Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

As always you are on my mind. It's funny some people are afraid to die, but you were'nt even though you knew it could happen. You make me not afraid. I can't wait to see you again!!!!

Love Always
Identical Twin Sister
Sharon Atkins

Twin Sister

April 12, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 3, 2008

Hi Sheila,
I miss you too much. It's hard to come to your page and not cry. I can't stop thinking about you. I wish you were here just so you could be laughing and joking. It's funny that when people ask me about my brothers and sisters that I now find myself saying those words you use to say about me "My Baby Sister". You know I used to hate when you would tell people that. Your love is always in my heart and I know why you called me the baby sister.

Loving You Always and Missing You More,
Your Baby Sister Lisa

Lisa Callaway
Baby Sister

March 26, 2008

Well mom has gone home and we just found out Krystal is pregnant. She was just saying she was going to wait. Now your favorite brother in law will be a granddad and not just a granddad via proxy. All of us have such wonderful spoiled children. They always did everything at the same time. Like getting into trouble. Since all of our children are close it looks like their children will be close. Lexy and I went to get pedicures together and I was almost in tears. I tried to hold it together. I remember we always went for our pedicures together. I am still missing you!!!

Love Your Identical Twin Sis
Sharon Atkins

Sharon Atkins

March 12, 2008

Sheila my love you have a beautiful grandson now I am a great-grandmother two times. Isabella Faith and Tremaine Jerome have really brought some life back to me. I love you always and forever and that's all I can say right now.

Love Always and Forever
Your Mother Ms. Arlette Callaway

Arlette Callaway
Mommie

March 1, 2008

You have a beautiful grandson GRANDMA!!!Yes we are grandmothers at the same time just like we became mothers at the same time. His name is Tremaine Harvey. I call him Trey. He was a whopper. He was 9lbs 2ozs and born at 9:39 am on February 21, 2008. I am not as sad when Thursdays come around anymore. God took you and your precious daughter away from us on a Thursday, but gave us your grandson on a Thursday. He is so amazing he has a head full of curls and straight hair and blue gray eyes. It took him 4 days to get here. We all went to the hosital with Lexy on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and finally he came into the world on Thursday. I will be called auntie-grandma for now. I am still wishing you were here. I always remember we would also say when our husbands passed away since there are both 18+ years older then we were we would by a condo on the beach and just live together. We could take our grandkids to the beach and get them nice and tan. My grand baby definitely needs a tan, but I love her to death.

I love you for all eternity
Sharon Atkins, Identical Sis

Sharon Atkins

March 1, 2008

A beautiful person she is, may you rest in peace.

I do know what your family is going through missing you everyday, i've been there, through the pain and the hurt and and missing and still is, pray and find comfort in the arms of god, he'll give you strength when you need it he'll carry you through your toughest days. I read everyday, on Toya, and i just decided, to go beyond her page a little today. Your a beautiful person, and i know they miss you alot.

God bless your family and continue to watch over them.

Jewel
Cousin of Fallen Officer LaToya N. Johnson, NOPD, E.O.W. 08/09/2004

January 31, 2008

All I can say is wow ! I just read every reflection posted here and can honestly say that Having read about you I hope you understand the absolutely enormous impact you have left on so many people. You were truly an amazing person. I too am a former Marine and a current police officer and feel cheated for never having met you.
One of the few things not mentioned in these reflections about you is the obvious character of your family. There is no way for someone to become as exceptional as you without a truly awesome family. Your daughter and grandchild, your sisters, and the rest of your family must be very proud of you but I think I speak for many people when I say you all should be proud of eachother also..I would love to meet you.

Sergeant
Oklahoma city Police Dept.

January 29, 2008

Twin,

I read Sharon's writings to you and can not come close to feeling her pain. You see I've never lost anyone in my immediate family, let alone a sibling. I remember the bond the two of you shared throughout high school. I remember the infectious smiles. I remember the cheerleading uniforms. But mostly I remember the twins...together.

Sheila, thanks for caring so much for others.

Sharon, my heart goes out to you.


William Glenn, Classmate
Class of '81

January 29, 2008

Happy Birthday Sheila. One good thing happened today. A HERO was born 1-27-63. Missing you!


Identical Twin Sis
Sharon Atkins

Sharon Atkins

January 27, 2008

I am not sure what's going on in this world today. There were 181 officer's killed in the line of duty in 2007. It's just getting worse. I am not sure what kind of world our grandchildren will live in but so far it's not good. Not good at all. It's 2008 and already there have been 10 officers killed in the line of duty. Your daughter will be a mom soon and you will be a grandmother just like me. Our grandchildren will be 6 months apart. Your birthday is approaching fast 01-27-63. I am glad I can say I was born with a TRUE HERO as in up close and personal. Very up close and personal like right next to each other. Identical twin is about as close as it gets. I think about you every day. You always made me laugh. You always told the truth. I can still remember when you told me I was getting fat and I knew I was. You politely asked me if I was trying to be the Captain or Co-Captain of the POUNDS CLUB. All I good do was laugh. I miss you. I miss talking with you everyday.

Love Your other 1/2 Identical Twin Sis
Sharon Atkins

Sharon Atkins

January 21, 2008

Officer Herring,
Your fifth anniversary in heaven has just passed, and I'm thinking of you, your sister, your loved ones and friends today. I came across your memorial while reading a reflection left by your sister on another fallen officer's page. Your smile radiates a special kindness that truly touches my heart. Losing a loved one's earthly presence has to be one of life's most difficult journeys. It does not matter whether it is one year or five years down the road. It never seems to get easier, and in many cases, it gets harder.
Please continue to send abundant blessings to your loved ones, as they need your strength to move through life until you are all together again.
So many of us aspire to be half the person you are. We are truly grateful that people like you helped shape the world, made communities better. You will always be remembered.

Pennsylvania citizen

January 21, 2008

Was out of town without a computer on your annivers. Still missing your and your smile.

Sergeant
Norfolk Police Department

January 20, 2008

I can’t believe that 5 years have passed. There’s not a moment I don’t think about you. During every musters, I always have a store to tell the new officers about you. I really do miss your smiles and the why you could light up a room when you walked in.
Your twin sister (Sharon) is just like you, she takes all of my pins from my uniform because she doesn’t have one like that. Just like someone else us to do.
Just to let you know, I talk with Dennis a lot, checking in on your sister just like a big brother in blue should.
Rest in Peace my Sister and remember that I will never ever forget you and the sacrifice you gave for country, state and city.

Sgt Sartorius
Norfolk Airport Police

January 18, 2008

Today on the 5th anniversary of your death, we pause and say a prayer for those who mourn you.
May God comfort them on this difficult day, it never gets easier you just learn to accept and live with the pain.
Respectfully submitted
Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Deborah Roelandts (911 retired)
Oconomowoc Wisconsin

Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc

January 16, 2008

Your mother and sister have taught you well when she was here on earth. Take those teachings and help one another. Take another step forth and keep going. She would have wanted you to do that. You know that she will always be a part of you. She's the gentle breeze that brushes on your face. She's the sunshine that lightens your day. She's that beautiful rose that glows. She embraces you also when you embrace one another because she lives in you. Be blessed and know you are family no matter where we are. May God embrace you with his love and fill your heart with peace.

New Mexico

January 16, 2008

Five years have passed and you have not been forgotten nor will that ever be the case. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones, protect them from harm. Wrap your wings around them and help them with their grief. I know they think of you every day and carry you in that special place in their hearts.

"Those who we love and lose
Are no longer where they were before,
They are now wherever we are.
(Author Unknown)

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

January 16, 2008

You are definitely NOT forgotten and never will be. Just the other day I was thinking about when we were stationed in Camp Lejeune and how we used to read all the mail I'd received from Japan. I really miss those conversations. Semper Fi!

Love Always

Tina

Bettina Williams
Friend

January 16, 2008

Today five years ago you moved to Heaven, and left behind alot of people who love and miss you. Please let them know you are still close. Clint just had his 4th Birthday in Heaven, and it still feels like yesterday in some ways and feels like a life time since I've seen him.
Sheila you are a true hero, and I have blue candles that burn 24/7 everyday for all L.E.O.'s you will always be remembered in Ft. Walton Beach.
Sharon and family all of you are in our prayers, we just had our 4th year and it doesn't get any easier. I think we just go through the motions, we will always have this hole in our hearts. We do have our memories and we can all cherish those until we all meet again. Sharon I bet that Sheila is watching you everyday, keep smiling and talking to her, I talk to Clint often, and no I'm not crazy, yet...
Thanks Officer Herring for protecting us all, we will never forget. Look Clint up for me and give him a big hug.

Connie Barker F.W.B. Fl.
Mother of Clint Walker Prattville Al. E.O.W. 1-14-04

January 16, 2008

On this 5 year anniversary of your EOW, we are thinking about you, your family, friends and co-workers.

By reading these reflections, we see how much you are missed and remembered. I can feel the pain of your sister, I too am a twin, however I lost my older brother and can't imagine losing that twin bond. Please watch over and comfort her, knowing you are always there in her heart.

Thank you for your service, you are a True Hero and will not be forgotten.

Craig Figgins
Brother - SGT Dan Figgins St Charles, IL EOW 4/9/05

January 16, 2008

This day will always be the WORST DAY OF MY LIFE.It's been 5 years why does it feel like only yesterday. I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you. We never got the chance to celebrate our 40th birthday together.

Your other 1/2 Identical Twin Sis Sharon

Sharon Atkins

January 15, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY OFFICER AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, N H

January 6, 2008

It's coming up on five years and it's hard to believe. It only seems like yesterday for me. The pain is still the same. I am missing you still the same. The fact that I can't wait to see you again is still the same. My broken heart still feels the same. The fact that I love you beyond eternity is still the same.

LOve UUUUUUUUU
Sharon Atkins Identical Twin sister of Officer Sheila Herring (HERO)

Sharon Atkins

January 6, 2008

Although I was retired before your sacrifice, you are a Sister Officer to me. You served a great Police Department and you made the ultimate sacrifice for this City, it's citizens and your fellow Officers.

Rest In Peace Sister....you are not forgotten!

With much respect,

Officer V.J. Lohndorf (retired)

POII V.J. Lohndorf (Retired)
NORFOLK POLICE. NORFOLK, VA.

December 21, 2007

Hello Sheila,

Its still unreal to me that you are not here. I have not been with Sharon lately and I am so full of guilt over it. The more I want to be there for her, the worse I fell that I can't do anything to make it better. Sometimes I felt being around her made her more miserable than if I wasn't there. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of the two of you. I do pray everyday, especially for Sharon, Lexy and Mom. I know that you and Weedies are watching over us all.

Love Always,

Tina

Bettina (Gardner) Williams
Family friend

December 4, 2007