Norwalk Police Department, Connecticut
End of Watch Friday, July 9, 1971
Reflections for Sergeant Nicholas W. Fera
Sergeant Fera, it has been 53 years since you were taken from us. Northern New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your military and 19 years of law enforcement service.
Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH
July 9, 2024
Sergeant Fera, it has been 52 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices that you, your family, and too many others have made for us. Thank you for your service.
Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH
July 9, 2023
My heartfelt condolences to the Fera family. I didn't know Sgt. Fera, but 50 years ago, I was inside the bank that day, and witnessed the robbery. I live out of state, but I happen to be visiting the area and just saw a TV spot about a tribute memorial for Sgt Fera. I never forgot that day, and I remember distinctly, while giving my statement at the police station, how grief overpowered the room. It was clear that his comrades loved their brother in blue.
Kate Carroll
July 9, 2021
Sgt. Fera,
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 U.S. Army Air Forces during WW II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
July 9, 2021
It is with a heavy heart that I reflect on this tragic occurrence. I am the grandson of neighbour Robert and Eileen Baker. I often stayed in Norwalk during the summers and played with the Fera boys and the Miller kids. I have fond memories of Nick and Vi Fera. Nick took us fishing, helped build go carts and played with us in the backyard pool. He was a good man. He will be remembered.
Doug Rupay, Mulmur, Ontario, Canada
Douglas Rupay
Former neighbour
June 11, 2021
Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
July 9, 2020
Sir
I don't know you personally but I read of the incident you were involved in and find it a very sad ordeal. I Thank You Sir for your Faithful Service to your Community as a LEO. You will not be forgotten.
Al Zanetti SSGT
560th Military Police Det/USBP/Deputy DCSO. NY
March 24, 2019
I was 13 years old at the time working at John’s Diner my Grandfather John Ferrandino’s place. The bank was right next door. After the robbery happened I believe brave Sergeant Fera made the stop at or near then called Albright’s Car Wash and the gunfight ensued. He lost his life in the battle but took one with him, what resolve and courage! I remember responding units searching the area for the second perp and they went down into the basement of the diner during their sweep of the area weapons at the ready. I was told that he was caught at another location. Sergeant FERA came into the Diner several times and my Grandfather introduced him to me. He was very cool and professional. Something I never forgot and respected that led me to go into law enforcement. Very rugged and independent Officers back then. I would be very interested to know the names of the criminals and what happened to the one that survived. I am 62 years old and Sergeant Nicholas FERA is still indelible in my memory. He and my grandparents share the same cemetery.
Captain Tom Ferrandino
U.S. Border Patrol
March 18, 2019
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
July 15, 2015
I wasn't ready to search for your identity until last week. My family and I witnessed part of the bank robbery and its aftermath. You were 45 years old when your life was taken from you. I was 10. Although our paths crossed just once, those few moments have never left me. Please accept these few words as my memorial to you.
Jesse Hanson
Bystander
February 11, 2013
To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 42nd 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.
Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace
Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) Officer Larry Lasater
January 3, 2013
My dad was a Norwalk Police officer too. Nick and He were good friends. I remember the day Officer Fera was killed. I was a junior in High School working at Stop and Shop when my store manager told me to go home because I Norwalk officer was just killed and didn't know if it was my father. On my way home I saw the line of police officers covering a road and spotted my dad. My dad had tears in his eyes when he told me it was officer fera. I am now 58 and remember that day as if it were yesterday.
george monroe
December 14, 2012
Nick, I only remember you from stories my dad, a friend of yours in boyhood, told me about you. Your death left a hole in my father's heart that never healed, as he counted you a true friend that died far too soon.
It's been a long, long time, but you will never be forgotten by my family, and my son is named for you.
The world became a bit less of a place when you died; wish there were more people like you.
Henry's daughter
April 10, 2012
Rest in Peace, Sergeant Fera. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
Officer 11169
February 4, 2012
Joe, Your Granfather was a wonderful person. He would patrol the Roodner Court Apts. and would stop and talk to my dad and me. Very freindly and outgoing. Everyone, I mean everyone in that complex had great respect for him. Till this day my mom and dad and I mention him in our conversations when we think of Norwal. We know live in Florida. Hope this helps.
Mario
Freind
January 9, 2012
Grandpa,
We've never met, but I've heard great stories. I've always wanted to meet you and connect the dots of my heritage, and with the passing of Grandma last year, I'm trying to through genealogy. I know your family remembers and misses you. May you forever rest in peace, and be reunited with Vi.
Your Grandson,
Joe Fera
Citizen Joe Fera
Grandson
November 30, 2011
"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 25, 2007
Thank you for your bravery, dedication, and sacrifice. Today is the 36th anniversary of your tragic death. You will NEVER be forgotten and will FOREVER be a hero!
DET SGT 1/C, Retired
AR
July 9, 2007
You are a TRUE hero Sgt. Fera. May you rest in peace.
Officer Scott Wright
Mount Holly Police Dept. NC
March 3, 2007
SGT. Fera your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in Gods Care now...May you rest in peace now brother...
SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee
December 11, 2005
I DON'T KNOW YOU BUT I HAVE HEARD SOME ABOUT YOU FROM YOUR SON RANDY. GOD BLESS YOU AND REST IN PEACE. NO OFFICER WHO GAVE THERE LIFE SHOULD NOT GO WITH A REFLECTION. DAVE TEX.
DAVID TEIXEIRA
NA
January 20, 2005
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