Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hi Dave,
I haven't been on this site in a while...it is hard and hurts to read too often...but with that said I do think you still everyday, there is something that happens every day that makes me think of you. I'm sure it will never go away as it hasn't with my memories of pop-pop. It makes me proud and honored to have been so close to you, I enjoy the thoughts and try to use them to help me grow into the adult I have still yet to become. This year I will be turning 30, I know I can't believe it either, and yet I feel like I'm not ready...please stay in my thoughts as you have always been a great guide to my confusion. I probably sound insane to anyone else reading this, but somehow, someway, thinking of you and what you would do helps me sort out the "right" moves I should make. I am trying to make a big move with my career this year...I hope I am able to say the right things and be able to prove myself enough to become the teacher I have always wanted to be. Thank you for always believing in me.....I miss the dependable big brother you are to me...but know you are still there somewhere giving me the strength....thank you,love you...miss you forever

Ali

BTW-keep Jess and the kids up, they are doing well, but don't ever let them loose their strength...they need you more than I do, of course....

sister...in-law

February 27, 2008

Thankyou sir for your service and sacrifice, you are a hero to us all. GOD bless your family and friends as they carry on in your name. You will never be forgotten

POLICE OFFICER 9TH DISTRICT
PHILA PA

February 10, 2008

Hi Hon,
Well this week was quite a long week. On Tuesday the Southern Lehigh Public Library did it's presentation of what the D&B donations provided in your memory. The kids had fun and it was really nice...they showed the learning "kits" they have now for borrowing and read stories to the kids. They've created a "Teen" Room, purchased tons of books, several computers and furniture and all of it...I could see you being so proud of because it is "for the kids". Joe and my mom and Val were able to make it. Jonathan fell in love with one of the "kits" and will now not let the Dinosaurs out of his sight. I don't have any idea how to tell him that at some point we have to give them back!
The rest of the week has been busy with working on my bedroom and stuff for the girls and school. Last night I spent about 3 hours pulling off all of the old trim in my bedroom. Fun stuff...after cutting my pinky, smashing my thumb, dropping the hammer on my foot and putting a nail thru my heel, I've realized that I will never be a handy"woman". I know you were laughing at my frustration and craziness...I hope you enjoyed yourself.
Today was a little harder. The girls had their talent show today, rescheduled from last week. Samantha was supposed to sing with Scott but unfortunately he was out sick. She wouldn't even practice in front of me so I was so bummed that she didn't perform. Sarah was able to perform her dance with Olivia and boy did they shine! They were both full of spunk and it showed that they had practiced. I was so proud of both of them. Your mom and dad and my mom were able to make it, which made it all the more special for the girls. As I got in my car to leave...I was thinking how I wish you had been there to see them...to see how much Sarah had improved since last year, to see how big your girls are getting, to see Samantha's relief at not performing...and simply see the life in your daughters. As I was having those thoughts....this song came on. "One More Day" by Diamond Rio...as if you knew what I was thinking. Needless to say...it was a teary ride home. I miss you too hon and wish that I had 'one more day with you'......

One More Day

Last night I had a crazy dream
A wish was granted just for me
It could be for anything
I didn't ask for money
Or a mansion in Malibu
I simply wished, for one more day with you

One more day
One more time
One more sunset, maybe I'd be satisfied
But then again
I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still, for one more day with you

First thing I'd do, is pray for time to crawl
Then I'd unplug the telephone
And keep the TV off
I'd hold you every second
Say a million I love you's
That's what I'd do, with one more day with you

One more day
One more time
One more sunset, maybe I'd be satisfied
But then again
I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still, for one more day with you

Leave me wishing still, for one more day
Leave me wishing still, for one more day
Leave me wishing still, for one more day...with you....


By: Diamond Rio

February 8, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 24, 2008

Jess: I come here often and read the stories of wives who have lost their loved one. There but for God's grace go I. June 5, 2004 in Michigan an officer was killed. His wife felt all the same things you do and recently she was married and now has a new child. Her in laws understand this and they support her. She has taken her husband memory with her as she travels this new road. Read her reflections, it wil help you.

concerned citizen

January 19, 2008

I'm honored to be riding in the Police Unity Tour this year in memory of Investigator Petzold. I hope those who remember and care for him will, if they wish, make contact with me at this year's Vigil in Washington, DC.

CPL Eric Bonetti, APO
Arlington County Police Department

January 19, 2008

Dearest Jess ~

I've read your reflection below about a dozen times now - your words are so eloquent and powerful.

And so amazingly heartbreaking.

I know you wonder what to do - I think all widows wonder the same things. When is it "acceptable" to move on? We wonder if other people will judge us - will they look at us and silently accuse us not waiting long enough, of disrespecting our husband's memory? Should we just continue to be sad and lonely, resigned to a life of raising our kids alone?

Believe me, I wonder all the same things and I wish I had the answers for you but Jesse will be gone 3 years in March and here I sit - alone - wondering if it's O.K. to move on. Here I sit, hoping that this New Year brings good things for me and the kids - less sadness and heartache, more hope, new promises and new beginnings. I want the same things but don't know where to find them.

The one thing I do know, with 100% certainty, is that Jesse would want me to move on and find happiness and that Dave would want you to do the same. Our husbands loved us, Jess, loved us and loved our children and if they can't be here to finish what was started I believe - truly believe in my heart - that they would want us to find someone else to be here in their place.

I was flipping through a magazine this morning and came across this little poem - I put it on Jesse's site and I want to put it here for you as well.

I miss you now more than ever before
But, I trust that God will open a door
And show me how to go on without you
To give me some hope and comfort too.

For you were my life and I loved you so dear
And it breaks my heart to not have you near
But, life goes on and I will too
I just wish it wouldn't go on without you.

All my love.....

I don't know if my words provide you with any comfort, but I sincerely hope that you find the strength to look for those doors that God will open for you. I pray that you aren't sitting where I am 2 very long years from now still wondering if it's alright to be happy, wondering if it's O.K. to move on - I hope you find new happiness long before then. I hope this New Year brings you an abundance of good things and that your heart can finally have some peace. I hope and pray the same things for myself.

Take care, Jess, and know that you are not alone. Neither you, your children, or Dave are ever forgotten.

LUMI
Carin

January 4, 2008

Hi Hon,
It’s me. I sit here tonight…not able to sleep…my heart breaking as I try to stop my head from repeatedly bringing up one memory after another…I listen to your son’s night noises and his sleeping sighs(yes, I still have the monitor)…and I again look at the basket on the bedroom floor of all of the cards and letters which I still have not found the strength to send thank you letters out for. I guess after a year plus I should probably give up. The first 700 thank you’s the family and I wrote…seem like another lifetime ago. Hopefully those people who I still have not gotten a letter to will forgive me someday, however I still feel guilty.
Heck, I still feel guilty for not wearing the corsage you brought for me the night of our Junior High Semi-formal. Remember you and Shawn went out and bought Heather and me corsages…you guys were so thoughtful and so sweet. I thought no one else would be wearing one…so I asked if I could leave it home. When I should have worn it with pride and should have known then that it didn’t matter what people thought. But here I am contradicting myself. It shouldn’t have mattered what people thought then…but yet it matters what people think now?.... when I can’t find the time or emotional strength to write thank you notes…it does matter to me though. The presence of those notes and my memories seem to hold me together some nights…than other nights it rips me apart.
I guess Disney is now a memory too. I wish it had been your memory as well as mine and the girls....but overall it went well. I wish you could have seen the excitement and apprehension in the girl’s eyes as they waited in line to get on their first airplane ride. I wish you could have seen their excitement to see Disney World and the “awe” in meeting Cinderella privately. They told your sister and me how they wished you could have been there. It was hard, as I kept reliving the last time we had been down there back in High School. It seems like a life time ago again. I remember us standing in line for what seemed like hours to get on Space Mountain, the girls don’t realize how lucky they were with the new Fast Pass tickets. They had a good time though and of course I spoiled them rotten our last day there, shopping galore…just as you would have had it. The trip we had planned for 3 years…I wish you could have been there.
We made it thru our second Christmas also. The kids had a good day but you were missed. Things just didn’t seem complete. I tried to make it as nice and as fun as possible, but you were missing. It was quieter this year…which I guess is why I struggled so much this season. Last year I was just on auto pilot and simply moved thru all of the activities…this year I had to create the activities myself and take care of everything by myself. It sucked. You weren’t here and the kids needed someone to take care of it all…so I did it. And I’m sure you are proud that I did it…even though I think it sucked. But we got thru and the kids are happy and healthy and I think they had a Merry Christmas.

I made a list tonight of all of the things, big and small, that I want to get done and need to get done around the house, with the kids and such. It’s a long list…but it’s something to work on. Remember we used to make lists…ha, now that I think about it…I think I actually used to make lists for you so that I knew what you were working on. Otherwise you would get side tracked and begin projects of your own…usually costing us money and ending up you having to buy some tool or another…”but it’s for the project” you would say…do you know I found some of your purchases still in your truck bed tool box, still in their bags? I wish you were still around trying to sneak new toys in under my nose.
On my list is to redo the bedroom. I kept saying I wanted to do it this winter…well December is almost over and I haven’t even begun…it’s the only room I haven’t changed or redone since last November. I’m not sure what I’m waiting for…but that’s what I feel like I’m in…a waiting stage. I still feel like I’m waiting for you to come home at times…but then I walk out of the bedroom, our old bedroom, and I see the changed house, the repainted walls and the new kitchen…and reality smacks me in the face. I’m waiting…just not sure for what.

It’s time to move on isn’t it…and maybe that is what I’m really waiting on. To actually see that statement in writing…it hurts…it hurts terribly, more than words can ever explain, but it’s the truth isn’t it though. You’re dad actually said that to me the day that I had to pick out the cemetery plot. He said someday I would have to move on, I was too young and that you would want that. You and I had discussions several times about what you wanted if something ever happened. I know what you want…I’m just still trying to catch up. You always knew what you wanted. I always admired that about you. I miss that about you. I miss a lot of things…but I see a lot of you in the kids, Sarah, Samantha and Jonathan. They are as intelligent, as spirited, as kind, as stubborn and as loving as you were. Someday I hope that someone else special will see that.
Again, I’m contradicting myself. I can’t stand life with out you..but yet I state that I need to begin somehow figuring out how to move on. The back and forth emotions wear on you and after a lot of soul searching this Christmas season…I think I’ve figured out that I need to pick one way to go. I sometimes feel like I’m living the phrase of that country song by George Strait…”I've got a furnished house, a diamond ring, And a lonely broken heart, Full of love, And I can't even give it away”. You and I had a wonderful happy life together, did all of the “firsts” together and have 3 beautiful children to show for it…and we will always be soul mates…but maybe someday, someday, someone will come along and be there for us to move on with. I write this part more for me at this point…I have been shutting everyone out emotionally lately…because moving on scares me. Scares me more than I want to admit to anyone…but I know you would not want me to go on as I have been. I’m hoping that with the New Year...begins a new year of tearless remembrances’, new possibilities and a more rounded life for all of us.

Hon, we miss you more than words can express and love you more than hearts can show. Continue to watch over us, give your grandpop my poppop, my aunt, our babies and Ripley a kiss from us and have a Happy New Year hon.
Forever and always,
me

December 27, 2007

As you prepare for your second heavenly Christmas, you are remembered by grateful Pennsylvanians for the sacrifice no one should be asked to give. Your family and friends remain in my prayers today and always. A hero forever.

Lehigh Valley, PA

December 24, 2007

Hi Dave. I’ve been meaning to write something for so long, but just couldn’t seem to find the right ones. It’ll be Christmas by time this is posted, at least according to the calendar. I just can’t seem to find the festive spirit this year. Last year it was different, you had just left us and we were still reeling from that, but for the kids we had to make it special. I think all of us put on a good show for them, but only for them. This year it’s so different, I just don’t feel it. We took the kids into the Mountains to go find a Christmas tree. They had a great time and really enjoyed it. We talked about you in the truck on the way up, telling stories and remembering. We walked all over that Mountain to find the perfect tree. The girls had a good time walking and just playing in the snow, throwing snowballs and just being kids. Your son was a little less than impressed. He enjoyed being out in the snow, but with warm days and cold nights, a layer of ice was on top. He tried to walk up the Mountain, but only ended up sliding down 4 steps for every 1 step he took. We tried not to laugh too much, but when he got frustrated and his face changed expression to look exactly like you, well we had a good chuckle at your expense. Sorry buddy. I ended up carrying him the rest of the way; he’s getting big and talking up a storm. I know you’d be proud. Upon picking out the tree, we had them all gather around and took pictures. The pictures turned out amazingly. Then Kyle started to cut down the tree, each one of them took turns using the saw. Your son was so serious about doing it himself, and with a little help from Kyle, he did it. After that, he wanted to cut down every tree! A lumberjack was born. But this was the only time during this Holiday season that I felt it. It’s just not the same without you here. We talk about you, we laugh about things, we miss you terribly. Guess we always will. I still feel like you’re here, just wish you were. Merry Christmas Dave. Watch over them.

Bert

December 23, 2007

Dave,
I wanted to come on here and let you know that im less than a week from graduating my police academy. You have been my inspiration to me for a long time and especially the last 6 months. I'm doing everything I can to make you proud. I know you've been talking to me and letting me know to continue pursuing this career. You might get a kick out of this, I was the best shooter in my academy class. I know you use to take a little abuse for that, but you must be a great teacher! I will never forget how much you helped me out and ill always miss you bud. Can't wait until we get to share some stories someday. Love ya Dave, proud to be wearing the uniform with you.

Officer Kelly
Cousin

December 11, 2007

Hon,
I feel the need to leave you a note....but I don't know anymore what to say that I haven't said already. I miss you so much it is killing me and again we had to endure Thanksgiving with out you as we will have to do for the rest of our lives. "For the rest of our lives...." I used to think that that phrase meant an eternity....that we would have the rest of our lives to be together, to do things, to achieve all the goals and adventures we wanted to do, to see the kids grow up and start there own adventures, to travel and grow old together. Now....it simply doesn't.
Soon we leave for Disneyworld....the vacation that we had planned with your family soooo long ago. I can't believe we have to go without you. I can't believe that you are going to miss their first plane ride and their first time to the Magic Kingdom. The change jar is full....so as you had said...it's now time to go. Of course I don't know how I'm going to cash in the change jar, it's so darn heavy! Sarah of course wants to count it herself because you said she could help. We were supposed to all count it together.
Mom and I went to Samantha's Thanksgiving show the other day, she was so cute and so proud to tell her joke to the audience all by herself. She is such a good kid.
Jonathan is the glue that holds all of us together. He is such a bright, funny and loving little boy. He keeps all of us going and I seriously don't know what we would do without him. What a burden for such a little boy...
We miss you Dave, I miss you hon and until we can spend the rest of our lives together again....watch over us. We love you.

November 24, 2007

Hi Dave,
I've watched as Jess has handled the hardest year of her life and I can see that you have done your best to give her strength. She is the epitome of grace and strength. She is a wonderful mother and she is working so hard to keep your memory alive and to honor the man she loved with all that she is. I don't know anyone who could do what Jess has done this past year and still manage to smile and put other people first. We all miss you and we always will. I remember watching you play with your kids Dave, you were a wonderful father and they will never ever forget how much their daddy loved them. I know you're watching over them because I heard Jonathan's toy siren go off when I was at the house, they all know that's your way of letting them know you're still there and you always will be.
Love,
Val

November 12, 2007

Dave,

I can't believe it's been a year. I've driven past that spot a few times and it's horrible. I'm so sorry we never got that second lunch with the 4 of us in the area. You're missed everyday. Keep watch over your family. Hopefully I'll play better golf in May than I did this year. Hope you got a good laugh at watching us.

FBI SA
classmate

November 11, 2007

Wow Jess, your reflection to Dave is just amazing - you have an eloquence that takes my breath away.

I have been thinking of you all weekend - I don't need to say that it's hard to believe it's been a year as you already know that more than anyone. There are no words for me to say as you have already said them all.....a year of firsts has gone by yet you still lay awake waiting for him to come home, expecting him to come home, thinking any minute he will walk through the door and life will return to normal. I can't believe it's been a year.

You are truly amazing, Jess. You've done so much this year to honor Dave's memory and to continue on - you are an inspiration and I am honored to know you.

Please know that I am thinking of you and the kids and praying that this year brings you happiness, hope, peace in your heart, lots of love and new beginnings. I am always here for you, just a phone call away.

With love and much admiration,
Carin

November 11, 2007

Dave,

I can't believe it's been a year. It seems like just yesterday that we met. I think about you every day, and every time I look at my boy. I miss you, brother.

SA
FBI SE

November 11, 2007

Today we remembered you and your ultimate sacrifice. Your story reminds us to make everyday count. Thank you for serving your community and our great country. May you rest in peace.

University of Central Florida Police Department
Patrol Division Charlie Squad

Officer Christopher Mason
University of Central Florida Police Department

November 10, 2007

David,
When I met Jessica and your family to honor you in the Unity Tour I did not know how profound an effect this would have on me. Your family is strong and they will need the extra prayers today, the anniversery of your passing. I told Jessica that I felt you picked me to honor you instead of it being that I picked you. Today is my daughters 15th birthday and holding true to my promise, I had more than a few moments of silence for you and your family. I put on my uniform tonight as I often do and attached to it is the David Petzold memorial pin that was given to me the day of the tree dedication. I have worn it every day I have worked. I have said before that it is most unfortunate that we never had a chance to meet as I am sure we would have been friends. Watch over your family. I am sure this day is truly a tough one. Rest in Peace Brother.

Sergeant John Hurd
Chester Township Police Department

November 9, 2007

It is one year today , I lost you, you made me feel like you were at peace, I miss you , I need to hear you, maybe pinch ya, I miss you every day ..all the time I love you ... always forever.........cheryl

cheryl
sister

November 9, 2007

On the one year anniversary of your passing, you are remembered and a special prayer goes out to your family.

Craig Figgins
Brother - SGT Dan Figgins St Charles, IL EOW 4/9/05

November 9, 2007

Dear Jessica,
You couldn't pick us out of a crowd, but we can see your face. We saw you for the first time on one of the worst days of your life. A day that is the worst fear for the family of a Police Officer. We stood for hours to pay our respects to your husband...because we needed to let you know you were not alone in your tears. We watched the procession of the funeral go by. We lined the grass in front of Holy Saviour cemetary with flags...because we wanted to salute a HERO as he was driven by. We took a bus trip to Washington DC with the FOP from the BPD, along with many Upper Saucon Officers...because we needed to be there to honor fellow Officers who lost their lives doing what our husbands do everyday when they walk out the door. We stood behind our husband and their Brothers in Blue as they saluted all of the survivors. So many widows. So many children. It is a sight that simply wrenches at the heart and soul. One that we shall never, ever forget. We watched as you and your beautiful children went by. You do not recognize us, but we will never forget you. We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice your husband made. We will never forget that your children are angels on Earth left to deal with this pain. We will never forget that a family lost a husband, a father, a son, an uncle, a brother, a nephew, a grandson, and a cousin that day. We will never forget the profound loss his fellow Officers and close friends have endured.

On the one year mark of David's death...we want you to know that WE WILL NEVER FORGET!

Thinking of you and your family always. Wishing you the strength to get through this painful day. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. GOD Bless.

One of the many of the BPD wives that
are thinking of you today

November 8, 2007

One year. 365 of the longest days of our lives and the shortest. I'm at a loss as to what to say today. I will drive by the spot where I learned of your passing just as I drive by it every day, but it will be so much harder this day.
I cannot tell you how much it hurts us that you are gone, but we have tried to keep your spirit alive in all that we do. We have tried to honor you and what you thought was important. We have tried to have a positive effect on our family, friends, neighbors, strangers, people we have never met, because that is what you would do.
Your passing has changed how I live my life. Your passion for life and your determination to make a difference in this world has made me want to keep trying to make a difference in honor of you. I'll keep trying. I can't do what you did, but in some small ways, I hope to make a difference.
I miss you Dave. One day, One year, One lifetime will never take that pain away.
Keep watching out for us!

Christine Ross, PA
Sister of Officer Dave

November 8, 2007

Officer Petzold,
It is now the one year anniversary since you were called home. Throughout this past year, I have thought about the sacrifice you made, the sacrifice your family made, all in the name of keeping our community safe. You certainly made a tremendous difference in the world, and will be a hero forever. Our community thanks you and shall never forget what you gave us.

Lehigh Valley Citizen

November 8, 2007

Tomorrow represents the day you made your ultimate sacrifice. You will never be forgotten. I attended your viewing last year and was honored to meet many of your co-workers. They obviously had a lot of pride having you in their lives. I think of you everytime I go to work in Bethlehem when I am in the area of 309 North and Passer Rd. To Officer Petzold's family, I pray for you just as I do all my brothers and sisters. God bless you! Watch over us Officer Petzold as we continue doing our job, just as you did yours.

Patrolman Brian Quinn
Bethlehem PD

November 8, 2007

Hey Jess. I just wanted to let you know I will be thinking of you, your family, and David's sacrifice on this day!! It will not be easy, I know. But, I know you will get through it. You are a strong woman! Hope all is as well as it can be! I come here often to read David's reflections and can relate so much to you and your feelings! Hopefully we can get togehter somtime soon! Take care!

Trish Wertz
Widow of PO Scott Wertz EOW 8/6/06

November 8, 2007