Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You are a model for why people enter law enforcement - TO HELP PEOPLE. God bless you and your family.

"Heroism feels and never reasons and is therefore always right." - Emerson

Officer J. East
MPD / 3D-1

May 19, 2005

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,
to 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.


Officer Pozell, thank you for all you have given to your fine city and community....god bless you and your family; we have the watch now, keep looking over us...

Patrolman Justin W Yohe
Sweetser Police Department, Sweetser Indiana

May 19, 2005

My MPDC 1965 Ford police unit states over the back top glass...." IN REMEMBERANCE OF FALLEN MPDC OFFICERS "
Everyone I saw during police week always
said..BE SAFE. He is with the Lord now; to those before and those now like Officer Pozell my unit is dedicated to.
IT'S A HONOR TO HONOR THOSE WHO GAVE THE ULTIMATE SACRAFICE.

Robert Hathaway
Historic Police Car Honor Guard

May 19, 2005

The Florida Police Chiefs Association would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Officer Pozell, and the Metropolitan P.D. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great sadness. Please take comfort in knowing that your extended law enforcement family grieves with you. Officer Pozell, we thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten.

Members and Staff
Florida Police Chiefs Association

May 19, 2005

Officer Pozell,
Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. You and your family are in our prayers. Rest Easy Brother!

Dep. Paul Sperandeo, Off. Amy Sperandeo
Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office, Gretna Police Dept. LA

May 19, 2005

The men and women of the Larned P.D. salute you. We dedicate this day to your memory and pray for you and those who survive this tragedy. Rest in peace...

Chief of Police Charles R. Orth
Larned, Kansas Police Department

May 19, 2005

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 ***

Chief ( retired ) Douglas A. Koeppen
Washington New Jersey

May 19, 2005

Thank your for your dedication and service. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my brother.

Police Officer
Los Angeles Airport Police

May 19, 2005

May you rest in peace, Officer Pozell. Your service is appreciated, and you will not be forgotten. Even though I did not know you, you and your loved ones are in my prayers. May they take comfort during this difficult time in knowing that you are in a better place.

Jason

May 19, 2005

Thank you for your service to others. I was in Washington, D.C. honoring police week and my own son when I saw your story on the television. I am sorry that we have lost another hero. May your soul rest in peace.

Carol Espinoza, Mother of Officer Isaac
San Francisco, CA

May 19, 2005

I know what it means to be a reserve officer and give your time to the citizens without pay (or with very little). I commend your service to the Metro PD. I mourn your passing and will keep you, your family and your fellow officers in my thoughts and prayers. Bless you, Brother.

AZ Narc
Yuma SO

May 19, 2005

On Saturday, May 14th, I was among thousands of officers who were told of the tragic passing of Officer Pozell while attending the Law Enforcement Memorial Services in Washington, DC. Standing amongst the thousands of other officers, I couldn't believe that, during a time of honor, we were being told of yet another officer who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the citizens of Washington, DC. The moment of silence for Officer Pozell was interrupted by a lone bagpiper playing "Amazing Grace" in his honor, as thousands of officers bowed their heads in sadness of the news. To the family, friends, and fellow officers of Metro PD, my sincerest condolences are extended during this tragedy. God bless.

Officer Matt Reid
Fletcher, NC Police Department

May 19, 2005

Reserve Officer Joseph Pozell,

You and your family will be in our prayers. Thank you for serving your community. On behalf of the Bellevue Police Department (Michigan) we are very sad to hear of this tragic accident. God Speed and rest easy brother!

Officer Edward Michela
Bellevue Police Department, MI

May 19, 2005

God Speed my friend. I was in Washington for the Memorial of our Officer Timothy Nielson. I saw the coverage on the local television and I said many prayers for you. God had decided that it was your time. Patrol the streets of heaven with the rest of our hero's. To your family, thank you for letting him volunteer his time to his community. We as a police family love you all. You will be in my families prayers.
Sgt. Michael Hobson

Sgt. Michael Hobson
Joplin Police Department

May 19, 2005

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. YOUR SERVICE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER IN BLUE.

OFFICER DAVID BREAUX
GONZALES CITY POLICE,LOUISIANA

May 19, 2005

Rest easy Joe. You will be missed.

Michael Wilhelm
DC Office of Unified Communications

May 19, 2005

I saw you directing traffic on this years halloween detail and was amazed on how well you handled that busy intersection. I dont think any of us regular officers could do a better job than how you handled it. God bless you, your family, and the rest of our MPD family in mourning right now. Your detail is 10-7 sir, God speed.

Police Officer
DC Metropolitan Police

May 18, 2005

My stepfather was a Metropolitan Police Department Officer who retired in 1987 as a Deputy Chief. I was always so proud of what he did and the agency he worked for. Your family and friends should be very proud of what you did. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. My stepdad passed away a few years ago. Say hello to Chuck up in heaven as you patrol from up above. God Bless

Trooper First Class J. Prince
Maryland State Police

May 18, 2005

“REMEMBER ME”
Law enforcement officers are, indeed, a special breed of people. Ask anyone on the street and they will tell you that they would not have our jobs for anything in the world. It takes something special to do what we do and at the same time be able to even contemplate retirement. We try to be optimists. Unfortunately, there are a few of us who will never make that date with retirement. By the very nature of our job, we are at risk everyday of losing our lives, either at the hand of some deranged individual or in some other situation that we, by virtue of our occupation, may be unable to avoid. Some people have recognized the hazardous duties we involve ourselves in, the risks we take, and the pride we take in accomplishing that job. There is National Law Enforcement Week, dedicated to us who gladly accept the responsibility of protecting the citizens in our respective jurisdictions. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day is dedicated to those who gave their lives in the line of duty. These are but a two examples of remembrances specifically for law enforcement personnel. Remembrances that come but once a year. We should remind fellow officers of another type of remembrance, one that will last a lifetime. Sooner or later, a doctor will pronounce us dead. It is inevitable. Regardless of whatever happens, death is the end we will all have to face.
“IT IS IN DEATH THAT WE CAN LIVE FOREVER”
Author Unknown

Jim Moore
New Orleans P.D., Retired

May 18, 2005

Rest easy brother, we'll take it from here.

Officer L.Beardsley (former reserve)
Wyoming, MN Police Department

May 18, 2005

I am very saddened to hear that another one of our own has given the ultimate sacrifice. My condolences go out to your family my brother and I will keep them in my prayers tonight. God speed my friend, we'll continue the watch from here while you patrol the streets of Heaven!!

Patrol Officer II, T.G. Vincent
Asheboro North Carolina PD

May 18, 2005

Officer Pozell you died a hero serveing as a unpaid Officer. But your dieing in the Line of Duty proves there is no such thing as a unpaid Polic Officer as you paid the ultament.
May God be with your Family. Fellow Officers and Friends. God Bless.

Auxiliary Chief of Police Jerry Ryerson
Rock Island Police Department, Rock Island, Illinois

May 18, 2005

To officer Pozell's family.We will keep you in our prayers. We know that the Lord will comfort you.

Clyde and Pat Odom
uncle and aunt of MPO Brian TA Gibson EOW 2-5-1997

May 18, 2005

I am very sorry for your loss.I happen to be in washington for the police memorial for fallen officers,and i seen the story on the news,i thought to myself this is why we were here and a police officer has to lose his life.Hang in there we lost 20 year old "joshua blyler" last year in a car crash e.o.w. 5/2/04.

April Blyler

May 18, 2005

Officer Pozell,
I would like to say thank you for your service to the citizens of the District of Columbia.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

May 18, 2005