Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I attended the academy with Eric and found him to be a good friend. I never saw Eric again after the academy. I was assigned to Northeast Barrack and think was assigned to the Salisbury Barrack. It was a sad day for me when I found out. He will never be for gotten.

Cpl. John w. Gainey
Helicopter pilot

August 3, 2021

On this actual anniversary of your death I’d like to reiterate my previous reflection and say that your law enforcement family will always remember.

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

April 9, 2021

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 12, 2020

TFC Monk,
On today, the 31st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Maryland. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

April 9, 2019

Rest in peace Trooper First Class Monk.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 9, 2019

Eric was my cousin and very inspirational in my becoming a law enforcement officer. When I was a boy I remember visiting my aunt Faye's and uncle Monk's house hoping Eric would be there in his police car. I would sit behind the wheel, turn the emergency lights on and pretend I was chasing the bad guys. I looked up to Eric so much especially when he was in his pressed uniform and shiny shoes and leather gear. I often told my parents I wanted to be just like Eric. On July 6, 1987 I was hired by the Hampton Police Division and entered the police academy thus beginning my dream of becoming a police officer. Just nine months later I received the tragic news from my father that Eric had been struck during a traffic stop. During the next few days Eric's condition worsened and he passed away on April 9, 1988. The person I looked up to and had so much influence on my life was gone. This was one of the worse days of my life. On the day of the funeral I remember my aunt Faye saying to me with tears coming down her face, "please don't let this happen to you." Over the next 29 years (joined the Accomack County Sheriff's office in Virginia in 1989) I tried to model myself after Eric and be the best officer I could be. Before each tour of duty I would say this prayer, Lord be with me, watch over me and keep me safe." On February 1, 2018 I retired from law enforcement with 30 years of service. I thank the Lord for my career and keeping me safe all these years. Even though we only had Eric for a short time his memory will live with me forever. Hopefully, I made Eric proud and will some day see him again.

Retired Sergeant E. Bryan King, Jr.
Accomack County Sheriff's Office, Virginia

June 9, 2018

Eric was my shift partner & the senior Trooper in our work group. I was with him when he was gravely injured. A close friend and shift partner was also there. Another senior TFC and friend from childhood, responded moments later. The devastation of that day will haunt us forever. The grief his family suffers is overwhelming, 25 years later. May those who loved him be comforted by thoughts of the many ways Eric Monk's life made a positive impact on the community and continues to do so. He was a great role model. I miss his wisdom and humor. His time with us was too short. We'll see you in Heaven bud.

Sgt Bob McQueeney
Maryland State Police

September 10, 2013

Rest in peace and god bless you tpr. Monk.

Lt.J.Pease
B.P.D

April 9, 2012

I never met my uncle, I was boring in 1989 a year after EOW. I was raised on stories about how great he was. I have since graduated from Maryland State Police Academy in 2011 and now I am taking over his watch. Always will be remember, your truly missed.

Tpr
MSP

April 9, 2012

I met Eric when I was 6 when my grandfather retired. My grandfather and Eric's father are brothers. Eric looks so much like my dad and my brother. I hear he was such a good person, I wish I could recall my meeting with him. God bless Eric and his family. Respectfully, your loving family in Dixon, Ca.

Amanda Crisman
Distant Cousin

May 31, 2011

Eric always wanted to be a Trooper. He rode with me on patrol long before he went into the academy and we worked together in Somerset County.

I will never forget the call at home, telling me of his having been injured. For the rest of my career, everytime my phone rang, my stomach would go into a knot.

Eric would be proud to know that his nephew is now a Maryland State Trooper.

Sergeant John R. Somers, Ret.
Maryland State Police

March 14, 2011

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 9, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the twenty-first anniversary 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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 9, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 1, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

April 9, 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

February 18, 2008

I see yours and TFC Planks name on the memorial sign on US 13 and read it everytime I pass. Thank you for making Somerset County and Maryland a little safer for all of us. Your spirit and courage will NEVER be forgotten. Rest in Peace , my Brother.

June 19, 2007

Know that you will never be forgotten on this day or any other day.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

April 9, 2007

Somebody Killed A Policeman Today

Somebody killed a policeman today, and
A part of America died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect
Will be buried with him at his side.
The suspect who shot him will stand up in court,
With counsel demanding his rights,
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids
And spend alone many long nights.
The beat that he walked was a battlefield, too.
Just as if he'd gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at halfmast,
To his name, they will add a gold star.
Yes, somebody killed a policeman today.
It happen in your town or mine.
While we slept on comfort behind our locked doors,
A cop put his life on the line.
Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
And he stands at each new rookie's side.
He answered the call and gave us his all,
And a part of America died.

June 28, 2005

Continue your watch in heaven and watch over your brothers and sisters in blue.

December 25, 2004

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003). Unfortunately, I had to add the name of another friend. Deputy Jeffrey Hewitt, Buncombe County (NC) Sheriff’s Department, E.O.W. April 4, 2004.

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

Trooper Monk, you are remembered on this date of your death. You will always be remembered.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti Ingle (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 9, 2004

12-15-03, MAY GOD BLESS YOU MY BROTHER. YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

December 15, 2003