Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"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 24, 2008

Charlie,

I was with you on that fateful day in August, as usuall you told us your joke of the day, and as usuall we laughed, although we worked in neighboring districts, I in the 17th you in the 1st, we always tried to back each other up, even ride in on bordering jobs, We were headed down to you the Roy Rodgers when the robbery call came out. All I can say is I'm sorry we didn't get there sooner and I'm sorry for not being able to help you any more then I did on the ride to the hospital, I was in the back of the wagon with you, trying to open your airway and trying as hard as possible to keep you with us. I hope and pray that you are in a better place and at peace. God Bless you and little Charlie

Lt. Stephen P. Biello
Phila.P.D. and friend

December 13, 2007

My prayers are with you and your family on this anniversary.

Former MD Police Officer
Fauquier County, VA

August 30, 2007

Rest in Peace, P/O Knox. You are not forgotten.

P/O #5434
Phila. PD

August 30, 2007

Always remembered.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

August 30, 2007

My husband and I were best friends with R and Charlie. He introduced us. We did so much together. And I miss that so much. I can remember that Sunday night like it was yesterday. I remember my husband's brother calling me to tell me that Charlie was shot and killed. But I didn't believe it. I just thought that through the telling of the story that he was shot but in the hospital badly hurt. I didn't know if my husband, then my boyfriend, knew yet. So I got dressed and waited for him to come home. When he came through the door, I just knew my worst fears were confirmed just by the look on his face. So we rushed over to R and Charlie's house and went with her to the hospital. But only while we were sitting in the police car, did I realize that Arlene did not know that Charlie was gone. When we got to the hospital we waited for the doctor to see us. He then came out and gave his wife the news. All she wanted to do was to see him. So R, myself and Bobby went to see him. It was hard to see your best friend like that. It was a big shock. When they had the funeral it was amazing to see how many officers from all over came to see our Charlie. They didn't even know him. But they respected him. I was so proud of him. If they would have known him, like I knew him, they would have even liked him more. He had this laugh that was contagious. He was a true gentleman. Every year on his birthday, March 27th, I always tell him Happy Birthday and thank you for the gift that he gave me, my husband, Bobby. I wished he was here to see us get married since he is the reason we are together and have 2 beautiful boys, which one has his name. My boys will always know that their Uncle Charlie was a true hero and Mommy and Daddy's best friend. Charlie, we miss you everyday and know that you and Little Charlie are watching over R and her boys and us too. One day we will meet again, and we'll all go riding on our Harley's. Love you, Janet

Janet Fred
Friend

February 25, 2007

To the family and loved ones of Officer Charles Thomas Knox and his fellow officers with the Philadelphia Police Department:

On this the fourteenth anniversary of Charlie's tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember him today. Charlie's professionalism and dedication will never be forgotten, nor will his valor and courage.

In reading the loving reflections left by his friends and co-workers I can see that he was very loved, well respected and is sorely missed. I hope that God is holding him in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

No doubt that Heaven has another hero in Charlie, but I am so sorry you had to lose your beloved. When I read in the memorial page that his son later died at the age of sixteen in an automobile accident, I was heartbroken about the anquish the Knox family has had to endure. May you all continue to be comforted by your faith and your law enforcement family and other police survivors.

I am so sorry that Charlie was robbed of his life so young and so tragically, but through his heroism and the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Charlie gave to his community and the citizens of Pennsylvania, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 30, 1992.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD
eow 4/24/05

August 30, 2006

Thank you for your courage and ultimate sacrifice. Please keep a watchful eye over your brothers in blue.

Detective
Orlando Police Dept.

August 19, 2006

I was too young to truly understand what had happened. Only 7 years old standing in a sea of police officers, my mom and brother by my side. I was the daughter of a Philadelphia police officer and was privileged enough to attend the ceremony in your honor. Tonight I watched tears run down my father's face (nearly 14 years after that horrible night)... he was in your platoon. I will forever be thankful for your willingness to give your own life for the protection of mine and so many others. Thank you will simply never be enough, but it's all I can offer.

Thank you Cholly.

Too young to know

March 22, 2006

I sit here 14 years after your death and remember the day as if it were yesterday. The sirens, your wagon speeding down Snyder Avenue and you waving to me as you passed. Then I heard the news that will forever be enbedded in my memory -- that you were killed. It still saddens me that I never got a chance to say good bye to you. I will never forget you and will have love for you eternally. Your friend forever and a day!

Angie

March 10, 2006

I remember the day you were laid to rest. I seen all the police cars from near and far. I watched as they laid you to rest.I heard the shots than Taps.I seen Policeman cry, I cried. That day I decided to become a Policeman. Thank you for watching over me when I'm on the street. I pass Broad and Snyder everyday. Never will I forget you.

P/O #3155 PPD

March 1, 2006

I was in the police academy when you were killed. I was born and raised in South Philly and I used to hang out at the Roy Rogers (then Ginos) where it happened. I lived in South Philly on the night you gave your life and I remember the blaring of sirens one police car and wagon after another passing my house. My wife asked me what was going on and I remember saying to her, "All of these police I hope it's not a cop" but it was. You died a hero killed from behind by a coward. My first assignment as a cop was South Philly and every time I passed Broad & Snyder I remembered you and I was honored just to be a cop. Today your plaque is on the wall of the Wallgreens that stands there now. I am with another department now but we are all still brother and sister officers no matter what! Rest in peace my brother officer.

Sgt. John Witherup
Temple University Police Dept.

Sergeant John Witherup
Temple University Police Dept.

January 4, 2006

I knew Officer Knox. We graduated in the same academy class, 289. He was in A Platoon and I was in B. The first time I worked plain clothes was with him at a scalper detail at Vet Stadium. I saw "Cholly" the night before he was killed on a gun job at the Spectrum. Even though it wasn't his district he went in on the job. That was the kind of cop he was. He was a great cop and a great guy. I think of him a lot as I know everyone from Class 289 does. Resume Patrol Officer Knox! Resume Patrol!

P.O. (Ret.)
Philadelphia Police Dept.

November 13, 2005

Charlie was a relative of mine. Well on my moms side. And though I only met him about 10 times I did see his wife and son a lot. I was so proud to have him in my family. Even though it was by marriage, I still consider him family. He was an amazing man and will always be in my heart and in my thoughts. At his funeral I can remember standing outside the church and looking down to the left and right and just seeing a sea of blue. It's amazing how police officers came from all over to salute this great hero. He is missed every day. We need more people like My uncle Charlie....I hope him and Charlie Jr. are together and watching over all of us.....I miss you both.

Cristin Pasetti

October 4, 2005

Charlie, though I never met you, I will never ever forget the anniversary of your death, as it comes just four days after my Mickey's every single year. I meant to post this yesterday, but the day (and night) got away from me.

I can't help but remember how I felt when I saw the news of your death, just after we returned from Mickey’s first viewing. It was so close to our South Jersey area, and it really hit me hard because I truly knew exactly how your family was feeling, since I was just a few days further along than they were in my horrible nightmare of losing Mickey. I vividly remember Mickey’s picture falling off the counter in my parent’s kitchen, right onto the hard tile floor as the broadcast came on the television about your death. His picture amazingly did not break. I just knew that was Mick’s doing, just as I know he was there to welcome you to Heaven.

I remember meeting your R and little Charlie just a few months later. R and I shared many tears, but luckily some good laughs when sharing stories about you guys.

Please know you will always be remembered! Rest in peace.

Stacy


Stacy Cullinane Smith
Surviving Spouse of Patrolman Mickey Cullinane
Sea Isle City, NJ Police Department
EOW 8/26/92

August 31, 2005

ON THIS ANNIVERSARY OF YOUR SACRIFICE, MAY YOU REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. YOU DID NOT LOSE YOUR LIFE, YOU GAVE IT UNSELFISHLY IN SERVICE TO OTHERS. A TRUE HERO INDEED.

JIM SWEENEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

August 30, 2005

Your Charlie's death was the next one after my son's, P/O Danny Boyle. I remember crying for your loss and still hurting from my own. I think of you and pray daily for Charlie's family. Now, young Charlie is with his Dad. God Bless.

Elizabeth Boyle
Phila.Chapter Concernsof Police Survivors

August 19, 2005

Twelve years have passed and you haven't and won't be forgotten.

Vol. FF. D. Richio
Upper Darby Fire Department

September 2, 2004

05/11/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Officer Knox.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

May 12, 2004

This is a very brave man. I hope that during the time of this incident, up until today, the members of the community which he served truly appreciated his commitment and sacrifice to their safety. Every coworker and family member can be most proud to know that Officer Knox's actions were a true testament of his character. I salute you for your bravery. May you rest in peace in a special place. May your bravery, commitment and sacrifice never be forgotten! AC

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

May 5, 2004

Charlie, may you rest in peace. I didn't know you, but I just know my Mickey welcomed you to Heaven. Arlene and I crossed paths because you guys were taken from us only four days apart over 11 years ago. We certainly have shared many, many tears together.

My heart broke for her when Little Charlie's life was cut so short. He was really a great kid. I visit your graves when I go by to visit Mickey's grave. I just still have trouble believing it, even as I stare at all the things people leave for him. He was and always will be so very loved. I will always be thankful for knowing him and being able to remember the fun times I shared with him and R. I think of him often.

I just know Little Charlie is up there in Heaven making you and Mickey laugh like he made me and R laugh!

R misses you and Little Charlie tons, but you'd be proud of her strength. I know I am.

Take care, peace officer and watch over us always.

Stacy Spiegel Cullinane-Smith
Widow of Officer Mickey Cullinane, Sea Isle City, NJ Police, EOW 8/26/92 and current wife of a Montgomery County MD Police Officer

Stacy Cullinane Smith

October 22, 2003

Rest easy, brother. May you and your son finally live the time that once was robbed. God bless those left behind and may your killer feel eternal heat.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)

August 30, 2003

POLICEMAN'S PRAYER

Walk with him tonight Dear Lord
Along each darkened street
Walk with him tonight Dear lord
Along his lonely beat
Keep him happy through the night
And please make sure he's warm
And guide him to a sheltering door
In case there comes a time a storm
And let him know
Though he's not here
My prayers are free from fright
Because, Dear Lord ,I, know so well
You're on his beat tonight

Anonymous