Officer Down Memorial Page

I think about my conrad often, and I have offered up many prayers for his family and loved ones left behind.
Region #9 PHAPD Sgt. Andrews

Lieutenant Charles J. Andrews
SCI CHESTER
March 5, 2012

Al, Rest in peace brother, You have many people praying for you, The Mangan's

John Mangan

February 13, 2012

its been 16yrs since i last seen my brother and i still miss him dearly gods got a good gaurd at the golden gates so if your not right get right!!

family member
his brother
December 5, 2011

I remember when you graduated from the academy. I was the PHAPD Training Officer then. Thank you for your service to the citizens of Philadelphia, as a police officer, your Country, as a Marine, (Although I served in the Army, Jim Farley said I could have been a Marine, and made me an honorary) so Semper-Fi, Rest in peace.

Lt. Ty Peters
Philadelphia Housing Police
August 2, 2011

I just found this web site. I responded to the assist officer on April 12, 1995 at 5th and Westmoreland. I will never forget that night. I helped other officers carry Alvin to a wagon, which took him to the hospital. An hour later, I and two other officers attempted to stop two suspects in Alvin's shooting, and one of the men fired a shot at us at 7th and Tioga. We caught both of them, but despite their similarity of dress, they were not the murderers. I heard that night about what Alvin had done, and how that animal shot him in cold blood. I wanted badly to get the men who had killed him. I felt that I owed him that. I am sorry that I did not, but I am glad that someone did. When I saw Alvin's picture at the top of this page I remembered it all over again. I want to thank a true American hero and his family for his service and sacrifice.

Anonymous
Philadelphia Police
June 23, 2011

Al,

Visited your grave yesterday and brought a friend who is a fellow Police Officer. I shared your story with him so that you are not forgotten.

Had a conference call today with about 20 other Police Officers. Talked about LOD deaths. Naturally, I shared your story with them too.

Needless to say, all appreciate your sacrifice. For 16 years I have shared your story with many people. I will continue to do all I can to ensure your heroism is never forgotten.

Thanks Al. You are a true Hero and one who is never forgotten.

Anonymous
April 12, 2011

I sat next to you every day during our months in the Philadelphia Police Academy Class #306. I'll never forget that time together. God bless you and your family for your service and sacrifice.

Sgt. Martin G. Murphy
Delran Police Department
May 13, 2010

The End of your watch was the day I was hired as Deputy. Rest well, Officer Palmer. God Bless

Deputy Sheriff James C. Clemmons
Cook County Sheriffs Dept
May 4, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
April 12, 2010

Semper Fi, Brother.

AZ Narc
September 21, 2009

God Bless you Al. My prayers are with the family, You will never be forgotten.

John Mangan
June 30, 2009

Hey Al just wanted to say Hi and visit with you for a moment....Miss you bud!

Mark Marrical Mesa PD
Friend
June 11, 2009

One more thing pal! Look out for my mom and dad up there....I'll see you again someday.......

Officer Mark Marrical
Mesa PD AZ
September 1, 2008

Hey bud haven't talked with ya for a while......Miss YA!

Officer Mark Marrical
Mesa AZ
September 1, 2008

I can't believe that (13) years has passed since you were killed in the line of duty. I was assigned to South Division patrol (last out) and I never had the pleasure of meeting you being that you worked narcotics and you were a new officer. Every time I enter Temple Hospital emergency I think of you and say hello through prayer. PHA Police are not in the best of shape these days but no matter what happens you will always be remembered as a HERO!!! I salute you!!! We will meet someday I am sure.

Respectfully,
Sgt. John Witherup
Temple University Police Dept.
(Former PHA Police Officer)

Sgt. John Witherup
Temple University Police Dept.
June 1, 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
January 23, 2008

Semper Fi Brother, God Bless.

Officer J. Pickering/ Sgt Pik USMC
OCPD
September 19, 2007

Big AL
Today I went to the wall and scratched your name on a piece of paper. I cryed because everyday I think about my friend that was taken too soon. I miss you man the conversations we use to have and the laughter we shared. You were and still are one of the greatest men I every met. God has been looking out for your family and your kids are growing into fantastic young adults. Until we see each other again my friend.
SEMPER FI

former Detective Anthony Stimpson
PHAPD & Great Friend
May 28, 2007

May You Rest-In-Peace, Devil Dawg

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD
May 7, 2007

AL,I STILL THINK OF YOU AND THE GOOD TIMES WE HAD AT THE ACADEMY. YOUR PICTURE IS UP IN OUR ROLL ROOM.YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.

P/O SNYDER
UPPER DARBY PD
April 12, 2007

Know that today, 12 years later, you are still remembered and will never be forgotten for your sacrifice.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
April 12, 2007

12 years have passed, I can't believe it has been that long.

Al, I promise to always remember your heroism and do everything I can to make sure you are not forgotten. You showed incredible Bravery and Courage, not just that night but everyday.

You are missed by many. Thanks for being a Hero to me and so many others.

God Bless.

April 12, 2007

Officer Palmer, today makes 12 years since your murder. Though your department is slowly being dismantled by pencil pushing bureaucrats, it's men like you and those who continue to serve Philly's less fortunate citizens that will never allow the PHA PD to truly die, though some try desperately to kill it off.

God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.
April 12, 2007

Just happened to be surfing the internet and seen this page. I grew up in the projects of west philly (mill creek)and trajedy is a thing we all deal with. Now being a fellow LEO it hurts to see your brothers fall in the line of duty. We put our lives to the side, not only for a pay check, but because it is what we do. "Protect and serve." I salute you brother and my regards to your family. Thank You.

Anonymous
Federal Bureau of Prisons
January 19, 2007

Semper Fi

FMF Corpsman & police officer
November 19, 2006