Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Richie, It's been five years since you left us. I think of you everyday. You have been truely missed. Love Ya....Ralph

Ralph Vazquez
Brother inlaw

July 16, 2009

Richie,
I think about you everyday and today more then ever. I can't believe its been 5 years. I love you and miss you so much.

Cindy
Sister

July 16, 2009

I said a little prayer today for Bay Constable Brooks and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

July 13, 2009

i miss you....please come back.

Anonymous

October 30, 2008

Richie,
We spent a lot of time working together at the same commands, Dist 33, Dist 1 and adjoining commands in Bklyn South. I have your fallen angel poster in my office and think of you every time I look at it. I can't believe it's almost 27 years since Harlem U. You were always someone I looked forward to working with.

Andy Silverman
NYPD NYCTPD Retired

August 27, 2008

Four years



In My Pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think of you.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.

J

July 15, 2008

Dad:

This past week, Mom and I went to D.C. for National Police Week. I think you really would have enjoyed C.O.P.S. if you had known about it...I hope to always stay involved in it and maybe one day be able to work for them or something...the sacrifices given by all those killed on the line of dtuy are incredible. I wish you had been there to experience the beauty of something like Police Week, but I know you were watching down on me from Heaven as I was able to connect to a lot of different people.

I got to meet the rest of the Baker family...I love them so much. I think you and Tom would probably get along, and I'm hoping you guys do get along up there. You know I would give anything to get you back, but thank you for connecting me to people like Alyssa Nick and Kyle. Alot of things would be different and better if you were still here which makes it bad that you're not, but meeting people like them is one of the good things that have come about because of your sacrifice.

Okay...that's it for now...as always, I miss you so much it hurts.

May 17, 2008

Merry Christmas "Brooksie". District 1 doesn't forget. God Bless your family and you.

PO B
NYC Transit Police Dept

December 22, 2007

"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

December 18, 2007

I would like to thank everyone that wrote a reflection. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers.We miss Rich everyday but feel it more when Christmas comes.He loved Christmas.I pray for all the families missing a loved one.
Rich is watching from heaven and is very proud of Lori and Richie.
Love, Sylvia

Sylvia
wife

December 16, 2007

Hi Richie,

Its been about 2 1/2 years since I've come and read the reflections. I think about you every day and still after 3 years I still feel like it is a dream. I miss you so much and still remember the last time I spoke to you on the phone, the day of Richie Jrs high school grad. party. I only wish we could have been there that day with you and the family. You are always in my heart and I know you are always watching Sylvia and the kids. I know you would be (are) so proud of your kids. We are.
I love you forever.

Cindy
Sister

December 15, 2007

As I was reading your last reflection, It sounded how I some times feel. Some days it seems like you just can't go on. Your family I know misses you a bunch. I know I miss my dad. Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice. May god bless you and you family.

Daughter of Kevin Orr EOW 11/22/06

September 19, 2007

hi daddy.

today is one of those days when my body just aches because i miss you so much. i'm really glad i started coming onto the odmp though, it makes me feel closer to you, and it makes me feel less alone. i'm sorry that all these wonderful and courageous men and women are dying, but you all must be having one hell of a cops party up there.

i started doing college apps and all that, and its just one more thing i have to think about doing without you...not gonna lie, it sucks. i really am trying my best to make you proud, but sometimes i just wanna drop everything and let it all go. but i keep going. please help me to keep going, even when i feel like theres nothing left to keep going for.

lori
daughter

September 10, 2007

Dear Lori,
Thank you so much for the sweet reflection you left on Jeff's page. Bless your heart...I wish I could be there to give you a big hug!! I know we can truly relate to each other's feelings. I think I've experienced every emotion there is, and then some, since Jeff died. I know what you mean about the anger. Jeff wasn't even supposed to be working that night. But, you know how they are. That was their life. I truly believe it takes a "calling" from God to be a police officer. There is a scripture from the bible that reads "Blessed are the peacemakers". I don't believe that scripture is there by accident. My son, Taylor, is 14 and getting ready to start his first day of High School next week. This has been a really tough road for him as well. I'll tell you like I tell him...your Dad is still with you and watches over you as always. Jeff still visits me in my dreams and little things that I remember from those dreams help me to make decisions in my life. Some people may say I'm crazy, but I believe that is Jeff's way of helping me out and making sure I make the right decisions for my life and for Taylor. You sound like such a wonderful young lady and I know your dad must be proud.

Please let your family know you are still all in our prayers. If you need anything at all you can contact me at Tracie dot Hewitt at gmail dot com. (Hope you got that)

Take care of yourself kiddo and keep your chin up!

Huggs,
Tracie Hewitt

Tracie Hewitt
wife of Sgt. Jeff Hewitt EOW 04/04/04

August 22, 2007

It's been three years and a month tomorrow since Dad's gone. I had never really read this memorial page until I was on the page of Tom Wood, who is a fellow fallen officer from Chicago. I had the pleasure of meeting two of his children through the C.O.P.S. Outward Bound Program this past summer, and I am heartbroken for his family just as I am for mine.

My real reason for writing is that I want to thank everyone who has left a reflection on this page for being true Godsends. My family and I have been taken care of by so many; there are no words to express my gratitude to all of you. As you were true friends to my father during his life, so too are you in his death because I know he loved us and I know he appreciates all you do for us now. Even if it's an annonymous kind word or thought, it is deeply felt appreciated.

As I mentioned, this summer I had the privilege of attending the C.O.P.S. Outward Bound Program and was able to meet incredible kids who have gone through the same heartbreak as I have. We all know the same pain, and I know my family is not alone in our continued grief. I hope in the future I can provide comfort for others who have to go through such pain, just as you have all done for me.

Thank you again for all your kind words and concern. We are doing well, and will continue to miss my dad, but truck on nonetheless. He wouldn't have it any other way.

Lori
Daughter

August 15, 2007

Three years have passed and you have not been forgotten as you are a true hero. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

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

July 16, 2007

hope you are smiling down on your kids and wife. im sure your kids will do great things in life like there father did in life

b/c nofi #125
babylon town bayconstable

July 12, 2007

true hero...true friend...Richie has left such a lasting impression on me and my fellow co workers....To this day we still think of all the good times...miss you buddy...till we meet again......

michael weiss

January 31, 2007

It has been 2 years since your tour of duty ended and I know the pain your loved ones feel every day and the tears that still flow from their hearts. You have not been forgotten nor will that ever be the case. Your name is engraved at the Police Hall of Fame in Florida just above my son Michael's name. He couldn't ask for a better neighbor than you as you dedicated your life to law enforcement. Watch over your loved ones and tell my son we love and miss him as much as your family does you. You are a true hero and heroes never die.

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

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father

August 28, 2006

I'm stunned at reading the memorial page for Bay Constable Brooks, for who today marks the 2nd anniversary of his murder. After so many years patrolling the New York City Transit System, to work one day per week in a nice small town and to be murdered in cold blood by some lunatic over a traffic offense is almost impossible to imagine.

Constable Brooks, Lieutenant Brooks, you gave so much of your life to the job and then to continue to serve is admirable. You are a hero and I know that your spirit is with your family still though your soul takes it well-earned rest in Heaven.

God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

July 16, 2006

A man so remembered with love and respect never dies but continues to live on in the hearts and minds of others.

July 16, 2006

Richie,
May you rest in peace. We are all very proud of you.
Peace,
Until we all me again...

Kevin Markham Constable
NYS Harbormaster, Bay Constable Assoc.

May 26, 2006

Mr. Brooks was a true hero, and though I never knew him, I know all about him. He`s the real life super hero every little boy dreams of becoming. Thank you Richard and my God take care of your family.

July 16, 2005

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Today, July 16, 2005 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Constable Richard L. Brooks who died in the line of duty on this date one year ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Cst. Brooks' sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

July 16, 2005

You gave and gave and gave until
you had no more to give. We honor
your supreme sacrifice and dedicated service on the first anniversary of your death. May God
continue to help your family and loved ones get thru this canyon of
grief. With love from one coast of
America to the other.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

July 16, 2005