Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Lee was my father, and has always been there for me when I was sad or angry at one of my sister's. He would always find a way to make me smile or bring me back from my anger. Like when I was sad he would just start spouting like a rapper doing the yo yo yo.. wassup my homie, I would just laugh and tell him to stop being dumb. When I was angry he just sat down with me and listened to my whining. I remember when he started to play the violin, it was just horrible haha. The family always told him to go to another room because he screeched all the time.The last time I heard him play the violin he was a little better then he was when he started, so I always made fun of him for screeching so much even though he had practiced for a while. He was better at playing the dulcimer, it sounded alot better then his violin. During the Hog Heaven Muzzle Loader's Rendevous' everyone would just hang around the camp fires just talking about nothing and having fun. When we were shooting targets for the best score, we would make fun of him because his wife had beaten him several times before and probably would again. Those were the best of times. I will always remember him and always have the utmost respect for him. He will be sorly missed in the days to come. And I would also like to thank everyone for posting their condolences to my family and his brother/sister officers of the law.

A1C Jeremiah Newbill

Airmen First Class Jeremiah Newbill
United States Air Force (son)

June 14, 2007

I know you loved this song, here are the lyrics.

"Ashokan Farewell"
The sun is sinking low in the sky above Ashokan,
The pines and the willows know soon we will part.
There's a whisper in the wind of promises unspoken,
And a love that will always remain in my heart.

My thoughts will return to the sound of your laughter,
The magic of dancing, of moving as one.
And a time we'll remember long ever after
The moonlight and music and dancing are done.

Will we climb the hills once more?
Will we walk the woods together?
Will I feel you holding me close once again?
Will every song we've sung stay with us forever?
Will you dance in my dreams or my arms until then?

Under the moon the mountains lie sleeping,
Over the lake the stars shine.
They wonder if you and I will be keeping,
The magic and music, or leave them behind.

I'll miss you my friend.
Goodbye and God speed.
M.

Mathew P Mitchell

June 12, 2007

I know all three of the Newbill children. Tina and I were alternates for each other in Volleyball. Lisa and I played multiple sports together and shared birthdays and weekend fun. Miah and I have remained the closest after high school. Only an email or a phone call away.
I am a HUGE fan of Becky, Lee's wife. She was always sitting in the bleechers, watching us play, sometimes needle pointing for one of the kids. Lee was rarely there, he loved his job, and did it well and with pride. Becky has this amazing smile and hugs that could recharge any broken heart. This was no different on the day of Lee's memorial. I flew up to Moscow from Boise to be there for this amazing family. I felt it was only right after the special moments I'd shared with each of his family members. When going to great the family, I gathered myself and tried to be strong. I succeeded until it came time for me to hug Becky. She just kept telling me it would be okay. Tears aren't what Lee would have wanted. Her hug was just as strong and stable as it had ever been. I don't know how she did it. I could never have been that strong. Upon reflection I felt guilty that she was in turn the one trying to dry my tears, but I know that is just the way she is.
It's been a couple of weeks now, and I still check on his kids and memorial pages. Reading the words that people write still bring tears to my eyes. I don't think that it is saddness anymore, it's just apart of loss.
I was shocked to find Lee had been shot. I was heartbroken when I heard he was gone. I was humbled, yet not surprised, that Lee didn't fire back. I knew he'd gone in there AFTER he had clocked off shift, and was supposed to be on his way home to Becky. I wished he would have gone, even though I know 'off duty' never really meant anything to Lee.
Lee raised a great family. He had great taste in the ladies, because he got Becky. He was a wonderful officer, community member, and friend. I got to work with Lee, not only as a family friend, but also when I was a manager for a local store in the Mall. Lee would always respond to my shoplifting calls. While collecting the report, he would talk. I guess joke would be a better description.....telling me he was glad it wasn't me he was there to haul off. I would tell him to zip it or else I'd be forced to assault an officer....he would just laugh. That contageous smile...and that is what we have to do in his memory...smile.

Laura Sharee Moon
Family Friend

June 6, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and sibling officers of Officer Newbill. May you rest in eternal peace our brother.

Detective Mark Techmanski
City of Syracuse, NY Police Department

June 6, 2007

Rest Easy Brother.

Lt. Andrew R. Vickers
MCC NY

June 4, 2007

I was off duty when I learned of Officer Newbill's death. Another Deputy with my department who knew that I was a graduate from U of I notified me of what had occured. I was shocked that something so terrible could have happened in the peaceful Moscow of my memories.

It was my interactions with Moscow PD officers like Officer Newbill that played a large part in influencing my decision to join law enforcement.

Rest in Peace brother, we've got the watch now.

Deputy Sheriff A. Ajir #359
Lane County Sheriff's Office/U of I grad

June 4, 2007

The cab of a pickup would jostle over ruts formed by rain, ice and snow and you could taste the dust of straw plowed into soil, grown into grain, and plowed under again drifting through the air. On either side of this sometimes straight, sometimes not country road you can see the occasional farmhouse dotting the gently rolling fields. People here are friendly, everyone within 20 miles is a neighbor, and driving 30 minutes to Moscow the nearest 'city' is what highschool kids and commuting adults do.

Lee Newbill lived out this stretch of road. He and his lovely wife Becky raised a beautiful family of three children, grown now into proud adults with families of their own, in their tall house at the base of our very small mountain. He was a sturdy Army soldier in his youth, a firm and humorous police officer as a man of wise years, a goofy and gentle grandpa to the new little people in his family.

I remember how Lee and Becky were driving by on my first disastrous foray into the brush on the back of my spooky little horse. They pulled right over and climbed out to cuddle me, kindly suppressing the laughter my pitiful sniffles engendered, while Russ chased down my irritated Arab.

Lee was the officer the library called when some naughty pre-teens were 'grinding' their blades on the Colleges' expensive granite walks. I remember trying to explain to the stern officer with a twinkle in his eye that these smooth tracts were the premier spot for rollerblading, and really these college folk were too uptight. skating away, a promise extracted to find 'rougher' fare for my wheels, I remember reassuring my friends that Lee was cool and he'd never tell our parents.

The little path through the trees between our house and his never had time to grow over, what with me, Tina and Lisa toddling back and forth, and Frank and Jeremy's continual nintendo game swaps.

A coast away, and years since I've been a 'neighbor,' and I miss him so much already.

Petty Officer 2nd Class (SW/AW)
USN

June 3, 2007

Rest in peace Lee, You are a true American Hero
May God be with your family and comfort them.

Officer R. Russell
Colville Tribal Police

June 2, 2007

Lee Newbill was my roommate at the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)Academy, session 130. Lee spoke highly of his wife, Becky, and how she was his best friend. Lee told me many stories of his wanderful children, Christina, Lisa, and Jeremiah. Lee would jokingly tell me of how having girls had made him old but how much he loved being a father. Lee and I would talk about our different experiences while in the Army. Lee told me he was very proud to have his children taking an interest in the military. Lee and I have stayed in touch through e-mails over the years and called each other when ever we were in each other's towns. This last year, I was in Moscow for some training, and was able to enjoy Lee and Becky's company over some drinks one evening. Lee's smiling face will be missed by many and I will miss the e-mails from my friend and partner in Law Enforcement.

Sgt. Eric Fieldstad
McCall Police Department / Classmate

May 31, 2007

Your Dad is a hero! My thoughts and prayers to the family.

Jennifer Sampietro
Wife of Cpl. John (Jay) Sampietro, Jr. E.O.W. 08-17-05
Missouri State Highway Patrol

Jennifer D. Sampietro

May 30, 2007

Dear God as I ready myself for a night of rest,
take care of my police officer he's the best.

Watch over him as he works the streets,
with danger and and violence surrounding his beat.

I pray every night he's able to come home,
because I don't want to grow old all alone.

I know I married for better or worse,
but some days God, his job is a curse.

So please hear my prayers, Dear God this night, because I am a police officers wife.

Author Unknown

Dearest Newbill Family,

May you find comfort in knowing that your extended family will always be here for you. Your brother and sisters love you all. Mrs. Newbill, I personally pray for you everyday, that each day will become easier for you. Please know, you are in our thoughts and prays.

Sincerely,

Jamie Springer
Proud wife of Deputy Springer

Jamie Springer, Wife of Deputy Springer

May 30, 2007

Rest in peace brother. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and department.

Officer Eric Golz
Long Beach Police Department

May 30, 2007

I just found out today that our neighbors 13 year old son had an opportunity to meet Officer Newbill about a week before his passing. As any 13 year old, the neighbor's son had lots of questions for Officer Newbill and Officer Newbill took the time to answer them all. Officer Newbill left quite an impression on that 13 year old young man. Needless to say, the young man was deeply saddened to hear that it was Officer Newbill who had been killed. The young man does realize that Officer Newbill is in a better place tho' ... no longer hurting.

Thank you Officer Newbill for all you've done for your family, friends, and community!

Heather
Citizen of Moscow

May 30, 2007

I will always remember Officer Newbill not only as one of the officers who has come to my classroom to talk with my students about safety but also as someone who was very determined. One day while I was standing in my classroom I looked out my window and saw Officer Newbill trying to conquer the segway. I do not know if this was before or after the infamous "crash" that Chief Weaver talked of. But I was able to witness Officer Newbill trying to defeat that machine. He would start riding and immediately run into the grass. I watched him for a good 20 minutes and felt that he was going to tame that thing no matter what. Unfortunately the students came in and I was unable to see if he ever did tame it. Now everytime I look out my window I will see Officer Newbill and that "wild" segway. My thoughts and prayers are with Officer Newbill's family and with the families of the other victims. You will be in our hearts always.

Kathy Vietmeier
teacher/wife of LCSO deputy

May 29, 2007

As a member of the family I want to thank all who have shown concern, gratitude, tears, and sympathy. Lee was a one of a kind. I also want to thank those who understand that my sister is a very private person and I know she greatly appreciates all the support. This is a hard time in the family as it is close to our father's death, but we remain strong as brought to us in our celtic heritage.

Since I met Lee when I was 15 we would always jokingly spat and as we grew older continued the joking. I will miss that.

Thank you again - it's overwhelming. Lee touched many and those who didn't know him, thank you for your prayers and thoughts.

Brenda Fouts DiPersio
Youngest Sister-in-law (the twerp)

May 28, 2007

Thoughts and prayers to the Newbill family and the law enforcement family.

Valerie Russo
University of Idaho

May 28, 2007

May GOD bless your family and friends at this time. They are in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace.

Shirley Roberts
Aunt of Fallen Hero John Logan EOW-3-14-04

May 27, 2007

Lee,
Thankyou for your dedicated service to our community. Your devotion to your job was evident in all your actions. It was just two weeks prior to the shooting that I went on a ride-along with you. I was very impressed by your honesty, intelligence, kindness, and loyalty to your job. Your humor came out when we were riding in the new test car and you joked about prying football players out of the back seat with a shoe horn. Lee, I just don't know how to express my overwhelming gratitude for your response that Saturday night. You rushed to protect myself and the other four in the sheriff office. As I lay on the floor, I heard you over the radio. I will never forget your sacrifice. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) May the Lord God comfort your family and give them peace.

Chantelle Nieuwsma
Latah County Sheriff Dispatcher

May 27, 2007

You are in my prayers.

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

May 27, 2007

Lee,
when I worked for Moscow P.D., I remember how we always griped or complained when you or the other nightwatch guys called us about an open door or suspicious person. I was surprised when you became first became a policeman. I thought, you're so easygoing, older, etc. I just realized we have more in common than I thought. You'll be missed buddy. Scott

Cpl. Scott Mikolajczyk
Latah County Sheriff's Office

May 27, 2007

To the Newbill family, military family, and the police family,
My heart was greatly saddened at the loss of your own. I have made my children watch the memorial and have watched it several times since. My heart saddened, yet is gladdened at the insurmountable showing of support, not only for the family(ies) of Officer Newbill, but the many communities who have been made witness to such a horrific, tragic event standing united for all of you.
Officer Newbill was obviously an awesome father, a true friend and loyal beyond compare to his many uniforms. He defended our freedom, he defended his community, and he defended his family in so many ways, there is no way to say thank you enough to such an honorable man.
To Merrill “Bud” and Mary Newbill, you truly raised a wonderful son, no parent should ever have to lose a child, but in reflecting on his life you truly did a remarkable job and filled him with a sense of honor, duty, loyalty and values beyond compare, for these traits you should be proud, and thank you.
For Rebecca “Becca” I am so sorry that you have lost your love and life partner. He is looking over you still until you can join him. He was truly blessed to have such an adoring loving wife who in turn blessed him with three beautiful children. I know it is hard not to be sad, and maybe feel empty in a time like this, but believe me, he never wanted to leave your side, and is still beside you as you walk through life. Please don’t be sad for too long, he’d not want that, but rejoice in the life you both shared.
To Christina, Lisa and Jeremiah, your father gave you so many things, and although you may have fought against him as most children do, he knew that you loved him so very much. He did a wonderful job in instilling the values he held dear onto all of you, loved each of you without condition and supported you. In the end that is what a true parent does. Your father has passed in life, but not in your hearts, and as he walks beside your mother, he still looks over all of you and your beautiful children. I know that this is a difficult time for all of you, but because of your fathers love each of you will carry him on. Because of this he is truly not gone. Bless your children with the values that your father passed onto you, be good to one another, and support each other right now, and your father will smile down upon you and you will truly be blessed.
For the many uniformed families, you have lost a brother and your loss isn’t just felt in the brotherhood it is felt in communities all over. Try to continue in the footsteps of this brother and tell his stories often. Great men like Officer Newbill should never be forgotten, and in your stories he will live on in hearts and minds for many years to come.
Finally for the man who shattered so many lives, find a way to forgive him. It will not be easy, but in Lees’ passing, and is standing at heavens gate I am sure he was asked if he forgave the man who did this to him, and from the many voices I’ve heard about Lee, he said father as I’ve been forgiven for my sins and trespasses, I have forgiven this man for his sins and trespass against me.
Bless all of you and my prayers are with all of you.
L.Pruett

May 27, 2007

The prayers and condolences of my family go out to Lees immediate and extended families. I was a high school classmate and teammate of Lees and although we had lost touch through the years I am greatly saddened to hear of his passing.

RIP Lee, may God take you into his house and hold you close.

Jay Simcox
Classmate

May 27, 2007

You are a true hero my brother. Rest easy - We will miss your here where men like you make a difference. You will never be forgotten.

3430

trooper

May 26, 2007

I want to express my gratitude for Officer Newbill and his family's sacrifice. I can never justify the chaos related to the loss of one of our gaurdians, the loss of someone whom protects us and our country. I know if he had another chance to change the situation, he would have reacted the same, honorably. I am honored that I was able to participate in his memorial. I thank you, Officer Newbill, for keeping my family safe by keeping the wolf away from our doors.

Respectfully,
SSgt Kandiyeli
United States Marine Corps

Staff Sergeant Kandiyeli
United States Marine Corps

May 26, 2007

I am honored to have had the aquaintance of Officer Newbill. I met Lee almost 4 years ago when I started dating my now wife, who considers Lee as a second Father. At the time I was a fellow Police Officer and my first impression of Lee will always be a lasting impression. I saw immediately that Lee was a steadfast honorable person. I didnt get much opportunity to personally know Lee which I deeply regret. Ive heard lots of great stories about Lee from my father in Law and from my wife.
My law enforcement career ended three years ago after a crash that left me in a wheelchair. There have been two times in that three years that I have been upset more than normal because I cant stand on my two feet. The first time was at my wedding, that Lee attended, to honor my union with my wife. The second time was today at Officer Newbill's Memorial. I was the only person in that dome sitting the entire time. I wish I could have just had that short hour and a half to stand on my own two feet and salute and honor such a true Hero!
To Officer Newbill, the whole Newbill family, friends, and the law enforcement community I honor you and your all in my prayers.
Lee, youve got a great family, one to be very proud of. If all the people in the world did such a wonderful job with their families as you and Becky have, there wouldnt be the problems we have today.
God needed a special angel this day, go be with him and walk those streets of Heaven with pride, youve left the legacy of a true Hero on the hearts of those youve touched.

Tom McTevia
Former Orofino Police Officer

May 26, 2007