Officer Down Memorial Page

It has been 3 weeks since I watched the video of your murder during a training class. It has been burned into my memory forever. I am so sorry for what you endured that day, but thank God there are people like you who are willing to give the ultimate sacrifice to protect us all.

Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (KJV)

Anonymous

I am so glad that I found this site. It allows me to say to your wife and children the things that I would like for them to know. I am training officer at my agency. I teach firearms, defensive tactics, ect. I also teach at several regional academies. I have seen the tape of your traffic stop more times than I care to but I will continue for the sake of those that might benefit from the situation you encountered.

Mrs. Dinkheller,
I never met your husband. I have never met you. But I burried my best friend in 1994 to a line of duty death and since I know the pain that I still suffer, it shows me that I can't possibly understand the pain that you suffer.
I promise you that as long as I have influence on the law enforcement field, as long as I teach the officers of tommorow, as long as I can use that tape to save lives, I will not let Kyle's name vanish from the hearts and minds of Georgia's Officers.
You and your children will never cease to be in my prayers.
Sgt. Jamie Newsome Polk County S.O.

Sgt. James Newsome
Polk County Sheriff's Office

12/06/02 DS Dinkheller- My academy class recently watched the video of the shooting as part of our officer safety training. I had to fight back tears. You were so young to be taken and I pray for your family and children. Their father IS a true HERO! Thank you to your family for letting other officers view the tape in hopes to save future lives. I hope they know that their father, son, husband, brother and friend is NOT forgotten and never will be.
GOD SPEED.
Montgomery County, Maryland

Anonymous

Today while travelling with my wife back from Atlanta, we stopped at the site where you were taken. As I stood there, I could smell the gun powder and hear the rounds going off. I stood there with my eyes closed and pictured the video of that dreadful day. I stood there and prayed! I have been a police officer for two years now and everytime I get ready to go to work, I am scared. Scared not that I may never return. But scared that my kids will grow up without me there. I know that you were scared. Heck, I was not there and I was scared. But as I stood there and read your name on the plaque attached to the fence, I knew your fear was gone. GOD took that fear from you. HE was there with you that day. HE did not want you to be alone, so HE came to be with you. When I started to get back in my car, my wife said that it felt strange to stop where you were killed. But I told her that it did not feel strange to me because I needed to pay my respects to a fallen brother. I think that I needed closure ever since I saw the tape from your car. I pray that your killer will be put in front of GOD for what he did. I cannot judge him. Only GOD can. I hate him for the pain that he caused to you and your family. In closing, as I left that spot, I looked in the mirror and said one last prayer: As I leave this spot behind GOD, NEVER let me forget what this man did. He laid is life down for strangers. If it ever comes down to doing the same for me, May I be as strong as Kyle was! And to your family, we as officers grieve with you for the loss of your loved one. May his wife and children know that Kyle was part of our family, too. He wore his badge proud just like us. And now, may we all keep his courage and dedication with us forever.
With all my heart, May GOD comfort you and know that one day you will be with him again. And Mrs. Dinkheller, remind your children that their father is a hero not only to them- but to many of us who never even knew him. May GOD bless everyone that does this for a living. And may Kyle rest forever and now walk that beat in Heaven because he walked his beat here in Hell! AMEN

Ofc. Michael Davis
Brunswick Police Dept.

Kyle, I recently viewed the events that occured on the last day of your life. There are no words to describe the way I felt or feel now. My deepest sympathy goes out to your family. You will always be with us bro, I wish I could of been by your side, but I know you are riding with all of us now. God Bless my friend.

Patrolman Tom Cocco#65
Voorhees Twp Police NJ

Kyle,
Last night my partners and I watched the video of your death. As we sat there afterward, we each looked at each other, and as we fought back the tears, I knew that you had just made a difference in the way each of us would approach our job in the future. I can only hope that the memory of that video doesn't fade for any of us. Please watch over all of us, so we can carry on in the fight.

Box Elder County Sheriff's Dept, Utah

Anonymous

Kyle-

I am a criminal justice major, planning to be a police officer in the near future. I watched the tape of your killing in my criminal investigations class this past week. Tears just came flowing out of my eyes and it took everything I have inside of me to stay inside the class and continue watching the video. I had second thoughts about being a police officer after watching that video. You truly died a hero and doing something you loved. I know you are in a great place now and I hope I have the honor to meet you one day. When I do become a police officer I will remember you, and not take one day for granted. God bless you and keep you.

Anonymous

Kyle,

I just watched your video tape the other day in a officer survival class and words cannot describe how I felt inside. Just like a reflection I read earlier I could not get the sounds of that tape out of my head for days. Even though I did not know you, inside I felt like I had a tight bond with you while watching the tape. God bless you in heaven and rest in peace brother.

Trooper David W. Steward Jr.
Alabama State Troopers

Kyle, I don't know you, but I feel for you. I am about to enter the law enforcement field and am very excited. The words that have been spoken about you are all beautiful. You did what you wanted and loved what you did. There is no greater joy than to be able to spend your life doing what makes you happy. To you, your family and your many brothers in blue...to us, God Bless.

S.A.

LEO Recruit
N/A

God bless you Deputy Dinkheller and your family, friends and agency. I saw the video today in a training class. It is a terrible reminder of how dangerous a job we have.I will not put my uniform on again and not be reminded of what I saw today. God be with us all.

Trooper K.W.G
Florida highway patrol

Kyle,
I did not know you personally but I loved you. You were part of my family. I am 20 years old and have been in Law Enforcement for 2 years now, I have been certified for a little over 9 months. Not a day goes by that I don't think about our brothers and sisters that have given their lives for the Blue Line. I just completed an Officer Survival Course at Clayton Regional Law Enforcement Academy and it was hard. While clearing a building I got shot 5 time 2 would have been deadly. I was lucky they were only paintballs but one day they could be real. At any moment in time we can be face with your situation and we ask ourselves "what would we do" but we don't know. I "knew" what I would do when faced with a perp in a building but under stress I didn't do what I thought I would, whatever I could. I can't watch your video, it makes me mad, sad and scared all at once. Justice was granted in the court and a small amount of comfort was given, but you along with so many other HERO'S are gone. You gave your life but not without putting up a fight. I only hope that I can be as brave as you were if ever the time were to come.
To Kyles Family:
You have been faced with the hard situation in life, the death of a son, husband, brother, father and a friend. I know Kyle is watching over you all, like you watch over him when he was growing up. Kyle died a hero and will be remembered that way forever.
To Kyles friends and Co- workers:
I can't even begin to think about losing an officer that I work with and hopefully I will never have to. Keep on serving and keep on protecting Kyles memory.
God Bless You All
My love to Kyle, his family and friends
Brenda

Deputy Brenda Houston
Fayette County Sheriff Department

I just returned from a firearms instructor school where 60 experienced law enforcement officers watched the video of Kyle's murder as a training tool. 61 hearts dropped to the floor while watching this video. A pin drop could have been heard afterwards while we all listened to Kyle's background story.
I will use Kyle's memory to always assure myself of why I became a cop. To Kyle's family, you surely know that Kyle did not leave us in vein, this has touched us all and we are all stronger from him. God bless you and your children, and may they also grow to be strong from this.

Anonymous

On 6/3/02 I watched a training video with some of my fellow officers. this particular video included the traffic stop that took Deputy Dinkheller's life. I was very disturbed by the audio portion of this film, it was an eye-opener.
I want to thank Dinkheller's family for letting this be used as a video which may save future officer's lives.
However, I was comforted to read at the closing of the video that Deputy Dinkheller gave his heart to Jesus a few months before his death. Now Deputy Dinkheller is "standing guard" at at the throne of Christ!! I do not know what my fellow officers thought as they read that, but I know it will touch many officers throughout the USA...and maybe it will provoke just one officer to make a "decision" to follow Jesus. Deputy Dinkheller, you are still doing good works for the Lord, even after your demise. Thanx for your awesome example.

Police Officer Paul L. Sobkowiak
Buffalo NY Police Department

I felt very strongly over the last two days that I needed to leave a reflection for Deputy Dinkheller. I am attending a traing course in Central Florida during which a very disturbing video was shown. Unfortunately the video contained the last horrific moments of Deputy Dinkheller's life. I can assure you that the 27 other officers that are in the class with me all shed a tear or two for the deputy and his family. That was the most heart wrenching thing that I have ever observed and my prayers go out to what appears to be an extremely strong family of Deputy Dinkheller. Angela I read your reflections and you seem like a wonderful person. It is a shame that your son will never get to see his father, but I have no doubt that you will do everything in your power to make sure that your children know him. Angela you and your family are in my prayers, God bless you.

Rob Lilly
Casselberry Police Department
Florida

Patrol Officer Rob Lilly
Casselberry Police Department

Yesterday, 4-12-02, I attended the first phase of our annual firearms qualifications course. The training began with a 34 minute tape of the murder of Deputy Dinkheller.

I first began my career in law enforcement over 22 years ago and have witnessed more than my share of senseless, cruel violence. I've also observed it in training such as the Caliber Press Street Survival seminars that show horrific tapes involving the assault and murders of police officers. However, I have never observed anything as evil as the murder of Deputy Dinkheller.

I found myself overwhelemed, and still am as I write this e-mail the day after viewing the tape. I know that nothing can ease your pain and suffering, but I have to at least express my sincerest, heartfelt condolences to Deputy Dinkhellers family, co-workers, and friends.

From observing the room full of other deputies, most younger than me with limited experience, I believe they left training that day with a different attitude, one that will hopefully help to keep them safe from the same kind of evil that Kyle encountered that day in January.

Sincerely Yours,

Sgt. Terry Saylor
Montgomery Co. Sheriff's Office, Dayton, Ohio.

Sergeant Terry Saylor
Montgomery Co. Sheriff's Office Dayton Ohio

Kyle,

I am a CJ student, at a local community college in michigan. A week before our final in one of my classes the professor showed us your car's tape. It was all I could do not to cry.

To your family I am so very sorry about Kyle's death. Thank you for protecting everyone that day.

Anonymous

I have watched the video during some recent training. It stays with me every day I will never forget your sacrifice and will keep you in my thoughts, every time I go on patrol. God bless your family and may you rest in peace brother.

Anonymous

Kyle, I watched a copy of your traffic stop, and the horrible way in which you were murdered. God Bless you and your family. I will not forget you.

Lt. Mark Farmer
Aiken Department Public Safety

I had training today with the sheriffs office and part of this was on officer survival. When I watched that video on Deputy Dinkheller I just couldn't imagine what was going through his mind,It must have been real terrifying for him. I wanted to jump through that tv and do anything I could to help him. I would like to express my deepest sincere sympathy for his wife, children and parents. I'm glad that there is still a justice system and it did prevail by finding the person who did this guilty. Again my deepest sympathys to family. Deputy Todd Newgren.

Deputy Todd Newgren
Black Hawk County Sheriffs Office

I just watched the tape of that fateful day this past week. I am a dispatcher and we were shown the tape in briefing before we went in to sit down to work our 12 hours that night. The first words out of anybody's mouth was "I feel sick". Watching that tape...thinking what you must have been feeling...it's something that I will never forget. It's been a week since we watched that tape, and I can still hear it in my head. I just thank God that they caught the guy who did this to you and that he WILL pay for what he has done. You will never be forgotten!!!

Anonymous

I graduated mandate in october 2001, watching Kyles tape in mandate school was one of the hardest things i have ever had to watch. Deputy Dinkheller was a hero and should always be remembered and loved.

OFC. EDDIE KNOTT
IVEY POLICE DEPT.

I'm the training officer and a firearms instructor for our department. The Chief of Police for our department has asked me to put a class on for Police Administrators in our area. The class was about the reasons for having a progressive firearms curriculum. The Chief showed me the video of your traffic stop about a month ago. I could not talk after watching the tape. It is still hard to talk about it when I think of the tape. I started the class with your tape. I want other Police Department Administrators to understand the importance of having a progressive firearms curriculum. There is liability in everything we do. But an officers life outways any amount of liability. To any agency that has preclusion, please rethink your views.
When I teach officers at the range, most listen and try to learn. Others act like I'm being hard on them and being a jerk. I want them to learn and maybe get something out of the class that may save their life someday. Many officers say, "It won't happen to me." I say watch this tape of Ofc. Dinkheller. It can happen to any of us. As part of training all officers should attend a funeral. I'm over a hundred miles from your county. A fellow officer and I attended your funeral. I am so sorry. I think of you when I teach. I don't want this to happen to anyone. After I taught the class I didn't think many of the students got anything out of it. I'm not a very good instructor. I've since been asked for additional information on Progressive Training and I've been asked for copies of your tape. They want to take it back and use it for a training video for their officers. To show them what could happen to any of us....at any time. You taught that class, not me. I think by your tape the student's have learned how important it is. Some have gone back and are in the process of having their policy and curriclum changed. Through your death I honestly believe you are saving other officers lives. Those that see your tape will never forget.

Cpl David Wooldridge
Woodstock

Just finished watching the video, being used as a training film...I was so deeply saddened by this loss to the law enforcement community. I am a 12 year veteran but it is still sobering to know this could have been any one of us.
My prayers are still with his family...somehow, may God allow him to help the rest of us watch our backs.

Sgt. G. Barlow
Mt. Juliet P.D. Mt. Juliet, TN

Kyle,

To my son, my first born. It's so hard to write my feelings because even though time has gone by, it seems like just yesterday. The love in my heart for you is so strong and I'm so thankful for all the memories. September 11, has brought back so much of the pain and the sorrow. I feel for the families of other officers. Recently there have been officers killed in the line of duty right here in Utah and it brings the pain so close to home again. Now that our government has called armed forces to duty, the pain and heartache I feel at the thought of your little brother going to serve his country is so real. He is in the National Guard here in Cedar City, Utah. Your little brother has a beautiful wife and an adorable daughter who just turned one.

Kyle please be a guarding angel to your brother and the rest of us. A day has not gone by since you were killed, that I haven't worn, with great pride, your badge number and a guarding angel pin on my chest. I wear these to let you know how proud I am of you and all you had to endure.

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH
LOVE MOM
Cedar City, Utah

Why a Police Officer?

Why a police officer,you may ask,

Why did you choose this line of work?

Surely you knew as even I do,

You’d encounter many a " jerk!"



Didn’t know the hours would be long,

And your pay be relatively small.

Why you’ll be accused of excessive force,

And often receive no respect at all!



Every day you’ll lay your precious life on the line.

You’ll see things that will cause you to weep.

Why the very one for which you give sacrifice,

More often than not, is a creep!



Without doubt, you are the glue,

That keeps society intact.

There is no price I could ever give,

Sufficient enough to pay you back.


So when you get up tomorrow,

And face that gorgeous Georgia sun,

Look to Heaven with much earned pride,

Whisper a prayer that God will be there,

And take Him along for the ride!

Rosemary Duvall
‘ 2000’
This poem came from Cpl. Duvall Mom
Cpl Duvall works for the East Dublin Police Department.
Laurens County, Georgia.

Anonymous