Officer Down Memorial Page

As I seat here today, May 15, 2012 putting together the final words on my Memorial Day speech honoring you. I reflect back on my 30 year career and sometimes wonder if you, by given the supreme sacrifice of your life for us haven’t made us a better profession. I realized in this complex business of public safety sometimes the most horrendous incident brings change; I thank you for watching over the rest of the officers throughout the years and keeping us from adding another officer’s name to “our” memorial wall.

Chief Bob DeMoura
Fitchburg, MA Police Department
May 15, 2012

Patrolman Peter M. Nikitas,......I Have a Memoriam card of You which my father gave me in 1978 that I keep in my home office. I look at that card almost daily, silently praying for You and honoring Your dedication and bravery in the Line of Duty. Today I noticed that today will be 30 years since Your last Patrol. I know that Your body has passed, however Your soul will always be alive. You will always be Patrolman Peter M. Nikitas, Shield #56 to me. You will Never be forgotten. God Bless You. My Deepest Sympathy goes out to Your Family. Your Cousin, Timothy A. Topulos

Timothy A. Topulos
Cousin
August 27, 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
February 18, 2008

Patrolman Nikitas, today marks the 29th anniversary of your tragic death. It’s astonishing how many of our Brothers and Sisters make the ultimate sacrifice in that manner. Though the risks were there, you felt the need to take them in order to do the job, THAT is what makes you a true hero, NOT your death. Thank you for your efforts on behalf of the citizens of Fitchburg and the Commonwealth as a whole.

God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.
August 27, 2007

Patrolman Nikitas,
On today, the 29th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Fitchburg. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous
August 27, 2007

In the line of duty, another hero pays the ultimate sacrifice so others can walk without fear. May you REST IN PEACE.

Correction Officer Scott Boutell
Massachusetts Department of Correction
August 21, 2007

27 years later I still hear and read stories about this terrific man, taken from his family at too early and age. We should do so well to live our lives the way you lived yours; with honor, courage, humor and compassion.

We all miss you.......

Cousin Peter

September 21, 2005

I was born in Fitchburg but grew up in New York City. In 1978 I spent the entire summer at my aunts(godmother) house. I remember the incident clearly. When I am in town I always pay my respect and a prayer for your dad when we visit relatives graves at the cemetery. Eternal Memory Peter and may Panagia protect and pray for your entire family.

P.O. Basil(Bill) Karageorge
N.Y. State University Police
September 5, 2005

i miss you everyday. you'd love your grandaughter. i love you. your proud daughter.

nicole nikitas
May 2, 2005

Pete, I instruct a course on officer safety involving railroads. Your memory will be honored by each officer in every class I teach. God bless.

Special Agent Dennis Duncan
Norfolk Southern Railway Police
February 22, 2004