Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

David,

You gave your life, and left behind you wife, your beautiful baby Isabella, and many more important people;but you showed us all that you were here for the State of New York, and that you loved your job enough to die in the line of duty. You are a wonderful person. And you are missed greatly. We love you and your family and we will watch over them during the Holidays. This time of year reminds us of you not being apart of the festive occasions. David, Rest in Peace.

Rebecca
Citizen of NY

December 23, 2007

Barb and Izzy- thinking of you both during this holiday season. We loved meeting you both at the Sperr Memorial Park. Izzy is just beautiful! We also saw her on the Down Syndrome calendar. Our thoughts are with you and your families. If you ever need anything, please let us know.

The DelNagro Family
NYSP SP Rochester

December 23, 2007

David,

I had the honor of meeting Barbara and Isabella yesterday. What a wonderful little girl.....she is absolutely marvelous. Barbara is a lovely woman and is keeping your memory alive for Isabella.

I continue to work towards the memorial I promised. Things are all falling in place and with luck, should have everything together by this Spring.

Keep watch over us as we watch over Barbara & Isabella for you.

Never Forget #4531

Heather Gockel, Organizer
Brinkerhoff Memorial Stone Project

December 18, 2007

I attended Trooper Brinkerhoff's funeral in the spring of 2007. I just wanted to say how I was moved to tears and how that whole experience has changed my life as a law enforcement Officer. I was deeply moved by the Brinkerhoff family, and the tremendous out pouring of love and support from fellow law enforcement. I was and remain extremely encouraged and moved from the apparent relationship the Brinkerhoff family has with God, the creator of all. Their involvement with their church has inspired me to become a member of a local church here in Maine. For that I am so thankful. Trooper brinkerhoff did not die in vain. His life and the example he set for fellow Officers has impacted dozens of others in ways we may never know. Thank you.

Officer Benjamin Sholl
Biddeford Police Department

December 7, 2007

"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

November 12, 2007

Brave hearted is the way, and you my brother are brave. May God bless your family, and keep them safe. May God continue to bless the New York State Police, and your soul. Godspeed Troop!!!!!!

Trooper Bobby D. White
Alabama State Troopers

November 4, 2007

It's been 6months. I still forget sometimes that you are really gone. I miss you so much. Please watch over Isabella and I as we try to rebuild our lives I love you!

Mrs. Brink

October 28, 2007

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Trooper Brinkerhoff, especially to his wife. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for David, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember David's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that David's life was about so much more than the way he died. David will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Trooper Brinkerhoff, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been almost five years but we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Surviving Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

October 28, 2007

Dave,
It's been over 5 months now and it's still just unbelievable that you're not with us anymore. Not a day goes by where I don't think about what an amazing friend and brother you were to me and so many others. I'll be turning 30 this weekend and it hurts so much to think that you're not around to celebrate with us. Nothing, and I mean nothing could beat the 30th b-day party I went to for you at Jay's! You set such a high bar for all of us and you made such an amazing and inspirational impact in my life. You taught me so much about how to be a true, hardworking, and honest man. As I enter my 3rd decade of life, I will bring with me all that you taught me. There will never be a funnier roommate, a better role model, or a greater friend than you Brink. Life is sad without you. It's been hard on so many of us and it's not getting any easier. I know you're watching over us and I know we'll meet again someday. Thanks for blazing a trail in this life for the rest of us. I hope and pray that I can make you proud and never stray from the example you set. Miss you brother.

Brett J. Morey
Friend

October 9, 2007

Submitted to Myspace page August 25, 2007
I stopped by today to say Happy Birthday and spend some time with you. You are always on our minds and in our hearts. I will always remember and cherish the years we worked together and the time we spent together out of work. I never had to wonder if you had my back out on the road. That is just the way you were. If there was even a chance for something to go wrong on a call out there and you were working, I knew it wouldnt be long until you showed up to help. I miss hearing your voice on the radio. I miss knowing that I can call you at anytime day, or night and you would be there. Even though its been 4 months, I have caught myself wanting to call you to talk to you about something. You have something special Brink. You always did. Hanging out with you and hearing your views on things and just sitting back and watching you interact with people for the last 8 years made me not only strive to be a better cop, but a better person as well. You made it clear that it did not matter what uniform a person wore or how much money the person made. You made it clear that were all on the same team.
I will always remember the fires at JB's compound and Hill Street with RK. I remember that during a foot chase spraying pepper is not always the best option :) (ouch)
Thank you for the memories. Keep Smiling down on us from up there and keep watching all of our backs from above and remember we still have your back down here.
I miss you Brink. Feel Free to ride Shotgun with me anytime. Just keep the practical jokes to a minimum.

With Love, Respect, and Honor, I am Fraternally yours,

J.Alverson # 111
ACSD# 1209

Deputy J. Alverson
Albany County Sheriff's/ Coxsackie Pd

October 3, 2007

It doesn't seem like it's already been 5 months and 1 day since your were accidentally taken from us and your family ... there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you with your crazy self and your wonderful wife and beautiful daughter and think .. why? And I then bow my head to you, Trooper Brinkerhoff, with closed eyes and a tear or two and say "THANK YOU" from the core of myself for keeping us and your fellow MRT brothers safe on "your watch". Words cannot express my ever grateful gratitude to you all, every day. We love and miss you more today then yesterday ..... Godspeed my friend .....

MRT Wife

September 26, 2007

Barb- it was great meeting you yesterday. Isabella is just beautiful. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you. If you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to ask. We think of you both often. God Bless.

The DelNagro Family
NYSP SP Rochester

September 10, 2007

David,

Happy Belated Birthday. How I wish you were here to celebrate with Barbara & Isabella and the rest of your family.

Since you could not, my two girls & I traveled to visit you last Wednesday. We are the ones who left the balloons. We also held a Memorial Walk in your honor Wednesday night. Your buddy Rich was there and many members of the NYSP & NYC DEP. It was a lovely evening - just wished we could have celebrated with you instead of remembering.

Though I never knew you, I think about you, Barbara & Isabella each and every day. I continue to work hard to fullfill my promise to never let our community forget your sacrifice.

You Have My Deepest Respect.

Heather Gockel, Margaretville Resident
Daughter of Retired NYS Trooper #2160

September 4, 2007

Brink,
It's been 4months and 1week.Everyone says it will get easier with time. It doesn't. I miss you more today than I did yesterday. I'm sure you know that we have wonderful family and friends.I am very thankful for them and all they continue to do for Izzy and me. Keep watching over us and stay close.
Love forever and always,
Barb

loving wife

September 1, 2007

David, Today's your birthday, and you're not here with your family. Everyday you're remembered, and everyday you're missed. You will never be forgotten. Today I'll be leaving flowers at your roadside memorial in Margaretsville, and I hope, like always, I'll find a little peace there, knowing you're in a better place.

Jessie

August 29, 2007

Happy Birthday Buddy! Tomorrow we will be celebrating your life at Jay's house- Cops; drinks and huge bounce house need I say more! Recovery is what it is, no good news to report. Always laugh when they push me harder, cause I can hear the "old man" comments coming from above. Everyday is hard not having you around, but know in your heart you are honored in this house as the warrior you are. Always & Forever- Rich

Tpr Richard Mattson
NYSP Mobile Response Team

August 24, 2007

"I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge - myth is more potent than history - dreams are more powerful than facts - hope always triumphs over experience - laughter is the cure for grief - love is stronger than death."
- Robert Fulghum

Brothers in Blue
Alabama VAPD

August 12, 2007

Law enforcement is a breed all of its own, it takes the best of people to do what they do everyday. I am greatful as well as greatly saddened by the sacrifices made by these great people, doing what only there breed could.

nysp wife

August 9, 2007

THANK YOU DAVID. Thank you for your dedicated service to the New York State Police. Thank you for the sacrifices you and your family must have made during your 8 years of service. Thank you for assisting in the protection of the place I call home.

To David's Parent's: Thank you for raising a brave, honest & dedicated young man. You should be proud.

To Barbara Ann & Isabella Grace: Thank you for sharing him with all of us. He is a true hero and will never be forgotten.

My thoughts & prayers are with you each and every day.

Heather Gockel, Margaretville Resident
Daughter of Retired NYS Trooper #2160

July 24, 2007

Dave, I tried writing this reflection the day after you were taken from us but I couldn't find the words...I still don't think I can. There is an emptiness that I think we all feel because you're gone and I don't know if that will ever change. There isn't an hour that goes by where I'm not reminded of you in some way. If there is some measure of comfort in all of this it is that all of my memories of you involve you laughing or smiling...that makes the pain a little easier to handle. We miss you greatly and will continue to do so. Rest easy...

Investigator Kevin Noto
New York State Police

July 13, 2007

I recently read an article about Trooper Brinkerhoff's funeral. As a fellow Trooper, I mourn his untimely death and thank him for his service. As a fellow Lutheran, I thank God for the gift of eternal life granted to us through faith. To Trooper Brinkerhoff's family, may God grant you peace and comfort in the knowledge of this eternal life. Rest in peace brother, we will meet someday in the place our Lord has prepared for us.

Trooper Jeremy Andreasen
Iowa State Patrol

July 8, 2007

My brother, you left us as a hero and will always be as such. Thank you for continuing to watch over us from above.

Sgt
NYSP

July 2, 2007

David, Thank you for being such a good friend. You always looked out for me and treated me so well. I am deeply saddened with the loss of you. May God Bless you and your Family. To say that you will be missed is such an understatement. You will always be a true class act and gentlemen. I'll see you again someday. Thank you again for being my friend. Your a great man, father, husband, son and brother. Rest in peace.

Corey Wiktor
Friend

June 28, 2007

With heavy hearts we send our thoughts and prayers to the family of Trooper Brinkerhoff. There are a shortage of words that could express our appreciation for his sacrifice.

May he and his family be blessed and may he receive the rest he is so well deserved.

"Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."

Respectfully submitted on behalf of my department,

Officer Matthew Lewek
Menomonee Falls (WI) Police Department

June 25, 2007

God Bless You and Your Family...You are a true hero..Rest in Peace

Officer
Louisville Metro Police Department

June 20, 2007