Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

April 9, 2008

I never had the pleasure of meeting you, but I have the honor of knowing your son Thomas. He is quite a man, and followed well in his father's footsteps. He is an excellent police officer, terrific father, and wonderful human being. I am certain you are extremely proud of him. God Bless You.

Sergeant Nicky Echezabal
MDSPD

November 8, 2007

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 3, 2007

I have had the honor to work with your son in the same Bureau you were in when you gave all. You should be proud, as I am sure you are. He is a good cop, an honorable man, and someone I trust; much like the man I have heard you were. Your loss is felt 31 years later, and will be felt 'til the end of time. Your memory will be held tight by the citizens of the county through the the streets named in your and your partners' honors, and by the employees of the Department through the memorial bench at the MDPD Training Bureau. Chris spoke from his heart on Monday, and I was proud of him. You will never be forgotten.

MDPD

April 6, 2007

Your actions and courage on that day lead you to make the ultimate sacrifice, and as a result of that, you will always be remembered. Rest in peace always sir.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

April 1, 2007

Officer Hodges,

Though I never had the honor of knowing you, I want you to know that the Lord has blessed me by knowing your sons Chris and Tommy. They are true inspirations and blessings in my life and I am proud to call them my brothers. Your legacy lives on through them and I know you're watching over them with pride. It is because of men like you and your sons that I hold a special place in my heart for law enforcement officers. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace Sir. May god bless you and keep you.

Y.B.I.C.
Emmaus Brother

March 16, 2007

It amazes me that 31 years have past since that devastating day. As a young patrol officer, the execution of you, Clark and Frank blew me away. A few weeks earlier, I had worked a witness protection detail with Clark. I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet all of you before you were cut down in the prime of your lives. The day of your funeral, the Mahi Shrine auditorium was packed, with the overflow into the parking lot. I had never seen so many law enforcement officers, literally thousands. They were from all over the country and into Canada. I was humbled by their grief and support. It was that day that I knew what it really meant to be part of the brother/sisterhood. April 1, 1976 is a day that changed our entire department. When I was promoted four years later to sergeant I often used that day, during roll calls, as an example of how even when you do everything right, you never know what's waiting for you around the corner and so always keep those you love close. Your memory lives on.....

Rest in peace knowing that your sons are proudly carrying on your service tradition.

Lt. Vicki Todaro, retired
Miami-Dade Police Department

Lt. Vicki Todaro, retired
Miami-Dade Police Department

March 1, 2007

Merry Christmas too you and your family. May they continue to move forward in life and heal with your guidance. God Bless!

December 21, 2006

Dad,

It has been a while since I have taken the time to write. Your grandchildren are getting big. Karina, Kaycee, Elisa, Nicholas and Pamela are wonderful. This is your legacy. Nicky just finished his baseball season and they came in second place we are all very proud of him. Kaycee is talking about trying out of softball which I know you hae enjoyed. I think about you all the time and I continue to pray that Christ guide me to do the good that I learned from you. Know that all is well and I will continue to take care of Mom. I love you and miss you very much.

Until we meet again. Your son in Christ Jesus

Detective
Miami-Dade Police Department

December 8, 2006

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the Metro-Dade Police Department. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Officer Hodges deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. No greater love has a man than the will to give his life for another. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Officer Hodges is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Tom Doyle
Cary Police Department, North Carolina

June 8, 2006

Something happened 30 years ago that had a profound influence in my career as a young Opa-Locka police officer in love with working auto thefts. Just wanted you to know that it was men like you that made me the man I am today. God bless you and your family...

Capt. Geoff Jacobs
Snellville, Ga., PD

April 25, 2006

Reat in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten..

Officer
Tennessee

December 30, 2005

Dad,
It is amazing how everytime I pass by the memorial with your grandchildren they blow you a kiss. I tell them all the time how proud you would be to see them succeeding both in school and in their outside activities. Tommy, Laura and I miss you very much. Tommy needs your strength more then ever now that he has just begun his career in Law Enforcement. I know you are with him just as I know you are with me. I love you and will see you again someday.

Rest in peace Dad

Love your son

Detective Christopher Hodges
Miami-Dade Police Department

November 4, 2005

I just wanted to tell you that I love you and was thinking about you. Your Grandchildren are getting big and you would be so proud of them. They are all "A" students and playing soccer.

I miss you. Until we meet in heaven.

Your Son Chris

Christopher Hodges
Miami-Dade Police Department

October 4, 2005

Dad,

It is truly an honor for Tommy and I to serve the same community that you gave your life for almost 30 years ago. Not a day goes by that I don't wish for just one more day. Your granddaughters and I talk about you often and the memories that I have of you live on through them. Miami-Dade County recently named a street after you and your partners which will serve as a lasting tribute to the three of you. I am truly honored to be your son and to wear your badge. I love you very much. Until we meet again.

"They are not heros because they died, they are heros because of how they lived."

Detective Christopher Hodges

Detective Christopher Hodges
Miami-Dade Police Department

August 31, 2005

god wept the day tom hodges died. may god hold his family in his hand all their lives.

sgt.pete nihill
d.c.p.s.d.

August 25, 2005

Rest in peace, you are missed.

Lt. Paul Haynes
WPNSTA Federal Police (ExMetro PD)

May 19, 2004

Rest in peace.

Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.

April 1, 2004

No officer that gave his life should be without reflection……

“For those who pledge to uphold it, Freedom requires a sacrifice the protected will never know”

Anonymous