Officer Down Memorial Page

May you always rest in peace, my dear Father. May God Bless and keep you. I miss you so much.

Bobby
Son
August 22, 2011

You are forever remembered by those who love you.

Anonymous
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

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
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
May 3, 2008

After reading the other reflections, I am in tears. All of their words show what a great man Patrolman Dowidait was. I live far away. Nonetheless his loss is a loss to us all and so I add my humble words of gratitude for his service and most of all for his life. He lives on in those who knew him, in the lives of his family and friends, fellow officers, in every life he touched. God's blessings on those who remember him and on those who didn't but miss him nevertheless.

Angel in Alabama
March 12, 2008

Please look out and take care of Jason, as I'm sure he's doing the same for you - you are never forgotten.

September 20, 2007

An Angel In The Sky Must Leave His Place Of Rest,
Gently Tucking His Wings Beneath His Armored Vest.
For Duty Has Called, There Is Much Work To Do
Little Did He Know, This One Is Dressed In Blue.

Arriving On The Scene, He Knows Just What To Say,
"Follow Me, Fallen Brother, I'll Show You The Way."
"Your Duty Has Ended, Your Work Is Now Through."
"Come Hang Your Hat Beside Mine, I'm A Cop, Too."

thank you for being with Jason. Take care of each other guys.

Dearborn Heights Police department
August 5, 2007

To all the family members and friends of Officer Dowidait,
The recent death of Cpl. Makowski has lead to an immense amount of reflection within the Dearborn Heights Police Department about the untimely death of one of our other fellow officers who died in the line of duty. Officer Dowidait passed away 3 years before I was born, however, the recent events make me feel as if it just happened. I now realize what our brother DHPD officers and families went through 40 years ago and the pain they endured with the loss of a friend, husband, and father. I really encourage all friends and family of Officer Dowidait to visit the new Dearborn Heights Police Department facilty and view the life-size statute of Officer Dowidait in our lobby and the memorial conference room dedicated in his honor.
While the deaths Officers Dowidait and Makowski are obviously tragic on so many levels, they do serve a purpose of linking the past to the present for all officers who have, do, and will don the badge of the Dearborn Heights Police Department. May God watch over those officers of the Dearborn Heights Police Department who have given their lives in the line of duty and those, who unfortunately, will give their lives in the furture.

Lt. Rick Duffany
Dearborn Heights P.D.
January 23, 2007

I never met the man that would have been my grandfather, but I have heard nothing but great things about you from my dad. I wish you were here to meet and talk to and just to be around. I'm sure you are doing well now. You are missed by all.

Love,
Andrew S. Pargoff III

Andrew Pargoff
October 26, 2006

My mom and dad thought very highly of my uncle, I really wish I could have known him. I have always heard that he was a wonderful person, and I know that he is still missed by all who knew him.

Ami Seal
niece
September 11, 2006

With everything that has been going on at the department we have been thinking of you a lot more. I read what your son Robert wrote. I was wondering if he has seen the police department statue of you? If not were you planing on it? you never forgotten!!!!!

thinking of you
June 29, 2006

The city of Dearborn Heights still remembers you and always will. Your family and children are always thought of. There is a life size bronze statue of you in the lobby of the Dearborn Heights police department and a room named after you also. Please take care of officer Jason Makowski up there. Maybe the two of you can walk the beat together up in heaven. Look after us down here, we need it.

Thinking of you
June 21, 2006

Rest In Peace.

Special Operations Group
FBI Detroit Division
May 27, 2006

Officer Dowidait is not forgotten in the heart of the Dearborn Heights community. Today another one of our men in blue, Officer Makowski, joins Officer Dowidait among the blue angels. Your contributions are not forgotten.

Tina Foley
Executive Secretary to Dearborn Heights Mayor
May 25, 2006

A day does not pass when I do not think of my father. This summer will mark the 40th anniversary of his death. I imagine life would have been so different had he lived but I realize the lessons we have all learned from his passing have made us all better people. Far better for having known him and who he was.

May God Bless and Keep you. I miss you so much.

Love,

Bobby

Robert M. (Dowidait) Pargoff
Son
March 14, 2006

Thank You for this memorial.

Roger Dowidait
Nephew
October 5, 2005

You are not forgotten....

Sgt. A. Whitney
Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Yuma, AZ
November 18, 2004