Hastings Police Department, Nebraska
End of Watch Saturday, October 9, 1993
Reflections for Officer Joel Rodney Conklin
Officer Conklin, You are not forgotten by the men and women in Massachusetts Law Enforcement. RIP
Mike Kane
Retired Detective, Boston Police Dept.
August 11, 2023
I graduated from the Police Academy with Joel. He was top of the class and stood out amongst his peers. Glad I was able to get to know Joel.
Deputy T. R. Hoppe (retired)
Dodge & Saunders County
August 3, 2023
30 years! Almost 30 years that you have been gone. 30 years without my security. 30 years without my protector. 30 years just mom and I. Not a day goes by dad that I dont miss you and want you back. Im really struggling lately with your death and dealing with it. People always say it gets easier as time goes by. It seems like it is getting harder with time. I will always keep your memory alive within me and the way I do things in life but I struggle from time to time hoping you are still proud of me. Oh what I would give to have you back. I love you always and forever dad!
Tracy
Daughter
March 3, 2023
Rest in peace Officer Conklin.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
August 18, 2021
I don’t have a fancy poem of any clever words. I just have the memory of you.We were in the academy together. You were a star and a really good man and I held you out as an awesome police officer. There people that are just good at what they do and you were one of those people. I remember getting the call that you had responded to a family disturbance and been gunned down. It drove home the possibility that it could happen to any of us at any time. You were taken away from this world too soon, and the world was a better place because of you. Rest In Peace...
Sergeant Michael Barger (retired)
Austin, Texas Police Department
May 21, 2021
Sadly, I was working that night and received the broadcast. I did not rest until the pos was cornered. I have always remembered you and your sacrifice brother.
Officer L-77
Former Chadron PD
August 24, 2016
Rest Brother Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11
Undersheriff Rich Wenzl
Norton Co Sheriff
August 11, 2016
As police Memorial Day approaches I remember you and the impact you had on me as a fellow officer. I am blessed to still be in contact with your family and know that they are well cared for by many. I offer an Irish blessing:
Death is nothing at all.
It does not count.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Everything remains as it was.
The old life that we lived so fondly together
is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by the old familiar name.
Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no sorrow in your tone.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that
we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word
that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effort
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was.
There is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because
I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval,
somewhere very near, just around the corner.
All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before.
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting,
when we meet again.
Ofc Matthew Kelly
Omaha Police Dept
April 8, 2016
To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 20th anniversary year of your death. I am privileged to leave a tribute to you. 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.
I pray for the solace of all that call you beloved for I know both the pain and pride are forever.
Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater
November 6, 2013
Officer Conklin you are not forgotten. Rest In Peace Brother!
Officer Seth Morrissey
Castle Rock, CO PD
May 15, 2010
Today Joel's mother joined him in heaven...RIP Joel & Agnus
Penny
Niece
April 22, 2010
"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 11, 2007
On the anniversary of your deth we remember you and thank you Sir for your service.
Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
October 9, 2007
May God Bless your friends and family left behind. We read a new memorial every day and say a prayer for you and your loved ones..
Ofc. Beekman and Ofc. Carey
Grand Haven DPS, Michigan
September 26, 2004
Rest in peace Officer Conklin. You are not forgotten.
Andy
January 22, 2004
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