Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Judgment Day for a Policeman

The policeman stood and faced his God
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shiny,
Just as brightly as his brass.

“Step forward now, Policeman
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?”

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
“No, Lord, I guess I ain’t,
Because those of us who carry badges
Can’t always be a saint.

I’ve had to work most Sunday’s
And at times my work was rough,
And sometimes I’ve been violent
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny
That wasn’t mine to keep,
I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills just got too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I’ve wept unmanly tears.

I know I don’t deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you’ve a place for me here, Lord
It needn’t be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don’t, I’ll understand.”

There was silence all around the Throne
Where the Saints had often trod,
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

“Step forward now, policeman,
You’ve borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven’s streets,

LEO Supporter and friend

September 28, 2008

I don't know exactly what to write, but there are tears in my eyes as I think of a man who I never met. It hurts to think of the great loss you represent and my heart goes out to your friends, co-workers, and family.

Often I worry about my brother. He is also my best friend. I know the selflessness that comes with giving your life to this profession and it upsets me greatly that so often people don't understand or stop to consider what it means to be an officer.

Thank you, Officer McDonald. Sadly, you really had to give your life. If your friends and family are reading this I hope they know that my heart goes out to them. Truly, deeply. I'm sorry, so sorry, for your loss. When you love an officer your heart becomes vulnerable to chance and circumstance.

This was hideous.

I can only imagine your pain.

Officer McDonald obviously lived for what being a part of the PD means and did everything he could.

My heart, thoughts, and condolences go out to everyone who knew this man.

Rest in pride for a city you lived to protect.

Stephanie
West Philly, sister of a PO in another city

September 28, 2008

RIP my Brother in blue,may God be with you and your family.

Deputy Sheriff Patrick Englishby #2708
Forsyth County Sheriffs Office Georgia

September 28, 2008

im sorry that officer patrick mcdonald has become another victim of a senseless act of violence while protecting us from the thugs of society i believe right now he is in a much better place with JESUS

terence kuchera

September 28, 2008

Dear Officer McDonald...I just heard over the weekend that you grew up with my cousin who is also in the force with you. I'm so sorry for your loss and I hope all of your brothers and sisters know we truly are thankful for all you do everyday to keep our lives safe everyday. You will be missed very much. Rest in Peace.

Anonymous

September 28, 2008

Thank you Lord Jesus for this Officer's time and service and I pray for the peace to cover the family. In Jesus name. Amen.

Lt Gary Langston
Choctaw Nation Tribal Police

September 28, 2008

Rest in peace sir

Deputy L. Benson
Yolo County Sheriff (Woodland, CA)

September 28, 2008

My prayers to the family and dept. of the fallen officer who gave his life in protecting the city of Philadelphia. May your city recover and carry on your service with courage. Thank you for a job done well. We will always remember how many more lives you may have saved that day.

VIP
Ventura Calif. police dept

September 28, 2008

Rest in Peace Brother.

Sgt. R. Gregson
BART Police Department

September 27, 2008

My daughter received a text from a friend and told me that another police officer was killed. I asked the name b/c much like most Northeast philly residents I have a lot of friends neighbors, and family members who are in the dept. Afterwards I went into the shower and sobbed. How could this be?????

Thank you to you PO McDonald. Thank you PPD!
To the citizens wake up!!!Protecting the scum in your neighborhood will not make your neighborhood any safer it will just help them continue..

I will pray for all entire PPD everyday!

Bridget
Citizen of Philly

September 27, 2008

Godspeed to this officer....My thoughts and prayers going out to his family, friends and brother and sister officers. Stay strong during this trying time. Well wishes to the other injured officer as well.

Police Officer
Chicago Police Dept

September 27, 2008

To the family of Officer McDonald,

I can not begin to express my deepest sympathy. Patrick will always be apart of the law enforcement family. May god bless him and his enitre family. We all feel your loss.
Stay Strong

Police Officer
Anne Arundel County Police Dept (Md)

September 27, 2008

GOD BLESS OFFICER McDONALD, HIS FAMILY AND THE ENTIRE PHILADELPHIA POLICE DEPARTMENT. WE ALL SHARE YOUR LOSS. REST IN PEACE BROTHER.

RET. DETECTIVE PATRICK O'CONNOR
NEW YORK CITY P.D.

September 27, 2008

Thank you for your service Officer McDonald. My prayers go out to you and your family during this tragic time. May you Rest In Peace.

Police Officer
Springfield PD (Maryland)

September 27, 2008

GOD BLESS OFFICER McDONALD, HIS FAMILY AND ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE PHILADELPHIA POLICE DEPARTMENT. THE NYPD SHARES YOUR PAIN.

RET. DET. PATRICK O'CONNOR
NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

September 27, 2008

It is very sad to learn about Patrolman McDonald's death. As A police officer assinged to the traffic enforcement unit I, know how dangerous these traffic stop can be. We shall all remember that Patrolman McDonald made that ultimate sacrifice serving the city Philadelphia, as a former resident of philadelphia I,know first hand how the streets are down there, and we shall always remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice all over the country and abroad. Never forget that Patrolman McDonald died as a Hero. Rest In Peace Brother, we all here in the BPD's TEU have you in our prayers. The watch is ours now.

Police Officer Rene Sanchez
Boston Police Department, Boston Ma.

September 27, 2008

My husband is a police officer in the 35th. Our thoughts and prayers are with the McDonald family. God bless you and may Officer McDonald find peace in heaven.

Katie Straus

September 27, 2008

MY CONDOLENCES TO OFFICER MCDONALD'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE AND MAY GOD WATCH OVER YOU.

RETIRED DETECTIVE FRANK DEMARCO
NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

September 27, 2008

Rest in peace brother.

Larry Anderson Refuge Officer
USFW St. Marks Florida

September 27, 2008

RIP, Officer McDonald. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family, and to your extended family in blue at the Philadelphia PD.

C M Reese, Police Dispatcher
Arizona Dept of Public Safety

September 27, 2008

Rest easy Patrick you are loved and missed by your brother law enforcement officers. Keep watching us from heaven. God bless his family and fellow officers during this time of loss.

Detective John Campbell
Chicago Police

September 27, 2008

I can not even imagine how numb you all in Philadelphia are right now but know that you are still strong in each other and in the fact that although he is gone you once were blessed with a great officer in Patrick McDonald. And that he will be watching over all of Philadelphia's finest from heaven. Rest now my brother in blue you have ended your tour with grace and dignity.

Officer
Chicago Police

Anonymous

September 26, 2008

God Bless you Pat! It was a honor & a pleasure to be your co-worker, Team Mate, and most of all friend! Rest in peace #34! The pleasure was all mine!

Sgt.Dante Coccia
Philadelphia PD & Blueflame #3

September 26, 2008

God bless you Officer McDonald! My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and fellow officers. You will be missed! Rest in peace. Thanks you for all your good work.

Pat Sharpe
concerned citizen

September 26, 2008

Rest in Peace sir, you and all others will never be forgotten! Thank you for your service, and god be with you and your loved ones.

Ofc. Aaron P. Sparks
Newbury Police Department N.H.

September 26, 2008