Watchung Police Department, New Jersey
End of Watch Wednesday, March 8, 2006
Reflections for Police Officer Matthew J. Melchionda
Final Inspection
The Policeman stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, officer. How shall I deal with You?
Have you always turned the other cheek? To my Church have you been true?"
The officer squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Cause those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep,
Though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills just got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help, though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me, I wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand.
I've never expected or had too much. But if you don't, I'll understand."
There was silence all around the throne where the saints had often trod.
As the officer waited quietly for the answer of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer, you've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's Streets. You've done your time in Hell."
-Peter Hornbach
March 9, 2006
God bless you and your family. You will not be forgotten by your police family.
DE
St. Louis City Police
March 9, 2006
My condolences to Officer Melchiondia's family and friends. Rest in Peace, brother. Thank you for your service.
Trooper
Colorado State Patrol
March 9, 2006
My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Melchiondia, may he rest in peace.
Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04
March 9, 2006
Forever in our Hearts. God Speed...
Detective
Cranford PD (NJ)
March 9, 2006
Rest, brother.
Cpl Steve Headley
Mishawaka, IN police
March 9, 2006
Rest In Peace.
P.O.
APD
March 9, 2006
Jesus is my front sight,
Sovereign in my life.
In peace, or in battle,
He guides my warrior stride.
Jesus is my front sight,
FOR HIM NO MAN I FEAR!
Jesus is my front sight,
Twas He who led me here.
March 9, 2006
On behalf of the men and women of the Camillus Police Department, our deepest sympathys to the family, friends and co-workers of Police Officer Matthew Melchiondia. Rest in Peace Brother, we now have the Watch.
PBA
Town of Camillus Police Department, CNY
March 9, 2006
A true loss of an American Hero.
Officer Paladino
Colorado Springs PD
March 9, 2006
While it is no consolation for your loss, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow officers of Officer Melchiondia.
While I did not have the privilege to have known him personally, I am certain that he has found a place in heaven through his selfless service to those he swore to protect.
Rest in peace my friend; those of us who remain will cover your post on the thin blue line.
Officer Ryan McNeil
Medicine Lodge, KS Police Department
March 9, 2006
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the members of the Watchung Police Dept. and to the family and friends of Officer Melchiondia. Rest in peace.
Inv. J. Temple
Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office, N.J.
March 9, 2006
Rest in peace, my brother in arms. Rest safe in Heaven while the rest of us finish your watch.
March 9, 2006
Rest in Peace.
Atlanta, GA
Department of Justice
March 9, 2006
Dear Brother Officer, thank you for your service and commitment. You will not be forgotten. Rest in Peace.
Officer Scott Madore # 158
South Windsor Police Services, Connecticut
March 9, 2006
Rest In Peace
Trooper
New Jersey State Police
March 9, 2006
May God watch over Matthew J. Melchiondia Family.
Barb Benham
March 9, 2006
May God be with you and your family,
Rest in peace brother.
Ptl Serrone
RTPD
March 9, 2006
The Florida Police Chiefs Association would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Officer Matthew Melchiondia, and the Watchung P.D. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great sadness. Please take comfort in knowing that your extended law enforcement family grieves with you. Officer Melchiondia, we thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten.
Members and Staff
Florida Police Chiefs Association
March 9, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with the Melchiondia family during this incredibly sad time. I attended the police academy with Matt and was always impressed with his intellect and compassion for others. Senseless does not even begin to describe this loss. God bless.
P.O. Sam Rutkowski
City of Summit PD, NJ
March 9, 2006
rest in peace blue ange!
March 9, 2006
God Bless, Rest in Peace
Chief George Yaccich
Rochester Township Police, PA
March 9, 2006
God bless the family of Officer Melchiondia and to all the brave members of the Watchung Police Department for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Trooper
New Jersey State Police
March 9, 2006
My sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Police Officer Matthew Melchiondia as well as to the Watchung Police Department. Rest in peace Officer Melchiondia, you are gone but will not be forgotten...
Dispatcher Sue Rusch
Punta Gorda PD, Punta Gorda FL
March 9, 2006
Rest in peace blue angel! You will not be forgotten. Thank you for your service. We have your watch from here.
Police Officer
March 9, 2006
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