Officer Down Memorial Page

Chief, I believe we met shortly before 9/11/2001 at the Jersey City location. I had been the Director of Community Policing for the COPS Office in NJ at the time. We never did complete the training due to the terroristr attack where you and many other public servents and citizens lost their lives to a senseless act by some sick religious fanatics. Since that time, I have become close to your family that I never imagined would happen. my son Bryan married your daughter Ellen and they have a beautiful daughter named Abbigail, my Granddaughter and yours. Hopefully, you and your son Robert are together and can view Abby, Ellen and Bryan's life and see what a great family they have become. Maybe you took some of your chief leadership talents with you and you can watch over them, give them strength and good wisdom. Bryan is now a police officer and he needs to be especially watchful while performing his duties. Ellen and Abby need him to stay well to help care for them. I wish you a peaceful and comfortable life in heaven. May God bless you and all of the those who surround you.

Frank Scott, Ret. Law Officer/Instructor
Grandfather in common with Abby
January 3, 2012

Mr. Romito,

I didn't know your name or even who you were until my Federal Firefighter husband walked up 110 flights of stairs in honor of your name on Sept. 3, 2011 in San Diego, marking the 10th anniversary of that fateful and unforgettable day.

Thank you for your service Mr. Romito and for being a hero that day. We will never forget, and we will never forget what you did for this country.

May you Rest in Peace and always be remembered,


The Hathaway Family from San Diego, CA

Hathaway
Proud Firefighter Wife
September 11, 2011

Mr. Romito,

I didn't know your name or even who you were until my Federal Firefighter husband walked up 110 flights of stairs in honor of your name on Sept. 3, 2011 in San Diego, marking the 10th anniversary of that fateful and unforgettable day.

Thank you for your service Mr. Romito and for being a hero that day. We will never forget, and we will never forget what you did for this country.

May you Rest in Peace and always be remembered,


The Hathaway Family from San Diego, CA

Hathaway
Proud Firefighter Wife
September 11, 2011

God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain; but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way.


Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of US Marshal
February 16, 2011

I am forever in debt to the 23-37 and the 343. Your sacrifice has not been forgotten. You are a true hero, Thank you for your service Sir.

Deputy and Firefighter
Glades County, Florida
September 11, 2009

Chief Romito,
Sir, on today the 8th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and all the other LEOs who also died that day for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
September 11, 2009

You are not forgotten...thank you

Anonymous
September 11, 2009

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

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your friends and family. May God bless and keep them.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, FOR HELPIPNG PROTECT OUR COUNTRY!!!!

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

K.L.
March 12, 2009

We will never forget the selfless courage that changed the world that day. Even though it began as an evil act,they didn't win. It ended with a stronger,loving,more caring nation,because of people like you,Chief James Romito.

OHIO
summit county

March 4, 2008

You are not and will never be forgotten. You and the other brothers we lost that day are HEROES and will be remembered forever! Rest high on the streets of Heaven!

Deputy Brant Pewitt
Williamson Co. Sheriff's Dept TN.
September 11, 2007

Dear Chief:
Here is the reflection I promised. I am certain that you earned this, and a whole lot more. Thirty years in law enforcement is an achievement in itself. Having completed 27 years myself, I know how much enjoyment can be derived from this job, as well as pain or sacrifice. But none like the joy you have brought to so many by assisting in the rescue of thousands of our fellow countrymen. The pain unmatched by your family in losing you to an act of cowardice by a group of fanatical animals. And the sacrifice you made...well, there are not many in the world that would willingly make such a sacrifice.
I respect you Chief, for even as a high ranking official, you STILL kept your oath to "protect and serve". In so doing, you also proved to the world, that every police officer, WHATEVER the rank, will do WHATEVER it takes to protect our country and our fellow citizens.
As the saying goes, "Be all things to all people", so you were Chief, on 11 September 2001. For too long, many people viewed the police with suspicion or contempt. Because of your enormous sacrifice, and the sacrifice of all the others, that view has been greatly changed.
On behalf of all your fellow law enforcement brothers who remain, thank you for your dedication and your professionalism. They serve forever, as your legacy. In your spirit, and the spirit of all who perished that horrible day, we carry on. Rest assured you will always be a part of our "thin blue line". Go with God, and rest in peace. Amen

Detective Ron Tomassi
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office-Florida
February 5, 2007

To the family and loved ones of Chief James Romito and his fellow officers with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department and most especially to James:

Mere words seem insignificant to honor your heroism and courage which will never be forgotten. On this the fifth anniversary week of the tragic devastation wreaked upon our nation, those brave men and women who lost their lives safeguarding others are remembered and revered.

May your spirit continue to soar and your memory continue to inspire.

To his wife and daughter: I cannot imagine the strength it took to get through the dark days when you suffered unimaginable loss through the death of Chief Romito after having lost your son/brother Robert only three months prior to 9/11. May God continue to hold you in his arms and may you be comforted by your faith and those who care for you.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect and gratitude for the distinquished service Chief Romito gave to his community and country, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 11, 2001.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg Police Department, CA; eow 4/24/05

September 14, 2006

you will never be forgotten...

September 13, 2006

Thinking of you and your loved ones on this tragic day in history. You will never be forgotten and will be forever a hero.

Nicole Burdette
Wife of Deputy Alex Burdette EOW 3-12-05
September 11, 2006

HERO! Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer
Tennessee
July 25, 2006

Hey Chief...

As I would often call out to you... "Hey Chief..."

I miss talking about fishing with you and the fishing stories about your Dad and Son. I make it a point that every time I take my son fishing that he realizes how precious these time are. I've spoken with him about you and although he never met you, he realized what a good and courageous man you were. If September 11th had never occured, you would have met my son two weeks later when we planned to go out in my boat.

I want to thank you for the lessons in life that you taught me that helped me become a better father and friend to my son.

Jimmy, when we meet again I'll smoke a cigarette with you and tap the ashes into my hand as you always did...

God Bless You,...you are missed by many.

A Fisherman
June 26, 2004

GREATER LOVE HATH ONE THAN TO LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR OTHERS. MAY GOD BLESS THIS GREAT HERO AND THE MANY OTHERS THAT DIED WITH HIM. MY BROTHER, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED. REST IN PEACE. YOU SERVED WELL.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
April 14, 2004

There are but two persons who protect the sinful human race from destroying itself. One is God's Holy Spirit. The other is the Peace Officer. Without them, we would all perish at each other's hands.

You were called into this profession and our Lord and Savior has blessed you because:
According to Romans 13.1-5...
God ordains the Peace Officer’s profession.
The Peace Officer is sent by God.
The Peace Officer is vested with God's authority to enforce the law.
A Peace Officer's badge is to be honored by us, because God honors it.

You gave the ultimate sacrifice, your life for your fellow man, while serving, defending, and protecting others in your community.

Thank you for your service to America. Your efforts saved thousand that horrible day.
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends. You will be in our hearts forever.

September 11, 2001---Gone, but Never Forgotten.

Marti Ingle (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)
April 6, 2004

I tried to attend as many funerals as I could during these darkest of days as my way of showing respect to families and coworkers of all of my brother and sister Officers and Firefighters. I cannot find the words to say how sorry I am that we have lost these great heroes. I cannot express my thanks enough for your bravery and sacrifice. My prayers are with you and all of your families......................AC

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police
September 15, 2003

Mr. Romito was a great man. I didn't know him very well but I did know his character! Three months before brother Romito was killed on 9/11 his son Robert was killed in a terrible car accident. He was a hard working,honest, kind, compasionate young man of only his early 20's at the time. He was a US Marine assigned to my company, 1st FAST Co. in Norfolk VA. His courage discipline, and drive made him stand out and rise above the some 500 other Marines in the Company.
This Refelection is to Robert's mother, Mr. Romito's Wife, Robert's sister, Mr. Romito's Daughter. I commend you! I say you are the two strongest people I know! There is nothing in this world more that I fear than losing someone dear to me, and for whatever reason god has chosen for you, he's done it to you two twice in a short amount of time. I know from the way Robert always was that the Romito's were "strong tough people" and you two are probably able to move on in whatever way you've found. I commend you on that! I don't think if I were to lose someone close to me I would ever be able to recover from it, and you have. I want to offer me as your big brother, and as your best friend. You should be so proud! You are a family of hero's and I would be honored to be somewhat a part of that!
To all brother's and sister's who are reading this, the Romito's is what it's all about. Loyalty, dependence, honesty, endurance, and the drive to move on! They are what we all as officers in the Law enforcement community should strive for! AND to the Marines.. Ohhh rahh!
Sincerely Joseph Youngberg USMC, Allendale PD

Youngberg, Joseph

This man in many ways says the most of what kind of people wear the badge. This man was a Chief, the head of his agency. He could have stayed in his office or at least behind the lines and helped direct the operations. But he moved to the front and gave his life, so others might live.

Jack Betz

Your death will be avenged and your heroism, courage and bravery will never be forgotten!

My Prayers are with all the friends and family of all the officers who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
I lost my brother tragically, Det. David Taylor, Greensboro PD, On August 7, 2001. I was in NY for my fiancee's Mother's funeral the first of Sept. I was stranded there for 3 weeks due to this atrocity. As I watched the events on TV, I cried for all those who lost their lives. But was especially emotional about the Police Officers and the Firefighters and their families, as I had just recently suffered a tragic loss myself. As I walked through the streets in the days following the attack, I cried with pride as I saw the officers on duty on all the corners in the city. I knew how hard it was for them, knowing they had lost their friends. On the Sat. following the attack I was at St. Patrick's for mass. The last 2 people to go up and take communion were 2 NYPD officers, again I cried. I hope all of you are getting the support that my family and I got when we needed it, from the Deparment. I know the comforting words and even the funny stories the officers tell us about my brother helps. I know that our loved ones who are gone from here, had a higher calling and are happy and at peace in Heaven. Hopefully we can all feel that same peace one day! God bless All of you! And God bless America!
Tracy Taylor
Thomasville, NC
Sister of Greensboro Det.David L Taylor
EOW 8/7/01

TRACY TAYLOR

Blessed are the peacemakers,For they shall be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9

Anonymous

"OUR FALLEN BROTHERS"
As I held him close, I began to cry.
Wondering & hoping our friends would never die.
I could see the whites of his eyes..as he held me tight.
The wind whisked through his hair..as we saw the light.

He cried no more as we fell to the ground.
His one single tear, would never be found.
Cry not my friend, God will take you home.
The Angels in Heaven will not be alone.

You're safe and well as a child to his mother.

You always be remembered as OUR FALLEN BROTHER.

Patrolman Duane Carpenter
Gonzales Police Department