Officer Down Memorial Page

Well, Its been 20 years since I was stationed with Craig at FT Lee. I remember him as a good guy. I moved on and reitred from the Military, but still keep fallen Officers close. His tour of duty has ended, rest now and I know he is watching other the rest of us until our tour of duty is over. God Bless

Fellow Officer
Fort Lee Police Department

Fellow Officer
Fort Lee Police Department
April 5, 2012

Uncle Craig,
You always pop into my head sometimes and I can't help but become overwhelmed with grief as I realize I didn't get to spend very much time with you. I still remember the toy police car you gave me, and it brings tears to my eyes not knowing where it is, the only thing I have from you. I was able to find pictures of when Dad and I came down to visit, you kneeling down next to me in the surf on the beach. I don't know why, but I can picture yours and Aunt Beth's house so vividly, strange how certain things stick in your memory…
Your memorial plague hangs proudly in our living room; along with a picture of you holding a beer up with a huge grin on your face (I guess I have yet to learn the story behind that one). I know that everything Dad, Chris and I do with the COPS organization is in your memory, and I am honored to say that you were my uncle. I have a COPS magnetic ribbon on the back of my car along with a blue COPS ribbon tied around my mirror, you are never forgotten. I know you are looking down on me and I can only hope you are proud with everything I have accomplished. I plan on taking a trip down to the wall this summer and to visit your grave; I apologize it has taken me so long.
Please continue to watch over me, our family, Aunt Beth, and the rest of your fellow officers and those who serve our country. I will see you soon, and I love you,
Jennifer

Jennifer Rath
Niece
November 8, 2011

Man I remeber working out at the cacademy gym and we would be joking back in forth about who had a bigger chest. Well, God called you home too soon. My prayers are with your family. May you rest in peace.

Sergeant Greg Johnson
Loudoun County Sheriff's Office
August 30, 2011

I can't believe its been as long as it has. I have many fond memories of you and thank you for being someone I could look up to. You were one of the reasons I got into law enforcement. You are truly missed.

Deputy David Carter
Cousin
June 24, 2011

Twelve long years. Lots of things have changed since then, but I'm sure your memory has lived strong in Chesterfield County...I know it lives on here in Florida. Keep your wathful eye over us all - these are crazy times!

Cpl Tim Nazzaro
Orange County (FL) Sheriff's Office
May 31, 2011

My Beloved Craig,
Cannot believe you departed this life twelve years ago. I still miss you so much and think of you everyday. I will always love you and will one day see you again.

Beth
May 27, 2011

You will never be forgotten. Please continue to keep an eye on your brothers and sisters in green.

Anonymous
March 7, 2011

Craig today is your birthday-I think of you often. Just lost an Oregon Police Chief watching the procession & it brings back all of the memories of yours and my trip to Hamlin NY to speak at that service. I so enjoyed that time & embrace those wonderful memories-miss you still.

Michael Anne Claytor
Former dispatcher Chesterfield County PD
January 14, 2011

Craig -

Eleven years has flown by! I can still remember my drive north to VA for your service like it was yesterday. I still speak with your sister online occasionally, and just sent her a note that your memory is still alive and well here in Florida. Until we meet again - keep an eye on us, and save a spot for us...

Cpl Tim Nazzaro
Orange County (FL) Sheriff's Office
May 29, 2010

Craig, Thinking of you and your family including your family in blue today. Your brother Carl is now VP of our C.O.P.S. Chapter. You have a wonderful family. I am so glad I have gotten to know them. It's just sad for the reason we became friends is that they became members of our Chapter because you gave your life. We do know however, that you did so heroically and trying to keep your community safe.

Ellen Guerdat
Gates Police Victim Assistance
President Genesee Valley Concerns of Police Survivors

Ellen Guerdat
Gates Police Victim Assistance/President GV C.O.P.S.
May 27, 2010

My dearest Craig, I sometimes cannot believe it's been almost eleven years now since you went to be with God. Sometimes it seems like it was just yesterday. I will always love you and you will always hold a very special place in my heart. I miss you and love you.

Beth Rath-Powell
May 14, 2010

Craig:

It is with great pride that I remember our partnering the CI's with you and the guys in your unit. It is without a doubt one of the proudest things in my life to say that I helped the "good guys" to keep our county a little bit safer from crime and drugs.

When I walk past my copy of the Chesterfield County Resolution nominating you as "A Friend of Chesterfield", I remember that you are the best friend of everyone's kids that were kept away from drugs because of your service. Your service, commitment, and sacrifice is remembered.

Happy Hunting my friend, and I will see you at the next sunrise.

Roger Hinde

Roger Hinde
Friend
March 4, 2010

Happy Birthday! Still in my heart and thoughts every day.

Kristen
friend
January 14, 2010

Hey man,
It has been a while since I have posted.
Still can't believe what happened.
I have kids now, getting old.
Can you believe they want to close GITMO? We had many good times there...
God Bless.

DUSM Will Iverson
US Marshals / Omaha, NE
January 4, 2010

Craig know that you are deeply missed by all who knew you and worked with you. We will always remember you!

Sergeant
Chesterfield County Police
November 22, 2009

Craig -

It's hard to believe it has already been ten years since you left us. It's hard to call it an "anniversary", as most people use that word more often as denoting a happy occasion, but I wanted you (and those who still love you) to know you are not forgotten. I speak with your sister Karen online from time to time, and I can tell how much she misses you. My career was in its infancy that short decade ago, but I have always endeavored to keep your memory alive through my work and my memorials to you.

Rest in peace, brother...

Cpl Tim Nazzaro & Narcotics K-9 Coco
Orange County (FL) Sheriff's Office
May 28, 2009

Craig,
GOD bless you and may you continue to rest in eternal peace bro!

Senior Officer D. W. Reichhardt
Waverly, Va. P.D.
May 27, 2009

Craig, I cannot begin to grasp that it has been 10 long years since you were taken from us. Every 27 May I leave a reflection for you and for your family and friends that view them.

You are thought of so often by me and every chance that I can, I share your story, how wonderful a person you were and an unbelievable officer. I enjoyed so very much going to Hamlin and meeting all of your family, spending time with your Mom & Dad, and the rest of your family and I can never forget your Aunt Ann and her kindness in letting me and a few other officers stay at her home during our visit and your memorial service there. I have such wonderful memories of that---very bittersweet.

Knowing that you are a Guardian Angel for all of your brothers & sisters in Law Enforcement and all of the family and friends left behind. Although I am no longer in the Virginia area, you and your family are always in my thoughts. Miss you bunches....Michael Anne

Michael Anne Claytor
Former Dispatcher Chesterfield County Police
May 27, 2009

It seems impossible that it has been 10 years since the awful night we lost you. You will forever be remembered and missed. You were one of the most honorable men I've ever known and Chesterfield County was a better place for having you in their service. Rest in peace, Craig.

Stephanie Williams
former police records specialist CCPD
May 27, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the tenth anniversary 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

Anonymous
May 27, 2009

I awoke this morning recognizing the date was January 14.

Happy Birthday Craig. You are still missed and thought of often by me.

To Craig's family and Beth, Craig is always in my heart and on my mind. I have shared the story of his passing with many people and the wonderful person that he was and what a wonderful family that I came to know and love since spending time with all of them in Hamlin, NY June 1999 for Craig's memorial service there. I was so very honored to have been asked by the family to share my poem that I wrote about Craig at the service. I will ALWAYS cherish those memories.

God Bless You All.

Michael Anne Claytor
Former Dispatcher Chesterfield County PD VA
January 14, 2009

I make a point to come by ODMP a few times a week to leave a note of reflection for one of our fallen officers. Today I read your's, Officer Rath.

It's really rare that you do read such touching, very personal messages. You really sound like a tremendous man. To the family of Officer Rath I am sorry for your loss. Although years pass, you are not forgotten sir.

Laura
Philadelphia, PA
January 7, 2009

Always Remembered, Brother.

CCPD
October 23, 2008

27 May 2008--Craig, I am late getting this posted. I cannot believe it has been 9 years already. You are still thought of and missed everday by those that love you and your fellow brothers & sisters in Law Enforcement. It is such a comfort knowing we have a special Guardian Angel on our side looking out for us all. The heavens shine brighter with your presence.

Anonymous
Former Dispatcher/Chesterfield PD
June 1, 2008

Nine long years now.....you are still missed by your family, friends, brothers and sisters in arms, and your commmunity. Rest well, Craig.

Cpl Tim Nazzaro & Narcotics K-9 Coco
Orange County (FL) Sheriff's Office
May 30, 2008