Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jesus Christ, during His Sermon on the Mount, proclaimed, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, D.Div, MSBS, NCCA
Ordained/Licensed Independent Christian Clergy
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department

February 23, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

October 12, 2020

It's hard to believe this year will mark 38 years of you being gone. I have a picture of you on my desk and when I see your smile I hear your laughter. I miss being able to talk to you to hug you and to laugh with you. You were always there no matter the time or the day. We were cousins be definition but to me you were my big brother and my hero. And on October 12, 1982 you became my guardian angel.

Robin Engelhart

January 17, 2020

I had the privilege of working with Erskin on the Dare Co SO. We worked out of the Manteo office together. He was a great guy to work with and he always kept you laughing.We both left and went to different departments.Was so saddened to hear of his tragic passing . Fly High 'Big Bird'

Rick Davis-Former Deputy Dare Co Sheriff

April 20, 2018

Erskin, you were my bother officer and roommate. I wasn't working for the department when you were killed but the news devastated me when I heard it. I came to your memorial and am not ashamed to admit that I wept at loss of such a bright star with so much potential. It's been over 34 years but I have never forgotten you. I am still angry that such a senseless, drunken act took you from your friends and family too soon. I am proud to have known and worked with you.

On a personal note, Erskin was a great guy. He made for an interesting room mate. Where I would wash and iron my uniforms by hand, he always had his dry cleaned after each wearing. He cared a lot about his appearance. He literally would spend an hour working on his hair before going out. He was not so neat in other ways, however. I had to go into his room to speak to him once and was shocked to see that the rooms was a disaster. There were mountains of clothes on the floor, to the point that you could barely see the bed. I could never reconcile how a guy could be so meticulous about his appearance and yet so uncaring about his environment. But that was Erskin.

I'm glad this sight exists. I hope others will read your story and remember you. I will never forget you.

Patrolman, Jeffrey J. Kelly
kill devil hills pd

July 27, 2016

Hi Little Brother,

It has been 33 years since I last saw your beautiful smile. Your are in my heart and thoughts everyday. You were loved by so many in your short life. I am thankful everyday for time we had with you. Joe never had the chance to meet you but he has your sense of humor and so many of your expressions and mannerisms. You would be very proud to have him as a son. It's hard to believe he will be 33 in December. I miss you so much sometimes my heart is raw. Even though I am so much older I still feel you taking care of us sometimes.

I love you to the moon and back,

Sis

Linda Gray
Sister

October 12, 2015

Still not forgotten!

George Farrow Sgt.
Southern Shores PD

May 15, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 17th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 14, 2009

Erk,
I remember a lot about you because your mom taught me in school. When you were a senior you asked me about a law enforcement career. I had never seen such spark in a young man wanting to be a Deputy.
I also remember during your Basic training and time we spent during your field training. I watched you grow and mature into a fine officer then move to another agency. It has been a long time since God called you home but it seems only like yesterday when when I heard the sad news on my patrol car radio. It was a pleasure watching you grow from a little barefooted boy in Kinnakeet(Avon,NC) to a fine outstanding Patrol Officer. I will see you in heaven my friend.

E.J. Williams,Jr Lt Col (Retired)
DareCounty S.O. Retired

May 23, 2009

"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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

December 27, 2007

OFFICER SACRBOROUGH, MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. YOU ARE GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

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

October 12, 2007

On the upcoming anniversary of your passing, we remember you today and thank you Sir for your service.

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 10, 2007

Erk,
So much time has gone by since that horrible night. I keep your memory close by, often wondering why things could not have been different for you. Although I left Dare County, I have remained in Law Enforcement, you of course were part of the reason I stayed with it. I know your family is proud of you and I wish you could be with them all. Say hello to your Mom and Dad, I know they are with you.

Anonymous
Detective

August 17, 2007

G-d Bless.

October 12, 2006

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).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

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

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 5, 2004

May god bless you and your family. Although I did not have the privilege to have known you, I am sure you earned your seat in heaven.

Rest in peace, those of us who remain will cover your post on the thin, blue line.

Anonymous

September 29, 2003

Erskin,
Though we were family, I never met you. I have heard others speak of you and what you stood for. I too have become a Law Enforcement Officer. Each call "we" answer is as uncertain as life itself. I know you are watching over us as we perform our duties and obligations. My fallen officer
10-12, I will 10-25 with you soon.

Deputy Marvin Scarborough
Onslow County Sheriffs Office

Well, today is the 20th anaversery of your death. I for one remember you and it has been on my mind all week. Last night a Deputy Sheriff was almost killed in the same way you were, another constant reminder. Your name and what you died for has not and will not go forgotten. I know the officers in KDH are arresting just as many Drunks as they possibly can. My thoughts are prayers are with you and your family and child today. May you rest in peace and your memory live forever. 10-12 my friend, we will be with you soon enough.

Anonymous

Erk,
I never knew you but heard about you many times. I never heard a bad word said about you even today almost 20 years after your death. Your memory is still very much alive, every officer in Dare County knows your name.You made your family proud and even though I never met you, think of you and what you stood for and died for nearly every day. You are a constant thought every time I step in the road on a traffic stop or accident scene. I pray that you rest in peace and watch over all of the officers in the county and your fellow family members in law enforcement. In the County, the month and year of your death 10-12, means stand by, every time I hear that I think of you. I hope you are 10-12 in heaven for us here on earth, we will be there in a few.
take care my friend

Anonymous

Erskin was a very special person, loved by everyone that knew him.

Anonymous