Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The Gutowskys and my family went to the same church. And I can vaguely remember when he died, albeit from a 4 year old’s perspective. But I remember understanding that he died in the line of duty as a Detroit Police Officer. With his crazy policeman’s work schedule I think I vaguely remember seeing him maybe only once at church, in the narthex before the service began. When he died, I remember understanding that it was not good and he was not around anymore. It was something everyone in church felt and we were all saddened by it. It was not until I bought Isaiah McKinnon’s Book “In the Line of Duty” published in 2003, that I understood for the first time what the circumstances of his death were. It is with great dedication police officers serve the communities they work in and most of them do their jobs well. With all of the unrest currently occurring right now concerning police officers and many feeling we need to defund the police department, I think we need to remember how much we do need them, otherwise we’d have communities of anarchy.

Karla S

October 18, 2020

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 15, 2020

This poem was written by a fellow DPD officer a short while after my dad died in the LOD. Her daughter Beth is now married to an old classmate of mine and he is retired PD. Small world.

Her words are about our mom and her tremendous loss.

“There beside him still she stands
To greet those who came
To say their empty words
And shake her empty hands.

She turns unblinking eyes to them
Unseeing until there comes
One who has loved him much like her
She turns to welcome Him

She only asked, “How could this be?”
I loved him so you know.
God grant that I, if sorrow comes
Might stand as tall as she. “

Shirley A. Barnes
10/05/1968

Diana Lynn Gutowsky Thornbury
Daughter

August 16, 2019

Remembering you today, dad, on the 50th anniversary of your EOW. Your sacrifice is never forgotten and you are forever in our hearts.

Diana Gutowsky Thornbury
Daughter

August 17, 2018

Officer Gutowsky,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Detroit. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 15, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. You are honored and remembered on the 50th anniversary of your EOW.

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

August 15, 2018

Yes, Rich is the youngest of us four kids. And I see CHP officer Strauch left a reflection also. He lived two houses from the corner behind you and had a brother your age nicknamed Drooper. How awesome that your fathers memory lives on and can cause a connection to the old neighborhood. He must be smiling down.

James Beck
Neighbor

May 14, 2018

Capt James Beck, thank you for your very kind words. We have all lead wonderful lives in spite of our tremendous loss. Did you have a younger brother named Richie? He was my age so he would be about 53 now.

Diana Gutowsky Thornbury
Daughter

January 22, 2018

I GREW UP ON WAYBURN 6 HOUSES FROM YOUR FAMILY. MY FATHER WAS A FIREFIGHTER. I WAS 7 AT THE TIME. I REMEMBER ALOT OF POLICE AND FIRE FAMILIES NEARBY.I REMEMBER THE STORY ON THE NEWS AND AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD. I REMEMBER THINKING THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN TO ANY OF OUR FATHERS. I REMEBER EVEN AT THAT AGE FEELING SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND GIVE YOUR FAMILY PEACE. ALL GAVE SOME, BUT SOME GAVE ALL.

CAPT. JAMES BECK RET.
WARREN FIRE

March 2, 2017

Remembering you today, the 48th anniversary of your EOW. Missing you and reflecting on what might have been.

Diana Gutwosky Thornbury
Daughter

August 16, 2016

As August 15th approaches, you are on my mind so often. I wonder how different our lives would have been. I wish I could have known you longer and better. But I do feel I know you thanks to mum and the family sharing so many stories about you. Plus she always says Kim and I are just like you:) While Detroit continues its struggles, the city is trying to come back. It will always have a special place in my heart because of your sacrifice for its citizens.

Dana Gutowsky Thornbury
Daughter

August 8, 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 45th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged 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 those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

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

February 21, 2013

Think about you often Mr. G, rest in peace.

Officer Craig J Strauch ( Retired )
California Highway Patrol

August 10, 2010

Dad (Daddy), We all think of you often and miss you daily. We are forever proud of your service to our city, and your sacrifice is never forgotten. We visit Elmwood often to come by and say hello and we know you are always with us, still protecting and guiding us. You would be proud of your three little girls and our families. You memory is in our hearts. Love you.

Diana Gutowsky Thornbury
Daughter

September 22, 2009

Officer Gutowsky,
On today, the 37th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Detroit.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

August 15, 2005