to look up to and model myself after.

Lt. Michael A. Smith
Metropolitan Police Department

June 11, 2004