Officer Down Memorial Page

You were a true American Hero Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)
March 24, 2012

Officer Peterson, the information regarding your death tells the type of man you were. God bless you and your family. Please tell Don Albeitz, LVMPD hello.

SA Ellen Pierson
US DHS
January 25, 2011

Class 1-90 celebrated their 20th year in April, 2010. You were missed at the celebration Russ, but you are not forgotten.

P.O.II Adam Carpenter
Las Vegas Metro P.D./ Laughlin Sub.
September 6, 2010

Officer Peterson you are not forgotten by the men and women of the Boston Police Dept. RIP

Det. Michael Kane
Boston Police Dept.
July 1, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
March 24, 2010

A HERO !

Carol
December 3, 2009

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion
Proverbs 28:1

You are not forgotten

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.
March 24, 2009

Officer Peterson,
On today the 11th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Las Vegas. You are a true hero-you thought of your partner before your own safety. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
March 24, 2009

Russ, you were a good friend and a great officer. I always felt safer when you showed up as medical support for our warrant services, should the worse happen. You were a great instructor and I truely enjoyed working the firearms range with you, as we taught not only new officers , but also those seasoned officers who were interested in the newest tactics and techniques.You gave your life while being committed to excellance. Your memory will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace my brother, in the arms of the Lord.

Thomas A. Carpenter
Las Vegas Metro P.D.
October 14, 2008

Today on the 10th anniversary of your death, we pause and say a prayer for you and those you left behind.
Rest in peace Officer, you are not forgotten.
Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Deborah Roelandts (911 retired)
Oconomowoc Wisconsin

Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc
March 24, 2008

Rest in peace.

Offc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department
March 14, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDNEBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
February 27, 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
December 11, 2007

IT TAKES A CERTIAN KIND OF PERSON TO DO WHAT YOU HAVE DONE, AND BECAUSE OF YOU AND YOUR BRAVERY ITS POSSIBLE FOR ANOTHER PERSON TO GO OUT AND DO IT AGAIN.

MARILYN K
WCSO
November 24, 2007

What a heroic man you were in life and you have not been forgotten in death. Rest in peace, Officer Peterson.

CopsDaughter
November 20, 2007

YOU COULD HAVE RAN AWAY, OBEYED ALL HUMAN INSTINCT FOR SELF PRESERVATION AND MOST PEOPLE WOULD HAVE UNDERSTOOD.BUT YOU WEREN'T MOST PEOPLE, WERE YOU? YOUR INSTINCT WAS TO BE THERE WHEN YOUR PARTNER AND YOUR FRIEND NEEDED YOU.YOU WEREN'T GOING TO LET GO OF THAT ROPE EVEN AFTER YOU WERE GONE. I AM SPEECHLESS WITH RESPECT AND ADMIRATION.

CAPT. STEVE BEZET
PLAQUEMINE , LA. POLICE DEPT.
February 22, 2007

Not the glittering weapon fights the fight but rather the hero's heart.
Proverbs.

November 29, 2006

R.I.P. Officer Peterson you are a true HERO. I will pray for your family. God Bless you.

Deputy Designee
EPSO (Colorado)
March 24, 2006

Officer Peterson,

A true friend, a true officer, I honor your life and your memory. I am so proud this is what my son chose to do. We will see you when we see our son.

Love,
Linda Rittenhouse
Mother of Officer Matthew Rittenhouse E.O.W.9/16/04

Linda Rittenhouse
Matt's Mom
March 24, 2006

You were truely a brave man.May you rest in Peace.

March 24, 2006

To Officer Russell Peterson and his loved ones:

On this the eighth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.
Reading the loving reflections about your beloved Russell gives us some understanding of what a kind and honorable man he was. His heroism was unparalleled.

Russell, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Officer Peterson. I am humbled by your valor, courage, and dedication.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Russell gave to his community and the citizens of Nevada, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 24, 1998.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 23, 2006

Russ (D-H)
You were always there when I needed you, even though we were only partners for a short time.

You were joined by Henry only days ago, Im sure the two of you are climbing the mountain to find the perfect golf course, with Donnie right there with you. Teach them to climb safe, climb high and above all have fun.

Some day you can teach me to climb the mountain with you.

Rest in peace my friend..

Your friend... (B-D)

Detective Todd Rosenberg
LVMPD
February 3, 2006

Officer Peterson, You are a TRUE HERO. People throw that word around too much these days to others who do not deserve it. You gave your life so another could live. You now walk the streets of gold. God Bless

OHIO
summit county
11-11-2005

November 10, 2005

Each day I read the ODMP. Today I read the story of your death. Every officer who gave his/her life for us need never be forgotton. Rest in peace, sir.

Cpl Yves Rochard
Swiss Army, MP Service
November 10, 2005

A true hero.

Special Officer
Idaho State Univ. Public Safety
July 24, 2005