Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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"

REST IN PEACE

Sgt. Meshia Thomas
UTPD

June 6, 2008

Hi Candy, just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday ; you know we miss you so much and we know that you miss us too. It hurts so much to miss you but you are still with us in spirit so that makes it feel better. Thanks for watching over us all. Lots of Love. Ashley

Ashley
cousin

April 30, 2008

Happy Birthday, baby. You are 43 years and 1 hour old and you came into this world talking, walking, catching the ball, riding your bicycle without training wheels and such a beautiful baby girl. You left us the same way, riding without training wheels, laughing and talking all the way. I am so proud of you. Love, Mother

Gyna Ripp
Mother

April 29, 2008

Remembering you on your birthday, and always. Miss you.

April 29, 2008

Officer Ripp your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now sister. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

April 6, 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 30, 2008

Thankyou OFFICER RIPP for your service and sacrifice. You are atrue hero to us all and will never be forgotten. God bless your family and friends

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

January 21, 2008

6 years ago on this date my life changed. Miss you

December 8, 2007

Six years.....sometimes it seems like an eternity, sometimes like only yesterday. I still miss you, and think of you often. I will never forget you nor our friendship. I look forward to the day we will meet again.

December 8, 2007

Six years today hun. It just does'nt seem that long. I miss your giggle,beautiful smile & those eyes. A part of my heart left with you & can't be replaced until I see you again. All's well. I am keeping my promise. I love you,babe.

KK

December 8, 2007

Officer Ripp,
Today is the sixth anniversary since you were called home. I can see by the reflections left by family and friends that you were a loving daughter, mother, grandmother and friend. You are also a brave hero who made a profound difference in the world for all. May your light always shine.

a Pennsylvania citizen

December 8, 2007

6 years ago tonight was the last time I talked to you. I heard you laugh and tell me that you were finally at peace, with everything that had gone on with you. I told you I loved you and that I would call you first thing in the morning. When I did you were gone. They say it gets better as time goes by, but to be completely honest I think I am the one that does everything backwards. Haha as you once said "I must have been switched at birth." I had a dream about you the other night after I found out Ohio State was playing LSU. You argued with me and said that I should be for LSU. I told you no way! I bleed scarlet and grey. You told me that your next grand baby would bleed purple and yellow! So I came to the conclusion that you are getting back at me for all the times I teased you. Momma I miss you so much and wish you were here to see Brayton act as onery as you once did. I tried to make Candy's Candy Cane Cookies tonight with GG. She of course tricked me and made me do it all by myself. Kind of like you did. When you came to Thanksgiving in 2001, and you waited til I was completely finished to say "baby girl, do you need help with anything?" I miss all those times with you. I really hope that I can start to heal and live my life the way you wanted me to do. I love you so much and I hope you know that! You are always on my mind and in my heart.

Valen
Daughter

December 7, 2007

You are remembered today officer and thank you for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

December 5, 2007

It's almost 6 years now and we all miss you just as much today. Although most of the time I can talk about you without becoming absolutely hysterical, the hole in my heart seems to get bigger as time goes by because I want to see you so much and laugh with you again. I love you, Babe. Mother

Gyna Ripp
Mother

December 4, 2007

You are in my thoughts everyday, missing you..

December 1, 2007

Officer Ripp, thank you for your selfless service. Thank you for protecting my adopted home -- Nashville. My condolences are late, but no less honest and heartfelt. My prayers and tears are with your family as well as your Police brothers and sisters.

Timothy Reise
Nashville, TN (cousin of Chicago Police officer)

October 31, 2007

Officer Ripp your work on this earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

July 24, 2007

Candace,
I remember the days when you worked for me. I was very proud of the way you did your job because you genuinely cared. I have since retired and know that you are in a much better place today. You did a great job in making Nashville a better place for us all and I know you are keeping heaven safe for us too. I have since gone into another line of work and have a special program for our fellow Officers and their families. Thanks for all that you did and rest in peace.

Sgt. Walter Hughes

Sgt. Walter Hughes, Retired
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

July 6, 2007

As you know, Jacob's team won the State football championship in San Antonio yesterday. What a game. You would have been so proud to see him play. We miss you, Baby. Love, Mother

Gyna Ripp
Mother

May 21, 2007

My cousin Candace was a very special person. I always called her Candy. She was blessed with a sweet, easygoing nature, an inimitable smile, and perspicacious wit. She inspirited all of us who were lucky enough to know her with so much joy and happiness. As she grew into a bright young woman, her rich and shimmering personality really began to develop. Her unique nuances and idiosyncracies soon became so familiar to us: her cheery disposition, the way her nose crinkled when she laughed, how nice a room smelled after she had been in it, and her eyes were so expressive. These affectations of hers, which endeared her to all of us, attended her wherever she went. The news of her passing struck with fulgurant effect. And now, almost six years after that tragic incident that took her away from us, we are all beset with a deep sense of sorrow and an inexpressible sadness which almost nothing can mitigate. We will never be the same without her physical presence. The time that she was here on this earth now seems like only a fleeting moment in time. Candace would not want us to be crestfallen. She would wish that we spread as much happiness around as we can, offer a kind word to brighten someone's day, exhort someone to realize their aspirations, and, like her, be the personification of genuine and unsuppressed friendliness. I know that Candy is all around us and watching over us with love. Sometimes I can hear her laugh and other times I can sense her saying " Don't be sad for me, don't be sad, for we shall meet again in another place. " So if you ever happen to find a flower that has fallen to the ground, think of Candy. Because a beautiful flower never dies ; it always returns to us anew, renascent and fresh and full of life. I miss you Candy.

Griff Ashley Watson
Cousin

May 2, 2007

Candy, I just wanted to say how much I would like to hear your laugh and see your easy smile once more. I and everyone miss you immensely, more than you will ever know. Happy Birthday.

Ashley
Cousin

April 29, 2007

Yes, today is your 42nd birthday and it has been tough. The only thing that makes it easier is knowing that you are singing at the feet of Jesus. So Happy Birthday, baby. We all love you and miss you. Mother

Gyna Ripp
Mother

April 29, 2007

Happy Birthday Momma! I miss you so much. For some reason this birthday is harder for me than the years before. I know that you would you would want me and the rest of us to be happy and celebrate your life. But really how do we do that? It's hard mom it really is. Brayton is 18 months now and he acts grown up. He wrinkles his nose when he laughs just like you used to. He also loves police cars and officers. When he sees one he points and says "cop car." He also loves fire trucks. He is the little grandson you wanted. Trust me, he is just like you. I know you see him and I know you watch over him and us. I also know it's selfish to want you here. So I guess I'm being selfish. I love you momma. i always will. Not one day goes by that I dont think of you.
VV

Valen Ripp
Daughter

April 29, 2007

Baby girl, I miss you so much. KK and Lisa have been here and they stopped by the cemetery this morning on their way back to Nashville. We all miss you, miss you, miss you.

Gyna Ripp
Mother

February 14, 2007

Candy, it's been 5 years now. I think about you every day. That's an easy statement to make, but it is VERY true! I know that you are looking down on this big human comedy that they call life and keeping a close watch on all of us. Thank you for all that you are.
Love Always,
Philip

Philip Trupiano
LAANG

December 8, 2006