Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

WHAT IS A COP?

Cops are human ( believe it or not) just like the rest of us. They come in both sexes but mostly male. They also come in various sizes. This sometimes depends on whether you are looking for one or trying to hide something. However, they are mostly big.

Cops are found everywhere-on land, on the sea, in the air, on horses, in cars, sometimes in your hair. In spite of the fact that "you can't find one when you want one", they are usually there when it counts most. The best way to get one is to pick up the phone.

Cops deliver lectures, babies, and bad news. They are required to have the wisdom of Solomon, the disposition of a lamb and muscles of steel and are often accused of having a heart to match. He's the one who rings the door-bell, swallows hard and announces the passing of a loved one; then spends the rest of the day wondering why he ever took such a "crummy" job.

On TV, a cop is an oaf who couldn't find a bull fiddle in a telephone booth. In real life he's expected to find a little blond boy "about so high" in a crowd of a half million people. In fiction, he gets help from private eyes, reporters, and who-dun-it fans." In real life, mostly all he gets from the public is "I didn't see nuttin'."

When he serves a summons, he's a monster. If he lets you go, he's a doll. To little kids, he's either a friend or a bogeyman, depending on how the parents feel about it. He works "around the clock", split shifts, Sundays and holidays, and it always kills him when a joker says. "Hey tomorrow is Election Day, I'm off, let's go fishing" (that's the day he works 20 hours).

A cop is like the little girl, who, when she was good, was very, very good, but, when she was bad, was horrid. When a cop is good, "he's getting paid for it." When he makes a mistake, "he's a grafter, and that goes for the rest of them too." When he shoots a stick-up man he's a hero, except when the stick-up man is "only a kid, anybody coulda seen that."

Lots of them have homes, some of them covered with ivy, but most of them covered with mortgages. If he drives a big car, he's a chiseler; a little car, "who's he kidding?" His credit is good; this is very helpful, because his salary isn't. Cops raise lots of kids; most of them belong to other people.

A cop sees more misery, bloodshed, trouble, and sunrises than the average person. Like the postman, cops must also be out in all kinds of weather. His uniform changes with the climate, but his outlook on life remains about the same: mostly a blank, but hoping for a better world.

Cops like days off, vacations, and coffee. They don't like auto horns, family fights, and anonymous letter writers. They have unions, but they can't strike. They must be impartial, courteous, and always remember the slogan "At your service." This is sometimes hard, especially when a character reminds him, "I'm a taxpayer, I pay your salary."

Cops get medals for saving lives, stopping runaway horses, and shooting it out with the bandits (once in a while his widow gets the medal). But sometimes, the most rewarding moment comes when, after some small kindness to an older person, he feels the warm hand clasp, looks into grateful eyes and hears, "Thank you and God bless you, son."

Officer David Carroll
Choctaw Oklahoma

January 16, 2005

YOUR DADDY WAS HERO DOING WHAT HE LOVED TO DO. HE IS NOW KEEPING HEAVEN SAFE, AND IS NOW AN ANGEL FOR YOU, YOUR MOM, AND OTHER POLICE OFFICERS. REST IN PEACE BROTHER.

William Waldrep
Birmingham Michigan

January 16, 2005

My deepest sympathy to your family and friends. God bless and may you rest in peace.

PTLM. M.H.COLEMAN
CONOVER POLICE CONOVER N.C.

January 16, 2005

To the men and women of Bridgeton P.D., I share in your loss. I lost a very good friend on 12/30/04 in a domestic dispute. I was saddened to see your loss. I spent my childhood years growing up on Havercliff Drive in Bridgeton and attended Kindergarten and 1st grade at Bridgeton Elementary. My sincere condolences. My family and I will keep you all in our thoughts. Sgt. Jeanine Allin, Newington Police Department

Sgt. Jeanine Allin
Newington Police Department

January 15, 2005

My deepest condolences to teh family of PO Armstrong and to the Bridgeton Police Department.

P.O. Michael Morris
Kinloch, MO PD

January 15, 2005

Rest in Peace.

Special Agent Darin L. Paul
FBI Detroit

January 15, 2005

Rest in peace my brother..........

Deputy Sheriff

January 15, 2005

Scott, just seems like yesterday when we graduated high school. You never had one bad word to say about anyone. Your life was cut way too short. May God bless your family. See you soon.

PO Lewis Bouwman
St. Louis County Police Department

January 15, 2005

Scott,
Thank you for wearing the uniform proudly and paying the ultimate sacrifice. I hope your family and friends find peace and comfort at the end of the journey they have begun.

Look Bran up for me and tell him we miss him and to keep watching all of us.

Sara Winfield
Wife of Brandy EOW 10/14/04

January 15, 2005

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE OFFICERS WISH TO SEND OUR CONDOLENCES. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH OFFICER ARMSTRONG, HIS FAMILY AND CO-WORKERS.

GOD BLESS...

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE - BUFFALO, NEW YORK

January 15, 2005

...And still, there are some who don't recognize what it takes to do our job. May your soul rest in peace.

Patrolman
Pine Lawn PD, MO

January 15, 2005

Rest in peace my brother.

Police Officer
Burlington Township PD NJ

January 15, 2005

"Blesses are the peacekeepers, for they shall be called the sons of God."
Matt. 5:9

Officer Shelby Howard
Joplin, Missouri Police Dept.

January 15, 2005

I was so sickened to read of the death of Officer Armstrong. I was born in St. Louis, grew up in South St. Louis, and still have family living in Creve Coeur. I cringe when I think of how he died...how many calls we answer of this type, "vehicle going the wrong way on the interstate." Most of the time they are "gone on arrival." Unfortunately, this was not one of those times.
Officer Armstrong, I never had the honor of meeting you personally, but no matter. You were and are my brother, fellow officers forever! Rest in peace, my brother. To Officer Armstrong's family (particularly his fiance') words cannot express our feelings and love for you. You are now forever a part of "the police family." Call on us anytime! God Bless the officers of the Bridgeton, Missouri Police Department. Stay Safe Out There!

Sgt. W. Scott Robinson
Metro Nashville-Davidson County, TN P.D.

January 15, 2005

Good job. Rest easy now friend.

LEO wife
Ocala, FL

January 14, 2005

Every Police Officer performs one act of bravery...when they take their oath, after that, it's all in the line of duty. God Bless you and your family in this time of unbearable pain. Peace, Officer...

Relative of Officer Stanze EOW 8/8/2000
STLPD

January 14, 2005

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis was a Deputy Sheriff with the Davis County Sheriff's Office in southeast Iowa. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Scott did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Scott be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Patrolman Armstrong's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Scott is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Scott was well respected and well loved.

Thank you Patrolman Armstrong for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

January 14, 2005

I did not know Scott. I am still heartbroken about his death. Your family and loved ones are sure to be in so much pain and in a constant game of what if. Unfortunately, that never truly goes away. I can only hope for your family and friends to stay committed to keeping your memory alive. This is really the only thing that has helped any of us. Laugh about the things Scott laughed about. Everyone has their own favorite lines of a movie or favorite sayings, remember Scott's. These little things have helped us more than anyone can ever know. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who ever knew and loved Scott.

Friend of PO Robert Stanze
E.O.W. 8/08/00

January 14, 2005

The Armstrong Family, As you begin your journey to recovery, know that there are people with you every step of the way. Take just one day at a time. Conquer any anger of frustration with hope and determination. Believe in yourself. Believe you will win this battle and emerge better and stronger than ever. Fight pain and self-doubt with prayer and humor. Reach out and accept the love and support of your family and friends.

Correctional Officer/Wasco, Ca
Department of Corrections

January 14, 2005

In loving memory of P.O. Scott Armstrong: Boy, this is so sad to read about those struck down in
their prime. You had so much living to do and we all feel cheated. This is God size pain, but Christ is able to carry our burdens. There is none greater than Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We don't get to Heaven based on what we do, but what He did for us by dying on that cross for everyone's sin. AMEN! There is now a huge void that cannot be filled. God be with all those who mourn and may His promises lift all those with heavy hearts for many years to come.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

January 14, 2005

I would like to extend my condolences to Patrolman Armstrong's family and friends, and to the men and women of the Bridgeton Police Department. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of tragedy. Rest in peace Patrolman Armstrong, your duty here is done.

Deputy Sheriff
Butte County Sheriff's Office

January 14, 2005

Goodbye Brother, Rest in Heaven now.

Scott Parker Texas Peace Officer

January 14, 2005

Scott,

I will never forget you or the late night runs to Taco Bell, following you around the pool... You were a dear friend... May God keep you now and I know you are in heaven watching over your dear little boy.

Brenda, a old friend

January 14, 2005

God bless you and your family.

Deputy Viktor Dinardo
Franklin County S.O.

January 14, 2005

I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that a lot of people will keep you in their prayers.

LEO wife
Marion, Ohio

January 14, 2005