Officer Down Memorial Page

Officer Riddell,

Thank you for your service and sacrifice.. You are a HERO and will never be forgotten.. Rest in Peace..

Joyce
Sister of Officer John P Harris EOW 8/19/1994
June 17, 2008

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003). Unfortunately, I had to add the name of another friend recently. Deputy Jeffery Hewitt, Buncombe County (NC) Sheriff’s Department, E.O.W. April 4, 2004.

I want to honor all of those who gave their life in the line of duty. Although your death was many many years ago, you are still a hero.

God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti Ingle (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)
April 9, 2004

The policeman stood and faced his God
Which must alwya come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining
.Just as brightly as his brass

Step forwad now policwman
How shall I deal with you
Have you always turned the other cheek
To mychurch have you been true

The policeman squared his shoulders
And said "No, Lord I guess I aint"
Because those of us who carry badges
Can't always be a saint

I've had to work most Sundays
And at times my talk was rough
And sometimes I've been violent
Because the streets are awfully tough

But I never took a penny
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills just got too steep

And I never passed a cry for help
Though at times I shook with fear
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear

If you've a place for me here, Lord
It needn't be so grand
I never expected or had too much
But if you don't..........I'll understand

There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod
As the policeman waited quietly
For the judgement of his God

Step forward now policeman
You've borne your burdens well
Come walka beat on heaven's streets
You've done your time in hell

I am the great grandson of William Riddell. Growing up I heard the story of his death from my grandparents. However it was not until I was able to see his photo on this site that I finally understood his death and its events. I wish to thank ODMP for its efforts.

Deputy Christopher Whatley
Denton County Constable Pct #6