Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Remembering your sacrifice today. You are not forgotten.

August 24, 2023

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Terry McDowell of the Whitehall Police Department, Ohio and the additional 72 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

August 24, 2023

I remember meeting Terry earlier that year during a summer cook out. My parents were always involved with Whitehall PD since we lived in Whitehall and my step-father was a Pickerington Police Officer. Still to this day I remember watching officers that worked the football game running to the exit to get to Terry and Eric.

You will never be forgotten.

Ptl. James "Tony" Dreussi #158
Canton Police Department

December 24, 2022

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Terry McDowell of the Whitehall Police Department, Ohio and the additional 69 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

August 24, 2022

Though the years have passed, and some memories fade, your service, sacrifice and life will always be remembered.

Larry R. Bowman
Trooper, OSHP, Retired
MSgt, USMC, Retired

August 24, 2022

Terry and I were roommates and serviced with the 555th Military Police company, Ft Lee, Va. I am saddened to hear this news. My heart aches!

Jeff Rametta
District Manager, PEPBOYS Tire and Service Center.

February 14, 2022

I knew Terry before he was a Whitehall Police Officer. Terry served as a Military Policeman assigned to 4th Platoon, 503rd Military Police Company, 3rd Armored Division in Frankfurt, Germany. He was my driver and I was his squad leader. There was never a dull moment with Terry whether it was in the field or patrolling the streets of Frankfurt, Germany in support of the discipline law and order mission of the Frankfurt Military Community and 5th US Corps Provost Marshal's (Chief of Police) Office. Always a high activity driven patrolman, Terry knew every off limits area in the Frankfurt sector and often discovered soldiers there doing things that they shouldn't be doing. Terry was a professional police officer even at an early age and commanded respect with his presence. His competence in conducting the tactical operations demanded of a division military policeman were also at the highest level and I am honored to have served with him. A truly dedicated professional in service to his country, his state and his community. Rest in peace, warrior.

Chief Jeremy Sharp
Buchtel Police Department

September 11, 2020

Rest in peace always and know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 24, 2020

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Terry McDowell of the Whitehall Police Department, Ohio and the additional 74 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

August 24, 2019

If I have learned anything in this life, it's what the definition of the word HERO truly is. Growing up in Whitehall, there was quite a few of them at the police and fire departments. One in particular,is the reason I'm leaving this message/reflection........
Terry McDowell.
If we go back 25 years of my life in Whitehall,all of us would be shaking our heads. Though there was person who never shook their head at me, Officer McDowell. Terry worked some overtime keeping me out of trouble. There was one incident where he saved my life literally. He had an uncanny ability to foresee problems. Terry spent time with my parents on so many occasions trying to formulate a game plan on how to correct my wreckless teenage behavior. I remember when he met me and Dad at Tee Jaye's on a Saturday morning. We ate,and talked about all kinds of stuff,from me being an idiot (lol), to hunting,fishing,and camping. After that,he put his hand on my shoulder on the way out the door,and said remember "Spencer is out there,watching too." He was right,Salyers was watching,and so was Knight,Newcomb,Wardlow,Kelso, King,Grinstead,Showalter,Grebb,
Forbes,Hopper,Brill,Allen,Ruhl, Huntzinger,Fields,Rickels....a sea of blue uniforms. All of whom had my best interest at heart.
What happened to Terry that day,was especially hard for me to deal with for a long time. The day Terry got killed,he asked if the 33 Rhino reel worked that he gave me a few days before,and he said I needed to get a fishing pole in Dominick's hands. (my son was only about a year old then )A week or two before that, Terry scared the crap out of all us. He showed up off duty under the East Broad Street bridge, and asked us "So how did you guys get all that beer down here?" Low and behold he had a damn fishing pole in his hand. We were all like Damn,he is cool as hell. We talked. He was there about an 1 hour and half. We asked if we needed to dump the beer out, he said "This side of the bridge ain't Whitehall boys".
I'll never forget that. Terry was the most down to Earth human beings I have ever known. I was privileged to have had him hold Dominick,my son. He said I brought something good into this world, he also said "Ray,get your life together bud. Your a good guy,but you do a lot of dumbass shit.". Terry never put me down. Hard not to cry as a grown man now thinking about that day he left this Earth. I've been to his grave out at GR a few times. We have had talks. November 1st, I always pour one out,we all do. My Birthday is the 2nd. We might have been on the flipside of the coin back then,but we all support THE BADGE.

This was for BADGE #32.
FALLEN BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN TERRY.
You were and still are my hero bud. Alot my heroes are @ W.H.P.D.

Raymond C. Arnold

August 24, 2019

Rest in peace Officer McDowell.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 5, 2019

Its 2018 and you ran across my mind. I remembered when I heard the news and my heart still aches. If I were to see you today I know we both would be emotional and embrace each other with hugs. I remember running along side your car every other day when you patrolled my neighborhood. I remember the stickers you gave out. I remember the days you would step out the car and my parents would give you dinner plate and you guys would just talk. You're still truly missed officer McDowell

Dee

October 30, 2018

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Terry McDowell of the Whitehall Police Department, Ohio and the additional 71 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.


End of Watch Friday, August 24, 2001

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

August 24, 2018

Terry was a great man. He helped me out as a teen and early adult. I never will forget him or any officer of the W. H. P. D. . I lacked a lot of honor and discipline as a youth, not by fault of my parents, my own disregard. Terry time and again broke down life on "how it is, and how it should be". His talksmade a difference. I still remember him coming down one day and fishing with me under the Broad Street Bridge, he said "Hey trouble, they biting at all?" I laughed and and he did his Matthew McConaughey impression : Alright alright alright. Terry I miss you bud. You were a great officer, you were a good friend to my parents, and your missed. Happy late birthday. Mine was yesterday Nov 2,and yours is November 1st. Hey, my son just entered the US NAVY!

THANK YOU TERRY
RAYMOND ARNOLD

Whitehall Resident
friend

November 3, 2017

Here we are, year 16! Sat down to do some bills and just couldn't focus. Started looking around at stuff and came upon this page again. Reading the comments and seeing my post from 6 years ago......wow. I was working for your 15th memorial poker run, but hope to make Tony's run this year. You are still mentioned in the firehouse when sharing stories. You left one hell of an impression with everyone you met. Sure do miss your antics. 'til we meet again brother. Continue watching over our city (both sides of the street) as you have for the past 16 years.

FF/Medic Robert Homman
Whitehall Division of Fire

August 24, 2017

RIP Brother!

Kathryn Rice SKCS (AW/SW)ret USN
Classmate

August 25, 2015

Thinking of you and your family today.

Family Friend

August 24, 2015

IN HONORE CASORUM
The promise... Always honored, never forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

August 24, 2014

God bless u terry, whitehall misses u

dj

August 24, 2013

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

August 24, 2013

The weirdest thing happened last night. You popped into my thoughts late in the evening and when I finally fell asleep I dreamed of the day you drove Seth and I to the car lot full of Volkswagen Beetles, telling us to cover our eyes because you had a 'surprise' for us. Little did we know we were in for a bunch of 'slug bugs', and little did we also know how quickly you would be taken from us.

I'm not here to talk about how unfair it was, what happened that night, but to reflect on the life you lived beforehand. You were one of the greatest men I knew Yes, I was very young at the time, but that also meant I was impressionable, and I know for a fact that in the short time we all had to be with you, that you helped mold us into the people we are today.

I remember the day it happened like it was yesterday. We had to leave Scioto Downs early and Seth and myself knew something was aloof. We were told that he and Taylor would be staying that night at my house. We grew scared, we weren't allowed to turn on the T.V. and my parents nor Angie would tell us what was happening. Our first request was to talk to you, because we knew that if anything was wrong that you would protect us...

I haven't seen Seth or Taylor in a while, but the last time I did Seth looked just like you. It was incredible and I hope the way he visually reflects you, he will also mirror your kind heart and impressive heroism. You have made your family so strong and so proud and I will always remember the effect you had on myself and others around you.

I'm sure we will meet again. And maybe this time you won't tell me there are piranhas in the lake!

Sabra Skaggs
Neighbor

September 9, 2012

Thinking of you terry, today and forever

D

August 24, 2012

You are not forgotten Brother....

President Jim Gilbert
FOP Capital City Lodge #9

August 24, 2012

Terry, I know it is past your ten year mark but i cant come to this page on that date it is just to sad. We had block party in your GEO area with at least 100 people show up to remember you. the weekend after that we had your 9th annual poker run with the largest crowed yet of over 300 riders. Your son Seth was able to participate for the first time on his own and was right up front leading the way. I got to take Ashton to DC this year and he saw your name on the wall. For someone who was only 4 at the time you were killed he has alot of memories with you. Just wanted to let you know that you are stil thought of everyday and we all miss you. Love ya brother!!

Spencer Salyers
police Officer, President Get behind the Badge

September 13, 2011

As I sit here and plan the 9th Annual Memorial Poker Run route, I have many memories come to mind. August 24th will be 10 years since your passing and I want to make sure this ride honors you and your family. I also want to make it the biggest and baddest yet! I will ask that you help guide me and direct the poker run where you would like to ride.
I really can't believe it will soon be 10 years. It really doesn't seem possible. I remember so many times working side by side with you. Sure miss that.

FF/Medic Rob Homman
Whitehall Fire

June 3, 2011