New York State Police, New York
End of Watch Thursday, May 29, 2014
Reflections for Trooper Christopher G. Skinner
I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Every time I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the officer they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Trooper Skinner, especially to his fiancee. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. (The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. I can also be found on Face Book.) You will be in my thoughts & prayers.
From reading the reflections left for Christopher he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Christopher's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Christopher's life was about so much more than the way he died. Christopher will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.
Trooper Skinner, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been eleven years and he's still very much missed and forever loved.
Wishing you brighter and better days,
Jocelyne :)
"Forever Remembering 26-3"
Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)
June 1, 2014
Rest in peace Trooper Skinner. Thank you for your service. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends, and coworkers during this difficult and tragic time. May God surround them with his peace, love and protection.
Detective Amy Morgan
Boise Police Department, Boise, Idaho
May 31, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and co - workers of this brave officer. Rest in peace.
Sheriff Ray Foster
Buchanan Co. Sheriffs Office
May 31, 2014
RIP brother Christopher.
May God bless and be with your family, co-workers and friends at this very difficult time.
Det. Bevenour
Gettysburg Police Department
May 31, 2014
In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO! May God
Give the family and friends the strength and faith to deal with this tragic loss. Words can not express my sorrow!
"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
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
Investigator David L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
May 31, 2014
Rest in peace trooper, we have the watch. To the family, friends and brothers and sisters in gray of the NYSP, your brother will never be forgotten. BLESSED ARE THE PEACE MAKERS!!!!
Dep Keith Warner
Columbia County Sheriffs Office, Ga.
May 31, 2014
Rest in Peace Brother
Trooper J. Gajdosik Retired
Wisconsin State Patrol
May 31, 2014
Thank you for your service. Thoughts are with your blue and blood family during this difficult time. Rest in peace.
Deputy David Post
Reno Co Sheriff's Office Hutchinson, Ks.
May 31, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and loved ones. May you Rest in Peace.
Special Agent
Homeland Security Investigations / HSI Chicago
May 31, 2014
Rest easy brother. Thank you for your service.
PO Olasokan
NYS University Police
May 31, 2014
Our prayers and thoughts to the family and co workers of the fallen officer.
Deputy Sheriff Paul T. Thompson
Dane County Sheriff's Office, Madison, WI
May 31, 2014
Rest In Peace Brother.
Det. Andreoli
NYPD
May 31, 2014
May you RIP Trooper Skinner and thank you for being a warrior while protecting others. May your family have the strength to continue and learn to celebrate your life. You will NEVER be forgotten!
Captain Dan Hurley (retired)
New Jersey State Police
May 31, 2014
Godspeed brother. Rest in peace.
Trooper C211
NYSP
May 31, 2014
God bless Tropper Skinner's Family, friends and coworkers and give them strength and peace to get through their grief and pain. R.I.P Trooper!
Wm Jean-Paul Rochat
Swiss Army, MP, Trafic Unit
May 31, 2014
NYSP losing way too many troopers in the last few years. RIP to them all.
Sergeant
Mashpee, MA Police
May 31, 2014
May the Lord Jesus bring comfort and peace to your widow, children, family, friends and colleagues. Thank you for you great and honorable service to your community and the great state of New York. May you rest in peace, and may those you left behind remember you with hope and courage.
David Odom
Brother of Deputy Marshal Leroy Odom Jr, EOW: June 20th, 1972
May 31, 2014
Rest in peace Trooper Skinner. May you find safety above with your fellow brothers and sisters in law enforcement.
ADA
Onondaga County (NY) District Attorney's Office
May 31, 2014
Rest in peace Trooper Skinner. You will never be forgotten.
Marcia Cook Williams
Sister of Thomas Cook EOW 9/27/06
May 31, 2014
God bless..
senior officer
fbop
May 30, 2014
Thank you for doing your part and keeping us all safe. A true hero!
Robert Hutter
New Bern NC Police Department
May 30, 2014
Rest In Peace Trooper Christopher Skinner. Thank You For Your Service To The Great State Of New York. God Bless You Trooper Skinner and Also God Bless Your Family, Friends and Fellow Officers. May They Be Helped Through Their Grief and Heartache.
Ed S.
Grateful Citizen
May 30, 2014
Well done good and faithful servant. RIP Trooper.
Ofc. William Chapman
Newtown, CT Police Dept.
May 30, 2014
My sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Trooper
Christopher Skinner as well as to the New York State Police. Rest in peace Trooper Skinner, you are gone but will not be forgotten...
Dispatcher Sue Rusch
Punta Gorda PD, Punta Gorda Fl
May 30, 2014
no words can do justice to such a tragedy, rest in peace trooper.
Deputy Taras
Washington County Sheriff's Office
May 30, 2014