Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The courage to care;
The compassion to transform;
The willingness to serve;
The resolve to achieve;
The strength to conquer;
The drive to excel;
The character to emulate;
The laugh to admire;
The heart to respect;
The smile to win;
The soul to treasure;
and now
Our angel.

To Ryan's family, and dear Rachel, you're in my thoughts and prayers!

Kim
Edinboro

May 28, 2008

Ryan, We will always remember you everyday. We will always love you everyday. We will always cherish our memories of you everyday. Love, Mom and Dad

Robin and Rick Cappelletty
Mom and Dad

May 28, 2008

5yrs my friend. Still remembering you. Forever honoring you.

Officer Vicki Cangelosi
RPD/Friend

May 14, 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 2, 2008

Back in the academy when things got tough I only had to look over at Ryan, gutting it out, and usually smiling to himself, to find my own inner strength to persevere. The challenges and stresses of the job he handled like a champ, and provided inspiration to the rest of us. Forever ingrained in my memory is the day we were "trained" in the use of pepper spray. While the rest of the recruits (myself included) stumbled around blindly, whining, and looking for water, I heard someone chuckling quietly and calmly to themself. "What could be funny about a face full of pepper spray?" I wanted to know. It took both hands for me to pry one eye open, and there I saw Ryan with his hands on his hips, tears pouring out of his eyes, and the worlds biggest grin on his face. He was having the time of his life, because it was just one more hurdle he'd overcome on the path to achieving his lifelong dream of being a police officer. Pure in spirit and always full of heart, he was thoughtful, compassionate, tough, and a good friend. I looked up to him and his wife, as wonderful people, and miss him every day. Ryan was that rare type of person who always put helping others ahead of himself, and in the end he literally gave all that he could for the benefit of perfect strangers; because whether they were friends or strangers wouldn't have mattered to him, he was that good of a person. I admired him in life, and since his passing I remember him and am inspired by him every day of my life.
Whatever life throws at me, no matter how tough things may get, all's it takes is a quick look back at Ryan laughing off a face full of pepper spray to get me through. I've never used the term hero lightly, but Ryan is that, in every respect of the word. God bless him, Rachel, and the Cappelletty family; and God bless the men and women on the streets who risk all, every day, for the rest of us.

Ryan Shewchuk
Former Unit 309, Chesterfield County PD

Ryan Shewchuk
Former Chesterfield PD

March 14, 2008

Young officer CAPPELLETTY I was only a few years behind you in age 20 years young at the time I didnt know you personally but personally I was deeply distraught over what happened on that spring day in 2003 you see I lived in one of my fathers rental houses in claredon a couple of streets away it hit me hard because I heard that the hostile shooter was a BASKETCASE shortly after the incident occured my father still owns two rental properties in the neighbor hood but its strange because it dosent look the same as it use too but every time I go by that house where this terribly tragedy developed its like a flashback from close too five years ago I mean I still see a delapadated house I see the beat up old volkswagen bug with the rear window shot out and most of all I saw all of your fellow officers patrol cars it seemed like one hundred vehicles but my main point is you still touch the lives of a whole lotta people and your extreme courage and press for a better society JUSTICE is what defines LEADERSHIP you a prime example and I will never forget for you did not pass in vain MY THOUGHTS AND CONDOLENCES GO OUT TOO ALL THE FAMILY MEMBERS WHO LOST THERE SON WAY TO SOON and one last set of words always remember that (THE GOOD DIE YOUNG) MUCH LOVE ADMIRATION AND DEEP RESPECT-OFFICER R.E.C MAY YOUR SOUL EMBRACE CHESTERFIELD,VIRGINIA (FOREVER)

Marshall
FEELINGS FOR HIS SOUL MUCH LOVE TO FAMILY

March 7, 2008

Ryan,
I think about you so often. I was priviledged to welcome you into my family when you married my daughter Rachel. You are loved, missed, and remembered on a daily basis by so many. Continue to watch out for your family, friends, and brothers in blue.
Cindy McKusick
Rachel's mother

February 2, 2008

I truly believe that you can almost know someone by reading what others have written about them after they are gone. I know from reading these reflections that I would have liked to know Ofc. Cappelletty and I will forever be saddened that I was denied the chance. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and fellow officers. Rest in peace, Sir.

AZ Narc

January 27, 2008

Ryan,
I miss you so much. I look at your picture everyday on my desk at work and am so proud to be your cousin. I think about you every single day and I wonder what you and Papa are doing up there! I love you so much and miss you terribly. See you soon.
Love,
Angie

Angie
Cousin

January 25, 2008

Merry Christmas Ryan,only He know's how much we miss you,and how often we think about you.Rejoice in His birth as we look forward to seeing you again.
Love,
Mom & Dad

Dad
Father

December 24, 2007

To Rick, Robin and family:
I think of Ryan often, especially when I happen to go by your house. God bless you all and know that he is not forgotten.
John

LT. JMc
Erie Police

October 18, 2007

Think about you often. 4 years seems like such a long time. Alot of things have changed yet alot of things are still the same. I continue to do this job in honor of you. Feel Peace Ryan......

Officer Vicki Cangelosi
RPD/Friend

June 13, 2007

Thinking of you today. May God continue to bless you sister and parents. They are in my prayers.

Officer
Chesterfield Police Dept.

June 1, 2007

Thank you for your service Officer Cappelletty. When people are in danger, they called you. That morning, you put your slef at risk so that others could be safe. In doing so, you gave your life for the well being of people who you never knew. You, sir, are a TRUE HERO! The people of Chesterfield County were safe and greatful for your selfless service under your watch. May you keep your fellow officer's safe in there day to day opperations. My heart is with your friends and family.

SPC O'LEARY
US ARMY MILITARY POLICE, S. KOREA

May 28, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Cappelletty on the anniversary of his passing. He was taken too young.
May God continue to give you all comfort.
Officer Cappelletty- thank you for your service. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

May 28, 2007

Dear Ryan,

On this Memorial Day, we are remembering you and missing you so very much. We think of you every day and know you are watching over us. We lost you 4 years ago today and thought your future would be so different than how it all turned out. But we keep trusting in God and rembering the good times. Love, Mom and Dad

Mom and Dad
Mother and Father

May 28, 2007

May The Lord wrap His Arms tightly around your loved ones today, may they know His peace and comfort.May He ever bless them and you.

May 28, 2007

DEAR FAMILY OF RYAN I KNOW IT IS STILL VERY PAINFUL FOR YOU AS IT IS FOR ME. MY SON DOUGLAS WENDEL WAS KILLED IN RICHMOND ON JULY 30 03. THEY ARE OUR ANGELS AND WATCHING OVER US . WE WILL NEVER FORGET THEM. JUST LOOK UP AND YOU WILL FEEL HIM MY BEST MARILYN WENDEL PORT ORANGE FLORIDA

MOTHER OF ANOTHER FALLEN OFFICER
MARILYN WENDEL

May 24, 2007

Just wanted to let you know that I still think about you. I know that we weren't amazingly close, but you and my sister always watch out for me. I miss you and wanted to let you know that. I made cookies for the Police Officers at Edinboro University for you. Yes, I made it to Edinboro! I love you!,
Michaelia

Michaelia
Sister-in-law

April 7, 2007

Ryan, thinking of you today, just to let you know that you are missed and we love you. I know that you and and Grandpa are there having a wonderful time, keep the l ights on for us we'll be there soon, LOve you and miss you and still sovery proud of you
Uncle Bill

Bill Burkholder
Uncle

February 12, 2007

I got to know Ryan my freshman year at Edinboro. He was the CJ club president and an RA in my building. He was a great guy and if he didn't graduate when he did I'm sure we would've become better friends. He taught me how to play racquetball and to this day he still crosses my mind when I play. Thank you, Ryan for your sacrifice, you will not be forgotten!

Ranger Steven Brooks
Pennsylvania DCNR

February 8, 2007

Thank God people like you exist. If not for you, this world will be an awful place. God bless, and we will meet again. God bless you and your loved ones.

Anonymous

January 20, 2007

I travel thru Chesterfield County every year. I am always reminded of the sacrifice you have made. Thank you and all the CCPD Officer's for your dedication and service. You will never be forgotten brother.

Cpl. G. Mooney
Brandywine Regional Police - Pa

January 15, 2007

Ryan, Merry Christmas!! Love, Mom and Dad

Mom and Dad
Same

December 25, 2006

Giving thanks for your service and your drive to make our community safer. We were blessed to have you in the department and in Chesterfield County. Your life and career were cut short, but how blessed we are becasue of you. God bless you brother.

Patrol Officer
Chesterfield County Police Department

November 23, 2006