Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was just scrolling this today, the anniversary of Officer Winkle's death; his "children" are my age now and I hope that he left a great legacy. Please know that while I wasn't a resident of Philadelphia till 1996, I thank him for his service nonetheless. God bless to all surviving family members.

Civilian Lou Pumphrey III
Civilian

June 27, 2022

Officer Van Winkle,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Philadelphia. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 27, 2022

Thank you for your service and know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

June 27, 2020

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

June 29, 2017

Officer Van Winkle,
On today, the 45th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Philadelphia. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 27, 2017

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

July 4, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th anniversary year 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

December 1, 2012

Rest in peace sir. Thank you for your service.

Deputy Sheriff
Covinton County Sheriff's Dept. (Ms)

April 2, 2010

Rest in peace sir, you are not forgotten

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

February 27, 2009

Thankyou for your service and sacrifice. You are a true hero to us all and will never be forgotten

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

March 12, 2008

"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

January 24, 2008

We laid a plaque in your memory yesterday at Lloyd hall on Kelly Drive, adjacent to the river that claimed you. The Highway Patrol guys proudly escorted your wife and children. The Marine Unit showed they still remember you. They were saluting as well. Along with the countless other friends, families, and Police Officers who never even met you, including myself.
Your daughters both gave speeches. It was terribly sad to see and hear their grief 35 years later. But their pride was just as evident. They smiled from ear to ear recalling you as a dad, a cop, husband, and friend to all.
Rest in peace Brother. You will never be forgotten.

P/O Joseph Leighthardt
Philadelphia Police Department

September 6, 2007

You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

June 27, 2007

I REMEMBER AGNES IT WAS A TERRIBLE STORM. OFFICER VAN WINKLE DID HIS DUTY DURING THE STORM. R.I.P.

bob
retired

February 26, 2007

Brother Winkle,

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Respectfully,
You’re Brothers in Blue

Untouchables LE Motorcycle Club

January 18, 2006

God bless you, Officer Van Winkle, for your heroism and noble service. You will always be remembered. Rest in heavenly peace.

Karl Gwynne

November 14, 2004