Virginia Beach Police Department, Virginia
End of Watch Monday, June 23, 2003
Reflections for Police Officer Rodney Fredderick Pocceschi
REALITY
Imagine how our world would be,
if every Police Officer quit!
Turned in their gun, turned in their badge,
just finally had enough of it!
No respect, no loyalty,
no appreciation of all they do...
they'd give their lives for all of us,
these Wonderful Officers in Blue!
Kicked at, spit on,
punched, stabbed, and shot....
everyday assaults on officers
done...without thinking a second thought!
Our laws are in favor of criminals;
there's always some loophole in their case; out again to commit more crimes and murders
...creates pain, that we, the family and friends
...in time will never erase.
Why should they do it?
Why take the risk?
Why put their life on the line?
Subject their loved ones to endless suffering...
when their precious life is lost while fighting crime.
More murders, more kidnappings, more robberies and rapes...
just to mention a few.
Please ask yourself how life would be,
if there were NO officers in Blue!
Would you do it? Could you do it?
And for how many...would YOU give it all?
Rewards are a 21 gun salute, a Medal of Honor, and your name gets added to the Wall!
Think about it. Why are they here?
And why do some hate them so?
They enforce the laws that put convicts and murderers
in jail serving time or on "Death Row".
All give some and some give all,
it's a risk they chose to take;
to put their heart and soul in it,
to put THEIR lives at stake.
So, please take a moment,
Please give it deep thought,
think of what YOU can do...
To help show respect,
to help follow laws,
So we'd quit losing our "Heroes in Blue"!
written by Jaclyn Pocceschi Mosley
sister of Fallen Officer "Rodney F. Pocceschi EOW 6/23/03"
written in loving honor and memory for Rod and all Law Enforcement. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for ALL you do and your unselfish sacrifices!
sister
March 11, 2005
This to my brother:
Dear Bro: it will be 2 years this June that you left us for Heaven. There's not a waking moment, bedtime moment or hour that you are not thought of or terribly missed. You are the lucky one for you are in a safer, peaceful place. We talk about you all the time so that your nieces will never forget you and your heroism. We have become actively involved in carrying out your mission to help make our world a safer place; this we do in honor of you.
We know that you are watching over us and that you are very proud. Now we know our mission in life.
Love and kisses....xoxo
Qua
sister
March 11, 2005
Rod,
I think of you and that fateful day every time I drive by the memorial at the spot. Your courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Bill
former VBPD AUX
February 12, 2005
Just reading your reflections today and I'm reminded of what a hero you are. We are so grateful that we were blessed with you here on earth with us even though for such a short period of time. Rest easy, and thanks for all you've done.
VBPD
January 27, 2005
Rod had to smile last week I saw you on COPS and there you stood your ground as you did in real life, telling the woman to get in touch with life, and her husband to look at what was in front of him. I told my friend that was the way he was all the time.
Well at least your still on TV and I can see you in action as I did before.
I still miss you, Rick
Detective Rick Spargos
January 15, 2005
I was truly amazed to come on to Rod's memorial site this evening and see that you could still write reflections. I read all the ones I hadn't read or printed.
If I would have known, I would have wished you, Rod, happy birthday in 2003 and tell you that some of us gathered at a bar and drank to you. We talked about you all night (Just the way you would have wanted it to be).
Christmas 2003 was the hardest of all times. You always ate all the smelts and spaghetti that Aunt Lucy made. She still makes that much. I think it is her way of trying to remember all that used to eat with her on Christmas eve. This was our family time and it was sooo empty. All I could do was cry.
After being able to talk with some close friends, and after finally having you come into my dreams, I was able to cope with losing you. I have had 4 dreams about you and will never forget the first one where you came to me in my dream, and sat on my couch. I cried and said you weren't real but I was going to sit by you anyway. When I sat down next to you, I leaned my head on your shoulder and cried so hard. It was then that I felt the biggest hug ever. I could feel the warmth of your body next to mine. You didn't speak but kept smiling. You glowed. I truly felt you were there because when dad died I couldn't touch him or feel him in my dreams. You knew that I needed your brotherly arms around me and you hugged me.
We toasted you again on June 23rd and on September 17 (your birthday) in 2004. We remembered you during Police Week of 2004. John rode for you Rod. He misses you alot. Thank you for sending us Scott because he is like a brother that we needed to have in this life.
I am sure you are watching from above and seeing how wonderful the officers are to your family and everyone. I see that they still hurt, like me. They think of you too. I think of you everyday. My blue candle shines in two windows 24/7. It is telling you to come home Rod.
I miss seeing Maria and Carson. Things are really different now.
Please protect us down here and watch over all your brothers in blue.
Jaclyn and I have found our purpose in life now. It is to help promote Police Week in the schools (where the kids are young) and to promote it anywhere else we can.
I love you little brother. You are now buried next to dad and I always keep pictures of us on your grave. I place my cards there too.
Please keep Carson and Maria safe.
I'm sending you a big hug and a kiss from Devon, Lauren (your godchild), and me.
BIG SISTER GINA POCCESCHI BOYLE
January 14, 2005
Last night I got pulled over in a sobriety check and actually ran into a few friend officers who were conducting the checkpoint. I am constantly thank ful for everything these officers do to keep us safe each and every day. They are out there to make sure we make it home safe, putting aside their safety. I went by your memorial today on Dam Neck Road Officer Pocceschi and I left you flowers and cleaned up a little. There was another set of fresh flowers out there and that made me smile. We will never forget what you did for us. May God continue to bless you and your family left behind.
Lisa
January 1, 2005
On this Christmas day I just want to thank you again for your loyal service to the public and the ultimate sacrifice that you gave so others can live in peace. You are not forgotten and will always be alive in our hearts! God bless you Rod.
Officer K Sanchez
VBPD
December 25, 2004
You are still with me today as I patrol the streets of VB. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Gone but never forgotten. Your memory will never fade. Rest in Peace...
JP
VBPD
December 23, 2004
We all still miss you so much Rod.
Always
Tommy
VBPD
December 1, 2004
Rod-
Still miss you and think of you every day. Wish you were here to trade stories at "choir practice". God bless...
Matt
VBPD
November 19, 2004
My family would like to send our heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends, & fellow co-workers of P.O. Rodney Pocceschi.
You're in our thoughts and prayers. May God watch over all the brave men and women in law
enforcement who put their lives on the line everyday as they serve & protect their communities.
Your job is a difficult one and we truly appreciate all you do. God bless each & everyone of you.
Gail M Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit P.O. Jennifer Fettig eow 2-16-04
November 17, 2004
I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.
A hero never dies.....
Rest in peace, hero. God bless.
September 29, 2004
Even though I never knew Officer Rod Pocceschi, I wanted to take the time to share how the sacrifice he made was able to have a lasting effect on me, a 22-year-old student from Reading, PA. Last summer I had the opportunity of doing an internship with the Reading Police Dept. My first day was Monday, June 23rd, the day Officer Pocceschi was killed, but I only found out about his death that Friday. During roll call, the Sergeant told all of the officers about gunfire in Virginia Beach and how an officer had been killed. Being in the presence of men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect people like me really opened my eyes and made me realize how important it is to appreciate what these officers do and the risks that they face. This weekend I was visiting a friend at Bloomsburg University and we stopped by Good Old Days, the bar where Rod used to work. In the entrance way, I noticed a memorial made in his honor, and it made me smile. I thank you, Officer Pocceschi, for the sacrifice you made, for touching so many people in your life, and for making such a lasting impression on so many even after your death.
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but rather by the moments that take our breath away..."
Havilyn
Reading, Pennsylvania
September 26, 2004
-Words can't express the feeling I felt as Susan walked into L.E.T.A. and told us "There's no easy way to put this, Rod is dead." The words lingered in my soul as I graduated from the academy two days later. I realized that training was over and it was time to hit the streets. Rod, we love you and will always remember you as we do what we do. From myself, the rest of the 35th Police Recruit Academy and the Beach department....God bless your family and may we never forget.
Officer W.L.Gervin
Virginia Beach Police Department
September 21, 2004
Happy Birthday in Heaven buddy! Still miss you and will never forget you.
Jeff Kovalchik
18 1/2
September 17, 2004
You have chosen to do a thankless job, know that your sacrafice will not be forgotten. The streets are still in the best hands.
Tracie
Daughter, sister & sister-in-law of VBPD officers
September 16, 2004
Rod, I had the honor the to be in Academy class 28 with you. You are a true hereo, who I miss dearly and you will never be forgotten.
Member of the 28th
VBPD
August 28, 2004
We still miss you, buddy. Never forgotten, always remembered....
VBPD
August 28, 2004
Still not a day goes by when I don't think of Rodney or feel a sense of him being around me. Even after a year's passing, I am hoping that no one is forgetting about him. Although not in the literal sense, he still feels so alive around me. It makes me feel safe, valid and honored to have this wonderful angel on my side.
I'm planning on taking a vacation in the next couple of weeks and am going to visit Virginia Beach. I always said I would never visit because of the bad memories it would bring, however, something is telling me to go. I would appreciate it if anyone could let me know of any memorials the city has for Rodney. Please e-mail me and let me know what I shouldn't miss when I'm there. Feel free to e-mail just to share great stories of Rod too. Thanks!
rest in peace bro!
Jeff Kovalchik
Blakely, PA
August 8, 2004
I never had the honor of meeting Rod, but I am thankful for his dedication and service to all of us. I drive past the location of his death everyday and I render a salute to him and his fellow officers - literally. I hope the other drivers see me do it and think a little. No, I hope they think a lot. One of my sons is a Police Officer too, so I do understand the risks you all face everyday and every night. God Bless you all, and be safe. Do not ever go softly into the night.
T. Yorty
Virginia Beach
August 4, 2004
To Maria,Carson, and everyone that loved Rod:
It's been a year now since Rod was taken from us. I think about him all the time and I miss him all the time. I like to talk about Rod, not to depress people, but to let them know what a great person Rod was and so he is always remembered. Thank you for the joy you brought to my life, the late night conversations, comming to visit me at work when you had time, the laughs, and mostly for letting me call you a friend. I do miss you a great deal but I thank GOD for the time he gave me with you. I hope you are in a peacful place filled with warmth, that is what you deserve. I dont know what else to say except RIP and GOD bless your soul and your family.
Richard Blovad
Friend
June 23, 2004
Continue to rest in peace Officer Pocceschi....
Last Traffic Stop....
A police officer listens
To a whisper in his ear
Please don’t go
He freezes with fear
He shakes his head
So the voice will go away
"I have a job to do"
He hears himself say
He lays his fears aside
To follow his path
Little does he know
This is the call of death
He approaches the vehicle
Using his flashlight
To ease his fear
Break through the night
A loud blast
What could he have done
How could he have known
This lady had a gun
"I have done what I’ve sworn to do"
Guard your miserable life
Uphold justice
And protect you
With his last breath of life
He touches the badge on his chest
"Lord I've kept my promise and done my best"
My son welcome to heaven
Close your eyes and rest
June 23, 2004
Took the long way to work this morning and drove by the site. After a year it still hurts. Hope to get a permanent marker there soon. Know you’ve been a guardian angel to many of us this past year. Hope we’re doing honor to your name and the job you loved. Continue to watch over us. You’ll never be forgotten for your sacrifice.
Anonymous
June 23, 2004
"To laugh often and love much;
To win the respect of intelligent people
And the affection of children;
To earn the approbation of honest critics
And endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To give one's self;
To leave the world a little better,
Whether by a healthy child,
A garden patch,
Or a redeemed social condition;
To have played and laughed with enthusiasm
And sung with exultation;
To know even one life has breathed easier
Because you have lived ...
This is to have suceeded."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Rod ...
Thanks for making a difference in theis world. You're not forgotten ...
June 23, 2004
June 23, 2004

