Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Dennis Joseph McNamara

Upper Darby Township Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Wednesday, January 30, 2002

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Reflections for Police Officer Dennis Joseph McNamara

Well we went to your memorial service tonight at the cemetary its nice to see that alot of people still come out. Think about you often Dennis, you are never forgotten.

Anonymous

January 30, 2009

Hey Buddy... just letting you know that you are still thought of often... !! Roger that.

Jay
UD 65

October 22, 2008

Dennis, I could not make the dedication for you, but a day does not go by that I don't think of you and your family. Keep a watch over us at UDPD.

May 6, 2008

We all know what a great hero you are but im so glad that you have plaque on the holy ground for all of the citizens of upper darby to see when they pass by. Now more people will remember your great sacrifice. You are a hero who will never be forgotten.

Look out for our sgt who is on his way there, so him the way as we mourn all our loses RIP HEROS

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

May 4, 2008

Dennis, I couldn't make your ceremony today. I know that you know I was there, though. My heart was there. We still miss you; we'll always miss you. Rest peacefully knowing that you are always with us.

May 1, 2008

Thankyou OFFICER MCNAMARA for your service and sacrifice. You are a hero for us all to look up too. GOD bless your family and continue to look over them. You will never be forgotten

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

March 20, 2008

Six years seems like yesterday, your memorial was beautiful nice to see alot of the police still come

January 30, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 27, 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 24, 2008

For my brother who is greatly missed:
You may not have known Dennis,
But were saddened just the same;
And if his death raised our awareness;
Then it won't have been in vain.
It reminds us just how fragile
Life can really be,
For all those brave defenders
Of our community.
So parents kiss your kids tonight,
And teach them early on;
To respect these heroes while on earth;
And not just when they're gone.

Marie O'Connor
Sister

November 9, 2007

Off. McNamara. I can't begin to tell you how greatful we are to have had a hero like you. As a police officer, I know what it is like to have a "routine patrol" shift. Very few people know that there is no such thing as routine patrol. Your death has a very personal meaning to me. I grew up in Upper Darby. My sister is now dealing with your murderer's appeals. (she is a Dist. Atty.in Deleware County)Every time I go on patrol I think of you. Every time I walk into my sister's office I remember you. (not just because of the files on her desk but because she has your picture on her wall.) My family never had the pleasure to meet you, but rest assured, we will always strive to be like you. May rest easy sir you have earned it. As for you murderer, know that myself and my family will always fight for you and yours. God Bless

Ptl.William Hutton
TRPD NJ

August 28, 2007

I have always admired your dedication to your family, your courage and your devotion to duty.

Rest well now and let us walk to the beat of your drum.

August 4, 2007

Thank you for your dedication to service.

We miss you brother.

F.S.

August 1, 2007

Dennis you were one of the first Upper Darby Police Officer's I had ever met. You transported a prisoner for me to your station. I had never worked outside the City of Philadelphia and found myself in unfamiliar surroundings. You introduced yourself as the "Terminator" and took the time to show me around your station. From that day forward you would stop for a chat, a joke and a laugh.

Thank you for the friendship. I will never forget those days. Rest in peace my brother.

Sgt. Donn Wagner
SEPTA Transit Police

March 17, 2007

Hi Diane, I hope that you read this. I just wanted to say sorry I missed Dennis' memorial service last night. We had to go to a school thing, and I feel bad because I have never missed one. Anyway your always in our thoughts and prayers.. Be well

Kim

January 31, 2007

Officer McNamara, you will never be forgotten. Thank you for service as an officer. R.I.P.

Deputy Sheriff
EPSO (Colorado)

January 30, 2007

It's hard to believe it's been five years already. You are a true hero and will always be remembered as such and may you always watch over your law enforcement brethren from above.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

January 30, 2007

Happy New Year! Its hard to believe it's been nearly five years since you last served the township of Upper Darby. In a few weeks I will be attending the memorial service for you in Arlington Cemetary. I walk there twice a day and twice a day I stop at your grave and check on it. I guess you could say I am your unofficial caretaker. Such a tiny thing to do for someone who has done so very much for so many. I have yet to miss a memorial service or a Police Memorial Day since your passing. I can tell you that Diane and the kids are looking good. I know you are looking out for everyone here on earth. Take Care

Dorothy Kerns

January 5, 2007

Hey Buddy... Still think about you often. I wanted to take a minute to say Merry Christmas! Your family and friends miss you tremendously but we all know that you are watching out for us.

Jay Snoke
Upper Darby Police

December 16, 2006

I carry a reminder of you with me every day. A coin I received at the Memorial service in D.C. I met a young soldier from Upper Darby today. Another reminder you are watching out for all of us. I know we only worked together in the Army Reserve a short time. Thank you for the time you always had for me.

Lt Mike Hall
Federal Bureau of Prisons

December 15, 2006

Hey Dennis,
You know, you have a funny way of doing things. I came onto the web site today to read some of your recent reflections and leave you one and there you were on the main page as the ALWAYS REMEMBERED officer. You crack me up, as if I would forget you. I had to share this with Diane. I knew she would get a kick out of it. It seems you always find a way to contact me, to let me know you are watching over me. I see your badge number all the time and it makes me smile, because I know you are keeping me safe. Just like how you send those beautiful roses to your family every year. Ah, I've been on the job for almost a year and a half now and I love it. Thank you for pointing me in this direction. You did so without even knowing, but thats the kind of guy you are. We are coming up on your five year anniversary. It seems like just yesterday. I can't believe its been that long since we've been blessed by your physical presence. I always looked forward to you guys coming into my store, but when I saw you walk in I knew I'd be laughing any moment. Thanks again. Please continue to keep all of us safe and know that you will never be forgotten.

Much Love and Appreciation,
Jess

Ptlm Jessica Bloomingdale
Warrington Township Police Department

November 12, 2006

You are in my thoughts today, as often you are. I want you to know how grateful I am for all you have done for me and my family. You are missed very much, by so many. My heart has been with you and your family, since that cold winter day. I never had a chance to thank you personally, but I know you know now, how much I appreciated all that you did for me. Watch over our town as you always have, and protect your Brothers and Sisters. Times have changed and you can see how much stronger the Department has become. I believe, because; they carry you are in their hearts!
Thank you, and rest in peace.

October 14, 2006

Dennis,

I look at your cop card everyday. I have it hanging from my mirror. Just want to let you know that we will always keep you and your family in thoughts. Miss you buddy!

September 7, 2006

Happy birthday......

July 4, 2006

It's been a long time since you left us, but I can remember like it was yesterday. My husband worked with you and the night you were murdered he was home off duty. My heart went out to your wife that night knowing it could have easily been me in her place.

The funeral was heart-wrenching. The other Officers were walking around dazed, most with tears in their eyes. I remember questioning why you were in civilian clothing with your police and military hats next to you. My husband said it was because you were always first and foremost considered a family man.

You would have been so proud of your family that day, and the years since. I'm sorry I never got to know you better. My best wishes to your family.


Upper Darby, PA

June 11, 2006

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