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."

A Brother in Blue

April 13, 2005

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 judgment 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"

Rest in Peace Brother, we have the watch from here.

A Brother in Blue

April 13, 2005

Rest in peace my brother, we'll take the watch from here.

U/116
Bowling Green Police Department

April 13, 2005

May God give Peter's family, friends & co-workers comfort. May his soul rest in peace. We have lost a fine man and good police officer. The services were very nice. It was an impressive tribute to Peter. A small memorial was at the site of the shooting, with a cross, candles, wreaths, and a picture of Peter & Rebecca.
May God bless you and keep you in His loving arms. Bless all police, fire, EMS, and military personnel and their families.

Sue Gunter
LMPD Volunteer & 3rd Div Advisory Board member

April 5, 2005

None of us today understand why Pete's life ended so abruptly, but we know God has welcomed him home, and just as He had a plan to welcome Pete, he also has a plan for each of us. Pete's life, from everything I've learned about him, reflected God's love and mercy in his life, and perhaps someone will be guided by hearing about Pete's life to make better choices. Perhaps citizens in our neighborhoods will become more supportive of our wonderful officers who protect the good and the bad among us routinely every day. My sympathy to all the family and friends,because words cannot express the extent of your loss. My prayers will be with all of you, and the department.

LMPD Volunteer

April 5, 2005

REST IN PEACE BROTHER-GOD BE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY...

E.J. COUTTS, OFFICER
TUCSON, AZ POLICE

April 4, 2005

Courage is the feeling that you can make it, no matter how challenging the situation, It is knowing that you can reach out for help and you are not alone. Courage is accepting each day, knowing that you have the inner resources to deal with the ordinary things, with the exciting things as well as the confusing things, with the exciting things as well as the painful things. Courage is taking the time to get involved with life, family, and friends, and giving your love and energy in whatever ways you can.
God Bless The Friends and family of Officer Peter Grignon.

A Sister behind The Wall
California Department of Corrections

April 3, 2005

Rest in peace. Thank you for your dedication and sacrifice. Look after the rest of us down here.

Detective
New Orleans Police Department, LA

April 3, 2005

Officer Grignon, your tour of duty Sir is complete. You have served your country and your community with pride and honor. We will carry on now. To the family of Officer Grigon, you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Please remember that you ALL are now part of a much larger family. To the men and women of the Louisville Metro Police Department hold your heads high with pride as you ALL carry on. Be careful out there and watch each others backs. God Bless you all.

Detective First Grade Robert F. Jackson
Metropolitan Police Department Washington DC/Homicide Branch

April 3, 2005

Officer Grignon,
I look up to you sir. My dad was a police officer with the LPD for many years. I remember him coming home telling stories of his days. Since my young days I've wanted to be a police officer in Louisville. Your death has only add fire to my dreams. I pray for you and your family. I was upset to hear the news that morning. I was even more upset for your family. I went and saw the long line of police cars the lead you to your final resting spot. I cried like a little kid. I hope you rest in peace sir. Thank you for protecting the streets that I live on. God Bless 10-7 3-22-2005

Lonnie Siclari

April 3, 2005

My sympathy to the family. Not long ago I lost My Uncle to a most chilling reminder of a call like that.I was angry at why God took him from his family so soon. When we got his personal belongings from his department, We found a pocket bible. I personally opened it up and on the inside cover wrote," I know what i do, and it must be done, If not me, then who. God, I believe gave me a dutie to help him help others, So i will continue to do so until he himself need me." Never got the meaning of what he was trying to say until after his funeral. He always loved being able to make a diffrence and helping others and I dont think he would have ever stopped. I will always remember him, and i think the people he helped will to. Have faith and god bless you all, Family and Friends of our fallen heroes.

Ohio reflection,retired

April 3, 2005

I sit here for the first time writing a message to a fellow officer, his friends, and his family. The first time because, I lost a friend, and fellow officer this week. We all know it can happen, however, we never think it will happen to anyone we know. It's something that happens in "big cities." Well, last Sunday night, Easter Sunday, it happened in my city, to my friend. Because of that, I understand what it's like to loose a friend and close fellow officer. God Bless Officer Grignon and his family. God Bless the Officers that worked with him. I now understand!!!!

Detective L Lock
Panama City Police Department

April 3, 2005

Blessed are the peacemakers,For they shall be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9

Joe Caragiulo
Miami Police (retired)

April 1, 2005

Officer Grignon was serving the fine citizens of Jefferson County, KY and working with some of the best Police Officers in the Nation. He gave the supreme sacrifice and will always be remembered. Rest in peace my brother I will not forget you. God bless your family and my brothers in Blue.

Sergeant Samuel M Kinkead
Lexington Police Department Lexington,KY

April 1, 2005

May you rest in peace and take comfort in knowing that the sacrifice you made was not in vain. To the family, may you find peace and strength in the lords grace. God bless you all!

Shelton Family, Lexington

April 1, 2005

Mrs. Grignon & Mother & Father of Officer Grignon; I cannot express my sympathies enough to you. I attended the funeral and found comfort for a fallen brother. I was going through some papers and came across a passage for Ofc. Grignon..."You have never lived, til' you've almost died, for those who fight for it, life has a flavor the protected will never know."

Officer Paul Adelfio
Lexington-Fayette County Police Dept.

April 1, 2005

To the family,friends and co-workers of Ofc.Grignon,we are saddend at the loss of this fine officer.What seemed like a low risk call turned so deadly.It shows you never know what to expect on any call we answer.You will be in our toughts and prayers!

Cpl. David Hazlett
Berry Hill P.D./Nashville,Tn.

April 1, 2005

Rest in peace Officer Grignon. Your courage and sacrifice will live on in all of us. You will never be forgotten.

Trooper
Ohio State Highway Patrol

March 31, 2005

I'm Free: Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free I'm following the path God has laid for me. I took his hand when I heard him call-I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day to laugh, to love, to work, to play. Tasks left undone, must stay that way. I found that peace at the close of day. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, oh yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with time of sorrow I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I've savored much; Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all to brief; Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and share with me; God wanted me now, He set me free.

Viola Brown-Communications
LMPD

March 30, 2005

Your family has my deepest sympathy. My father was a police officer and I have great admiration for anyone in the profession. May God be with you and your family.

Harold Miller

March 30, 2005

Your supreme sacrifice will never be forgotten. Words cannot express how much we thank you for your service to the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. May peace be with your family and freinds through this most difficult time.

Paul Headley
KY Department of Criminal Justice Training

March 30, 2005

Rest in peace brother..........you will not be forgoten

Officer
Kentucky PD

March 30, 2005

Officer Grignon....the passing of a Heroe is never easy...for it is the same qualities which define 'heroism' that endear others to you...may peace and understanding find its way into the hearts of those who knew and loved you....Godspeed, Sir....

wife of a Sgt
Macomb County Sheriff Dept, MI

March 29, 2005

I listened to the last call on the LMPD radio and it brought me to tears. This last call meant that your watch is over. Our watch over your wife and family will never be over. Thank you for your service, your life, and the memories.
Rest in Peace Brother.

Sgt. Dave Schoengart
Jefferson County Sheriffs Office, Louisville, KY

March 29, 2005

May you rest in the peaceful arms of Jesus and may your family know that you are always watching over them. Thank you for all of your service.

A concerned citizen

March 29, 2005