Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Steven Michael Zourkas

Niles Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Friday, April 8, 2005

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer Steven Michael Zourkas

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"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

April 8, 2005

Rest in peace brother. Our prayers are with your family. You will be greatly missed....

Chad Pusey Chief of Police
Oblong Police Dept. IL.

April 8, 2005

On behalf of our department we would like to express our deepest gratitude to the family, friends, and co-workers of Ofc. Zorkus. Our Prayers are that God will comfort you throughout this time of tragedy. Ofc. Zorkus is a True Hero. He will be missed.

Chief Roger Green
Kibler Police Department Kibler Arkansas

April 8, 2005

The men and women of the Illinois State Police extend our thoughts and prayers to the Niles Police Department and to the family of Officer Zorkus.


Illinois State Police

April 8, 2005

God Bless Officer Zorkus , His Families and the Niles Police Department. My thoughts and prayers are will all of you as this is a tragic loss to all Law Enforcement. Officer Zorkus will now patrol the streets of Heaven and watch over us all as we will always remember but NEVER forget his devoted service to his Community and His Country ! ... God Bless you brother and Rest Easy til we meet on Heavens beat !!

Deputy Sheriff
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office , Louisville Kentucky

April 8, 2005

Dear family of Officer Zorkus,
May God grant you the comfort you need to start this long journey. We are all thinking of you and are praying for you.
LEO family
Buncombe County Sheriffs Dept
Asheville, North Carolina

April 8, 2005

Upon the markers of their graves
Our heroes etched in names we save
For all the life they gave with pride
To keep the peace within life's stride

To honor serve and do their best
To keep us safe through any quest
They gave up what was theirs to share
Their spirits shall be always near

No fear within the hearts and minds
To keep us safe within our times
The glory that is ours to see
Those special hearts of bravery

They have walked where no man dare
Their lives in danger with no care
For they have given all they could
For their courage we have stood

In awe of every one who gave
His life for others who they saved
So we will know their contribution
Their firm resolve and resolution

For those they left with hearts so broken
In every whispered word that's spoken
We bow our heads in confirmation
In every word life's revelation

Those who stand within their shoes
Will follow courage as they choose
And give to all the best they had
They carry on with spirits glad

We will know that they walked through
With colors bright and hearts so true
No Island stands alone they say
For heroes they are born this way

Protecting those with loyalty
A glimpse of so much royalty
Within the years of courage bound
These officers have earned their crown

Upon the earth we shall remember
The special goals and all their thunder
That proves a hero came our way
Who left their hearts on earth to stay.

~ Francine Pucillo ~
(c)Copyright November 16, 2004
In Memory of all those lost in the line
of fire with courage, strength and love.

ASST.CHIEF BILL (PUTT) LINDER
E.O.W. 10/10/04

CHIEF BILLY CUREINGTON
WISNER POLICE DEPT. WISNER,LOUISIANA

April 8, 2005

My deepest sympathy to the Zorkus family and all the members of the Niles PD. I hope all the members of the PD come to the aid of his family and are there for them. They have a very rough road ahead of them. He will never be forgotten and is a true hero. My prayers go out to all of you.

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

Robert Gordon, Asst. Chief, Retired
Riverside PD, IL

April 8, 2005

Rest in Peace Brother. We appreciate your dedication and faithfulness to duty above and beyond the call. We are proud to call you Brother. Be assured your loved ones are not alone for we are but a phone call away.

Bob Johnson VA-VI

Bob Johnson U.S. Marshal's (Ret'd)
Blue Knights International Police Assn.

April 8, 2005

REST IN PEACE BROTHER.

POLICE OFFICER
CHICAGO POLICE DEPT.

April 8, 2005

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Police Officer Steven Zorkus and the Niles Police Department...our hearts and prayers are with you all...... Thank you for a job well done Steven... rest in peace as you continue your watch from the heavens......your memory will never be forgotten...

God Bless....Be Safe..... and wear your vests...

Vin, Pook and all of us at beyond-the-blue

Vinman & Pooky - Site Owners
beyond-the-blue

April 8, 2005

Rest easy, brother. God bless you and your family and friends.

Anonymous
Lake County, IL Sheriff's Office

April 8, 2005

God bless you, your family, friends, and co-workers. Continue to keep watch over all of them from above.

Jennifer Aaron
Wife of Ofc. Duke G. Aaron, III (EOW 07/20/04)

April 8, 2005

Steve, Rest in peace sir and thank you for a job well done. God bless you and your wife and children.
Penny mother in law of Indiana deputy Craig Blann EOW 09/06/04

Penny McManama

April 8, 2005

My friend, my Brother:

May the Lord bless, keep and shine his light down up you and your family.

Rest in peace my brother.

God Bless


Wisconsin

April 8, 2005

I am so sorry for your loss. So many people are proud of the service that Officer Zorkus gave. He died a Hero.

LEO Wife
Marion County Sheriff's Office, Ohio

April 8, 2005

The Men & Women of the Northeastern Illinois University Police Department in Chicago send our most sincere condolences to the Niles Police Department on the loss of Police Officer Steven Zorkus. you are in our thoughts & prayers.

OFFICERS & DISPATCHERS
POLICE-NORTHEASTERN ILL. UNIV

April 8, 2005

AMERICA LOST ANOTHER HERO TODAY. OFFICER ZORKUS GO PATROL THE STREETS OF HEAVEN, YOUR WORK HERE IS DONE. TO THE FRIENDS AND FAMILY, MAY GOD BLESS YOU.

R.I.P. BROTHER.

Sgt. W. M. Riley
Aragon Ga Police Dept.

April 8, 2005

Officer Zorkus,
I would like to say thank you for your service to the citizens of Niles.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

April 8, 2005

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

April 8, 2005

I was very sorry to read about the accident involving Officer Zorkus. He will not be forgotten.
May his wife, children, family and co-workers find some sense of peace during this very difficult time. God blessings on them all.

Patrolman D.E. Hutchison
Irving Police Department, Texas, retired.

April 8, 2005

REFLECTION
Here, I stand again, as the casket of a fallen brother draped with the American flag makes
its way past the tear filled eye's of the officer(s) & families left to deal with the pain of
life without a father, husband, friend, & brother.

I watch as a sea of car's, lights rotating/flashing in a show of unity for a friend who paid
the ultimate sacrifice. I watch as civilians stand to the side of the road, praying & paying
respect as the procession passes.

I listen as officer(s) fire their weapons in a 21 gun salute, and watch as the family, and other officers jump, as this reminds them of the last sound heard by our fallen brother.

At last, as tears stream down the faces of the mourners at the grave, we watch as the officer(s)
are laid to rest, and say our final farewells to him our brother

I reflect, and remember:
All gave some
And some gave all
Some stood through
For the red, white and blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties
And recall
Some gave all. (unknown writer)

Joe Wilder
Cincinnati Children's Hospital PS

April 8, 2005

Rest in peace, brother. You have served your time here with honor and earned a place in Paradise alongside all of the warriors of justice who have made the supreme sacrifice. Stand tall and proud as you take your eternal post, for you are forever a hero. Watch over your wife and boys and keep them safe. Help them find strength so they may forge ahead in your absence. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Godspeed!

A Squad
Woodbridge PD CT

April 8, 2005

I am sorry for your loss. My boyfriend passed away this year in a similar accident responding to a call. I will be praying for you and your family. It is a tough road, but remember, he is always with you and left you doing what he loved!!!
Steven- say hey to my baby chuck for me and tell him Happy Birthday!!!! tomorrow!!!!

Rachel Andrews
Girlfriend of Officer Chuck Haist HCPD EOW 2-16-2005

April 8, 2005

my heart goes out to all who officer zorkus left behind. no words can ease the pain and heartache you are feeling and will deal with on this grief journey. i really do not even know what to say other than that i am praying for you and know that he will watch over you from above and send you heavenly hugs. my fiance, cole, will show him the ropes up in heaven...maybe they will become close friends. please know you are not alone in this heartwrenching time. God bless you all.

Jessi Garger
Fiancee of Cole Martin EOW 4.25.03

April 8, 2005

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