Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Patrolwoman Downs. Exactly two years to the day that Metro-Dade Officer William Coleman Cook was killed in the line of duty. So sad and tragic your estranged husband started a hornet's nest of trouble.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 24, 2022

On this actual anniversary of your death I’d like to reiterate my previous reflection and say that your law enforcement family will always remember. Rest in peace always.

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

May 16, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 8, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Downs. Tragic your estranged husband did this to a woman of valor!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 24, 2020

Rest in peace...my grandsons service dog was named after you. You were a strong women. I am grateful she was named after you...she will be strong and she will have you as her guardian angel. ❤

Lorri Grein

October 26, 2019

Rest In Peace Sister in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service. Never forgotten.

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

May 16, 2019

RIP, Patrolman Downs will never ever be forgotten. May her soul rest in Heaven.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired
New York State Police

December 26, 2018

So sad. Police deal with domestic issues everyday and then have to personally deal with an estranged spouse. It happened to an Officer in Texas, Karen Coward and in Indiana, Kimberly Carmack. Rest in peace Officer Downs. The bravery in yourself will be saluted forever.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 29, 2016

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

May 16, 2015

RIP Hero, you will not be forgotten.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

August 16, 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 35th 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

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

Rest In Peace.

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

May 24, 2012

As a fellow female police officer, my heart breaks for you and your family! May you rest in peace!

Fantasia
Boston College Police Department, patrolman

May 16, 2009

Rest in peace and may God watch over your children.

Det. L. Gauthney
Columbus (OH) Police dept.

April 14, 2009

"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

October 30, 2007

God bless you Gwen. God has made a place for those such as you.

Matthew 5:9

An Ohio brother
Montgomery Co., Ohio

July 25, 2007

Rest In Peace Sister

D/S Campbell
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

June 17, 2007

God Bless You and your children Officer Downs. You are a true hero. I was only 10 years old when you made the ultimate sacrfice. I hope your kids read this web page and know that their Mom was the best and the bravest! I know in my heart that God holds a special place in Heaven for you.

Special Agent
Treasury Dept.

May 17, 2005

~~~To those I Love and Those Who Love Me~~~

When I am gone, release me, Let me go
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,
Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it's time I traveled alone.

So grieve a while if indeed you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a while that we must part
So bless the memories within your heart,

I won't be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll
Hear all of my love around you soft and clear

And when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say,
"Welcome Home"

January 20, 2005

God bless you and your family at your tragic loss. You will never be forgotten.

DE
St. Louis City Police

September 13, 2004

Officer Downs, may God bless you and you. Rest in peace.

A Texas streetcop

August 19, 2004

Rest easy, Sister; you are not forgotten.

Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept. Bloomington, IN USA

June 25, 2004

We just learned of Patrolman Gwen Downs death on the ODMP. We wish to express our condolence to her daughters and family and to let you know that you are in our prayers. She will never be forgotten. God Bless.

Sincerely,
Lyndell & Elizabeth Taylor
Parents of
Morris Lyn Taylor
Deputy Sheriff (Douglas County, Oregon)
EOW 9-14-02

February 15, 2004