Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Ryan,
It has been nine months since you left us. I remember you everyday. I only met you a few times when you were in the academy, but I wish I had taken more time to know you. Sometimes I still cannot believe that we have lost a brother this way and other times it doesnt seem real. I remember being crowded in the church the day of your service. I remember wiping away tears and trying to remain professional since I was in uniform. I don't think anyone had a dry eye in the place. As we begin to plan for this years leo memorial, I am deeply hurt that we will have to add your name to the program. I hope that your family has found some comfort and has learned to take each day with hope instead of anguish. Thanks for watching us from heaven and know that your family will be with you in time. We miss you here in Chesterfield and look forward to seeing you again. RIP

Deputy
Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office

March 1, 2004

Officer Cappelletty,

Although I never met you I've heard many good things from some of your friends. sleep well, we will continue your watch.

Anonymous

February 22, 2004

Ryan Cappelletty was my cousin. He will be greatly missed within our family and in his community. We love you, Ryan. Guide us and watch over us until we meet again. Sleep well!

Anonymous

September 9, 2003

We will not forget the loss of Ryan and his memory. I had only met Ryan and his family once, at the Chesterfield graduation of recruit class 39. His friendship and exploits as a recruit with my son were always topics of conversation and I enjoyed hearing the tails of recruit training from my sons experiences. My son grew up in a law enforcement family so the stories and exploits he shared with me about himself and his best friend Ryan were a sense of pride and laughter.

Keeping his memory alive and honoring him as we move forward is our greatest tribute to him and his family. The pain of his loss will always be with those who loved him, called him friend, and his brother officers.

To his parents, sister, wife, family and friends....it is our families hope and prayer that God comforts you and blesses you with fond memories of Ryan and the knowledge that he is with the Lord and we will be with him again.

Curtis Shewchuk, Capt. Retired

September 8, 2003

I too am from Erie PA, and, like Ryan, pursuing my dream here in Chesterfield County. I will always remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard about this tragedy. Rest assured brother Ryan, this is one more who will join the fight that you gave the ultimate sacrifice for.

Chesterfield Recruit Tony Podpora- 235
Chesterfield Co. Police Department

September 6, 2003

Hello everyone, I'm a cousin Of Ryan i will Miss Ryan forever. He was a great cousin he was more like a brother to me more than my own brother was. I've always wanted to write in this but i just couldn't. I feel so bad for my uncle Rick and Robin they loved Ryan so much. And for Rae I'm so sorry you loseing your only brother. I don't know what i would do if i lost my brother. I remember the afteroon when my uncle called and asked to speak to my mom, my mom lost it and i didn't know what was goin on then she told me and i couldn't say anything or do anything i was in shock and really sad. I've never felt like this before in my life. Well everyone take care. To my family I love you all.....Ryan you'll never be forgotten Love you

Danielle Peterson
Ryans cousin

September 1, 2003

When I saw this, I thought of you....



To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.

But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from Heaven. Here I dwell with God above.

Here, there's no more tears of sadness; Here is just enternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.

Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through

God picked me up and hugged me and he said,'I welcome you.

It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.

As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on.

I need you here badly, you're part of my plan.

There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.'

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.

And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.

And when you lie in bed at night the days chores put to flight.

God and I are closest to you....In the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.

Because you are only human they are bound to bring tears.

But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain.

Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.

If I were to tell you, you would not understand.

But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.

I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you, and many hills to climb;

But together we can do it by taking one step at a time.

It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you to;

That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain;

Then you can say to God at night...."My day was not in vain."

And now I am contented...that my life was worthwhile.

Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low:

Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.

When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind;

I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go...from that body to be free.

Remember you're not going...you're coming here to me.

I will always be with you!

anonymous
Chesterfield PD

August 31, 2003

It was with great pleasure and great sadness that I had a chance to sit next to the family of this great hero.


Sharon Atkins, Identical Twin of Officer Sheila Herring
N.P.D. killed in the line of duty JANUARY 16, 2003

Ryan you are sadly missed. I went to Edinboro with both you and Rachael and we all worked in Towers together. Your loss is great. You were always the sweetest guy and always willing to help anyone in need. As a fellow criminal justice grad. and a fellow police officer I am deeply sad of your loss. Rachael god bless you for all your strength. If you ever need anything please email me. This is a sad day for all Edinboro Graduates, Police officers, and fellow people. God Bless. I am sure that Ryan is still protecting and serving from above.

Lee Ann Walters-Young
Former Edinboro friend

The funeral line was long,
There's an awful lot of cars,
Folks came out of the restaurants,
They came out of the bars.

The workers at the construction sites
All let their hammers drop.
Someone asked. "What is this all for?"
And they said, "Aw, just a cop."

Some chuckled at the passing cars.
Some shed a silent tear
Some people said, "It's stupid.
all these dumb policemen here."

"How come they're not out fightn' crime?
Or in a doughnut shop?
Sure is a lot of trouble,
For someone who's just a cop.

They blocked the intersections,
They blocked the interstate.
People yelled and cursed,
"Damn, it's gonna make me late!"

"This is really ridiculous!"
"They're makin' us all stop!"
"It seems they're sure wastin' time,
On someone who's just a cop."

Into the cemetery now,
The slow procession comes,
The woeful Taps are slowly played.
There's loud salutes from guns.

The graveyard workers shake their heads
"This service is a flop."
"There's lots of good words wasted,
On someone who's just a cop."

Yeah, just a cop to most folks.
Did his duty every day.
Tryin' to protect us,
Till they took his life away.

And when he got to heaven,
St. Peter put him at the top.
An angel asked him, "Who was that?"
And he said, "Aw, just a cop."

Ryan, you were a great officer on A/N. With the recent death of the Richmond Police Officer, many bad memories came back from that day. It is a vision that you want to remember, but really wish to forget. You fought a battle that we must now continue. Rest in peace brother ~ we miss you.

Officer A/N
Chesterfield Police

As a former Chersterfiled officer (U-326), I was deeply saddened to hear of this tragedy. I graduated with the 38th basic class and remember seeing Ryan as he came in with the 39th. I never had the opportunity of knowing Ryan but I do remember seeing him many times at the academy. I also worked A/North and felt that this tragedy hit close to home for me. On behalf of myself, my family and the Colonie, NY PD, I would like Rachel and Ryan's family to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ptlm. Todd P. Martinovich
Colonie PD, NY

"Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am the song that will never end.
I am the love of family and friend.
I am the child who has come to rest
In the arms of the Father who knows him best.

When you see the sunset fair,
I am the scented evening air.
I am the joy of a task well done.
I am the glow of the setting sun.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!
--Wilbur Skeels, 1996

I thought of Rachel and the rest of the Cappelletty family last week when I was informed that a Richmond police officer, Doug Wendel, was shot and killed. I could remember that feeling of being punched in the stomach and not being able to breathe. Then I remembered-God has a special place in Heaven for police officers, and I knew that Ryan would take care of Doug, as he does each and every person who knew him, or served in law enforcement alongside him. I know that hearing of this new loss in the law enforcement community has had to have been so difficult for the Cappelletty family, and wanted to take the time once again to thank you so much for sharing Ryan w/the Chesterfield Police Dept. I am still praying for you and thinking of you daily.

Anonymous

My thoughts and Prayers go to this family I share this poem with you that I wrote for my father who Served Richmond for 30 years. may God be with this family.

Just Daddy
To everyone else you were That man in blue,
The hero to those in need,
The enemy to those who were doing wrong.
You were the one to call when things were bad,
You were a wonderful Son, husband, Father, Friend.
You were always there when someone needed you.
The strong one in times of trouble
The shoulder that you could cry on
The one that you could count on.
You were someone special to everyone,
And every life you touched. But to me...
You were just Daddy!

Written in memory of Retired Detective James E Shook E.O.W. June 1989-- Feb 1938- May 1998

Angela Pierce
Daughter of Retired Detective James E Shook E.O.W. June 1989 RPD

I just want to send all of my thoughts and prayers to Ryans family. I knew Ryan very well, I met him through a fellow dispatcher. Rayn truly was a hero in all scenses of the word.
I have never met another person with a caring heart as he has. He truly is an angel and to everyone at his dept please know that he is now your angel.

May his soul rest soundly in peace

Anonymous

May God continue to bless the family of Officer Cappelletty and give them comfort during this difficult time. As a resident of Chesterfield County my family and I are very appreciative of the service and sacrafice of Officer Cappelletty and all other members of the Chesterfield Police Department. May God remain with you and protect you all.

Barry S. Coleman

Ryan, you are the son i never had but if god would have granted me one i would want him to be just like you . We were so proud of you and admire your courage and give your examples to Niven and Neena when they think they cannot achive their dreams ,your dream might have been short lived but it's unforgotten and i can still see you sitting on the steps of your house smiling and waving although you might not be among us mortaly but you forever will live in our hearts . We all love you and will miss you everyday of our lives but with the help of god we will be able to fill the void in our hearts someday we are not just next door neighbors we are a family.
Rasna ,Jeet ,Niven & Neena
Sabherwal ( neighbors )

I wish to thank everyone who has left a reflection about Ryan on this site. I loved Ryan more than my life. He has been a joy to me since the day he was born. We were sooooo proud of him and still are. I am filled with such a deep, deep sadness that I don't think will ever go away. The last time I talked to him was May 26th, which was Ryans and Rachels 1st wedding anniv. He was sooo happy. They were going out for Breakfast and celebrating their lst year together. He called to see what ideas I had for his sisters graduation gift. They were coming home the next weekend. We were planning a picnic at home here because it had been a while since everyone had seen them. It was going to be his 24th birthday on June 7th. I could hear the excitement in his voice as we talked about their trip home. His last words to me and his father were "I love you Guys" He loved so much being a Police Officer and he loved Chestefield. I have such peace, knowing that he was living in such a wonderful community and that he was making so many good friends. He never waivered when asked "Are you sure this is what you want to do?" He loved Rachel with all of his heart, his family, and being a Police Officer. I will miss him the rest of my life and a day won't go by that he won't be in my heart. I have a big hole in it right now, but in time I hope and pray that God will heal us all. I Love You Ryan! Sleep well my Love! Love, Mom

Robin Cappelletty
Ryans Mother

My thoughts and prayers go out to Brother Cappelletty, his Wife and family, and to his Brothers and Sisters with the Chesterfield Police

Officer M.C. Reed
Henrico Police

Ryan, I know you are at peace now but your passing has left a void. You will be missed by all of your brothers and sisters in the law enforcement community. I know you and Craig will be watching over us...we will never be without a back up!

Sgt. Clinton C. Schott
Chesterfield County Police Department

"Friends in Blue"

We have worked together for many years,
It's our voices ringing in your ears.
We try to make those long days brighter,
And hopefully, the load a little lighter.

We send you to the bar-room brawl.
And out in the rain to the nuisance call.
We worry about you day and night.
To make sure every call turns out all right.

We share your sorrows, we share your joys,
That's why we think of you as ... "Our boys."
Then why have we never said to you,
"I'm proud of you ... my friend in blue."

Dispatcher
Horn Lake Police Department

Rachel, I just wanted to take this time to tell you , You and your family are in my thoughts and Prayers. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't Pray for all the officers and Families that protect our community. The News Of Ryan hit close to home and I Didn't Know your Ryan, but we are all Family In the Police Department. I wasn't able to make it to the Service. My husband had to work a double, and I felt so bad that I couldn't get to be there for you and the other officers and the famiy. If there is one thing I know now..is that Ryan is up there looking down on my husband as he walks out the door at Midnight. His Guardian Angel!! We Will miss you Ryan...

Bonnie
Wife of Chesterfield Police Officer

Oh, this is just heartbreaking. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Jamie Johnson, surviving sister of
Officer Jon Cook
San Francisco Police Dept.

The news of Ryan's death has really hit home for me, literally. Ryan and I are from the same great county and state.., Erie Co., PA. It is an honor to know that Ryan was a caring and professional law enforcement officer serving in the same state as I. I did not have to know you personally Ryan to feel the passion, pride, honor and integrity that you possessed. You left those incredible impressions on those who loved and knew you, who speak of your name.

You may have fallen beyond that thin blue line but rest asure a band of brothers was there right behind you to pick you up, to carry on, to thwart those who possess the evilness that
threatens those who we serve and protect.

The flame of the brave never dies...rest in peace Ryan E. Cappalletty...we bear your torch.....

Deputy J.L. Scouten
York Co. Sheriff's Office Yorktown,VA

Rest in Peace Officer Cappelletty. Even though I never had the pleasure of meeting you, you were a brother the day that shield went on your chest and it saddens me deeply to know that you are gone. Your family is in my prayers and I know you will be watching over them.
Godspeed brother

Deputy
Bedford County Sheriff's Office, VA

About three years ago, my daughter Rachel began talking about Ryan. She talked about this really special guy that she was dating. Before long, it was apparent that Ryan and Rachel were in love, that they were meant to be together. Ryan was a young man who had a strong sense of responsibility and integrity, and that he loved law enforcement with all of his heart and soul. There are not enough words to express the loss that we have experienced. My thoughts and prayers are with Rachel, Rick, Robin, Raeann, Bud and Bert, and Jim and JoAnn, and other relatives, friends, and officers. I want to thank everyone who has been so supportive to Rachel and the rest of the family. Ryan, you will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

Cindy McKusick
Ryan's Mother-in-law

Cynthia McKusick
Ryan's Mother-in-law