Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

R.I.P. Brother, we still remember and appreciate your sacrifice. God be with your family.

Officer Wil
Modesto CA PD

September 11, 2008

John , I will always remember the days I drove you around harlem talking about our favorite team, The new york jets,
and you calling me chap. You are my hero.

retired police gregory green 2848
new york city police dept

May 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

January 3, 2008

thank you....we will not forget.

lt. p.m. spurlock, jr
columbia county s.o. (fla)

October 31, 2007

Thank you, Sergeant John Coughlin, for your dedication to God, your family and. ultimately, your country.

Your sacrifice was not in vain, and you will never be forgotten.

God speed and God bless. Rest in peace Sergeant Coughlin.

God Bless America.

LRVirgil, Civilian
Texas - Law Enforcement Supporter

September 30, 2007

You and your family are still in our thoughts and prayers. Thank-you for all you did that fateful day.

Becky Muncy, widow of Sgt. Marc Muncy
Assistant Prosecuting Atty, Franklin County

September 11, 2007

You are not and will never be forgotten. You and the other brothers we lost that day are HEROES and will be remembered forever! Rest high on the streets of Heaven!

Deputy Brant Pewitt
Williamson Co. Sheriff's Dept TN.

September 11, 2007

It is hard to believe that it has been so long since that terrible day. The nation mourns, along with your family, and I thank you for your sacrifice. God bless...

An American

September 11, 2007

Sarge, I remember seeing this nightmare unfold while watching television that morning after my wife called me to tell me about the first plane.........I felt so damn helpless (still do!) as the first tower fell; I knew......didn't wanna believe but I knew we had to have lost cops and fire fighters. I was watching this and it seemed so close, yet I couldn't do anything...........or help any of you guys....I AM SO SORRY!

Please know that I keep all of you in my prayers and thoughts always. Rest in peace my brother.......your sacrifice will NEVER be forgotten. GOD BLESS YOU! We'll finish the tour from here.

Sgt.Kenneth Bowman
Washington Township PD (Toledo,Ohio)

September 11, 2007

Rest in peace....we will not forget!!

Badge 195
Winston-Salem Police Department, NC

September 11, 2007

Thank you for your service and for all the lives you saved that day. It takes a brave officer to go into a burning building. Rest in peace.

trooper
Ohio State Highway Patrol

September 11, 2007

Thank you for your service and for all the lives you saved that day. It takes a brave officer to go into a burning building. Rest in peace.

trooper
Ohio State Highway Patrol

September 11, 2007

thank you sarge , we have the watch from here...

officer val pickens
b'ham p.d./b'ham,al

April 5, 2007

Dear John:
As I write this reflection to you, I find myself thinking what thoughts you must have had, as you ran into the Towers. I think what you saw and heard as you ran into that inferno. I can't imagine the horror and the fear that had to have been all around you, with our fellow countrymen trapped and hoping that they would be saved.
But whatever it was that ran through your mind, it had to be the thoughts of a hero. It had to be the thoughts of a man, no, a legend, trying to save someone, anyone from certain death. Without the quick reaction and sacrifice you displayed, along with all the rest that horrible day, the death toll would undoubtedly been higher.
John, I am sorry to say that after more than 5 years have passed, many Americans seem to have forgotten the enormous sacrifice made by so many. But I like to remind our fellow countrymen with every opportunity I get, that the terrorists have had no peace since 11 September 2001, and they NEVER will. Your death was NOT in vain, but rather, part of a wake up call to Americans everywhere, that our very existence and that of our children is at stake.
Though you can't be seen or touched, I truly believe that you are in a better place, and as a result of your sacrifice, our country is a better place, too. I pray that your family, and all the families of the all the officers who gave everything that day, will take comfort and pride knowing that you all are heroes. No words of mine, or anyone else's, can ease the pain that your family has had to endure. But to them, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude for not only what you did, but to THEIR sacrifice as well.
Our sacred blue line has held, rest in peace. May God bless you, your family, police officers everywhere, and God Bless America. Amen

Detective Ron Tomassi
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office-Florida

January 9, 2007

To the family and loved ones of Sergeant John Coughlin and his fellow officers with the New York City Police Department and most especially to John:

Mere words seem insignificant to honor your heroism and courage which will never be forgotten. On this the fifth anniversary month of the tragic devastation wreaked upon our nation, those brave men and women who lost their lives safeguarding others are remembered and revered.

May your spirit continue to soar and your memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect and gratitude for the distinquished service John gave to his community and country, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 11, 2001.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg Police Department, CA; eow 4/24/05

September 29, 2006

a hero lives forever.....

September 11, 2006

John its been 5 years since that horrible day, there isnt a day that goes by that we your friends and family do not miss you. we will continue to watch over Patty and the girls. one day we will be able to start that book club all over again, until then we know you are watching!

one of your lads
friend

September 11, 2006

YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.....

Sgt.
Niles, IL PD

September 11, 2006

You will never be forgotten. Thank you for your courage.

September 11, 2006

Thinking of you and your loved ones on this tragic day in history. You will never be forgotten and will be forever a hero.

Nicole Burdette
Wife of Deputy Alex Burdette EOW 3-12-05

September 11, 2006

Rest in peace, John. Your memory lives on. We knew of eachother in high school and I'll always honor you each time I look at our flag or hear our national anthem. I'm glad that you touched my life in a measureable way. God bless your wife and daughters. May God always look out for them in your absence.

Anonymous
US Navy (Retired)

August 1, 2006

HERO! Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

July 17, 2006

Thank you for your sacrifice. It is greatly appreciated. Rest easy now, we have the watch.

PO1 Joseph Chavis
Mobile Police Dept Alabama

April 4, 2006

John, rest well. Till we meet again for a scratch, Honor Courage, Faith.

PO
Housing Police

December 11, 2005

My prayers are with your family and friends for the fourth anniversary of the horrific event in US history. May they stay strong and keep you in their hearts.

E. Goyke-telecommunicator
Riverdale PD

September 12, 2005