Officer Down Memorial Page

Dad,
Police Week is upon us. I wish I could be back in D.C. with my friends and fellow-survivors. Lots of memorials in May that make me proud of those who serve and sacrifice but make me sad that you are not here with me, mom and the family. I feel peace when at the memorial wall and i am sad i can't be there this year. We will be attending the Phoenix FBI memorial soon. I know it will be hurt my heart but i am truly proud to be your daughter. I just want to see you sooner than later.
i love you.
pooh bear

Kristi
Daughter-Surviving Adult Child
May 12, 2012

In the mid 1970s I was assigned to the FBI Resident Agency in Scottsbluff, Nebraska (Omaha Division) and attended a two week in-service at the FBI Academy, Quantico, Va.
I met Agent Porter prior to the Sunday we were required to be at the Academy. He had somehow scouted me out and knew I also was a member of his church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He took the initiative to find an empty room at the academy, found at least 10 or so of us ,who shared his religion, and we met that Sunday. It was a very special occasion to be at that meeting with him and hear him express his love for his Savior, his family and his country.
During the next few days we bonded and he shared with me his desire to get his family out of San Juan and to the western part of the U.S. I was happy for him when he finally got his wish and the transfer to El Centro.
I was so shocked and saddened by the news of the senseless tragedy that took his life and I have silently reflected many times what a special man he was to gather us together on that Sunday to worship as friends and fellow agents.
I now spend my winters in Yuma, Az and frequently travel to El Centro. Never do I pass that way without a silent reflection and prayer in his behalf and for his children.
It was only recently that I found out through my daughter, who works in the Salt Lake City FBI Office, that his son serves as ASAC there.
I know how proud he is of that accomplishment and I am so thankful for the positive way he touched my life.
My special condolence to each member of his family.
My children lost their mother to cancer at about the same time as your father was taken so I have a bit of understanding about your loss. May God be with you all.

Special Agent A. Wade Shirley
Federal Bureau of Investigation-Retired
May 9, 2012

I too received a letter from Kristi after losing my Police K9 to cancer. I cannot tell you how much this means to have the support of so many people. Many people don't understand how this can be so devastating. I tell them not only was he my partner for the last 8 1/2 years, I joked about him being my oldest son.
Thank you Kristi for all that you do....
As for her father, Special Agent Porter, you may have only had 7 years on this earth with her, but it is obvious that you did an excellent job in those 7 years, rest in peace brother....

Cpl. John Reddick Sr.
Stuart Police Department
March 29, 2012

Hi Dad,
Our birthdays came and went. I was looking at photos of us sharing our birthday parties when I was a child. Sure wish that tradition could have lasted.
Hope you had a good one in Heaven. Mine was kind of lonely.
Love and miss you.

Kristi Porter
Surviving Adult Child
March 19, 2012

I received a letter of condolences from Kristi regarding my Military Working Dog Ambassador, Niki, or as some called her West Milford’s USO Dog who traveled over the Rainbow Bridge the other day. It is obvious that your daughter is an extremely brave and extraordinary woman. Be assured that her compassion touches all she is in contact with in a very special way. May God Bless her and your family! Godspeed Bro!

Officer Frank Yevchak Jr (Retired)
Upper Saddle River, NJ
February 14, 2012

I received a letter of support from your daughter Kristi this month. She wanted to show her support for an officer we recently lost to ALS. It makes us all proud to wear a badge knowing that people like Kristi are out there supporting us. You should be very proud of everything she is doing to support Police Officers. God Bless.

Sgt. Ryan Russell, President - MPA
Mesa PD / Mesa Police Association
February 6, 2012

Dad,
Happy New Year. Another year without you. This sucks! There has been such a huge increase in LODD's - especially by gunfire. It makes me so sad to know the suffering that will come to all those left behind. Please do me a favor Dad. Please be there to greet each officer that comes Home. Please be there to welcome them and comfort them. I also hope that your spirit will guide and comfort me because it is so lonely here in this life without you.
Miss and love you.
Kristi
ps- i will be visiting your grave next week. see you then!

Kristi Porter
Daughter - Surviving Adult Child
January 1, 2012

The Newark NJ Police Department recently lossed one of our own to a gun man's bullet. Last week I too received a letter offering condolences, and support, from Kristi Porter.

I passed the letter along to the family of our Officer so that they would know they are not alone as they head into these dificult times ahead.

Thank you Kristi, thank you for looking out for others, despite what you and your family have been through.

James Stewart Jr.
VP, FOP Lodge 12, Newark NJ
December 5, 2011

Miss you Dad. So grateful for my C.O.P.S. family and extended police family at large. They make me who I am today. Really, really wish I knew you better. Someday.
Love you. You are my Hero.
Kristi

Kristi
Daughter - Surviving Adult Child
November 15, 2011

Your daughter sent one of our Deputies a sympathy letter after his K-9 passed away, he received it today. It mentioned you being her motivation so I wanted to come and pay a visit. I think it is amazing that after all these years she is still able to keep your memory alive by reaching out to others - it shows what a great man you were. Thank you for your service sir - May you Rest In Peace knowing that you have left behind such a remarkable woman to carry on your legacy

Meredith McNeill Ward
Gulf County Sheriff's Office (FL)
July 26, 2011

I do not know you, but I was recently involved in an incident where my partner was shot and killed in the line of duty. It was a horrible and tragic event to witness and to be involved in, and yet, that same day, my partner's wife gave birth to their second child. Your daughter had sent me a letter with her condolences, which I found to be completely amazing, since she was a complete stranger to me. Through this letter, I heard of what happened to you and your partner. I just wanted to let you know that we are all brothers and that your service and dedication to this profession is above and beyond any others. You are a hero and I wish I had met you. Be proud knowing that you live in your family's memory and that I, who never knew you, want to say thanks for your committment and sacrifice. Rest in peace brother, we have the watch from here. I will never forget youand your sacrifice.

Deputy Mark R Chrysler
Oneida County Sheriff's Office, NY
July 14, 2011

Happy Dad's Day! Tough day to get thru. I am grateful though for those who have stepped up to help ease the pain. It's not the same but it's all I've got. Heading to the retreat this week. You will be ever present in my mind. Xoxo,
Kristi

Kristi Porter
Daughter
June 19, 2011

Dad,
The end of May nears which means the end of memorials too. You've been on my mind a lot lately. I wish I knew you better. I wish you were still here. It is very lonely without you. I'm learning... all the time trying to learn how to cope.. carry on. I need you more here than God needed you. I know that is for sure. It hurts so bad sometimes. I am grateful that you died a Hero, a Warrior. My police/FBI family helps me through.
Forever missing you.
Kristi

Kristi Porter
Daughter
May 25, 2011

"The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are as bold as a lion." —Proverbs 28:1. Special Agent Porter, The streets of Heaven are paved in gold, there is no need to walk a beat, Rest In Peace.

Sgt. Campbell
Cottonwood PD
November 1, 2010

"The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are as bold as a lion." —Proverbs 28:1. Special Agent Porter, The streets of Heaven are paved in gold, there is no need to walk a beat, Rest In Peace.

Sgt. Campbell
Cottonwood PD
November 1, 2010

"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
March 20, 2008

You are a hero in every sense of the word. I was but 13 years old when you gave the ultimate sacrifice for your fellow citizens. I never could have imagined then how close and personal your sacrifice would become to me later in life. Even though I never met you, I have learned of you from your friends and family, and you were, without a doubt, a great, great man. Thank you for your service to our Nation. Rest in Peace, my brother.

Officer C. Hoerchler #11254
Mesa, Arizona Police Department
January 15, 2008

It has been 18 years since your brutal and tragic murder. Thank you for your bravery and sacrifice. May your family take comfort in knowing you will NEVER be forgotten and FOREVER be a hero!

DET SGT, Retired
AR
August 9, 2007

To say that you two are heroes is the understatement of the century. Who knows how many additional lives would have been taken at the hands of this animal had you two not acted in the manner in which you did. You will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
August 9, 2007

Uncle Bobby,

You are one of my heroes. I'm sure you are up there with so many that love you. I pray for those of us down here that love you. I know the Lord has a reason for taking you when and how he did. But even knowing this, sometimes it's hard for some of us to understand. You are loved. You are missed.

APRIL
NIECE/ DISPATCH
June 30, 2007

Hi again,
A Supertramp song just came on the radio reminding me so much of the trip we took the month before your death. Normally I can't handle listening to them. It's hard. But it's also hard not remembering i guess. The questions run so deep.... what do i do with my feelings?
sleep well.

Kristi
daughter
May 4, 2007

Hey Dad,
Here I am so active in trying to comfort other families who've lost a loved one yet I've never even written you. I know more about what happened and it's affecting me a bit negatively. I'm trying to work through it even though it's hard. I was only 7 and now I'm 35. Can you believe I'm still trying to deal with all this?
I don't know how I feel about you. I don't know what to say here... at least not now.
Police Week is coming up. Maybe I'll have a better idea after that. Until then, I do think about you... I just don't know how to feel.
Your daughter,
Kristi

Kristi
daughter
April 30, 2007

Brother, may God bless you and continue to watch over your family. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Special Agent
FBI New York
June 27, 2004

08-10-03, MAY GOD BLESS. YOU DID NOT DIE IN VAIN MY BROTHER. GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.