Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Over 30,000 people attended your funeral. It was quite a sight. Rest in Peace.

July 20, 2007

God Bless you Brother rest in peace.We will try to keep it safe down here, keep us safe from up there.You will never be forgotten.RIP.

Sgt. Tom Ginty
NYC DEP

July 20, 2007

The "Thin Blue Line" has lost another great officer. I am grateful for his service and sacrifice. My prayer for his family and friends is the same of President Licoln's for the mother of a fallen soldier: "I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom."

Chaplain
White County Sheriff's Department, Arkansas

July 20, 2007

May you rest in peace. We are all safer because of you. To your family we are very sorry for your loss. You are not alone. We all feel your pain. Please know he died doing what he loved.

Sister LPD #288

July 20, 2007

Rest in Peace brother. God Bless your entire family. God's Justice Will Be Done.

PO Holmes
NYPD 75/84 Pct

July 20, 2007

You gave up your life protecting ours. Thank You. Rest in Peace.

Julia

July 20, 2007

"On the day that Russel Timoshenko graduated from the Police Academy in June 2006, I was honored to be there at Madison Square Garden to welcome him into the department.

When a group of people dedicate their lives to protecting you and your family, you feel a deep responsibility to make sure that every one of them comes home safely at the end of each day. It breaks my heart when that doesn't happen.

Russel gave his life so we could live ours - safely and peacefully.

On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want to tell you that we are deeply saddened . . . and eternally grateful. I promise we will do everything in our power to make sure that the men who committed this awful crime are brought to swift and full justice.

And as a small measure of our appreciation for the supreme sacrifice that Russel made, and to honor his life, we are posthumously promoting him to the rank of Detective.

From the moment Russel was brought into this world, his family knew this was a very special boy. They still marvel at how well he could speak, even before he was a year old. People would stop on the streets just to talk with this amazing eloquent baby.

But no one thought he was more amazing than his grandmother - his babushka. She took special care of him, making sure he was warm and that he was eating. Always eating.

When he was still young, his parents gave up everything and left Belarus in search of a better life for their only child. That sense of sacrifice clearly has always run in the family.

Here in Brooklyn, Russel really came into his own and before long he was demonstrating those characteristics that others would come to know well: Humor . . . responsibility . . . leadership. He was only 9, and didn't speak any English - but that didn't stop him from taking his younger cousins under his wing.

Russel always seemed to be a step ahead of everyone - on the lacrosse field at Tottenville High School . . . in the classroom at City College . . . He was a true leader. And it wasn't too long before Russel started talking about wanting to make a difference - about being a hero for others.

He could have done anything with his life; he was a top student, with the charisma and common sense to take him as far as he wanted to go. But Russel set his sights on the NYPD.

He heard the call to duty - and during the year and a half he was on the force, he gave it everything he had. Devoted. Enthusiastic. He never complained. A lot of people said that - they never once heard him complain. There was always a smile on his face - and kindness in his eyes.

Serving others was in Russel's heart - although I've heard there was a lot more to him than that:

The thrill of adventure - which drove him to go skydiving and traveling to the Dominican Republic and Amsterdam with his friends . . .

The yellow motorcycle he bought a couple of years ago - which meant that from then on, his family could hear him coming home from a block away . . .

His commitment to health and fitness - even though that commitment didn't stand a chance when it came to his Uncle Sergey's cakes. (And don't even talk about peanut butter - how could anyone want to eat peanut butter all day long?)

Leonid . . . Tatyana . . . Your loss is unimaginable. You came to this country with all the hopes and dreams of any parents. And now - something awful has happened here.

I know there are few words that can bring you comfort during this terrible moment, but I want you to know that you are not alone.

You weren't alone during those difficult days in the hospital - because the whole city shared your anguish. And you aren't alone now - because the NYPD, in many ways, is one big family . . . and when we lose one of our own, we all lose a part of ourselves.

Russel became the hero he always wanted to be by joining the NYPD. And by stopping that car, he and Herman Yan helped us capture three career criminals whose appetite for evil knew no bounds - and saved who knows how many future victims . . . people who will never know how lucky they are.

They can't thank Russel. But they would. And they would call him what he is - a hero.

Dear family and friends . . . we pray for you, and for the quick recovery of Russel's grandfather.

Although you will miss Russel terribly, you can be sure that God will watch over him in Heaven. And if God happens to be a little busy at some point, then you know babushka will be taking care of him - and insisting that he's eating.

May God bless Russel Timoshenko - may his memory be eternal. May God bless all of those he has touched.

And may God continue to bless the NYPD."

Eulogy Speech of Michael Bloomberg
Mayor of New York City

July 20, 2007

Officer Timoshenko,

May God Bless you & your family and know the hurt never goes away, but the sacrifice you all made will also never be forgotten. You and your fallen brothers & sisters are truly guaridan angels sent to patrol our towns, cities and communities and all of us civilians owe you our eternal gratitude.

THANK YOU
sister of PO Gary Pagano
New Rochelle Police Dept.
EOW: Sept. 14, 1982

Michelle & Jack Gale
sister of a fallen officer

July 20, 2007

Rest in peace brother. We have lost a real hero. Your heroic acts and courage will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and department.

Officer Eric Golz
Long Beach Police Department

July 20, 2007

I met a few N.Y. Officers when they came down to help after Katrina I did not met you but I'am sorry for the lost to Timoshenko family and the N.Y. Police Dept. R.I.P. Brother.

Sgt. Kenneth Latour
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

July 19, 2007

We are so very blessed to have individuals like you in this world. Your heroism and courage inspire each and every one of us who wear the uniform. With each day that passes you will be remembered for all that you have given.

May your family be blessed, and may they find strength in our prayers.

"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

July 19, 2007

RIP, my brother.

PO
NYPD

July 19, 2007

God Bless You Detective Timosenko. From the moment you were shot I prayed you would make a full recovery.I did not want to see you paralyzed for the rest of your life on a ventilator, nor to lay brain dead.God called you home, not to protect Heaven (The Almighty has that pretty much covered up there LOL)but to be safe and happy with your loved ones up there.Your parents will one day be re-united with you again,and will know the joy of holding you again. All of us down here will be honored to meet you when the time comes.Until then may Jesus shine his light upon you. God Bless.

Tricia
New Yorker Police Officers Daughter

July 19, 2007

I found this memorial page when one of our young officers gave his ultimate sacrifice just short of a month ago. It breaks my heart to read of so many before, and also so many after his death. I honor your service to the citizens. I offer my deepest sympathy to your parents, family, friends, fellow brother and sister officers, and entire department, also to the dispatchers , where as I know, that it is the most horrid thing to happen, when you hear an officer is down.I look at your young face, and think of my two sons, both older then you, and can not imagine what your parents are going through. My prayers are out there for your injured partner that they may have a full recovery. There are no words of comfort to offer at times such as these. Only hoping and praying that they all know there are so many people out there, that do not personally know you, but still keeping you and them in their prayers. I know that the angels have carried you far into the heavens above, where as God has you 10-4 forever in his loving care. "A Hero does not becoome a Hero by their death, but by how they lived their life."Peace be with you and God Bless!

Police Dispatcher Sara Singleton
Howard County Maryland Police Communications 911 Center

July 19, 2007

WORDS CANT DESCRIBE WHAT I WOULD DO IF I GOT MY HANDS ON THESE VICIOUS KILLERS.PLEASE GOD WATCH OVER RUSSEL AND HIS FAMILY FOREVER.THANKS RUSS FOR TRYING TO KEEP THIS CRUMMY CITY SAFE AND GETTING PAID PEANUTS TO DO SO THANKS TO OUR CHEAPASS MAYOR.WHAT A DAMN SHAME.YOU WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS BUDDY.

RETIRED DET.
N.Y.P.D.-BRONX NARCOTICS

July 19, 2007

Bishop Gabriel, members of the clergy, Mayor Bloomberg; to Russel’s father and mother, to the many friends and family members gathered here today, and to his fellow officers, on behalf of the New York City Police Department, I extend my deepest condolences.

Russel was a remarkable young man. Only 23 years old, disciplined, ambitious, enthusiastic, inspired by love of his new country, motivated to serve his beloved city, and dedicated to the mission of the New York City Police Department.

He came to the U.S. from Belarus when he was nine years old and quickly adopted American ways. We know that he was a gifted athlete.

His remarkable physical strength, speed, and agility emerged when he was just a boy playing basketball in Bay Ridge. And when his family moved to Staten Island, lacrosse became his game.

Within days of the move, he met his next-door neighbor, the young man who would become a close friend, Nick Gentile. Throughout high school and college, Nick and Russel would talk about a future in the Police Department.

While some friends tried to persuade him to join a department in another city - San Francisco, Phoenix, or Miami - Russel would not think of leaving New York.

He loved the energy and the challenge of the city. And so, in January 2006, a year after his friend Nick, Russel joined the NYPD. Knowing that his parents would be concerned, he did not tell them until the end of his first day at the Academy, when he came home wearing the grey shirt and blue pants of a recruit.

Even though it was difficult, his parents accepted and respected their son’s decision. I am told that when Russel graduated from the academy that June, in the top 15% of his class, his family gave him a party.

Russel stood up and said a few words in Russian, explaining why he wanted to become a police officer: “I want to go to work each day and help people,” he said. “I want to come home each night and feel good about what I have done.”

After graduation, Russel was assigned to Operation Impact in the 70th precinct in Brooklyn. And this past January, to the 71st.

Russel was part of a loose-knit fellowship of officers born in Russia who helped one another. When they told jokes in Russian, Russel would translate for the benefit of those who couldn’t understand a word.

He worked the midnight-to-eight, the late tour, where his fellow officers recall his many acts of generosity - whether it was lending collar brass to a colleague, or offering to do mandatory overtime for someone who could not, or buying a meal for a friend. I have heard that he loved to make people laugh with his impersonation of Arnold Schwarzenegger.

I know that his commitment to physical fitness was legendary. When he worked the midnight shift, he would arrive at the precinct at 10:30 to get in a quick workout before the 11:15 pm roll call. Then, after eight hours on patrol, when others were exhausted and heading home, Russel would get in another workout.

He coaxed and encouraged his fellow officers to get in better shape. And he was famous for handing out power bars.

He had an infectious sense of fun and an exuberance that drew people to him. In his young career, Russel made 15 arrests, 3 for felonies, including, this past June, a rape suspect.

Russel made his last arrest on July 7th, just two days before he was shot. He apprehended an individual who was not only in possession of an illegal knife, but who also had four outstanding criminal warrants.

Russel never talked about the dangers of the job. He was simply devoted to the work and the opportunity it gave him to safeguard the city.

Russel had a tattoo of an angel on his back, an emblem of his role as a guardian here on earth.

When Russel got out of his patrol car in the early morning hours of July 9, he confronted mortal danger on behalf of all New Yorkers. He made the ultimate sacrifice so that others would be safe. We are obliged to his memory and to his family never to forget that sacrifice. And we won't.

Leonid, Tatyana, you will always be part of the NYPD family. May God bless you, and may God bless Russel, always.

Remarks of Police Commissioner Ray Kelly
Eulogy for Police Officer Russel Timoshenko

July 19, 2007

R.I.P. brother..I attended your service today and I will never forget your bravery and sacrifice. I pray for you family. Words cannot describe how I feel.

Trp.
NJSP

July 19, 2007

My sincere condolences to Ofc. Timoshenko's family, friends & coworkers. Thank you for your service.

Citizen
Grand Rapids, MI

July 19, 2007

My sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Police Officer Russel Timoshenko as well as to the New York City Police Department. Rest in peace Officer Timoshenko, you are gone but will not be forgotten...

Dispatcher Sue Rusch, CTO
Punta Gorda PD, Punta Gorda FL

July 19, 2007

Rest In Peace, Officer Timoshenko! Thank you for protecting us, citizens of New York.
Пусть Господь хранит Вашу семью и Вашу душу, Руслан! Пусть земля Вам будет пухом.

Dima
citizen

July 19, 2007

My heart goes out to the Timoshenko family,
Losting someone is difficult and reality is hard to comprehened. We will never understand why and there reasons. We do know that he's in a better place..
We understand the danger that these men and women face each and everyday and the worries that there families endure on a daily bases. It's to overwhelming for anyone person not to feel the lost of a stranger who loved doing his job..

GOD BLESS YOU MR.& MRS TIMOSHENKO, I KNOW RUSSEL WOULD WANT YOU TO REMEMBER HIS LIFE ALWAYS AND FOREVER

Raida Henriquez
sister to a fellow officer Sergent Siria Henriquez with 43rd Pre. Bx N

July 19, 2007

My heart goes out to the Timoshenko family,
Losting someone is difficult and reality is hard to comprehened. We will never understand why and there reasons. We do know that he's in a better place..
We understand the danger that these men and women face each and everyday and the worries that there families endure on a daily bases. It's to overwhelming for anyone person not to feel the lost of a stranger who loved doing his job..

GOD BLESS YOU MR.& MRS TIMOSHENKO, I KNOW RUSSEL WOULD WANT YOU TO REMEMBER HIS LIFE ALWAYS AND FOREVER

Raida Henriquez
sister to a fellow officer Sergent Siria Henriquez with 43rd Pre. Bx N

July 19, 2007

We laid you to rest today Russel. We've never met but you're one of our own. You fought the good fight and we are ALL proud to wear the same patch on our shoulders that you did. Words cannot express the sadness I feel. You will inspire us all to fight on. Thank you.

PO
NYPD

July 19, 2007

We are all one family, We feel the pain.
R.I.P.

Retired Det. Freytas
NYPD

July 19, 2007

Russel, thank you for your sacrifice for the people of NYC and for the country you call your home. You've earned your place at the table reserved for self-sacrificing, fallen warriors. Go, eat hardy, drink deeply, and share stories with your brothers and sisters who have gone before you, and be at peace. Look up my buddy, Dave, and tell him I still love him.

To Russel's parents, I'm sure that when you emigrated to America, it was to make a better life for your children. I'm sure that losing your son is not what you had in mind. However, please know that America and it's people thank you and your son for being the honorable people that you are. You have lost your son, but you have gained an entire law enforcement family. I understand that you would rather have your son back, and there is no shame in that wish. If all of those wishing to emigrate to America were of the same calibre and American Pride as you and your son, there would be no immigration debate. Words can't thank you enough. Lean on your new family.

Officer
California

July 19, 2007