New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch Sunday, April 2, 1978
Reflections for Police Officer Christie D. Masone
On Saturday April 5, 2008 I attended the 30th Aniversery Memorial Mass For PO Masone and his partner. I was very happy to see such a good turnout, both past and present members of the 79 Precinct. Events like this bring true meaning to the words "Never Forget"
Gob bless PO Masone and his family!
Lieutenant
NYPD
April 5, 2008
"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
January 2, 2008
You are never forgotten!
Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
September 13, 2007
No person goes unnoticed before God. Thank you for your service.
PO John Giordano(RET)
N.Y.P.D. 20th precinct
May 2, 2007
Officer Masone, thank you for your service. I cannot believe a jury of 12 people let this guy walk not once, but 3 times! Not only is that unbelievable, it is unacceptable. And while he may have walked away from jail here on earth, there is one final jury he will not be able to walk away from!
Rest in peace Officer Masone.
Michelle - wife of Retired LEO
January 8, 2007
I cannot begin to express the anger that is felt while reading about the aquittal of this suspect. Officer, you are never, ever forgotten for your heroism and courage as is the case with your partner and many correctional officers who gave their lives at the hands of this one pathetic suspect. Thank you for your service.
Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
September 13, 2006
Officer Masone,
I lost my husband a few days before you gave your life.I was expecting a baby too.I hope your wife and child have come through this.I know how hard it is to carry on but I hope she came through with you guarding her from above.Bless you all.
May 12, 2006
Chris,
It’s John it has been 27 years and I still think about you and Norman. All the fun and wacky things we did on patrol, all the people we helped, battles we fought and bosses we annoyed.
We were the new centurions, in an area that had the highest violent crime rate in the US per capita. I am writing this letter and memorial directly to Chris because he has stayed alive in my soul all these years, and I missed talking to him. I am 53 and I have returned to Law enforcement Florida. Chris it’s not the same , no one listens anymore , they aren’t close , I am trying everyday to make a difference and gather up some unity in the troops but it has been a lost cause. They just don’t get it. Maybe it’s the error we are in, and maybe the kinds of today just think there so darn smart. I remember what my first partner in Major Case Squad said to me. You would have liked him his name was Henry Reminterer . He said when he was 16 he knew everything , in his 20’s he was pretty darn bright , in his thirties he had a great deal of knowledge , in his forties there was some doubt and now that he was in his 50’s he realizes how stupid he has been all these years .
The good news for me is I am doing good things in a small way. Remember I used to call my patrol my ministry and you and Norman used to laugh at me. So I’m back in the” bag” on patrol and loving it. The public loves us down here and its nice being loved. You will never be forgotten, God Bless you and your family.
Your friend,
John Michael Gaspar, Sector Charlie 79 Pct
John M Gaspar
NYPD
November 10, 2005
I can't believe a puke like this was aquited. What in the world is wrong with our justice system? May he rest in peace.
Annonymous
March 2, 2004
Chris and his partner Norm Cerullo were friends and brother officers at the 79Pct. They were both good street cops. They wanted to rid the streets of such criminals. GOD REST THEIR SOULS !
Police Officer Al Yevoli
N.Y.C.P.D.