Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I am a childhood friend of Rick. In fact, we lived right next door to each other in the same duplex for five years. I first hear the news in 1997 and it was tough to take. I had actually been trying to track Rick down since losing contact in the late 80s. I can't believe it has been 10 years now. My thoughts are with Rick's family. I never met Rick's wife but I knew Kim and his mother. Best wishes to you all!

Rob Nerpel
Childhood Friend

May 18, 2007

well rick, it has been ten long years and now it is police officer's memorial week again....it seems like it was just yesterday that you my son, was taken away from all of us....you are so missed and in our hearts each and every day..it is mother's day and of course got the gift from you from the police hall of fame and each of these gifts over the last ten years are so special to me on this day...love and kisses to you...........mom

christine roth
mother

May 12, 2007

although i did not know john, he is interned at a cemetary in the town that i grew up in & still live. i am truly sorry for the families loss, he is a true hero as is his partner. john may you rest in peace.

April 23, 2007

well today is a new day,, and i just had u on my mind,, I talked to old guys at APD and director of vwap this past week,,, goes back to trial again,,, will it ever be over??/

i dont talk to ur mom as much as i used to, now that i am in louisiana but she and kim are always in my heart..

keep watching over us and we will keep making sure he never gets out,,,

abrazos prissy

prissy
family friend

April 1, 2007

Here it is 10 years later and my memory of you is as clear as yesterday. I think about you often and smile when I remember the laughter and fun that we shared. To this day I carry the wedding picture of you and your wife in my wallet.
The day we lost you was the darkest day of my life. I will never forget you and pray that when I get to heaven that you will be the first to greet me.

Thomas J. Donohue
Friend

February 26, 2007

Well bro, its been 10 long years. Today I received a phone call from the DA's office and we are going to trial again. I will never be able to let this go until he has been put to death. I know that will never bring you back and god how I wish it could. Andy is in his second year of college (you would be so proud of your nephew). He is so much like you. Angela is a beautiful young lady, I know that she was only three when you were taken from us. Well god will get me threw this next trial phase. I love and miss you so much.

your sister
Kim

Kim
Sister

January 23, 2007

YOU ARE TRULY A HERO. YOU DIED DOING WHAT YOU LOVED. YOUR DEDICATION TO THIS PROFESSION WAS GREATLY APPRECIATED AND NO WORDS CAN TELL HOW SORRY WE ARE THAT YOU GAVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFIC. YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN AND I KNOW THAT YOU MISSED VERY MUCH BY YOUR FAMILY.
GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND CO-WORKERS.

MOTHER OF A FALLEN DEPUTY, TN.

October 12, 2006

G-d Bless you and your partner.May Our Lord also shower Blessings on your family.

October 12, 2006

It will be 9 years since your end of watch and you have not been forgotten by your loved ones nor the Blue Family. They will all keep your memory alive as you are a true hero and heroes never die. Keep watch over your loved ones, protect them from harm and guide them on their paths in life. My thoughts are with them on this day.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father

October 11, 2006

I was living in Atlanta all those years ago... and worked less then a mile from where Officer Sowa was killed. I remember laying flowers in the very spot where he died. For him, and for Officer Cocciolone....

I was maybe 17 years old at the time... and here I sit today, a police officer too. I hadn't thought of these particular officer's in YEARS until I saw their story on the Discovery channel. I remember you and your sacrifice.

Your partner, Officer Cocciolone looked great on the tv... she is talking so very well... Im sure you would be proud of her.

Rest, my brother.........

September 13, 2006

Dear Rick,
Many times I have wished that I had taken the time to get to know you a little after your Mum married Jamie. It is an opportunity sorely missed, but I pray that you rest easy knowing that justice will be served.

Know that you have left your mark on the people that knew you, and not just those who knew you best; all that speak of Rick Sowa speak of your honor and integrity.

So sleep well, my cousin. Your good name carries on.

Respectfully,
Karl V. Roth
Manomet, MA

Lt. Karl V. Roth
PNPS Security/Cousin

July 6, 2006

I remember being on Buford Highway, when the incident came over the radio. So close, yet so far away. I never pass those apts., without thinking about that night. Rest easy...

P.E. Pressley

May 31, 2006

Rest in peace Brother. May God Bless you and your family.

Patrolman

January 20, 2006

I wish to acknowledge the distinquished service Officer Sowa gave to his community and the citizens of Georgia , and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 12, 1997.
Although it has been eight years since your brutal murder, your memory is still held dear. Officer Sowa, you are a true hero. I am so saddened that you were robbed of your life at such a young age.

I rejoice in the continued recovery of your fellow officer Pat...reading about her is an inspiration.


Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05

October 13, 2005

It has been almost eight years since you left all of us. However, there isn't a day that goes by that you are not in our hearts. We know that you are watching over us and are keeping us all in your care.

September 28, 2005

Just to let you know that you are thought about on your 36th birthday....Look down upon us all and keep us safe and in your arms.....

July 29, 2005

I met Rick back in 1996 while in Atlanta. He was a cadet and we had a lot in common. I worked in Mass. and was interested in Atlanta. He was aked to show me around ironically which was when we found out we didnt live far away from each other in Mass. and shared many common bonds. I appreciated his help and I feel still for his family. It has been a long time since his last shift and I only met him once but his life and death have made an impression on me. I feel for his family and can tell there was a close relationship with them. My heart goes out to you all. Keep the faith and never forget.

J
Tampa

April 2, 2005

Hi Sweetie,
well it has been a few months since i was on here,, sorry about that, Been talking to ur mom lately we finally found each other again!!!!
Trying to get Chris and Kim to Georgia next week, Lawler is trying to appeal the decision apparently.. Duumb A---.
So I think we need to be there,, We will be there dont u worry!!!
As always in my thoughts!!! p

January 29, 2005

I never knew you, but I remember staying home from work to watch your funeral. My husband, Rusty Stalnaker, had been on the scene that night with you and Pat and many others. He was devastated at your death. Then several months later, I was standing by his casket and in walked your sweet and lovely wife. She was the only person who knew what I was feeling that night. I am so thankful that I met Danielle and her friendship has meant much to me in the years since. I appreciate the way her mom and dad opened their home to me one Thanksgiving when I could not face being at home without Rusty. You married a strong and courageous lady. May the God of peace be with her now and always. You'll never be forgotten.

Dana

December 2, 2004

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

Rest in peace, hero. God bless.

October 14, 2004

gosh, it has been so long since i have been on this site, officer down in atlanta today, I work at sheperd now and see pat now and then and she is doing really good, you are always in her heart, still talk to your mom but i moved a couple of months ago and lost her number, she looks great but I know you know that.. officer is fine, gunshot wound to hand,, she is at grady now,, this is so reminding me of you, hospital is full of blue apd,, Shes Fine buddy....

August 25, 2004

"Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for his friend". What too many fail to understand is that you considered all your neighbors friends. I know that you are safe and happy in God's hands now. May your family take solace in that knowledge.

Sgt. Bill Richardson
Anchorage, Alaska PD

August 16, 2004

May God bless you John and keep you close.

Rest in peace Brother.

Officer Scott Lundegren
Yarmouth Police Dept., MA

July 22, 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 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 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

June 15, 2004

As I sit here sending this reflection, I do so with a heavy heart. I was just talking to Pat (other officer shot this day) and she is doing incredible. She has worked extremely hard to get her life back on track. As you know Pat had to learn all the basics of life all over again. Despite being shot so many times. It is truly remarkable what Pat has accomplished. I think you should know that Pat has an enlarged picture of you in uniform placed in the center of her living room wall. There has never been a day gone buy since October 12, 1997 that Pat has not thought about you. God bless you John. May you rest in peace our brother in blue.

Officer Johns
Georgia Perimeter College Police Department

April 24, 2004