Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was in Troop 9 today and saw your picture. Thanks you for your service.

EDWARD POLLARD
A citizen

February 26, 2023

Thinking of you so much lately. Your classmates are retiring, one by one. Being the "old man" in your class you would have retired 5 years ago. I can't help but wonder what might have been. You are missed.

Laura
DSP

April 20, 2021

Hi Gerry, It has been 30 years, I was pregnant with Michael when they came knocking on the door, unsure how mom and dad would handle the news. 9/11 has not improved over the years. We buried mom on 9/11/09. Not to mention or ever forget the 9/11 with which the rest of the world is familiar. You will never be forgotten and you are a constant source of fond memories ( and hilarious memories) for all of us! Love you! Molly

Molly Metzler
Sister

September 11, 2020

Trooper Dowd, I was a sophomore in college at the U of D and remember this day fairly well, sitting on my apartment couch watching the news when your picture showed up. Even though we never met it would seem like I would come to know you somewhat years later, passing your picture in the hallway at the Academy and then in each respective Troop I was assigned over my 21 years of service. I look at some of your classmates, some of who have left reflections here for you, and the amazing and accomplished careers they have had and can't help but to wonder where you would be now had you not made the ultimate sacrifice serving the people of Delaware. One thing is for sure, your brother and sister Troopers in Delaware, both active and retired, remember you and will never forget your service and sacrifice. Rest in peace always sir.

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

September 11, 2020

Trooper Dowd, rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 13, 2019

Happy Birthday Gerry. I miss you more than ever. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you or lean on something I learned from you. Very heartening to see that others feel the same way. No one has had a greater impact on my life. You were the best.

Frank
Brother

July 16, 2018

So many years have gone by but I still think of you often. It was so hard watching your parents decline, but knowing they are reunited with you and your brother brings me comfort. Til we meet again, watch over me Super Trooper.

Laura
DSP

August 25, 2017

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

April 26, 2017

Gerry

As the 59th DSP class starts to reach retirement as I have. I often think of you and the good times we shared at the Academy. You gave the ultimate scarifice, rest in peace brother. You will never be forgotten.

M/Cpl Ron Ferguson DSP Retired
Delaware State Police, 59th Class

July 6, 2016

25 years later, you are not forgotten. Rest in Peace, Trooper.

Major Scott Proctor
Shenandoah County (VA) Sheriff's Office

June 2, 2015

Getting ready for the holiday and another CHRISTmas without you. You are missed.

Laura
DSP

December 18, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 23rd anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devortion to you through their reflections.

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

May 5, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

November 20, 2012

Miss you buddy...

Sgt P. R. Ritchie, Jr.
Harrisonburg P.D. (Va.)

April 1, 2012

Rest in Peace, Trooper Dowd. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 4, 2012

It's hard to believe it's been 21 years since we lost you. So much has happened yet one thing has remained the same... you are still loved, missed and thought of often. I think of the summer of 1990 with fond memories of the times we shared together. Those memories still bring a smile to my face. You are forever in my heart.

Laura
Delaware State Police

September 12, 2011

Gerry,
Know that you are in my prayers every night and thought of on a daily basis. I stop at your resting place often when I am going down to Mom's in Bethel and talk to you. The trooper statue that I left for you is still in the same place twenty and a half year ago. That is one tough statue just like yourself. Please know that #777 will live forever in my heart. Always watch over me and be my guardian angel. Rest in peace.

Lt. Daniel Hall
Delaware State Police

August 30, 2011

Rest in Peace Trooper Dowd. You are gone but not forgotten. The good fight continues, the day you were taken was my first day as a recruit with LVMPD.I see by the posts that you were greatly loved and are missed terribly. Thank You for your service. Rest now in the arms of the Lord.

P.O. II Adam Carpenter
Las Vegas Metro P.D.

September 6, 2010

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

March 3, 2010

Gerry,
It has been 19 years ago today that you have been gone - and you are still greatly missed. Your mother's funeral was today and the Delaware State Police appeared to assist and honor your mother. You would have been so proud! I miss your humor, smile and twinkle in your eye. You will always be rememebered as young, happy and handsome.

Susan Pegram French
Deputy Attorney General

September 11, 2009

Jerry,

I just wanted to let you know that we the 59th have completed our 20 th year. Looking back - man we had a fun times. I miss the hunting and fishing trips so much. We often think of you and Kevin and wish you were still with us. Thinking of you - Love you Brother.

Cpl/3 Dean McGrory
Delaware State Police

September 3, 2009

Classmate,
As we approach our 20 year anniversary, we wanted to let you and your family know that you have not been forgotten. As we reminisce of our academy days, you and Kevin are often fondly remembered. The sacrifice that you guys have made has been a constant reminder to all of us of how fragile we really are and how quickly life can be taken away. You guys will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my Brother.

Sgt. Chris Ennis
Delaware State Police 59th DSP Academy Class

June 11, 2009

I watched the video of your academy class yesterday. It seems like only yesterday we met, but it's been 17 years since you left us. You may be gone, but you are far from forgotten. Still missing you...

Laura
DSP

January 30, 2009

So much has changed in 18 yrs, though your memory is alive and well on the lower shore
Contine to watch over us all...as we miss you dearly

Sgt. Thorpe
Maryland State Police

September 11, 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 9, 2007