Police Officer Rodney Fredderick Pocceschi, Virginia Beach Police Department, Virginia

Police Officer Rodney Fredderick Pocceschi

Virginia Beach Police Department, Virginia

End of Watch Monday, June 23, 2003

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Rodney Fredderick Pocceschi

Police Officer Rodney Pocceschi was shot and killed while making a traffic stop in the 2100 block of Dam Neck Road at 3:24 am.

After the vehicle was stopped, the driver exited and opened fire, striking Officer Pocceschi. The suspect and Officer Pocceschi were fatally wounded in the ensuing exchange of gunfire. A juvenile who was returning from a fishing trip, observed Officer Pocceschi in the roadway and stopped to render assistance. He flagged down another officer who was responding to a robbery call. Officer Pocceschi was transported to Virginia Beach General Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds approximately 40 minutes later.

Officer Pocceschi had stopped the vehicle only minutes after a robbery call at a local restaurant. The vehicle's passenger and an employee of the restaurant that was robbed, were both arrested and charged in relation to the robbery. The suspect who shot Officer Pocceschi was a six time convicted felon and was wanted for assaulting another police officer.

Officer Pocceschi had served with the Virginia Beach Police Department for four years and was assigned to the Special Operations Units. He had previously served with the Bloomsburg University Police Department in Pennsylvania. He is survived by his wife and 9-month-old son.

Bio

Age 33
Tour 4 years
Badge 195

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Shot and killed

convicted felon, traffic stop

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Most Recent Reflection

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Heavenly Father, You are Compassionate and Merciful. None of America’s Peace Officers leave home without the fear of not returning at the end of their watch. It is a fear that is lived daily. Unfortunately, the worst does sometimes come to pass, and lives are left shattered. Lord God, bless and keep the hearts and souls of those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Wipe away the tears from their eyes. Soothe their pain and bind up their emotional wounds through the wounds of Your beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In His name, and by His authority, I pray. Amen.

Please find Encouragement, Comfort, Support, and Hope from God's Word:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
[Matthew 5:9 ESV];

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." [Psalm 23:4 ESV];

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
[John 15:13 ESV];

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." [Matthew 5:4 ESV];

"And he [Jesus] said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." [Luke 23:43 ESV], and;

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." [John 3:16 ESV].

Minister Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NACM
Ordained Independent NACM Minister
I'M PRAYING MINISTRY: Devoted to Prayer and God's Word
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA