Officer Down Memorial Page

Tim,

I never served with you, but if the character an integrity of your brother is any reflection of the person you were, then I am honored to have carried the same shield.

We have the watch from here.

Anonymous
September 13, 2011

Tim,

I don't know what made me come to your page today, but I did and I am missing you. There aren't too many days that I don't think about working with you and then telling you goodbye that night in the hospital. I miss you dearly. I have tried to make myself a better officer ever since that day. I can't say that I always have, but I am trying. Take care, keep your watch.
Your friend and fellow officer.

Anonymous
November 18, 2010

Tim,

I miss you each and everyday. When I drive by the capital I always drive where your name is and I still cant believe it.
love always
Anne

Anne Collins-Robinson
July 2, 2010

Tim,

Time may pass and friends may come and go but the lives you touched will never be forgotten. Your memory lives on in each and every life you have touched. May God be with your family our prayers are with you and each one of them.

Lt. Roger Wormington
Past chief of det., Cherokee Co Sheriff
October 12, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 5th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I hold your family and Greg in my heart's embrace.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous
September 17, 2009

Praying for your family on your 5 year EOW. Rest easy, brother.

Deputy and Firefighter
Southwest Florida
September 13, 2009

Just remembering your family at this time, and your sacrifice.

SB
July 21, 2009

Tim,
I can't believe its been nine years since the academy. I never told you but I sure did look up to you. You were truly born to be an officer, It is people like you that make me proud to wear a uniform. I thank you buddy and my prayers are with you and your family. God bless.

Officer J. Teeter
Miami Az Police Department
February 15, 2009

To the family and loved ones of Patrolman Timothy Andrew Nielson, his fellow officers with the Joplin Police Department, and most especially to Patrolman Nielson:

On this the fourth 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 man and what a grievous loss your loved ones have endured because of your death.

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

I also pray for the continued physical and emotional healing of Greg. I have witnessed firsthand the anquish officers undergo who are involved in an incident, yet survive when their comrade does not. I know firsthand the gratitude that the family of the fallen officer feels for the heroic efforts made to save their beloved, and the comfort it gives to the broken hearts of those families to know their beloved's friends/comrades were beside them in those darkest moments of crisis.

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Nielson. 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 Patrolman Nielson gave to his community and the citizens of Missouri, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 13, 2004.

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

Anonymous
September 14, 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
December 6, 2007

On this, the 03rd Anniversary of your death, I salute you, Sir! I also salute Greg, for I know he did everything humanly possible to save you. They call it "survivors remorse" when something like this happens, and I know from personal experience how guilty a fellow officer can feel. In my case, the officer survived, but I continued to play the "what if" game for years. I choose to believe that God has a plan for us all. And, while we cannot understand His will, it shall be done. The coward who caused this is the ONLY one to blame. He set a trap for you both; I will ALWAYS consider this to be a murder. Thank you for your bravery, service and sacrifice. May your friends and family take comfort in knowing that you will NEVER be forgotten and will FOREVER be a hero! Until one day in Heaven we meet, keep walking your beat on the Golden Street looking over the thin blue line.

SGT Mark Hanna, Retired
Fayetteville PD, AR
September 13, 2007

Tim,
Wow, Coming up on three years since the accident and then your death. Does not seem possible that it has been that long. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you. You being buried so close to my house helps. I find myself pulling into the cemetary from time to time and just driving by your grave. You're little (big) brother Joe is doing great. He has been on the department for a couple of months now and is still in training. There is no doubt in my mind that he is going to be as fine of an Officer as you were. Tracy, the girls, and the rest of your family will be in my prayers over the next three months. Love ya Brother!

Sgt. Michael Hobson
Joplin Police Department
July 7, 2007

Tim: I can't believe how fast the time has flown, It seems like it was just yesterday. I remember that day so clearly, It was the worst call out I ever had and ever hope to have. I remember meeting you in the court house. You always had time to sit and talk, You always treated me with more respect than alot of my fellow Deputies. Remember the rolling domestic you backed me on out west of town. When you showed up, I knew everything was going to be ok. Friends like you are hard to find. I really miss you brother. I haven't seen much of Tracy since those days in the Court House but she is staying strong. My brother, thanks for always being there. I know you help keep all of us a little safer.

Greg: I read your entry, Don't beat on your self like that, You did everything that you could have done. And there isn't anyone who can say any thing different. I know you still feel the pain, and you won't ever forget. Thats part of what makes us do what we do.

Wayne Smith
Friend / Granby Police / Former J.C.S.O.
June 27, 2007

You will never be forgotten. A true friend and exceptional officer, from the first day I met you in the academy. Sleep well.

Officer Christopher Creekmore
Seneca Police Dept.
March 30, 2007

Tim, it's been almost 2 and a half years since you were taken from us. I still have not been able to go back out to your grave since the funeral. I still have a hole in my heart. Tracy and your children are still in my prayers. You were a good friend, and I miss coming in and riding around with you.

Patrolmen M. Cooperrider
Diamond Police Department
March 5, 2007

Several years ago when I was considering becoming a police officer I went on a ride out with you. I was unsure at the time and wanted to see what the job entailed. You demonstrated that you could handle your business on the streets with savvy. You convinced me that it was the right thing to do and I took your advice, and I thank you for it.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Officer Paul Shackelford
Arlington, Texas

Officer Paul Shackelford
Arlington, Texas
January 28, 2007

Dear Tim:
"Above all else, honor". These are not my words, but rather the words of my late Dad. He gave them to me, and now I give them to you. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. May Almighty God bless you and your family, and may St. Michael, the patron Saint of police officers, keep you with him as he watches over us. Amen

Detective Ron Tomassi
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office-Florida
January 25, 2007

Tim, thank you for your service. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace.

Reserve Officer Ryan Marsh
Seneca, Missouri Police
December 18, 2006

It has been just over two years, I just wanted to say we will never forget you. I think about you alot when I'm going into work, I hope you are proud of all of us. Keep watching out for us.

Your Fellow Officer
JPD
September 20, 2006

Officer Nielson, I ask The Lord to shower your family with special Blessings and also that the Officer and his family
who was with you that day.May He wrap His arms around you all especially tightly that you may all know His Love and Comfort.G-d Bless you.

September 13, 2006

Rest easy brother. We will take your watch from here. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family and brother officers.

A.C. Green
Lima Ohio Police Department
September 13, 2006

It has been 2 years since your tour of duty ended and I know the tears still flow and the pain is still present in the hearts of those that love you dearly. I want them to know that they are not alone as there are others of us out here. As for your parents, I know that they would trade places with you in a heartbeat if they could as I would for my son so that you could both be back here pursuing your career and be with your loved ones. All any of us can do is take one day at a time and keep your memories alive. Keep watch over your loved ones and protect them from harm and help them with their grief. Also, keep watch over those still out watchig over the Thin Blue Line. You are a true hero and heroes never die, you will never be forgotten.

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

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father
September 13, 2006

Tim,
I can't believe that it has been almost two years. That day, the exact moment down to the last second is forever frozen in my mind like it had just happened yesterday. Your life is forever honored, we do not mourn, but we celebrate you and what you have given us. Your selfless act makes me proud to say that my husband is who he is. I have never in my life met a finer group of men and women than the ones in our law enforcement family, our extended family. That day I had the pleasure of finally meeting you and your wonderful family. I won't forget the feeling of seeing Tracy for the first time that day. How we embraced in a hug like we had known each other all of our lives, but before that moment we never even knew each others name. The sharing of information back and forth about how each of you were getting along from one day to the next. The day that my husband got to come home, but for some reason there was no celebration in that, because you didn't get to leave with us that day. You would be so proud of Tracy. She is the most forgiving, understanding and loving person I have ever met. I look up to her in so many ways. She was my rock when I should have been her's. You daughters are so beautiful, and your life will forever live on through them. One day we will all be home together and the celebration will continue. Until then, I know that you walk beside my husband and the rest of the Joplin Officers keeping them safe as they carry on their daily duties of keeping us safe. Your legacy continues, Tim. Thank you for your bravery, and thank you Tracy for sharing Tim with rest of us.

Tammy Batson
Friend and Wife of Fellow Officer
May 29, 2006

Tim-
I just got home from the Memorial Services in DC. This is year #2 there, and it was so much different this year. I didn't sit in the front row this year... in fact, I was way back in the nose bleed section! : ) But I'm grateful for that. I could be there and feel the support of the officers and families there and grieve, but I didn't feel like people were staring at me. I found a lot of solace in that anonymity. But seeing your name etched into the wall still makes me fall apart. As far as I have tried to deal with your death in the past year and a half, I still miss you every day.
The girls are growing up so beautifully. Gracie likes to look at the picture of you and her holding Rachel the day she was born. She keeps the picture on her night stand, because sometimes she likes having it there, and sometimes she wants to put it in the drawer and not see it for a few days. I wish I could heal her little heart, but I can't. She misses you so much.
And Rach, well, since she was so little when you died, she really doesn't understand. But she knows her daddy lives in heaven, and that he's an angel. She told Susan that 'Daddy has BIG wings and he flies SUPER fast!'
Do me a favor? When your girls look up at the sky at night and take comfort that you're sleeping on the moon, see what you can't do about making the stars twinkle a little brighter in that very moment so they know you're watching over them.
We love you.

And Greg- I saw your entry, where you wonder what you could have done differently. Please don't do that to yourself. You and Tim went to that house and you both did your jobs. You did it exactly how you were trained to do it. Unfortunately there is no way to be prepared for something like that. But you did something else that day. You went back to a house that was engulfed in flames to pull Tim out of that fire. YOU did that. You risked your life for a second time to save him, and you did. You gave him, and me, five weeks that we otherwise wouldn't have had. I got to be there, and look into his eyes, and see him mouth 'I love you' and I got to say everything that I needed to say to him before he died. If it hadn't been for you, I wouldn't have had those opportunities. He would have died right there in that fire, and I would have tortured myself with the fact that I didn't get up with him that morning, and that I don't remember if I said I love you too when he kissed me goodbye because I was half asleep.
Tim had a lot of respect for you. I didn't know you before the explosion, but I do now. And now I know why Tim held you in such high regard. You are an incredible man, and I am lucky to have you as part of my family. The only thing that I wish could have been different would be to have known you and your family a lot sooner than I did.

trace

Tracy Nielson
May 17, 2006

I didn't know you but I've lived here all my life and I'm sure you knew my dad, Roger. I couldn't believe what had happened to you and I'm sorry that I was unable to attend your funeral. I'm sure the family knows this already but there are people out here who, even today, honor your memory. Your passing was a brave and noble one, something your family and fellow citizens are extremely proud of. You're always in our thoughts.

James Wormington
Galena Police Dept.
April 25, 2006