Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

God of Justice, I am grateful for the lives and sacrifices of all America’s Peace Officers. They died serving us. Help us never forget. Help us celebrate their lives and honor their sacrifices. Be with the families of these fallen peace officers. Comfort them and give them Your strength and peace. Guide us as we seek to take care of the families of these fallen heroes. May we care for them with integrity. In commemorating the deaths of these fallen heroes, help us also to remember that death is not the end. Death does not have the final say, but is simply the transition from this earthly life to the heavenly life yet to come. This assurance was guaranteed to all believers upon the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to that life to come with joy and anticipation. Thank You, Lord God, for hearing this prayer. In the mighty and holy name of Christ Jesus, Your dear Son, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scripture References:

“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]

“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]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, NACM
Ordained Independent NACM Minister
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 19, 2025

20 years today my brother. Still remember it like it was yesterday. A lot has changed, but a lot is still the same. You are not forgotten.

Anonymous
Friend

June 19, 2025

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 19, 2015

Can't believe it's been seven years since you've been gone. I think of you everyday. When I talk about you it always starts out..."My good buddy John". Love ya!

Officer

July 16, 2012

Just thinking back this weekend to 9/11. You, Greg, Chris and me out before sun-up knee deep in the brush looking for illegal crops. We came out of the woods to have Donald alert us to the news of New York and VA. We did alot of thinking,reflecting and praying that day. I'm glad my family knew you, especially days like that. Every good war story from the road I tell has you in it, Brother. I was blessed to start my career with you, and blessed to carry your memory with me. You were the real deal, Bro. God Bless You

Cpl. N. Ezzell & Famliy
RICPD

September 10, 2011

Six years man, Still think of you all the time.

Unknown
Friend

June 26, 2011

My good buddy John. Still missing you! Tears still flow, knowing that you are gone. Thank you for all you did!

Anonymous

February 1, 2011

Went through the Commonwealth 2 weeks ago. This is your zone and God made it so. Never met you, but I will someday.

n/a
n/a/

July 21, 2010

Just thinking of you today. Cant believe five years has passed by....

Anonymous

June 19, 2010

Cold as hell up here. Would love to be cutting and splitting wood with ya....

Anonymous

December 11, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the fourth 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.

I hold your family in my heart embrace today and pray for their solace.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

June 19, 2009

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones and close friends on this day. Continue to keep watch over all of them, protect them from harm. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

June 19, 2009

Your sacrifice is not forgotten brother. Today, "A" Shift is dedicating our tour to your memory. R.I.P., we have the watch.

SGT. J.L. SLAUGHTER
RADFORD CITY DEPARTMENT OF POLICE

June 19, 2009

To Deputy John Walter Sanford Jr., his family and his fellow officers with the Northumberland County Sheriff's Office:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Deputy Sanford’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Deputy Sanford and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

June 19, 2009

Merry Christmas Man...

Anonymous

December 23, 2008

Thinking of you on the 3rd anniversary of your EOW.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

June 19, 2008

You are truly missed John. You were dedicated totally to the Northumberland Sheriff's Office and to Fairfields. I was proud to serve with you at Fairfields and as a fellow LEO. God bless.

Captain J.H. Siddons
Tappahannock Police Department

May 11, 2008

"The Man", John. Thank you so very much for all that you have done for our community. The night you came to my house after your shift and sat down with mom, dad and me and explained what needed to happen and that it couldn't be avoided. No other person would have done that, after that I had so much respect for you. Good Lord I miss you, You will not be forgotten.

May 7, 2008

Its a warm sunny and I cant help but think of the fun times we had on Dad's boat or going to dinner. You are greatly misses!

May 5, 2008

Its a warm sunny and I cant help but think of the fun times we had on Dad's boat or going to dinner. You are greatly misses!

May 5, 2008

I loved hearing all of the Stafford County jokes. Gone, but not forgotten sir.

April 16, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 3, 2008

I was just telinng people about all the fun we had and just wanted to say Hi.. Later Man

October 10, 2007

John......you are missed more than you know. You touched so many lives and had a major impact on all of us who knew and loved you.

~A friend

October 1, 2007

Man I can't believe it been 2 years... I tell stories about the fun we had any chance I get... You live on forever my friend....

June 21, 2007