Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Putt Linder was my uncle and I am proud of his dedication to his family and community as a Peace Officer. I have been in Law Enforcement for 30 years and served in 3 states. I serve in my present position so our officers hopefully will not have to respond to a call by themselves. I will miss Putt and my prayers are with his family.

Reserve Deputy Jimmy Zachary
Tyler County Sheriff's Department

October 12, 2004

“When God made Peace Officers….”

When the lord was creating Peace Officers, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, “You’re doing a lot of fiddling around on this one.”

And the Lord said, Have you read the spec on this order? A Peace Officer has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn’t touch, and not wrinkle their uniform.

They have to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvass the neighborhood for witnesses, and testify in court the next day.

They have to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half- eaten meals. And they have to have six pairs of hands.

The angel shook her head slowly and said, “Six pairs of hands….No Way.”

“It’s not the hands that are causing me the problems,” said the Lord, “It’s the three pairs of eyes an officer has to have.”

That’s on the standard model? asked the angel.

The Lord nodded. One pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket before he asks, “May I see what’s in there sir?” (When they already know and wishes they had taken that accounting job.) Another pair here in the side of their head for their partners’ safety. And another pair of eyes here in front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say, “ You’ll be alright ma’am, when they know it isn’t so.”

“Lord,” said the angel, touching his sleeve,” rest and work tomorrow.”

“I can’t,” said the Lord, “I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident and feed a family of five on civil service paycheck.”

The angel circled the model of the Peace Officer very slowly, “Can it think?” she asked.

“You bet,” said the Lord, “It can tell you elements of a hundred crimes, recite Miranda warnings in it’s sleep; detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five judges to debate the legality of the stop…and still it keeps it’s sense of humor.

This officer also has phenomenal personal control. They can deal with crime scenes painted in HELL, coax a confession from a child abuser, comfort a murder victim’s family’ and then read in the daily paper how Law Enforcement isn’t sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects.

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the Peace Officer. “There’s a leak,” she pronounced. “I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model.”

“That’s not a leak,” said the Lord, “It’s a tear.”

“What’s the tear for?” asked the angel.

“It’s for bottled-up emotions, for fallen comrades, for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American flag, and for justice.”

“You’re a genius,” said the angel.

The Lord looked sober. “I didn’t put it there,” he said.


Anonymous

Senior Instructor
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center

October 12, 2004

The members of the 67th Precinct Anti-Crime Unit with to extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Assistant Chief of Police Linder .

Having just lost two Detectives from our precinct, we know all to well what you are going through right now.

Stay strong. The law enforcement community is with you.

67 Precinct Anti-Crime Unit
New York City Police Department

October 12, 2004

MY BROTHER, MAY GOD BLESS YOU, YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COWORKERS DURING THIS SAD AND TRAGIC TIME IN THIER LIVES. MAY THE PEOPLE OF YOUR TOWN ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU AND NEVER FORGET YOUR SACRIFICE. YOU ARE A HERO FOR SURE. YOU HAVE SERVED WELL MY BROTHER, NOW REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

October 11, 2004

Dear Officer Linder,

You are in our prayers dear one. May your wings fly you high. Now you can release the surly bonds of earth and reach out and touch the face of God. Thank you for your protection, love and care for your fellow man. We will carry on down here and pray for your loved ones that they can get through this terrible tragedy and get on with their lives. They will make you proud just as you have made all of us proud of you. We love you dear one. Please protect all of us from your home above.

Grandma & Grandpa Hinkle
Parents of a Deputy Sheriff

October 11, 2004

The members of the Royal Palm Beach Police Department wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family, coworkers, and friends of Assistant Chief Bill Linder. He has fought the good fight and has now gone to his reward. Many of our brothers and sisters are gone, but none are ever forgotten.

Sergeant T. E. Murphy
Royal Palm Beach, Fl. P. D.

October 11, 2004

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH OFFICER LINDER'S FAMILY, FRIENDS AND DEPARTMENT AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
OFFICER LINDER THANK YOU FOR YOUR YEARS OF SERVICE, I'M SURE YOUR COMMUNITY WILL FEEL YOUR LOSS. PLEASE WATCH OVER THE LAW-ENFORCEMENT FAMILY AS WE CARRY ON WITH OUR DAILY DUTIES, WHILE WE REMEMBER OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS WHO HAVE MARKED 10-42 ONE LAST TIME.

DEPUTY SHERIFF
SOUTH CENTRAL VIRGINIA

October 11, 2004

TO: The family; loved ones; friends and department members: A POLICE OFFICER’S PRAYER:--- O, gentle Lord ! Keep the day/night watch with me. As I begin my tour of duty, I ask your protection from all mental, physical and spiritual harm. Sustain me with the knowledge that I am doing your work, endeavoring to keep peace among your people. Help me to be just as I enforce the law without prejudice or favor to anyone. May I be courageous but not reckless in carrying out my duties. Let me respond to all calls with haste realizing that so many are dependent upon me for life and safety. Support me with your consoling power when I am tempted to think no one really cares and that I am taken for granted. Sustain in me the conviction that so many thousands do care and are grateful for my presence. Grant that I may be loyal to my partner and my fellow officers, and that I may back them up effectively when called upon for assistance. Lord, I ask that I may return safely, after my tour of duty, to my loved ones and those who love me. I pray that I may be a good and honorable police officer; and after my tour of duty is over here on earth, may I enjoy the peace and happiness of heaven that you have promised to those who serve you well. AMEN. *** REST IN PEACE *** Sent to you by the father of Master Officer J.D.Koeppen, Capital City Raleigh North Carolina; Trooper D.C.Koeppen, New Jersey State Police and Cadet Officer A.M.Koeppen, Wilmington North Carolina.

Chief (retired ) Douglas A. Koeppen
Washington New Jersey

October 11, 2004

Rest in Peace

Officer J. Pacheco
MD Transportation Authority PD

October 11, 2004

To all Family, Friends, and Co Workers of this Officer:

On Behalf of myself, and the Family of Police Officer Daniel Starks (Ft Myers Fl, E/O/W 10-25-03) we want you to know that you are all in our prayers! The Lord will sustain you as you go through this difficult, and trying time, but just remember your loved one is being cared for in Heaven, and is now eternally safe. We hope that you all remain as strong as possible, and know that we are all thinking of you. No words are quite ever adequate, but Police Officers make the ultimate sacrifice everyday, and our hope, and prayer is that they will always be remembered for their heroic efforts, and kind hearts.
Blessings Always,
Jessica Ruhl (Daniel’s Fiancée) & the Family of Officer Daniel Starks

October 11, 2004

It saddens me to know we have lost another brother. May God watch over your Department and Family in this time need. Goodbye my Hero!

Patrolman-Todd Fleetwood
North Vernon Police Department

October 11, 2004

Dear Family,
My world is dark again as I visit this website to find another of our angels in blue has been taken from us. I can truly say I do know what you are going through. My husband Jeff was killed in the line of duty on 04/04/04. He was only 34yrs old. His life was short, but precious. I wish I could give you the words that you need to comfort you at this time, but I know there are no words to fill the void left in your hearts. Just know that you are all in my constant prayers. My heart breaks for you! May God give you strength to face the days ahead.

Tracie Hewitt: wife of Sgt. Jeff Hewitt
Buncombe County, NC

October 11, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with Asst. Chief Linder's wife, family, friends and co-workers. We are all here to lift you up. Psalm 55:22

Denise Nichols - surviving spouse
Alabama State Trooper Brian Nichols EOW 2/17/2002

October 11, 2004

Peace be with you, your family, and brothers and sisters in blue. Rest in the palm of God's loving hands. Our prayers are with those you have left behind, that they will have the strength to get through this tragedy. Also, with the other law enforcement officers for their safety. Thank you for your service, (Asst) Chief.

Michigan

October 11, 2004

My heart breaks for your family & friends for I know too well the pain they are feeling. You will never be forgotten and I will keep them in my prayers. God bless you.

Denise
Survivor of Trooper Calvin E. Taylor

October 11, 2004

My deepest sympathy to the Linder family during this very trying time. All of you will be in my prayers.

Robert Gordon, father of Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Robert Gordon, Asst. Chief (Ret.)
Riverside PD, Illinhois

October 11, 2004

Rest Easy Brother Bill, the Watch is Ours Now and Yours was with Honor. Our Thoughts and Prayers are
with your Family, Friends and Co-Workers.

APD #128
rjjapd

October 11, 2004

May God be with the family, friends and coworkers of Asst. Chief Linder. My heart and prayers are with you all.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02

October 11, 2004

God bless the family, friends and coworkers of this fallen hero. My deepest sympathies go out to you.

Andrew, Police Officer
Baltimore City Police

October 11, 2004

Our Greatest Fear
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again, I hold back a tear.
They patrol in the state, city, county and town,
in uniforms colored white, green, blue and brown.
The shape of their badges may vary,
but it’s a symbol that they all, proudly carry.
They leave for work with a kiss goodbye,
but some don’t come home, no matter how hard they try.
To uphold the law is the job that they pick,
with such high aspirations, why must some die so quick?
They leave behind loved ones, family and friends,
after their lives have met tragic ends.
Some die in crashes, others hearts not too stout,
too many have been lost when gunshots ring out.
Our Heavenly Father has called them home,
no more these dark streets do they roam.
Through trial and error they have given their best,
please Lord, now grant them eternal rest.
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
" Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again I hold back a tear.

Thank you sir for all of your services. Rest in peace and God bless you and your family! Keep watching over us, YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN!!!

Justin W Yohe, Dispatcher
Indiana State Police Ft Wayne

October 11, 2004

On behalf of the men and women who serve and work for the Georgia Perimeter College Police Department, our thoughts and prayers are with Assistant Chief Bill Linder's family, friends, and co-workers with the Wisner Police Department.

God bless our brother in blue. May you rest in peace. The watch is now ours.

Officer Johns
Georgia Perimeter College Police Department

October 11, 2004

My thoughts and prayers go out to your family, friends, and co-workers. Thank you for your brave service. Rest in peace.

A citizen

October 11, 2004

Rest in peace my brother.

Police Officer
Burlington Township PD NJ

October 11, 2004

Rest peacefully in God's arms. Your job is done here on Earth, and your commitment to your community will not go unnoticed. You have served valiantly. You, your family, loved ones, friends, and co-workers are in my prayers.

The Policeman

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

-Author Unknown

Deputy Sandra Shofner
Broward Sheriff's Office

October 11, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with you, the family and the fellow officers. Rest in peace.

Joliet, Illinois citizen

October 11, 2004