Officer Down Memorial Page

Hey Hakim,

Hard not to think of you last night after we lost Mike B. Do me a favor, show him the ropes up there!

One of your D5 Brothers
US Park Police
December 17, 2011

Hey Hakim,

Just thought I'd check in... reading your reflections always brings a tear.

EJ has run with a USPP Academy Class in your honor. It was great. We only let him run a mile but he could have run it all.

USPP 101 is doing great! Some on the LT list, a number of Sergeants including a Detective Sergeant, Master Patrol Officers, Horse Mounted Officers, Boat Captains and more. We do our best to honor your memory.

Please continue to keep watch over us. You are not forgotten.

One of your D5 Brothers
US Park Police
September 28, 2011

Hakim, I think about you often. I miss you, look over me and make me safe.

Craig Thibault
Friend & Co Worker
August 10, 2011

Ever present, you have been in my mind,
since the day I met you,
It's been hard to find,
A comparable individual to make me smile,
To make me laugh,
Or with whom to cry.

Our time together was brief,
But you touched my life so profoundly,
I wanted to let you know,
You have never been forgotten.

On this special day,
Please know that you are in my heart,
In my mind,
In my prayers,
I still think about you, always.

*Your little buddy*

Rebekka Popov
Friend
March 9, 2011

Farthing, you were always a squared away soldier! So sorry this has happened. You will truly be missed brother!! Rest in Peace and may we meet again in Heaven.

SFC Hawes

Sergeant First Class Eric A. Hawes
Military Friend
January 21, 2011

Hakim

I was at FLETC when you were there back in 2001, for some reason we always spoke to each other and finally started small talk. You were a great dude and it has almost been ten years since I met you, I thank God for the short time that I knew you. The young lady that you and I use to talk about bro, is still single (lol), she's beautiful as ever, but has been careful with choosing a signifcant other. I probally will never forget you Hakim, but promise me bro, when I get to Glory where you are, that you don't forget me.

Shawn H

shawn
friend
January 14, 2011

Hakim, family, and friends,

Today is the anniversary we hate to come to pass, yet I think of you only fondly and in the best light. Your smile was over-whelming and your attitude was enlightening. Thank you for being my friend and a motivating symbol in my life. I will never forget the night you EOT'd, and the following morning where I visited your final moments of life - even today I cannot believe you are gone. It's so hard because of your smile, a smile that will be with me forever - you will be with me forever in you smile - those who knew you, know what I mean!

Forever in my heart and thoughts,

Hoot

Sgt Huther
USPP - Friend
August 10, 2010

Today is a very difficult day. I was remembering the time you parked in the "reserved" parking spaces in the complex and I came out and asked you to move your car. You had come home after an extremely long double shift (I had no idea) and you were very gracious and polite about it. We became friends and you are forever etched into my memory as the most amazing person to have touched my life. Miss you so much.

Bekki
Friend
August 10, 2010

Some years ago when you were in training at D-3 I chased a vehicle with stolen tags that was also stolen. After the vehicle crashed into a parked car you assisted me in the foot chase where the suspect tried to break into a house and ditched a stolen gun when you and I had him cornered. Though still in training at the time I was impressed with your fearlessness. I wish to remember you on this Police Week. Thank You for backing me up. I want your family and son you left behind know what a fine Officer you were. May God Bless Your Soul and I will not forget you.

Federal Air Marshal Bill LeBlanc
Former D-3 US Park Police Officer
May 15, 2010

It's really hard around your birthday since ours were only days apart. I hope that your family knows how much you meant to the people whose lives you touched.

You will never be forgotten and are tremendously missed.

"Your little buddy"

Bekki
Friend
March 9, 2010

Hakim, You are still missed and thought of often. I am riding in the Police Unity Tour in your memory and honor this year. Ride with me in spirit and I will do all the pedalling. Peace brother.

Officer Laura Teeple
U.S. Park Police
April 29, 2009

RIP.You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous
October 25, 2008

Hakim, After 25 years of service, I retired from the Pa. State Police today on October 4, 2008 (as you well know, that's 10-4). I took your Park Police Star medal with me yesterday for my last tour of duty. Along with a picture of your father, me and you at about 13 yrs. old. I wanted a part of you with me so that I could end OUR watch the way it should have been. I think about you all the time and I continue to be as proud of you as I could possibly be. I LOVE you and I MISS you!

Uncle Joseph

Corporal Joseph B. Farthing
Pa. State Police (Retired)
October 4, 2008

Hey man,
It's been 6 years since I last heard your voice and it still rings fresh in my mind. I reminisced with the other Brian about all our crazy endeavors a few weeks and ago...we laughed and at times we wanted to cry. Thanks for memories. I miss you Bro!

B

Brian H
July 29, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
March 27, 2008

I know that I'm a few days early but I wanted to say Happy Birthday....Skaggs said he'll celebrate for the both of you:) Look for your balloons on Sunday.....I love you

Eshe

sister
March 7, 2008

I can't believe how often I think about you. It's been so long, and yet so often my thoughts turn to our time together. I still laugh when I think about how you always joked I was your sister's age and you couldn't possibly be seen with me. Your wardrobe of t-shirts and cargo pants made you seem "so much older", lol. You showed me how to have fun without taking myself to seriously. I remember opening the sparkling cider when you moved in to your Alexandria apartment, and seeing how you left all those letters and accolades taped to the closet in your old apartment. I wish I would have torn them down and kept them like I wanted to, at least I would have had something of meaning to share. I remember reading about how you heroically took guns of the street and in one instance the commendation referred to your bravery in chasing down the perp for over a mile and not letting up until you took him down. What I regret the most is not talking to anyone at the viewing or the funeral. In fact at one point I was in the bathroom with your ex and your son and was at a complete loss for words.
But for now I always remember the good times. You always wanted to hang out and have a good time, just good ole clean fun. I'm sorry that I didn't take your call that night. I have never forgiven myself for that, especially since we had been arguing. Who knows? Maybe those few extra minutes could have changed the course of everything. When I meet you again I can tell you how much you impacted my life in those five months. So much so that I can't seem to put you out of my thoughts.

I miss you.

"your little buddy"

February 13, 2008

Officer Farthing, thank you for your service. Neither you, nor your sacrifice, will ever be forgotten. Continue to watch over your family giving them the love, guidance and support they need.

5 years in jail hardly seems fair for choosing to drink, choosing to drive and ultimately choosing to kill another human being because of a history of poor choices!

Rest in peace Officer Farthing.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO
August 15, 2007

What's up Hakim,

It's amazing that it seems like yesterday we were in the academy. All your class mates have grown. CIB, Boat Unit, MPOs, FTIs to name some. Some bucking for promotion if they ever give the test. I took a moment to read the world's thoughts of you and I shed a tear. Haha... you'd probably call me a punk.

EJ is tall just like you and he's doing well. His Mom is doing a great job with him. But I'm sure you know that. You are missed. Thank you for keeping watch over us and give my best to Brent. Show him the ropes, will ya.

One of your D5 Brothers
US Park Police
June 18, 2007

Hakim was a friend of mine. I was an agent with the State Dept's Diplomatic Security Service and Hakim was a uniform officer for the State Dept. During a detail in Sheperdstown, West Virginia, we got to become good friends. Hakim had a great sense of humor and I enjoyed being around him.

A couple of years later during the UN General Assembly, Hakim and I got together and had a drink. Actually, Hakim didn't drink, I did all the drinking. The last time I saw Hakim he was working down by the White House and we saw each other by chance.

Hakim, may you rest in peace. May your son know what a fine man you were during your short time on this earth. I think of you quite often and remember you in my prayers.

Your friend,
Bill D.

Bill D.
Former DSS Agent
May 19, 2007

Hakim,
We grew up together. From the time we crawled to our adult years we were always close. I remember the many times we spent together. We would joke and laugh until we lost our breath. Hopefully you will know that I always remember you. It has taken me a long time to realize that you are not here physically anymore. Every time I hear a song from the early 90's I think of you. It seems really odd that I am writing this because we never got to say goodbye, or see you later to one another. You will always be my brother. And one day we will be able to reflect on life together again.

SSgt. Ebon D. Mitchell
United States Air Force
April 18, 2007

Dear Hakim,
A simple argument is what kept us apart for years. You were the only sincere, platonic friend I have known. I have never forgotten you and always wondered where you were in life. I am sad to say that my search for you is what led me to this memorial. I still talk about you to this day. Your energy and spirit make my heart warm.
May God be pleased with you.
sakinah

March 2, 2007

I saw a rememberance of the four year anniversary the other day at D-4 ... rest in peace knowing that you are not forgotten.

Ofc. Connor
USPP D-4
August 14, 2006

To the family and loved ones of Officer Hakim Farthing and his fellow officers with the U.S. Park Police Department:

On this the fourth anniversary of Hakim's tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember him today. Although I never had the privilege of meeting Hakim, I feel as if I know him through the loving reflections left by loved ones and friends. His valor and courage will never be forgotten.
The lessons he taught to those he mentored will be carried forward.

I cannot help but feel that justice was not served in this case where the drunk driver only got five years. Driving a car while intoxicated and killing an innocent person is no different than pulling a gun in my opinion.

I hope that God is holding him in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

I am so sorry that Hakim was robbed of his life so tragically, but through the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the years of dedicated service Hakim gave to his community and the citizens of our country, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 10, 2002.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD
eow 4/24/05

August 11, 2006

It has been 4 years since you were called away from duty and the tears still flow from the hearts of those that love you and will for many more years. You are a true hero and I salute you for your dedicated service to you country and to law enforcement. Stay close to your loved ones and protect them from harm, also keep watch on those still out on patrol.

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

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father
August 10, 2006