Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Where does one begin putting to words, their thoughts on one of the greatest people to ever walk this earth. David Petzold had heart, courage, compassion, and intelligence, to name just a few. I strive harder and harder to be like him everyday, yet I fall short, often. I am lucky to have at least known him and am humbled at the fact that he considered me a friend. He taught me how to be a cop and more importantly a man. Dave was more than a partner he was a mentor and example I willingly followed. He did not need stripes or bars, nor clusters or chevrons; he was a born leader who rarely faltered. The laughter he brought each and everyday is what made the worst days bearable and the good days the best, simply being around him. He always had words of wisdom and showed you the way, never pretentious or assuming, just committed to you and the job at hand. He was never scared of anything; he tackled each task with a willing commitment to do his best at all cost and yet never complained. The sadness that fills my heart is not just mourning his absence. It is the fact that he was taken too young and those who were not as lucky as I will not experience his love and unconditional friendship. No one can fill the void that he has left but his presence is everywhere and with that I know he is watching over us. I hope that I can do his memory justice by telling his children of their amazing father and how dedicated he was to them and how he embodied being the best police officer I know. Godspeed my friend and I await to see you ranked amongst the angels.

Tommy

Detective Thomas Nicoletti
Upper Saucon Police

December 5, 2006

Dave,
I have been wanting to...I am having such a hard time with this. I miss you so much everyday and I think of you everyday. I can't even imagine how Jess is feeling because I want a hug from you so bad. Thank you for my dream where you did give me a hug. I guess I just am selfish and want more.
Thanksgiving was nice but we all wanted you there. Joe cut the turkey but it wasn't as nice as when you did it. That sounds so stupid but it's true. Poor Joe he feels sad too, he misses talking with you and having just another guy around. He was apologizing to me because he said he could never be the man that you are. I told him he is that I love him the way Jess loves you. The great thing is to see him with your kids, he is so wonderful and I thank you for that.
Dave, I don't want to step on your brothers and sisters places but I want you to know that I have always thought of you as my brother. It meant so much to have you around our house when I was a kid. I remember going on vacations, and you wrestling with me... Thank you for helping to build our house, and keeping me out of trouble. Mostly thank you for making my sister so happy, and creating my nieces and nephew.
Could you help me with one more thing? I want to help Jess with her pain, I want to be able to call her without wanting you there and to be able to hang out with her and for her to talk to me. I feel like I am not doing all that I can for her and I was wondering if you could tell her for me.
I love you so much, Ali

Alison
sister (in-law)

December 3, 2006

As I drove the courageous wife of officer Petzold to his final resting place, I felt sad, yet proud of being among the family and friends of a hero.
I felt very little around the giants, as I stood beside our finest who arrived from all over our region and beyond, to be part of some thing that is bigger than life: The Farewell to a falling hero.

As David lost his life trying to save many lives, many other officers are in the harm’s way, and all we can do is pray for their safety while protecting us.

Thank you David and God bless your soul, and thank you all, our finest, and God be with you.

Joseph Salibi, Limousine Driver
J&J Luxury Transportation

November 30, 2006

God bless you and your family. You are in our hearts and prayers every night. David's memory is etched in us all forever, and we are thankful for his hard work and dedication. Stay strong for one another, keep him alive in the happy memories you have created together, and know that we are praying for your strength.

LEO Wife
NJ

November 28, 2006

GOD BLESS!

P.O. Clinton Mack
Detroit Police Officer

November 26, 2006

Hi Hon,
I just got home from our "Friendsgiving". It was great to hang out with everyone and see everyone laughing and smiling. The kids were even great and didn't wreck Kimmy's house, you would have been so proud. I also know you would have been making things even more fun, chaotic and crazy. You were missed by all of us.

But then I had to come home to this quiet house, since the girls slept over my parents. I hate it and I hate the continuous utter loneliness. It's so unfair, but at the same time I know you and I both have no regrets. I know with all my heart that you are watching down over all of us, our families and our friends. It still hurts though....I miss talking to my best friend, telling you everything without worry of anything, I miss your silliness and your support with the kids. I miss your touch and your smile with those eyes that always saw right thru me. I miss you.

Happy Thanksgiving hon.
Forever and always,
~Jess

November 26, 2006

You will not be forgotten... thank you for your services. God speed to family, friends, co-workers and community in which Inv. Petzold leaves behind.

Coplay Borough Police Dept.

November 25, 2006

Hi Jess. You do not know me. I saw Dave a few times at work.I work at DeSales University. I also have a child at St. Michaels and we belong to the same parish.I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am. Not a day goes by that I do not think about you and your children. I pray for all of you everyday. I hope your friends and family continue to be there for you and your children. I can only imagine how hectic your life has become. I hope you know that you are in many people's prayers and thoughts. I hope the township does something special to remember your husband, so no one ever forgets him and the sacrifice that he made. God bless you and your children.

November 25, 2006

To the family, friends and Fellow Co-Workers of Officer Petzold:

My sincere sympathies and prayers to you all. I've been to the site a couple times, but never quite knew what to write.

I didn't know Officer Petzold personally but reading this site, makes me feel like I've known him for years.

I felt so strongly about this situation and decided to write something in memory of Officer David Michael Petzold

Remembering Officer David Michael Petzold
Date of Death: 11/9/06

You were a fine upstanding citizen
And a heartfelt Police Officer too
You tried to save more lives
But instead an accident took yours
No one could imagine this
On that cool November Morn
You'd be trying to move that deer
But it was way too dark
Another car was coming up
They did not see you there
You got hit and you fell down
They took you to get help
But your body was too hurt
God took you home with him
And placed your soul in everyone's heart
If only more people were like you,
This world would be a better place
I hope God sends you as an angel
To help those in need
Because that is your legacy
Office David Michael Petzold, God Speed!

Tiffany L. McCartney
11/15/06

Tiffany L. McCartney
Fountain Hill Fire Police Officer

November 25, 2006

Investigator Petzold, I’ve never had to remove a deer carcass from a roadway, or move one in anyway but I can’t believe it’s an easy task. They’re so damn big and heavy. And yet, knowing that the carcass might pose serious risk to a motorist, you got out there and made that effort. When you think about it, you truly did give your life to save others. It was a selfless act on behalf of the public and as a member of the public, as well as a Police Officer, I wish to say thank you for caring.

Your may no longer physically be part of your family at home, but they will always feel you near. Reading some of the Reflections left I can see that you cared deeply for all around you and were in turn cared FOR deeply. Someone with those ties will never be far from those they loved and were loved by.

God Bless and may you Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

November 25, 2006

Hi Jessica,

You do not know me, but I am a friend of Carla Schlippert, and I heard the horrible news about David. My brother is a police officer too, and I thank everyday that he is safe. I know that for the folks that are police officers that they are the bravest people out there. Unfortunately, some people do not appreciate what they do for the local community and American society as a whole.

Please know that I appreciate and respect your husband's vocation, and I am sure he was a kind and wonderful man. This is a great legacy to leave behind because he made such a difference in the world.


Life can be so cruel and short sometimes, but please know that you have people, people that you do not even know that want to care and support you through this difficult time. So, as you can see it is important for people to be kinder to others. I hope that these word help you and your family. Stay strong, take it one day at a time--everyone is praying for you!

Leslie Powell

Leslie Powell

November 24, 2006

Dear Jessica
I visit this site everyday and read the reflections. I've wanted to write something each day but I struggle with the words. A day has not gone by that I haven't thought of you and the kids. I think that you are an amazing women. You are so strong and I only pray that I could be 1/2 of what you are if faced with a similar situation. I'm sure Dave is looking down on you with pride in his eyes. I see why the two of you were such a wonderful couple.
I honor Dave and his memory because he was such a wonderful father. We didn't know you as well as others but it didn't take much to know what a great guy Dave was. My husband always speaks so highly of him.
I promise that we will keep all The Petzolds in our hearts and minds!

Wife of USPD Officer

November 24, 2006

May god bless officer petzold and his family.. We will take the watch from here officer petzold may you rest in peace..

frpd massachusetts

Fall River Massachusetts Police

November 23, 2006

Hi Dave! Thinking of you today ~ it's thanksgiving.
I am so THANKFUL for times we shared, for knowing you.
Like Apgar said, D-a-a-a-v-v-i-i-e-e Petzold, I miss you!
I called Jess this morning, she sounds good. She is a strong lady! Danny has gone over and helped the girls w/ homework - imagine that - pretty fuuny, huh!
Keep watching over us as I know you are now our angel!
Mrs. Chief....

Stacey Trexler

November 23, 2006

I could never thank Dave enough for all that he has done for me and my family. I wish I had another chance to thank him and tell him how much I appriciate everything he has helped me through. He was one of the greatest guys I have ever known. He will truly be missed.

Kimberly Harvey

November 22, 2006

Jess ~

I wanted you to know that I was thinking about you and your family. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I know it's going to be so hard for you and the kids, this first holiday without their daddy......just do the best you can to get through the day. I am so sorry you have to go through this.

I was reading through Dave's reflections, he sounds like such an amazing man - I wish I could have known him. I'll bet he and Jesse are getting along great up there.

Take care, Jess, and we'll get together soon.
Love Carin

November 22, 2006

Thank you for your service.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

November 21, 2006

To the family, friends and coworkers of Inv.Petzold I would like to send our most sincere prayers and condolences during this tragic time. It is extremely hard to except the loss of a family member and partner at any time, but as a person who grew up in the area it hits very close to home. This is especially true as I now also wear the uniform. Words cannot express the feeling we get when a brother or sister in law enforcement is taken from us. On behalf of the members of the Livingston, Montana Police Department we would just like you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Senior Patrol Officer
Livingston Police Department, Montana

November 21, 2006

RIP brother, we have your watch!

Police Officer Brian Koehn
Archie Mo Police Dept.

November 21, 2006

Da-a-a-a-vie Petzold! I wanted to post something earlier, but I always found myself just staring at the screen. This still does not seem real. I want to thank you for all of the wonderful memories. We always had so much fun, whether it was at work or off duty. You were a true professional, a true friend and also a good prankster. The energy and dedication you put into everything you did was an inspiration to all. You had a heart of gold and would have never hesitated one bit to help anyone with even the smallest request. Ya know, you almost had me talked into going on vacation... now I wish we would have gone. One just assumes there is always the "next time". It was an honor working with you and an honor to be your friend. Angela and I miss you very much! Our thoughts and prayers are with Jessica, the kids, family and friends who all miss you very much. Jess, we love you are here for you.

With all of our love, The Apgars

Detective Jason Apgar
Emmaus Police Department

November 20, 2006

David

To a Man
A brother
A son
An Officer
A husband
A father
A friend
My Best Friend….

I cannot let you go without first telling you a few things. I know you probably didn’t even know. I know you’re here with us, watching over Jess. I know your feeling un-comfortable with all of this attention being directed at you, but that’s what I need to talk to you about. We are all here to show you how much you meant to a lot of people. You have touched so many people in so many different ways. And the true beauty of it all is that you never tried to be anything other than yourself. You gave so much of yourself to everyone. You treated everyone you came in touch with like a friend. And a friend, well they weren’t just friends, you treated them like family. They became part of your family. You made everyone feel welcome, you made us feel special, you made us feel like we belonged, that we were needed. When the truth is, it was you. You were the special one. You were the one that reached out, that took the time, made the effort. If you heard that someone was in need, you reached out to make it better. You volunteered yourself to so many people for so many things. And you always followed through. I never met another person who moved so many people, who bettered the lives of countless people, just because you were in our lives. I feel an over whelming loss, a profound emptiness in my heart and my soul. I will never again meet anyone who will ever come close to the person you were. I feel lost, my life has been cheated because I know what it was like to have you in my life. I think about how much better my life was going to be, Just because of you. I won’t get the pleasure of seeing the joy in your eyes as you raise your family. You can be sure that the extended family you created, by allowing us into your own family, will always be there. I remember the day the Chief first introduced me to you. You had a look in your eye that I didn’t understand at first, but that little smirk was always there. After we became partners, I found out what that look meant. You said that you were worried about ever letting someone down, you wanted to be counted on to do the right thing, to never fail another person. I am here to tell everyone that you never did. You made me proud to call you my partner, and an honor to have you as my friend. An in closing Dave, I wanted tell you what an honor it was for me to know you, to be accepted into your family, and to have been a part of your life. I cannot find the exact words to describe what kind of man you were. So I’ll answer the same way I did when the FBI interviewed me when you listed me as a reference. When asked what kind of person you were, I again struggled for the right words. All I could come up with is this,
“David is the last of the truly Good Guys. He is someone so special, so unique that just by being around him, makes you feel better. And to say that you know him, makes you feel special.” I will do everything I can for them Dave, but mostly I’ll make sure they know what kind of Man their father was. Rest easy my friend……my brother.

Albert F. Pochek Jr. Ptlm. ret
Upper Saucon Township Police Dept.

November 20, 2006

Investigator Petzold, you touched the lives of so many, you were a true hero. You will be deeply missed by your wife and children, but your children will grow to know what a true hero their father was. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Petzold family, friends and the Upper Saucon Police Department. May you rest in peace Investigator Petzold.

Nicole DeAngelis

November 20, 2006

I am very sorry for your lose. May your love one rest in peace and now know you have a very special angel looking down on your family. God bless you, you will be in my family's thoughts and prayers through this holiday season.

P/O Jack O Twist
Philadelphia Police Dept.

November 20, 2006

Jessica,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I am sincerely saddened by your loss.
I know it has been decades since we’ve seen each other, but if there is absolutely anything I can do, please do not hesitate to let me know. I am thankful that our parents recently “reunited” and want you to know that my prayers are with you all.

Carla (Schlippert) McCabe

November 20, 2006

My Dear Brother David,
I know you are safe and resting well. My heart aches for those of us who are now without you and it is also full of pride for all you have done with your life.

My hopes are that you find a way to help Jess always remember the joy of loving you and find peace, that your children will always know how much you treasure them, that us, as your siblings, will celebrate your life with your children, Jess, each other, our parents, family and friends, and that your fellow officers in Upper Saucon who mourn your loss as deeply as we do, continue to make a difference in the lives of your family, your community and elsewhere remembering how much it meant to you.

I promise to help Jess in whatever way I can. She is my sister and friend and that will never change. I will share my memories of you with your children and delight in their lives even more than before. I'm blessed to have been your sister. I miss knowing that you are only a phone call away, but now I know you are only a prayer away from my heart.

Rest Well Little Brother,
Love,Christine

Christine Ross, PA
Sister of Officer Dave

November 20, 2006