Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

where oh where to begin... I know you have watched over us. I know that you were there for all of the awards, the graduations, the proms...I believe that the sun came out at Jessie's graduation because you were watching. I believe that Ginny drove right through that wreck on the beltline when she had the girls because you were watching. I believe that you know how hard some of this is for me to do with two teenagers. I believe that you believe in Gregg and I being together. I believe that you and Greg Baker are drinking a beer up there or having a dip and a Mountain Dew and watching over us. As some person said about his page...it has just been too hard, way too hard...to do this kind of thing-Ten years and I can finally get even this much out. You are not forgotten - you live on in your beautiful girls and we are making it...just as you would want. So rest easy, babe.

Connie
Widow

June 8, 2007

Paul--beloved brother-in-law--brother, really, since you were in my life from the time I was thirteen. You were always there--looking out for me, loving my sister, raising my beautiful nieces. My first born son, Andrew, your godson, bears your name as his middle name to honor you. I am so proud of your beautiful daughters. Connie has raised them well, in the tradition you began together. They are beautiful, smart, funny, generous, and loving. They adore their mother, and they are kind to each other. They are everything you had hoped they would be. I love you, my brother.

Elizabeth Vander Gast
Beloved Sister-in-law

June 8, 2007

Paul,
Over ten years have passed and there still are no words that can describe what a wonderful officer, father and husband that you were. It was a pleasure to know you. You were always fair to every citizen no matter if they were northside or southside. Your kindness and the man that you are will never be forgotten....

114 F
RPD

April 24, 2007

Somebody Killed A Policeman Today

Somebody killed a policeman today and
A part of America died.
A piece of our country that he swore to protect
Will be buried with him at his side.

The suspect who shot him will stand up in court
With counsel demanding his rights,
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids
And spend many long lonely nights.

The beat that he walked was a battlefield too,
Just as if he had gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast,
To his name they will add a gold star

Yes, somebody killed a policeman today,
It happened in your town or mine.
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,
A cop put his life on the line.

Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
And he stands at each rookie's side.
He answered the call, and he gave us his all,
And a part of America died!


Thank you, Paul.

JC
citizen of Raleigh

March 23, 2007

Paul, I did not know you, but I have been a resident of Raleigh for 40 years and I remember very well the day you died, and the days D.D. Adams, Denise Holden and Charles Paul all died. The ten year anniversary of your death is approaching and we have had a very, very bad couple of months here in NC with our law enforcement officers, which has prompted me to visit your page again. I know you went to my high school, Enloe, a few years after me, and I know that you were very well thought of by your fellow officers. The news of your death was sickening for all of us, not just your fellow officers. I remember that long procession of patrol cars going to the cemetery, silent, with those lights flashing, people standing on the side of the road crying. I remember the stunned, heartbroken look of two officers taking their break the next day in the Bruegger's on Hillsborough St., and how thankful they were that I just said, "I'm sorry." So now, I say I'm sorry to you, Paul. I'm sure you were a great guy. I'm sorry for that horrible day and I'm sorry you didn't get to see your daughter grow up. You were very obviously loved and I'm sure you are missed.

J.C.
citizen of Raleigh

March 13, 2007

Hey Paul... I was talking with some of our new guys and describing a night when I was in a scrap of my lifetime.. you'll remember the night when i fought for all I was worth, (bloodworth st) trying to get a suspect into custody (cha****). The point I was making was this.... I had canceled my check-in unit on a domestic dispute (wrong thing to do) and before I knew it, I was jumped by both the husband and wife. I fought for all I was worth, and if it wasn't for the Raleigh citizens calling 911... well who knows how it would have ended.. then the first faces I saw when I was proned out in the street were yours, previtali's, and greg bakers... So here I am explaining to the new guy, how important it is to have brothers in blue, when all else seems to be done, that's who will be there... now look, after all of these years, we have you and greg doubled up, on patrol, and watching over us.. u r missed paul, and remember, look down before you spit....

Sgt Chaz Rosa
Raleigh Police Dept

January 25, 2007

My brother I miss you. I have a dip in for you now. We will be together again chowing on chitlings. Once again I love you, thanks for being my back up. You and Mangum I owe my life to you guys.

134F "Way back then"
Raleigh PD

December 19, 2006

Paul, losing GK this year has brought you back to the forefront of my memory. You guys shared so much, both on "F", as well as later. I have a plastic lable from you guys' electronic scale. "Baker/Hale" in white on blue. It is a small otherwise insignificant piece. I would not take anything for it. I love both of you guys, and I know that you are up there enjoying each others company again.

RVN, 154-F
Friend, Brother

November 30, 2006

My partner,brother and my friend. I love you

134 F
RPD

November 17, 2006

Paul,

It has been 9 years since you left us. I know the streets of heaven are safe (and probally a little dirty from your dip). I pray for you and your family often. You are missed my friend. Everytime I have a Mt. Dew I toast you. My memories of all 5th squad A platoon are good except for July 11, 1997.
To all officers GOD BLESS

Russ Cullum
Port St. Lucie Police Dept. Honor Guard Team Leader
Former 156A

Officer Russell Cullum
Port St. Lucie Police Dept. ,Fl

July 12, 2006

You live on in the the hearts of so many.May you Rest in Peace.

July 11, 2006

Not a day goes by that I don't think about my dad. It's so unfair he was taken away from me when I was only ten, but I am so proud to say he was my father. My hero, I love you and miss you.

Daughter

June 23, 2006

Again I come to this site and I wonder why your reflections are so few and far between, so I imagine that you were so loved that it may be painful for those who cared about you to come to this site. Or maybe they have peace that you are resting in heaven at this hour. This site is really more for those of us here anyway. But I still think about all the men and women on this site daily and I want to make sure that you are remembered.
Thank you again for your service and sacrifice.

KC
Citizen, Raleigh, NC

May 1, 2006

I often check this website to see who needs my prayers and I noticed that it has been a while since someone left a reflection here. You are not forgotten and your sacrifice and your family's is certainly not either. My prayers are with your family and with the loved ones of all the other blue angels listed on this site. Keep watch over them all, from a citizen rembering you today.

KC

March 14, 2006

The City and Department have changed quite a bit since your time on the department. However, you are remembered everyday. Your picture, as well as pictures of the other Raleigh Police Officers that have died protecting the City, is hanging in all of the Police stations. You watch over us daily.

Thank you.

Raleigh PD

May 30, 2005

You are missed but not forgotten. You were and always will be a COPS COP. Question - does the dip taste better in heaven??

Corporal Russell Hepps
Raleigh Police Department

May 19, 2005

It took me eight years to find the words I need to express, and I'm still not sure they are perfect. You left us while serving with honor and purpose...now...today and everyday I try to serve with those same two values. Every time I put on my uniform, I tap my shield twice. Once for you, and once for me...in hopes that you will look down and protect me. Thank you for your sacrifice...MY HERO....Paul Hale.

Police Officer R. Suddueth #5883
Cary,NC, Police Dept.

April 28, 2005

There have not been many days that go by that I don't remember the circumstances of how you died protecting the citizens of Raleigh and Wake Co. You paid the ultimate sacrifice as have I, for the love of a thankless job of those you serve!!!I met your parents the year your name went on the wall! Mark promised me that I would never have to see his name on "that" wall, but He was so wrong! I hold your parents in such high regard! Protect the streets of Heaven so when we arrive we will be safe!!!!

Patricia Tucker wife of Investigator Mar

February 9, 2005

Paul you are still in my thoughts and your family is in my prayers. I think of "A' platoon 5 th squad daily. As a member of the honor guard for PSLPD on every assignment I say a prayer for you. Protect on Brother.

Officer Russ Cullum
Port St. Lucie Police Dept. (Fla)

September 22, 2004

You will not be forgotten, May God bless and keep watch over your family and friends.

Police Officer
Chicago Police

August 15, 2004

The policeman stood and faced 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 a badge
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 time 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 a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

July 19, 2004

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 5, 2004

Paul, I honor you, your name, your service and mostly, your ultimate sacrifuse. Rest easy blue angel . . . you're blue brothers sisters will take it from here. Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Police Officer).

Special Agent Jim Crotty
ATF (Retired)

March 2, 2004

thanks Paul, we still remember

Special Agent
Homeland Security / ex-RPD

September 21, 2003

"The guardian angels of life sometimes fly so high as to be beyond our sight, but they are always looking down upon us."
- Jean Paul Richter

Gone but not forgotten ...
July 11, 2003

Anonymous
NCSBI