Police Officer Gregory P. Foster New York City Police Department New York Thursday, January 27, 1972  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

Though I never knew him, he was part of my Law Enforcement family and I will mourn this deep loss the rest of my life. My heart aches with all the losses we have suffered, and continue to suffer, through the years. God is our only peace in such incidents & our only real comfort comes from Him. May His strength, comfort & peace continue to be the sustaining force in the lives of all who knew this beloved officer; and may it somehow help to know he is not forgotten, and that we have relentlessly persued those involved.

Vicki Hare, Telecommunicator
Salisbury NC PD
2009-09-09

1st Recollection I was in Professor Sealys' class at John Jay with Greg in January '72. On 1/10 I went to class to inform the professors that my fahter had passed. Greg immediately came out of the room and gave me his condolences. Little did I know, I would be consoling others at St. Patricks on Feb 1, 1972. Greg had a part of my life along with other MOS's in my young years. I lived in the 73 until 1978 when I served my country for 20 years in the Air Force. As a Security Policeman, I walke in Gregs' shoes while bringing equality, honor and humility to a badge. May he rest in peace as he soars above us. I always stop at V127 in Pinelawn /LI National Cemetery where my mother an father also lie. I work in Montgomery County, Maryland Public Schools since Greg also left a legacy for youth.

Harry H. Wacke
Student at John Jay College of Criminal Justice with Greg
2009-07-15

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

Robyn Wilkes

2009-01-19

remembering all times we had. love and miss you

brother joseph
2008-02-25

I was only 2 years old when my cousin Gregory and his partner were murdered. I grew up looking at the photo my grandmother proudly displayed of him in his uniform with such a warn smile wishing I had the chance to know him. I saw the movie made about him and when I was a kid and was heart broken and angry that these cowards deprived me of the chance of knowing such a great man. I never knew him but but I've never forgotten the sacrafice they both made. On behalf of the Foster family I thank all those who left such beautiful comments honoring his memory. May God Bless.

Jennifer
Cousin
2008-01-29

Here we are again, on this very day you gave your life serving the people of New York many years ago, to honor and remember you as we always will.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
2008-01-27

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
2008-01-23

"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
2007-12-20

Sleep soldier! still in honored rest
Your truth and valor wearing;
The bravest are the tenderest; ---
The loving are the daring.

From A Song of the Camp, by Bayard Taylor (1825-1878)

Anonymous

2007-09-10

[IF]

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream--and not make dreams your master,
If you can think--and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much,
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!

A classmate recited this poem at our last senior assembly (1968). He was one of Gregory's best friends. As I glanced across the auditorium I could see that these words moved Gregory as they did me. Whenever I think of Gregory, I think of this poem and often wonder if this had an influence on why he was able to exhibit the kind of bravery that makes a police officer.

A dear friend who remembers

2007-08-29

I remember Gregory as a warm, caring individual. He was always willing to help others although he remained in the background. In school he was very bright and a good student. He found a place to express his care and concern about the welfare of others by joining the New York City Police Department. I will always remember him and the sacrafice he made and will always keep him and his family in my fondest memories.

Christy Cummings
School Classmate
2007-08-28

I was just 9 yrs.old when I heard the tragic news of the cowardly murders of you and Rocco.I still, after all these years, think of you two often.Two great Americans who bravely served their country in Vietnam and as police officers in NYC.Rest in peace,brother.God comfort all of your loved ones.You are and always will be an inspiration to those of us who tstanding......in

Ptl.otmail.com
GPD
2007-08-15

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ
2007-06-11

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

2006-12-05

I remember watching the movie about Officer Foster and Officer Laurie many years ago. I could not help but to shed tears for the loss of two great men, two great officers and for a partnership with two great friends which they had become. Your legacy lives on always and the inspiration you have had and continue to have on other officers like myself is quite incredible. Thank you for your service and may God always watch over your family.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
2006-09-14

To those I Love and Those Who Love Me

When I am gone, release me, Let me go
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,
Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it's time I traveled alone.

So grieve a while for if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a while that we must part
So bless the memories within your heart,

I won't be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll
Hear all of my love around you soft and clear

And when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say,
"Welcome Home"

2005-01-08

DAY IS DONE,
GONE THE SUN,
FROM THE HILLS, FROM THE LAKE, FROM THE SKIES.
ALL IS WELL, SAFELY REST,
GOD IS NIGH.

GO TO SLEEP, PEACEFUL SLEEP,
MAY THE SOLDIER OR SAILOR, GOD KEEP.
ON THE LAND OR THE DEEP,
SAFE IN SLEEP.

LOVE, GOOD NIGHT,
MUST THOU GO,
WHEN THE DAY, AND THE NIGHT NEED THEE SO?
ALL IS WELL. SPEEDETH ALL
TO THEIR REST.

FADES THE LIGHT;
AND AFAR
GOETH DAY, AND THE STARS SHINETH BRIGHT,
FARE THEE WELL; DAY IS GONE,
NIGHT IS ON.

THANKS AND PRAISE,
FOR OUR DAYS,
'NEATH THE SUN, 'NEATH THE STARS, 'NEATH THE SKY,
AS WE GO, THIS WE KNOW,
GOD IS NIGH.

A Brother In Blue

Detective Troy S. Pilivi
Box Elder Narcotics Strike Force (Utah)
2004-10-20

Dear Patrolman Foster,

It is with great respect and sadness that we write this to express our condolences to the NY City Police Department and to you and your fine family. God gives up great peace in allowing us memories of good times. Dwell on these good memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you for your love and care of your fellow man. Please watch over us from above and pray for us. We love you dear one.

Grandma and Grandpa Hinkle
Parents of a Deputy Sheriff
2004-10-11

Your death will never be forgotten as your service to the world.

2004-05-10

Greg, I was a young DC cop when you and Rocco were murdered. I will never forget you. You are my brother forever. Greg, as you now know, Jesus Loves You, we always have.

Ret Officer RB Wade
Richmond,VA Police
2003-10-07

OFFICERS GREGORY FOSTER AND ROCCO LAURIE WERE DEDICATED MEMBERS OF THE NYPD. THEY INSPIRED ME AS A YOUNG BOY GROWING UP IN NEW YORK CITY TO BECOME A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. THEY WERE SHOT FROM BEHIND IN THIER BACKS BY LOWLIFE COWARDS THAT DIDNT HAVE THE GUTS TO FACE THEM.
THEY SERVED THE PEOPLE OF NEW YORK WITH PRIDE AND RESPECT.
THEY ARE TRUE HEROES. R.I. P. MY BROTHERS

COURT OFFICER JOE LAGRIPPO
BRONX CRIMINAL COURT