Officer Down Memorial Page

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)
April 11, 2012

We had a shooting on Christmas Eve. So many of your friends put themselves in danger to find a gunman, in a residential area with an automatic rifle, who suffers from a mental illness. I worked with them 12 long hours hoping and praying every minute they would find him without anyone else getting hurt. We got him on Christmas Day, without incident, without him hurting himself or anyone else. I know you were with those officers that took him into custody that day. Thank you Rick. As long as I am around dispatch will stay diligent to officer safety. We will never forget. Please help keep everyone safe in 2012. Peace and love, HHH

W158 HHH
December 31, 2011

Rick,

I find myself visiting this site frequently and looking at all the relections by your co-workers and friends. I am a new officer to the Winnebago Sheriff's Dept. but needed to tell you how amazing it is to see the peolple that knew you have never forgotten you. Your presence is still very much alive at the Sheriff;s Dept. and your freinds speak of you like a true hero and great friend and officer.

I am very proud to work for an agency that keeps their officer's memory alive when they pay the ultimate price. I have been unfortunate to have worked at two agencies now that have lost an officer in the line of duty recently. As sad as these losses are, I find myself not being scared about the possibility of not coming home one night. It feels good to know that if my day comes, I will be remembered by my family, freinds, community, and brothers in blue.

Well, I just wanted to let you know what the Sheriiff's Dept. is like from the perspective of an officer that did not know you personally. Your memory is still strong and you are spoke of often. Just wanted to say thanks for everything you have done and that you have made it easier for me to put on that uniform every day.

Anonymous
Winnebago County Sheriff's Dept.
November 28, 2011

Eight years ago today we lost you. Everytime an officer doesn't answer me on the radio I get a knot in my stomach and think of you. I am a better dispatcher because of it. I see your smiling face on your plaque every day when I come into work and it welcomes me and helps me do my sometimes very difficult job. I will never forget. RIP Rick.

Heidi ho
Dispatcher
November 13, 2011

Hard to believe it has been almost 8 years since we lost you. Know you continue to be thought of and missed.

Anonymous

anonymous
November 2, 2011

Thinking of today.

anyonumous
anyonumous
August 12, 2011

We never officially met just passed each other in the hall. But I think about you every day I walk in. Please watch over us.
You may be gone but you are NEVER forgotten!

Anonymous
March 21, 2011

Just thinking about you today. Thanks for watching over us from up there. Your family is in my prayers and thoughts this season.

Nate Gallagher
Grant Co. SO
December 22, 2010

7 years have passed, seems so hard to believe. You are not forgotten and live on in many hearts and minds

Anonymous
November 15, 2010

7 years... some days it seems like yesterday; other days it seems like a lifetime ago. We are hiring people that were 15 years old when you made the ultimate sacrifice. We won't forget, and we talk about you often...

Lt Lara Vendola-Messer
Winnebago County Sheriff's Office
November 13, 2010

Rick,
Just thought I'd drop a note today. We remember all who gave their lives today. We remember everyday though. Thank you for having our back from up there. No better cover officer. Never Forget

Nate Gallagher
Grant Co. S.O.
May 8, 2010

Rick, 1st time I've looked at this site since I've retired; sorry..... you are not forgotten.

Geoff Anderson Captain-Retired
Winnebago County Sheriff's Office
February 5, 2010

Mike, Bruce and Rick,

Just wanted to let you guys know the End of Watch Memorial Golf Outing went off without a hitch again. It was a perfect day for golf, always is, and Tuscumbia Country Club was in perfect condition. 155 golfers, who would have thought that in only 5 years we are turning golfers away because they done make the courses any bigger!

I want you guys to know that you were in everybody’s thoughts and prayers that day, as always, and the stories were flying (most of them true!). Thanks for watching over us.

Deputy K. Daniels
Winnebago County Sheriff's Office
July 26, 2009

Rick-

Thank you for your service as a law enforcement deputy.

You have made Valders High School proud helping those who cannot help themselves.....and members of the class of 1994 commend you for your duty!

May you continue to rest in peace with Jesus our Savior,
and may God Bless your family.

Suzi Zipperer
Class of 1994 / Wife of Police Officer
March 5, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this fifth anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
November 13, 2008

Rest in peace, brother.

PFC B Metz
Fairfax County Police, VA
July 24, 2008

Hey Rick,

I was thinking about you today and thought I'd let you know that you're still in the hearts and on the minds of all of us at the department. Everyday we walk in the door, see your picture and know we are truly blessed to have you watching out for us. Thanks for that.

Ken Daniels
Winnebago County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Ken Daniels
Winnebago County Sheriff's Office
June 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
February 24, 2008

Rick,
I was just looking at Jason Zunker's postings and thought of you. Just a note to say we don't ever forget. RIP brother.

Nate Gallagher
Platteville PD (Formerly w/ Oshkosh PD)
January 7, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh
November 28, 2007

On this 4th anniversary may your family and friends find comfort and peace. It is never the same during the holiday season, we honor you by remembering the good times and never forgetting that you are a true hero.

Craig Figgins
Brother - SGT Dan Figgins St Charles, IL EOW 4/9/05
November 13, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Meyer on the anniversary of his passing. Another Hero that was taken too soon. God Bless you all.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia
November 13, 2007

Rick,

Even though we only spent 5 days together as partners at Sniper School, it was very apparent to me that you had a passion for your family and your job that was second to none. I ran into one of your Brothers at Winnebago SD at a school. Have comfort that your family is being watched over.
You are missed,

G. Eliopoulos

Una Stamus

George Eliopoulos Detective
Eau Claire P.D.
June 6, 2007

Rick-
Another year is coming to end, another that we have spent without you. I don't know where the past three years have gone. We missed you this Christmas, it will never be the same. Max told me the night before Christmas Eve that Christmas isn't just about remembering Jesus, but about remembering other people who died too. I knew he was talking about you, our special angel. Max and Bella were so excited about Santa this year, I know how much you would have enjoyed and shared in their excitement. As we start another year, please continue to watch over and guide us.
Love you forever, Tanya

December 29, 2006

Rick, It is hard to believe it has been 3 years since you were taken so suddenly from your family and friends. I only had the chance to meet you a couple times but I know my husband thought of you as a good friend. We have tried to make things easier for Tanya and the kids and to help her out as much as we can. She is such a good, strong woman, you must be so proud of her.

You are missed very much Rick, you and your family will always have a special place in my heart.

Spouse
Winnebago County Sheriff's Department
November 15, 2006