Officer Down Memorial Page

Our GSD whom we called "Ruach" (which means wind or spirit in Hebrew) has just completed New York State Canine Academy and has been assigned to Officer Michael Kein. She has been renamed in memory of Officer Dodge and together with Handler Mike, is assigned to Trooper Dodge's home territory of Rochester.

Your name lives on, Trooper Dodge, as you are remembered by all who encounter this magnificent dog and her amazing handler.

Helen Bowers, Bark Master, Brooklyn Bark
Friend
March 28, 2012

Ray roomed across the hall from me in Basic School. He had experience as a Police Officer at a local PD before being sworn in as a Trooper. He was looked up to and helped us with advice and stories. I remember him as being just a good guy. I made it through my career to retirement, and I think about Ray and my other classmates often. 'Till we meet again, Ray.

Sgt. Dennis Jason
NYSP
November 17, 2009

My Dearest Family and Friends

Somethings I'd like to say but first of all to let you know that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from Heaven where I dwell with Our Lord above. where there's no more tears or sadness just eternal Love. Please don't be unhappy because I'm out of sight, remember that I'm with you every morning,noon and Night.

The Day I had to leave you when my Life on earth was through God picked me up and hugged me and He said I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again, You were missed while you were gone. As for your Dearest Family they'll be here later on.
I need you here so badly as part of my big plan. Theres so much we have to do to help our Moral Man.
Then God gave me a list of things that He wished for me to do, and foremost on that list of mine is to watch and care for you.
I'll be beside you everyday and through out the years, And when your sad. I'm standing there to wipe away your tears.
When You lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight God and I are close you in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on Earth and all the loving years, because your only human they are bound to bring you tears.

Please don't be afraid to cry, it does releive the pain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned, But if I were to tell you You wouldn't understand.One thing is for certain, though my life on Earth is over I'm closer to you now than I ever was before.

To My many Friends, Trust God knows what is best.I'm still not far away from you I'm just beyond the crest.

So, If you can help somebody who is in sorrow or in pain, then you can say to God at night my day was not in vain.
And now I am contented that with my life. it was worth while,Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
If you meet somebody who is down and feeling low just lend a hand and pick him up as on your way you go.
When Your walking down the street and you've got me on your mind just know Im walking in your footstep only a half a step behind.
And if you feel a gentel breeze or wind upon your face thats me just giving you a great big hug or just a soft embrace.
I will always love you from the land way up above We'll be in touch again soon
PS God sends his Love.

Anonymous
November 5, 2009

I said a little prayer today for Trooper Dodge and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes
June 23, 2009

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Trooper Dodge.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL
December 17, 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 20, 2007

Although I was only under 2 years old, I have the honor of being related to this fine officer of the law. His picture hangs in my mothers house (Martha Sue). Every time I drive by the Trooper barricks in canadaguia NY, I always think of him and what he stood for. God Bless You Uncle Raymond and God Bless all the others that have fallen in the line of duty. Thank You for doing your part to protect us all.

Richard Gebo

Richard L Gebo
Nephew
November 23, 2006

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. God bless you and your family.

Cpl. J.J. Picardi #38
Galloway Township Police, NJ
November 19, 2005

ALthough we never knew you, we know what kind of a man you were by the reflections left here and by the honor your wife gave you by raising 3 fine sons, as least one of whom now serves our country. We will honor you and other fallen officers with the Dodge surname on our website.

The Dodge Family Association
November 8, 2005

You are a true hero to us all. may God bless you for your sacrifice and service to your community. You are not forgotten.

Doug Eatherton
St. Louis City Police
June 4, 2005

RAY DODGE WAS MY FATHER. ALTHOUGH HE WAS KILLED WELL BEFORE HIS TIME AND WE NEVER MET, MY MOTHER HAS KEPT HIS MEMORY ALIVE EVERYDAY SINCE HIS PASSING. I NEVER MET MY FATHER, NEVER HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO HIM OR HAVE FATHER SON TALKS. DESPITE ALL THE HARDSHIPS MY FAMILY HAS DEALT MY MOTHER HONORED MY FATHER BY RAISING THREE SONS TO ADULTHOOD WITH A DIGNITY SELDOM SEEN. I THANK ALL THE OTHER NEW YORK STATE TROOPERS WHO HAVE LEFT MESSAGES FOR HIM AND THE OTHERS WHO HAVE FALLEN IN THE LINE OF DUTY. I WILL CONTINUE TO HONOR MY FATHERS MEMORY AND APPRECIATE ALL OF YOU WHO DO THE SAME BY SERVING YOUR COUNTRY. THANK YOU.

BM2(SW)Dodge
US Navy
January 24, 2005

Troopers and Officers all across this country must be strong together and hold a special bond for each other. As such, I salute you Trooper Dodge for your bravery and sacrifice which makes us all proud to be who we are. May the memory of your bravery, heroism and sacrifice remain forever. AC

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police
June 10, 2004

Trooper Dodge, I did not know you but I am proud to call you my partner. While I patrol you are by my side at all times. Your courage has been passed on to another member of the NYSP.

Trooper Joseph K. Germano and K-9 "Dodge"
New York State Police K-9 Unit
in service 12/01/2002

Trooper Joseph K. Germano
New York State Police
September 11, 2003

Rest peace Ray and God bless.

P.J. Dyring
Hornell P.D. 6/99-12/01

Ptlm
Corning PD, NY

RIP Brother, another one was taken from us - Trooper Larry Gleason. Watch over us as we keep the beat.

Anonymous