Officer Down Memorial Page

Remembering you Emma and thanks for all you gave. I miss you laughing and talking about crazy folks that use to call in 911. RIP and hope to see u again one day

Al Jobe Field Officer III
Miss Dept of Corrections
February 22, 2012

A true hero who will never be forgotten. God is our only comfort during times such as these.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister & granddau. of LEO's
September 11, 2011

One thing for sure ,he may have gotten aquited by a jury ,but God punishes so much more severe than man ever could, I can promish you that

friend
friend
August 20, 2011

Thinking of you moma.....we still miss you and love you. CJ asks about you all the time and not a day goes by that I don't wish you could have met your only grandson.....the little boy you never had. You were my best friend and I can still see your beautiful smile....I love you moma....until we meet again.

Kristi Horton
daughter
August 15, 2011

To the Family of Assistant Chief Horton:
I wanted to offer my sympathies on your tragic and heinous murder. You were very tragically taken from your family, community and fellow officers. You were a true hero until the end. Your brother in law was a true coward who did not deserve to serve the citizens of Goodman much less the jury who found him innocent claiming he was defending himself. What can we make of today"s justice system? My dad was one of NYCPDs finest for almost 40 years. Your courage and bravery during that gunfire. A real piece pardon my French human trash. Rest in peace Assistant Chief Horton. You will never be forgotten by the citizens of Goodman or anywhere.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 22, 2010

I love you & miss you so much.. SO MANY TEARS!! I wish u were here right now!!! I know you are watching over us. Its so hard without you!

Anonymous
January 19, 2010

I have not visited these pages in quite some time. Of all the reflections I read commented on a couple yrs. ago, your beautiful face & your sacrifice never left my mind & heart. Now I read below more detailed info. on your death & the one who killed you. I am appalled at this family member (& officer) who is nothing but a criminal who should pay dearly 4 what he did. I pray he will NEVER wear a badge or carry a weapon for the remainder of his days ! And I also pray 4 your family whose hearts must yet long to see your face & feel your touch. God will reward those who diligently seek Him.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister & granddau. of LEO's
January 9, 2010

Happy birthday momma!!!

Kristi Horton
daughter
October 9, 2009

To the family and loved ones of Assistant Chief Emma Horton, her fellow officers with the Goodman Police Department, and most especially to Emma:

On this the eighth anniversary week of your tragic death, please know that you are honored and revered today and everyday.

From all the loving reflections left about you, I can see that you were an amazing woman, mother and aunt, and what a grievous loss your loved ones have endured because of your brutal murder. l know those shots didn't just kill you, but a part of everyone who loved you. My heart breaks for Erin and Kristy, but I know that your beautiful Mom is so proud of both of you and I am holding you in my heart's embrace.

Your department suffered an enormous tragedy when this horrific incident occurred. After reading the memorial page, I was compelled to do further research as I could not understand how the jury could have ever acquitted this person who, in my opinion, never deserved the honor of wearing a badge. My disbelief was based upon my 25 years experience as a trial attorney. I was shocked to learn Emma's killer was her brother-in-law as well as a fellow officer who was apparently angry over Emma getting promoted and blamed her for the schedule he was upset about. At trial, he said Emma drew a gun on him and he fired in self-defense but she was found in the bathroom with her weapon holstered, and he fired 36 shots with 14 hitting Emma.

The jury verdict was a travesty of justice, but I pray that your family and department get their full measure of justice deserved for this horrific crime when it is God that is meting it out.

Emma, may your spirit continue to soar and your memory continue to inspire. You are loved and missed by so many.

Rest in Peace, dear Emma. A body is but for a lifetime, but spirits and souls are for eternity and yours is forever part of those who call you beloved.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Emma gave to her community and the citizens of Mississippi, and for the supreme sacrifice she and her family made on September 8, 2000.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg Police Dept. eow 4/24/05

Anonymous
September 14, 2008

What a travesty of justice. May God Grant Asst.Chief Horton's Family, Friends, Fellow Officers, the Serenity to accept the things they can not change, the Courage to change the things they can, and the Wisdom to know the difference...May we never forget this Warrior's sacrifice. May you rest in Peace on this anniversary and May your family have found Peace in their Hearts...

Officer Debra McFall Ross
East Buffalo Twp Police Dept Lewisburg, Pa
September 8, 2008

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones today. Continue to keep watch over them and protect them from harm. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
September 8, 2008

Today is one day before Erin's graduation and I know you would be so proud of her.. We are all proud of her.. Even though you're not here I know you will be watching and smiling down on her.. We are here for her and we will also be reassuring her of your love!
I love you and will always miss you
Kimberly

Kimberly
Neice
May 22, 2008

May the Lord continue to comfort all who loved this brave officer. Her senseless sacrifice will NEVER be forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, & granddau. of LEO's
February 2, 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
November 29, 2007

Hi!! I miss & love you so much..Your baby girl is a SENIOR this year. I know you're so PROUD of me.

Luv Erin

Erin Horton
daughter
September 20, 2007

Your picture came up today on the website.
You are not forgotten I never knew you but thanks for your service.
Continue to rest in peace Chief
Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Deborah Roelandts (retired 911)
Oconomowoc Wisconsin

Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc
September 8, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 7th anniversary of your EOW. Such a travesty of justice in your case. Continue to look down on your loved ones, stand at their side and protect them from harm. You are a true hero. Thank you for your service to law enforcement. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
September 8, 2007

Emma,

It truly saddens me to hear of such tragedy by a subordinate. What enrages me more is that the jury aquitted him. I hope that your family finds peace in this and carries on.

Deputy Sheriff
North Carolina
September 8, 2007

Emma, I was just talking to someone about the academy days. I was thinking of you, and wanted to say I love you sister. I will continiue to pray for your family. I pray that your children are comforted by knowing your love for them. I read their reflections, and it hurts to see their hurt. To your family, although you may not know me, I want you to know I love you all as many others do. We have great respect for Assistant Chief Emma Mae Horton.

Agent Brandon Ladner
MBN (son of deceased MHP Trooper D. B. Ladner)
June 3, 2007

Its so hard facing reality it seemed like it was just a nightmare.. I remember when it first happened I used to try going to sleep and I just knew when I woke up you'd be here but it never worked so I had to live with the pain but try my best to be strong for Erin and Kristi! I'd do anything for you to be able to watch Erin graduate next year.. I wish you couldve been here to see me graduate or go to prom.. My first prom I saw you in myself I looked like your twin with my makeup on.. It has been seven years and they have been long and the pain hasn't went away yet..I love you and I miss you so much..

Kimberly
Niece
April 18, 2007

A day never goes by without me thinking about my mother Assistant Chief Emma Mae Horton. I miss her smile, beautiful face, and intelligence. Mom it has been 6 long years and 7 months without you. I will always love & remember you.

Erin N. Horton
daughter
April 17, 2007

Hey Momma,
It has been a long 7 years since your passing, but it really seems like yesterday. The hurt still lingers on and we really miss you so much. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you and wonder 'what if' & 'why'. Why couldn't you be there to see me graduate? What if you were here to see your only grandson born? Why you're not here to see Erin go to her 1st prom? It seems that everyday should get easier, but it doesn't. The hurt and pain is so fresh in our hearts and minds. Momma, we love you and miss you so much. I know that you would be so proud of your girls. You are gone, but definitely not forgotten.

Love,
Kristi

Kristi Horton
Daughter
April 17, 2007

TODAY WE REMEMBER ASSIST. CHIEF HORTON.
I AM SO SORRY FOR THE TRAGIC EVENTS THAT TOOK HER LIFE.
SHE WAS TRULY AN EXEMPTARILY OFFICER NOT TO DRAW HER GUN IN SELF DEFENSE. WE DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW AND WHY OUR LOVED ONES HAVE TO BE THE ONES TO DIE, BUT KNOW THAT SHE WILL BE EVER REMEMBERED FOR HER COURAGEOUS ACT.
MAY GOD CONTINUE TO GIVE YOU COMFORT AND STRENGTH.

LORRAINE BOND (MOTHER)
HAMILTON CO. TN. DEPUTY SHERIFF:
DONALD K. BOND, JR.
EOW: 09.06.01

September 8, 2006

In loving memory on the 6th anniversary of your death:

The Absent One

As we gather at the table
And watch each smiling face
The heart fills with emotion
To see this vacant place.
We may strive to hide our longings
In the midst of mirth and fun
But we're thinking, thinking, thinking
Of the loved-the absent one.

When we gather 'round the fireside
With merry laughter and jest
How we wish the absent dear one
Was here with all the rest.
Still we join in all the frolic
But we wish the day was done
For we're thinking, thinking, thinking
of the loved-the absent one.

Yet when the day is over
And they all have gone to rest
We feel the Heavenly Father
Does all things for the best.
So we cheer our drooping spirits
With the rising of the sun
But we can't help thinking, thinking, thinking
Of the loved-the absent one. author unknown

Time has not diminished your sacrifice, Emma Mae.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

September 8, 2006

It has been 6 years since you were tragically called away from duty. I know the pain is still in the hearts of those that love you and miss you. I know they think of you every single day. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten. Keep watch over your loved ones.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father
September 7, 2006