Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

DATE 6/22/03 12:22 A.M. IT IS COMING UP ON A MONTH WHERE I REMEMBER THE HORRIBLE UPSETTING CALL AS I HAD JUST STARTED MY VACATION IN NEW MEXICO. EVEN THOUGH MY HUSBAND WAS WITH ME, I FELT SO ALONE AND FAR FROM EVERYONE. I DIDN'T KNOW WHICH DIRECTION TO GO.

I CANNOT HELP BUT THINK OF HOW ROD STRUGGLED WITH ILLNESS AS A CHILD AND TEENAGER AND HAD CONQUERED IT ALL. HE WAS ALWAYS BUSY AND I WOULD ALWAYS TELL HIM TO SLOW DOWN AND ENJOY LIFE AROUND HIM BECAUSE LIFE IS TOO SHORT! I DIDN'T THINK IT WAS THIS SHORT. I THINK OF HOW HIS SON STRUGGLED WITH HIS LIFE WHEN HE WAS BORN AND BELIEVED ROD WOULD HAVE TRADED PLACES TO MAKE THAT BOY WELL.

BUT EVERYTHING WAS FINE THEN AND ROD AND FAMILY WERE HEALTHY AND AT THEIR HAPPIEST. THEN THIS TRAGIC EVENT COMES CRASHING DOWN UPON ALL OF US. I'M SURE EVERYONE, LIKE MYSELF, LIES IN BED WONDERING ABOUT THE "WHAT IFS" AND "WHYS". IF THERE COULD BE ONE PERSON IN LIFE THAT COULD ANSWER OUR QUESTIONS, WE COULD FEEL SO EASE.

I CRY EVERY NIGHT BECAUSE I KNEW HOW MUCH ROD LOVED LIFE. I CRY FOR THE OFFICER'S SPOUSES' WHO LIVE IN FEAR OF THE SAME HAPPENING TO THEM. AS I CRY, I ALSO PRAY AND ASK GOD TO KEEP EVERYONE OF YOU SAFE. I PRAY FOR TIME TO MOVE ON SO THE PAIN CAN GO AWAY AND THE MEMORIES WON'T BE UPSETTING. I KNOW ALOT OF PEOPLE THAT KNEW ROD ARE PROBABLY FEELING THE SAME WAY. WE WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND IT. IT SEEMS THAT GOD GIVES US A GOOD REALITY CHECK ONCE IN A WHILE WHEN WE TEND TO LET OUR GUARD DOWN. BUT IT IS BETTER TO BE BRAVE AND POSSIBLY LIVE A SHORT LIFE THEN TO BE CAUTIOUS BECAUSE THEN YOU NEVER REALLY LIVE AT ALL. DON'T LET FEAR KEEP YOU FROM LIVING YOUR LIFE.

I'M PROUD OF MY BROTHER, OFFICER RODNEY POCCESCHI, AND I'M PROUD OF MARIA, HIS WIFE, FOR HER STRENGTH. I'M PROUD OF THE POLICE OFFICERS THAT PROTECT US FROM HARM. I'M PROUD OF THE SPOUSES WHO SUPPORT THE OFFICERS. I'M PROUD OF MY MOTHER FOR GIVING HIM NERVE, STRENGTH, AND GOOD LOOKS.

I ASK THAT YOU POSSIBLY READ THESE AND WRITE A REFLECTION OF RODNEY. ONE THAT WAS FUNNY AND MAKES YOU REMEMBER HIM. I WOULD LOVE TO READ THEM.

My story is:

When Rod was in high school and age 16, he hardly worked because most jobs required working on the weekends and I remember Rod telling me that he couldn't work weekends because that was his social time. I used to tell him that he would get a reality check when he got out in the real world. I laugh thinking about this.

THANK YOU FOR WHOMEVER STARTED THIS PAGE. IT HELPS EASE PAIN.

Forever, Gina Pocceschi Boyle
Sister of one of the bravest men to have lived and proud to call him little brother.

GINA POCCESCHI BOYLE
OLDEST SISTER

ROD,

AS WE GO ON OUR DAILY ROUTINE THAT WE CALL LIFE, WE AS OFFICRES NEVER THINK THAT ANYTHING AS TRAGIC AS 6-23-03 WOULD EVER HAPPEN TO US. YOU HAVE MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE THAT ANY OF US COULD POSSIBLE HAVE TO MAKE WHILE IN PERFORMANCE OF OUR JOB. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN HERO IN MY HEART AS WELL AS EVER OTHER BROTHER IN BLUE.

CARSON YOU WERE AND STILL ARE THE APPLE IN YOUR DADDYS EYE. HIS ENTIRE LIFE REVOLVED AROUND YOU AND YOUR MOMMY. YOUR DADDY WAS SO PROUD TO HAVE YOU IN HIS LIFE. EVERY TIME HE SPOKE OF YOU HIS FACE WOULD JUST SHINE WITH SUCH PRIDE. ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT YOUR DADDY GAVE HIS LIFE TO PROTECT ALL OF US.

MPO E.A. VANDERHEIDEN
VBPD

It has almost been two weeks since our Brother Rod made that fateful traffic stop, that has now forever changed so many lives. Some say it was his destiny, some say it was Gods plan, some say it was just terrible luck(being in the wrong place at the wrong time), yet others are still struggling with the reason or reasons why. We each have to come to terms with these feelings, these frustrations and with the deep sadness and emptiness we all feel, after losing one of our own. Its also our responsibility to try to help those around us that are having trouble coping with these feelings.

Before this tragedy, I did not know Rod Pocceschi very well, but I can truly say that I feel like I had known Rod for a lifetime after hearing and seeing all the stories of how Rod lived his life, not just from other police officers, family and friends that knew him, but from so many people who’s life he may have only touched for a short period of time. When you see someone who has made such an impact on so many lives in such a short period of time, it seems even more unjust that he was taken away from us so quickly.

To Maria you are an amazingly strong woman and there are no words that I can write, that would truly express my sympathies to you, to Carson, to your family and to all Rod’s close friends. I only know that from what I have seen over the past two weeks, Carson will know his Dad well and he will be so very proud of him. He truly was a Hero long before June 23, 2003, maybe some of us just didn’t realize it yet.

To all Rod’s friends, especially those on our Department, my heart goes out to each and everyone of you. Take your time grieving, remember Rod in your own way, but please don’t forget that Rod’s memory will live on, in this Department through you. Those of us who were not as close to him as you, will tend to forget too fast, we will get back to our normal day-to-day lives too quickly. So don’t hesitate to remind us what a dedicated officer Rod Pocceschi was and what an extraordinary life he lived. THAT WILL BE HIS LEGACY!!

That is every officers legacy, after making the ultimate sacrifice for what they believed in.

Sergeant Chip Condon
Virginia Beach Police Department

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND WATCH OVER YOUR WONDERFUL FAMILY. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE OFFICER WHO ALWAYS CHECKED ON US AT THE WAWA STORE.

elaine

To the family of Officer Rodney F Pocceschi, It is sad he lost his life. I was in Law Enforcment in the US Navy for 20 years. I look at police officers as the true hero, not ball players, singers or actors. When I heard of this sad incident my heart broke, I was driving home from work in Norfolk, I just started crying. This man gave his life for me and everyone around him to keep us safe. I wil lpray for Officer Rodney F Pocceshi and his family, as well has the other Police officer in VA Beach. They are all hero's and I sure they would have done the same thing Officer Rodney F Pocceshi did. to all the Police Officer's "Stay safe on watch".

Thank you for serving the city I still call home. We will continue the fight with you in our hearts. God Bless you and your family, Bro.

Deputy Billy Strickland
Polk County Sheriff's Office

We are truly saddened at Rodney's loss.
--------------------------------------
We all recall you gave your best.
You did your job, now you can rest.
Your comrades now can cover your post
as you take your place with the Heavenly Host.

God Bless Our Fallen Brothers & Sisters.
---------------------------------------
Our prayers will be with you, your family, and co-workers!

Ptlm. P.K. Harding
Binghamton (NY) PD

First of all, I would like to start by saying how much my family will miss Rod. He loved Maria and Carson more than life itself. I first want to thank him for loving her and giving her everything she ever wanted and more. It seems like yesterday, when Maria pulled me out of the office, with tears in her eyes, to tell me that he had gotten the job in VA Beach. It wasn't tears of sorrow, however tears of joy, because she knew this was all he had ever wanted in life. And he finally did it. Yes we were very sad when they moved, but we were happy because they were happy, beginning a new life at a new location. A beautiful place. And as far as I can see, a place filled with beautiful people. I can't thank the citizens of Virginia Beach, and all it's surrounding areas, enough for all your support you have provided for Maria and Carson. You have truly been her family away from Pennsylvania. And for that I will be forever grateful. Not only did you lose a dedicated officer, but a remarkable friend, and I know that you will never let him be forgotten. Thank you again, you will always be a part of our family here in Pennsylvania. Rod, we love you, we miss you, and we will alway remember you through Carson's smile. Thank you for becoming a part of our family, and all the wonderful memories we will cherish. Maria, cugina, you know I will be there whenever you call, I love you with all my heart, you are the strongest person I've ever known. To Rod's family, thank you for raising such a fine son. He is truly our hero. If you ever need anything, you know who to count on, we'll always be here as well.

Cami Badolato, Berwick, PA
Cousin to Maria Pocceschi

I would like the family and freinds of this fine officer to know that they--and all police officers--are in my prayers and Masses everyday.

Rev. Ron Gripshover, Chaplain
Fairfax County Police Department

My Prayers and Thoughts go out to your Family Rod. It is pain staking to have Brother in Blue go Signal 7 in such a fashion. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A HERO. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I ALSO PRAY FOR STRENGTH OF OUR FAMILY IN BLUE!!!

GODSPEED BROTHER

POLICE OFFICER
NPD

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,
while thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
And each time you think of me I know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,
that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready in heaven far above
and that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,
for all life, I'd always thought I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for and so much yet to do,
it seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you .
I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday I thought just for awhile
I'd say good bye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized that this could never be,
for emptiness and memories would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things that I'd miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gate, I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne,
He said, " This is eternity and all I've promised you".
Today for life on what is past but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,
and since each day's the same day, there's no longing for the past.

But you have been so faithful, so trusting, so true.
Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven and now at last you're free.
So won't you take my hand and share my life with me?
So when tomorrow starts without me. don't think we're far apart.
For everytime you think of me, I'm right here in your heart
(Author Unknown)

Our prayers are with the family of this brave officer who gave his life protecting our city.
The Painter Family
Virginia Beach, VA

The Painter Family

What a sad and tragic loss of such a fine young officer. I am so sickened to hear of this. I hope the creatures charged in thie horrible event meet swift justice.

I pray for his family, friends and colleagues. We all feel the loss because we are all family of the badge. He now patrols a beat in Heaven with St. Michael. God Blesss and be safe.

Chief JA Millan

Chief JA Millan
NC Public Schools, Avery Dist SP

To the family and members of the VBPD my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rest in peace brother.

Officer Steven Morrison
Metro Transit Police Washington DC

To the Pocceschi family and the members of the VBPD we are so very sorry for your loss.Please let it be known that Officer Pocceschi and everyone on the VBPD you do make a difference for our city.God Bless the Pocceschi family and all police officers!!!!!!

Shultz Family

HE ANSWERED THE CALL

Today in the sun, I bid him farewell
A man, a hero, I never knew well

Like many before him, who answered the call
Wearing a badge, he was destined to fall

Though by choice a long life and a happy old age
Would he have chosen, had he written the page

But the office he chose never promised long life
Just half of his salary, for his child and his wife

He went without fear, into the darkness of night
Bringing comfort to some, to some others light

Easing their pain and calming their fears
He did his duty, never asking for cheers

A husband, a cop, he answered the call
We bid him farewell for he gave his all

DKB

To Maria
I can only imagine the pain you are are going through. I hope you will take comfort in knowing that Rod's love for you will live on forever. You and Carson will be in my prayers and I promise that Rod's memory and sacrifice will not be forgotten.
To Carson
I hope some day you will understand that your father died protecting the freedoms most people take for granted. As you grow up, never question your father's love for you. He died doing his very best to make the world you will grow up in a better, safer place.
To my brothers and sisters of the VBPD
My heart goes out to all of you. Go forward with the knowledge that you are filling in the gap of the Thin Blue Line left by Rod's death. I know you will carry on the mission because, like Rod, you know how important your role is in keeping our communities safe.

Sergeant Don Burns
Norfolk Police Department

Rest in Peace and Godspeed

Hey Rod,I only knew you for a brief while,but I remember you welcoming me to the department and letting me know if I needed anything to ask you and borrow your computerdisk from your mailbox. I appreciated that. I know we talked a few times when we checked on eachother on traffic stops and calls. My fellow Brother you will be missed. May God grant you eternal peace and happiness and comfort your family. To your family,if i can be of any assistance to you please do not hesitate to ask. Rod, finally goodbye Brother,Gods speed. "Go rest high on that mountain,son your work on earth is done,go to heaven a shoutin,love for the father and the son"( Vince Gill)

Off E. Kavanagh
Virginia Beach Police Department

just a citizen of williamsburg, va. wanting to let the family of Officer Pocceschi, know, how horrible and tragic we all feel his death was. police officers, in all, do a wonderful job at trying to protect us, and having them senselessly killed this way is an outrage, and needs to end. our thoughts and prayers are wth the Pocceschi family, and with his "police family". what a nice memorial today, remember to, CELEBRATE HIS LIFE, and somehow u will pull through. thank u, pamela hedgepeth, williamsburg, virginia

My family's thoughts and prayers are with you Maria and Carson every day. Rodney sounds like he was an incredible person. Be strong for Carson and for yourself.

Police Officer Jennifer Mitchell
Chesapeake

I pray that god will look after the family of Officer Pocceschi. Rest in peace brother. You will not be forgotten.

Police Officer
DOD POLICE Norfolk Naval Base

Dear mrs Pocceschi,
I just want to let you know how sorry I am for your loss.When I heard the news My heart sunck Although I was not at your husband dept nor did I know himI felt the loss .It pains me to know that your son will grow up without his father.But you just make sure that he knows that daddy was a very brave man.
with love
125

marlo Reel /Deputy
Perquimans co Sheriff dept

Officer Posseschi was a man of great bravery. I did not know him, but to wear the "BLUE" tells me he was. When an officer is killed in the line of duty, it is an attack on all citizens who love freedom and peace. Thank God for the Blue Barrier!

May God bless his wife, child, and surviving family. May Jesus lend His mighty hand of support and comfort.

Greg DeMarco, LCDR, USN (Ret.)
U.S. Navy

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Pocceschi Family and VA Beach PD "Blessed are the Peacekeepers, for they shall be called the sons of GOD!!!" Matt. 5:9

Respectfully,
Ptlm Somma
Susq Twp PD
Pennsylvania

Ptlm Somma
Susquehanna Twp PD

My heart, thoughts and prayers go out toe Officer Pocceschi's family, friends, and co-workers. The Lord apparently had a position in HIS police force he thought Officer Pocceschi would fill qute nicely. Unfornately it leaves us humans on this earth to morn his loss. May everyone take this opportunity to evaluate their lives. And never never never forget to tell your loved ones that you love them. It could be the last thing you leave them to remember. God Speed Officer Pocceschi's!!

Jerri Smith - Citizen

I would like to take this opportunity to say Thank You to Officer Pocceschi for his unselfish and courageous act. I am truly blessed to have known and worked with Officer Pocceschi. He is truly a HERO! God Bless his wife Maria and his son Carson. May God protect Maria and Carson, the Va. Beach Police Officers and all other law enforcement officials.

Donna Maria Musiello, Probation Officer
Va. Beach Court Service Unit