Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I knew Derek in college at Mercyhurst and just read the news in our magazine. Such a tragedy. I am praying for his wife and children. God be with you.

Deb Lang Redlin

December 14, 2011

God be with you, My Brother.
Heavenly Blessings bestowed upon your family.

Forensic Investigator DeCook
Chicago Police

December 9, 2011

One month ago today. Two weeks before Thanksgiving.
You and your family, friends, K-9 Odin and department are still, and always, in our thoughts and prayers.

MPO Susan L. Uhl # 3619
Pittsburgh Police

November 12, 2011

Words alone cannot explain what Derek meant to my family.
Without Derek here there is a huge void that no one could ever replace. I doubt that Derek ever realized that while he was with us. Derek was to humble to think of himself like that, but he was so loved by my family. Derek took so great care of my sister and my mother, and always welcomed me in with open arms. Derek would have been a hero in any lifetime. I was just blessed to have him in my lifetime.

Billy Nash
Brother-in-Law

November 6, 2011

Patrolman Kotecki,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Lower Burrell. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol

November 3, 2011

To the family and friends of Patrolman Derek Kotecki, his fellow officers, and most especially to Derek:

We honor your service and you will always be remembered and revered. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of our entire family, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Derek was killed in the line of duty. It is obvious he was well-loved by many and well-respected by his peers as reflected in the loving reflections left for him.

May his loved ones continued to be supported by their law enforcement family and other police survivors. Our family grieves with you and for you. Our thoughts are also with Odin who must be missing his partner and best friend.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the years of distinquished service Derek gave to his community and the citizens of Pennsylvania, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 12. 2011

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

November 3, 2011

The National Police Wives Association would like to extend their heartfelt prayers to the family of Patrolman Derek Kotecki and the Lower Burrell Police Department during this time. Thank you, Officer Kotecki, for your service.

Staff
National Police Wives Association

November 2, 2011

"Step forward now policeman, you've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets, you've done your time in Hell".

God bless you, your family, and your K-9 partner.

Tess Fields
LAFPD

October 29, 2011

Dear Lord in Heaven, I pray for those who were left behind with the parting of this faithful Officer. Rest easy my Brother in Law, your watch on this earth is now over.......

Sgt. John L. Gulledge (Ret.)
Escambia County FL. Sheriffs Office

October 27, 2011

Ptl. Kotecki, I feel no sense of loss at the death of your murderer, but though I've never met you or even been to your city, I feel a loss at your death. No doubt you will never truly leave those who know and love you best.

God Bless and may you forever Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

October 27, 2011

Thank you for your service and my prayers are with your family.

Retired Deputy John Latour
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

October 27, 2011

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"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

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 (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

October 27, 2011

Rest in peace my brother.

I hope in time your family and agency finds peace in your passing.

Enjoy patrol on the streets of heaven. Your loyal K-9 will be there with you one day.

Police Officer II Vaquero
San Diego Police Department

October 26, 2011

You are and always will be a hero in everyone's eyes. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. You carried a special badge number 27, which my son Kyle Pagerly carried with the Berks County Sheriff K-9 Dept. Kyle was killed in the line of duty on June 29, 2011. You will never be forgotten and may you rest in peace.

Michelle Moyer

October 25, 2011

As a fellow cacaine handler I was deeply saddened to hear the news of a fellow brother who was fately lost his life protecting the community. My wife and I offer you and your family our sincerest empathy, our thoughts ans prayer go out to you.

Det. Paul E Hustler
Metropolitan Police Washington,DC. SOD Tactical Patrol K-9

October 25, 2011

Rest in peace Brother...my thoughts are with your family, friends, and the members of the LBPD during this most difficult and tragic time....

Lt. Joseph Ward, Ret.
Jackson, NJ PD

October 24, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends. May you rest in peace sir.

Loraine, Mother of an Officer
Fort Worth Police Department

October 24, 2011

His Judgment Day:
The officer stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning, Just 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 shoulder and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint, Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was rough, And sometimes I've been violent Because the streets are tough.
But I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep.. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept an unmanly tear.
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 never expected or had too much, But if you don't...I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne, where the saints often trod. As the officer waited quietly for the judgment 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"

Author unknown

May God be with everyone

Motor officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano, TX

October 24, 2011

Thank you for your bravery, duty, and ultimate sacrifice. May God Bless your family, friends and co-workers. You will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten.

SGT Mark B. Hanna, Retired
Fayetteville, AR Police Department

October 24, 2011

Rest in Peace Derek... You shall not be forgotten

Officer Greg Diaferio - Retired
Broome County Government Security

October 24, 2011

May God grant your family and friends the strength to get through these difficult times. Heroes will never be forgotten, and you, Patrolman Derek Kotecki, are a hero. I salute you SIR. R.I.P. brother.

Detective Senior Sergeant (Retired)
Victoria Police Australia

October 23, 2011

You are a true hero who made the ultimate sacrifice. May the memory of your service, heroism and sacrifice remain forever. May God bless you, your family and brother/sister officers. On behalf of the Troopers of the Pennsylvania State Police, our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. God Speed Brother……

Corporal
Pennsylvania State Police

October 23, 2011

Whatever our duty, or wherever we serve, we are all brothers and sisters in this most honorable calling. We have lost yet another brother who we must never forget.

Sgt. Tom Waller, Cincinnati P.D., Ret.
Greater Cincinnati Police Museum

October 23, 2011

Whatever our duty, or wherever we serve, we are all brothers and sisters in this most honorable calling. We have lost yet another brother who me must never forget.

Sgt. Tom Waller, Cincinnati P.D., Ret.
Greater Cincinnati Police Museum

October 23, 2011

Our prayers to you, your wife, and boys. It was a honor to work with you. Thank you for your service.

Pete and Chris Flanigan

Asst D. A. Peter G. Flanigan
Westmoreland County D.A.'s Office

October 23, 2011