Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Keith E. Neumann

Essex County Police Department, New Jersey

End of Watch Thursday, August 3, 1989

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Patrolman Keith E. Neumann

33 years today
He's never been forgotten by our former police department
And will never be forgotten with those he served with..

paul stahl retired ptl
Essex county police department

August 3, 2022

I think about you often and miss your ready smile and positive attitude. Even at that young age, you were an inspiration to so many who knew you, And still, today, your memory inspires me to seize life. Lead through example. And most importantly, value every single day given to me.

HJK
Friend

July 22, 2022

Rest in peace knowing that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 3, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Neumann.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 2, 2020

"The Final Inspection"
The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
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 awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just 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 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 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 policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"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."
Author Unknown

Sergeant Chad Miner
Powell Police department
Powell, Wyoming

July 5, 2019

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

August 4, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

August 3, 2018

Among his classmates at the Police Academy Keith was nicknamed the "Chief" as we all knew he would become a chief one day. His time with us was far too short and his service honored each of us.

From the Class of 86-5 Essex County Police Academy

John T. Egger
NJ Transit Police / classmate

May 6, 2017

You are a hero brother....rest in eternal peace.

Lt. (Ret.) Ray Flores
N.Y.P.D.

August 3, 2016

Thanks Paul for keeping Keith memory ongoing. On that fateful night, I was the midnight desk sergeant working along with Lieutenant Phil Collins when the incident occurred. During this incident, units at the scene were communicating with me as D/O but the clarity was not there due to numerous units transmitting simultaneously to me on the desk. Coincidently, a EMT unit was in the area of the shooting, which was between Grove Street and 22nd Street in Irvington. Lieutenant Collins came to headquarters and we arrived at UMD&J as Keith was being taken out of the EMS unit and wheeled into the hospital. Based on our observations of Keith, non movement and skin color, we knew he was deceased and later confirmed deceased by the (ER STAFF) who worked feverously on Keith to no avail. I will never forget his love of this job along with his empathy, professionalism and dedication to the County Police and will always be remembered by me and others. Police Week which I think is held in May in Washington D.C. honors all Police Officers killed in the line of duty and hope to attend in May 2015 to insure that "our guys" are honorably mentioned. God bless Keith

Det/Sgt/Ret Richard Koontz
Essex County Police Department

August 7, 2014

Twenty five years later we still honor and respect the fact that you made the ultimate sacrafice.You live on in all of us that served with you and you will never be forgotten. God rest your soul

retired police officer paul f stahl
essex county police department

August 3, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. I am privileged to post a reflection for you. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 24th anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

January 27, 2013

I was seeking out my name when I came upon this. My Name is Keith D. Neuman from Lake Oswego Oregon. My Great Grandfather dropped the second n in Neumann when he came to the United States. I have always had great respect for Law Enforcement Officers.
I am very sorry to hear of this. May He rest in Peace.
Keith D Neuman KBVM.FM

Keith D Neuman
Catholic Broadcasting N.W.

January 21, 2013

My dear friend Keith,

I still remember you as an eager young South Orange Police Reserve Officer, a Rescue Squad member and a Seton Hall student. When you finally became an Essex County Police Officer you brought a brilliance to our profession, and when you died so suddenly we all aged a generation in the blink of an eye.

You live on forever in the hearts of your fellow officers, your friends and your devoted family. Rest in Peace, Brother.

Det. Lieutenant Mike Bolger (retired)
South Orange Police Department

June 11, 2012

I went to Seton Hall with Keith and we were in the same fraternity. My family lived in South Orange at the same time his did. We were good friends and I have a lot of memories of him on the rescue squad and coaching baseball in the park between our homes. He was someone I always admired because of his drive and ambition and great attitude.

David Munro
Fraternity Brother

February 1, 2012

Keith you are never far from my thoughts. You have always been a wonderful, caring and loving cousin. I wish you were still around so I can see you in the FBI like you always wanted to be.
I miss and love you cuz
Carl

Carl

May 19, 2011

Patrolman Neumann, thank you for your service and dedication. You will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of US Marshal

February 26, 2011

Keith:

You are so truly missed by all who loved you. Your memory lives on through so many wonderful deeds that have been done in your name. God bless you on the 20th anniversary of your tragic departure. (8/4/09)

With love & respect,
a dear friend

Anonymous

August 3, 2009

Rest in peace Brother.

Kevin T Ryan
NJ

August 8, 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 12, 2007

Always remembered.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

August 3, 2007

God bless you on this 18th anniversary of your tragic death

Detective
Cranford Police Dept (NJ)

August 3, 2007

You served your community well, hero. Now God is taking care of you for eternity. Judging from your reflections, you were married to a truly remarkable woman! She continues to help others who have/are experiencing the same tragic things she experienced years ago. She must have loved you dearly. What a lasting tribute to your memory!!! Rest in God's loving arms until you are reunited again.

Wisconsin L.E.O.

August 17, 2006

I'm sorry I waited so long to write this. I think of you often. I always stop at the grave when I visit my father. AS AN ACADEMY CLASSMATE AND BROTHER ECPD OFFICER NONE YOU WERE UNFORGETABLE.

Sgt. Marc A. Bruno
Twp. of Union Police Union, NJ

June 25, 2006

Patrolman Neumann, Learning about your untimely and tragic death left me with a heavy heart. You were a true hero. I have recently had the priveledge of meeting Madeline, who has been unbelievably helpful to our family since our loss. She is an extraordinary woman, and I'm sure you are very proud of the great work she has done to help others survive the loss of a family member in the line of duty. God Bless.

Laura Avalos

April 4, 2006

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