Officer Down Memorial Page

Thirty years ago, March 29, 1981 at 18 years of age Officer Van Arsdell saved my life after I had been stabbed, bitten in the face, raped and nearly killed in my own apartment.
Officer Van Arsdell's heroic actions are recognized in Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember Fabrienne Margot Van Arsdell.
.......Only four months before her tragic death Officer Van Arsdell my attacker wearing only a ski mask and undershorts exiting my apartment doorway which was destroyed with a crow bar while breaking in. After heeding several commands to "halt" she bravely shot and killed him.
Although most of the scars from the knife have faded, the memories of that morning will never fade. Words cannot express how thankful I am for the young lady that lived in the aparment downstairs that awoke to my blood curdling screams and Officer Van Arsdell for responding to her 911 call. Today I still look to God to comfort me when I clearly recall those events of March 29, 1981. I thank all of the courageous law enforcement officers for sacrificing their lives every day for the citizens of this great city.

Ms. J. C. Gresham
Rape Victim
July 9, 2011

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