Officer Down Memorial Page

Rest in Peace, Officer Camp. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
April 27, 2012

Thank you for your service Sir, You were a true Hero. A Hero may fall but shall never be forgotten. Your killer will answer for what he did one day Sir, one way or another he will pay.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)
April 9, 2012

I remember that day when the call went out concerning Jimmy death. I now reflect on Jimmy setting on my lap eating strawberries and peaches as a child. I'm not going to share my anger at a system that placed so little value on his death by plea bargaining with the individual who took his life and removed my little brother from us. With a sentence that equals to a property offense. RIP my brother

Ahmed J Shabazz
oldest brother
March 9, 2012

I remember that day when the call went out concerning Jimmy death. I know reflect on Jimmy setting on my lap eating strawberries and peaches as a child. I'm not going to share my anger at a system that placed so little value on his death by plea bargaining with the individual who took his life and removed my little brother from us. With a sentence that equals to a property offense. RIP my brother

Ahmed J Shabazz
oldest brother
March 9, 2012

James-the Good Lord needed another Spalding Irish Football Player for his team. I was fortunate to coach James, he was a great student athlete,role model, and player.
Go Irish
Tom Kahn

Tom Kahn
Spalding Head Football Coach 1980-83
March 9, 2012

RIP Uncle "Bugs" -Palmers

Hana Palmer
Niece
March 9, 2012

Like a comet
Blazing 'cross the evening sky
Gone too soon

Like a rainbow
Fading in the twinkling of an eye
Gone too soon

Shiny and sparkly
And splendidly bright
Here one day
Gone one night

Like the loss of sunlight
On a cloudy afternoon
Gone too soon

Clergy
Clergy Association of IL
March 8, 2012

I went to grade school at Sacre Coeur with James. He was a good person...a gentle giant. I was so sad to hear of his passing..we lost a good man.
Janine McWhirteryoung

Janine Young
friend
January 15, 2012

I went to High School with James. I was a freshman and he was a sophomore. We both played football. The first time I met James was in a Frosh/Soph scrimmage game. I was a Fullback and on this play I was suppose to block (guess who) Big James. When the play was over. James picked me up after laying me out, right off of my feet. He took his big hand and slapped me on the helmet (which almost knocked me out) and said, " You must be little Ramos?" You see, my brother Dave was a year older then James and they knew each other. My brother and I sometimes gave James a ride home after school. When we heard the news about James being killed in the line if duty. No one could believe it. You know, when you say Goodbye to someone after graduation. You don't think about it being the last Goodbye. My brother Dave and I went to the Visitation. As all of the hundreds of Officers came to pay their respect with a Salute. I couldn't help but think about that day I met James and I cried. God Bless you James. And God Bless all of the men & women of all Police Agencies. Especially my brother George (Officer in Bettendorf Iowa- 27 yrs. of service) and good friend Michael B. (Chicago Police Officer- 22 yrs. of service).

Ray Ramos
friend
May 29, 2011

Hard to believe 12 years has passed since that tragic day. You were a great police officer and will not be forgotten. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago
March 10, 2011

I went to grade school and high school with james in Peoria. I moved up to Chicago 6 yrs ago. Recently Chicago has had a rash of officers shot and killed. I couldn't help but to think of James and his family.

God bless,

Chuck

chuck Donahue
July 21, 2010

Although I didn't know you well, in fact hardly at all, I appreciated how you handled yourself. You were my supervisor on a few occasions before you became a police officer. I remember the day you took the test. You were one of the rare ones, a true professional in every sense of the word. Your quiet demeanor and ability to treat everyone fairly made you stand out. I look forward to shaking your hand one day and thanking you. RIP...

Inspector Staten
Federal Protective Service
March 13, 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 9, 2010

I can't believe that the court system designed to deliver justice failed you. RIP James, you deserve it. Let us handle this POS.

Anonymous
November 20, 2009

Officer Camp,
I am outraged that the court system allowed this to happen. I am a native of Illinois but now I am proud to say I live in TEXAS! This piece of trash would have NEVER been allowed to live. God Bless the Chicago Police Dept and the family and friends of Officer Camp I am so sorry for your loss and then to live with the injustice of the POS not being given the death row.

TX
October 9, 2008

May God continue to bless your family......

Joanne
June 18, 2008

I miss you big bro. You were truly a friend and an inspiration in my life. You'll always have a special place in my heart. You'll never be forgotten.

Sgt. Gary Williams
C.P.D.
May 4, 2008

I miss you big bro. You were truly a friend and an inspiration in my life. You'll always have a special place in my heart. You'll never be forgotten.

Sgt. Gary Williams
C.P.D.
May 4, 2008

Officer Camp your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee
April 18, 2008

This is the BIGGEST travesty of justice I've ever heard of! Thank you for you bravery, dedication, and sacrifice. May your loved ones take solace in the fact that you will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten!

DET SGT, Retired
AR
April 14, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR COURAGE AND DEDICATION TO LAW ENFORCEMENT. I MUST AGREE WITH OTHERS THAT JUSTICE WAS NOT SERVED ON YOUR BEHALF. AS THIS WRITER CONTINUES TO LEAVE REFLECTIONS FOR EVERY OFFICER ON THIS WEB SITE, IT IS MOST UPSETTING TO READ STORIES OF POLICE OFFICES BEING MURDERED AND JUSTICE IS NOT BEING SERVED. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU, YOUR FAMILY, POLICE FAMILY AND FRIENDS, YOU SIR ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE. GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THOSE THAT LOVE YOU.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
March 12, 2008

How in the world did the court let this man get away with the murder and attempted murder of a Law Enforcement Officer?
Twenty-eight years and the offender is still breathing, talking, smiling, eating and we are paying for it.
I am sorry if I sound so crass, but this was a husband and son of a family that will grieve the rest of their lives because of one persons choice.
Never a day will go by that they won't think about him and what "should have been".
We are survivors, but Oh the pain and heartache that we have to bear for a life time.
It has been nine years but he is still in their hearts.
God bless this family and all of the families that have suffered a loss.

A Mother of a slain Deputy Sheriff

March 9, 2008

You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
March 9, 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
October 17, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones and close friends on this 8th anniversary of your EOW. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. Your name now appears with honor and respect at Gold Star Park on the Lake front of Chicago for all to see. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
March 9, 2007