Officer Down Memorial Page

I'm helping daughter, Sally, settle into life in Baltimore where she now lives and works - and am thinking of Barry and Martha. Martha, I hope you are well.

Diane Wood Troy
cousin
March 7, 2012

The 12th year of your passing was filled with beautiful memories of your wonderful Life! I miss you so very much and you will always be in my heart as I continue with my life's journey. AMLF&A

surviving spouse
November 8, 2010

Aug.25th..Today would have been your 62nd Birthday, we would have spent the day completely together first with a walk, then a light lunch.. coffee, peanut butter & Ritz crackers!!!, make your Chocolate Guitar Birthday Cake,while you enjoyed working on your well manicured yard or washing your truck!!Then in to relax :)! A trip to car dealership to see the new trucks!!! Home to dinner & enjoy our life together !!! AMLF&A

Martha
widow
August 25, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 11th 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 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.

To his wife: I pray for your solace today. Your love for your husband resonates through your reflections.
Phyllis Loya

Anonymous
November 5, 2009

Today on your birthday, I will celebrate your life remembering your laughter, smile, sense of humor, your caring & support, the love we shared, the fun times & the wonderful man you were & will be remembered as Hero in so many ways....

Martha Wood
surviving spouse
August 25, 2009

I truely need your direction now!

martha wood
surviving spouse
July 31, 2009

I never knew Barry but through his wife Martha, I have become to know him. He was an incredable person. As I attended to tenth anniversary memorial ceremony held at Martins Airport in Baltimore, I saw Martha's pride to be his wife of 28 years. God Bless you and keep you in God's hands.

Angie Halcomb
Surviving Spouse of
Officer Jimmy Halcomb
Baltimore City Police
EOW: April 16, 1976

Angie Halcomb
Surviver
November 11, 2008

RIP.You will not be forgotten.

Anonymous
November 7, 2008

Barry,
It just doesn't seem real that ten years have passed since that fateful day. You would be so proud of Martha though, the way she has risen to the task of helping the memorial museum become reality. I now you've been joined by a few more pilots this year, and I know you're welcoming them in, and watching over the rest. Keep a eye on Martha, she needs to feel you watching over her as she drives around in the "blue bug".

BJ HECKMAN-SAUER
VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE
November 1, 2008

Oct 9th Our Wedding day......
a m l f & a,
Martha

Martha
surviving spouse of Flight Officer Barry Wood, BPD e.o.w.11/04/1998
October 8, 2008

Aug 25th I'm sure you are celebrating your birthday in Heaven today...another special day without you! Everyday has the emptiness of you ..your smile that reached from ear to ear, your full laughter, companionship, support and the love you gave. Today is especially lonely remembering all the ways we celebrated our special days. I will have chocolate cake today!!
Always missing you... a m l f & a,
your Martha

Martha
surviving spouse of Flight Officer Barry Wood, BPD e.o.w.11/04/1998
August 25, 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
February 11, 2008

Martha, thinking of you on this 9th anniversary of Barry's EOW. No matter how many years pass, the EOW date is hard. May you find comfort in your memories, and in knowing you are loved by so many.

I hope Barry and Mick have met in Heaven, like we have here on Earth. Barry would be so proud of you and all you do for fellow survivors! You are an inspiration and a remarkable woman whom I'm lucky to call my friend.

Stacy Cullinane Smith
Surviving Spouse of Ptl Mickey Cullinane, EOW 8/26/92
Sea Isle City, NJ Police Department

November 4, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
November 2, 2007

I am a former aerial observer (1975-1983)with the Baltimore Police Helicopter unit. I was Barry's partner for most of my time with the unit. Martha, you and Barry are always in the thoughts and prayers of Sue and I. I thank God that we had friends like you and Barry. I miss him very much, he was my best friend.

Ray & Sue Mackessy 04-01-07

Sgt. Raymond Mackessy
Sumter Co. Sheriff's Ofc. Crime Scene Unit Supervisor
April 1, 2007

Martha,

I'm glad I found this site. I was a former band member of Barry's in Manassas. I always wanted to find a way to express my condolences to you and your family.

May peace be always at your doorstep.

Vince Heflin
Friend
January 3, 2007

Hello Martha Thinking of you and Barry during this season. Just wanted to let you know I am keeping you in my prayers at this time of and always. Have a safe New Years and Peace Be With You. Lorrie Winder

lorrie winder
wife
December 29, 2006

Martha, thinking of you this holiday season. I hope you can find some comfort and peace and cherish your memories of Barry. The holidays can be such a bitter sweet time for us survivors, no matter how many years have passed since the EOW. Know I'm thinking of you.

Love,
Stacy


Stacy Cullinane Smith
Surviving Spouse of Ptl Mickey Cullinane, EOW 8/26/92
Sea Isle City NJ Police Department AND
Proud Wife of a Montgomery County, MD Police Officer

December 24, 2006

As we celebrate the birth of Our Saviour, let's remember the life of this saviour. Our Saviour made the ultimate sacrifice so that we might live. This saviour made the ultimate sacrifice to serve and protect. Our Saviour lives. This saviour, too, shall live again. Rest In Peace.

On behalf of the pilots of the FBI, I pay my respects.

D. Paul, Special Agent/Pilot
FBI
December 23, 2006

Merry Christmas Wood Family. May all of you continue to move forward in life and heal with Barry's help.

December 18, 2006

Thinking of you and your family this day.

Maryland Citizen
November 4, 2006

May Our Lord bless and keep you.

November 4, 2006

Remembering Barry, Martha, and Tiki on this day.

November 4, 2006

Hello Martha It has been a while since we have spoken. I do think of you and hope that you are doing o.k. I thank you with all my heart for being there for me and my family during the trial and all you did for the one year memorial service on Edmondson Ave. You have a good soul. I know 10/9 Monday is your special day. I cannot forget it because it is Brian's B-Day. I will continue to pray for you and I know Barry is with you in spirit on Monday and everyday. May God bless him for a job well done on earth and allow him to look out for you and his fellow officers from above for protection and peace. Peace Be With You Martha Love, Lorrie Winder

lorrie winder
wife of ofc. Brian Winder EOW 7-3-04
October 6, 2006

Four years ago I met your wife in Washington D.C. at the National Police Memorial. I was there for Police Week, in honor of my husband, Sgt. Marc Muncy. My husband died in a car accident while responding to another officer's call for back up. He was an officer with the Columbus, Ohio Division of Police. I clearly remember the day I first met your wife. We had just walked up the stairs from the Metro and we were beginning to walk around the memorial wall. We wanted to find my boyfriend's co-worker who's name had just been added to the wall. It was then that we saw your wife sitting near your name crying. We stopped to talk with her and learned you had been a helicopter pilot for Baltimore City. My boyfriend is a pilot for the Ohio State Highway Patrol. I think the connection helped as we talked with Martha. After talking for a bit, we left and each year after I have thought about her and wondered how she was doing.

History repeated itself this year, only in reverse. I was the one sitting near my husband's name crying when Martha came up to me. I immediately recognized her and was thrilled to be able to see her once again. I am a firm believer that God puts people in the right place at the right time. We were there four years ago when Martha needed someone and she was there on Saturday when I needed someone. The pride that she carries for your comes through in her eyes and her words...just as strong now as it was when we first met her.

Continue to watch over her. Martha, thank-you for taking the time to talk on Saturday and remember to take care of yourself too.

Becky Muncy, widow of Sgt. Marc Muncy
Assistant Prosecutor, Franklin County
May 16, 2006