Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Kelly, the horrors you faced that day, now 16 years ago, are hard to imagine. Your courage and that of your colleagues on the scene is to be respected for all eternity.

God Bless you, Brother and may your rest be ever peaceful.

I also hope and pray that the other injured Officers fully recovered from their injuries, both physical and mental. My heart goes out to them and especially to those who knew and loved you best that live with the memory of that day and every day since.

Officer Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department (Retired)

April 4, 2025

Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:

“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]

[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]

And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

January 7, 2024

Thanks Officer Kelly for your bravery. Your off-duty response is indicative of the type of person you were. You went to the sound of gunfire to save your fellow officers. What more can be asked of a fellow comrade? I thank you as well for your USMC service. You went above and beyond the call of duty and I thank you for your sacrifice and distinguished service. You honor out profession.

Jim Lopey, Asst. Sheriff (ret) & NVD
Washoe County Sheriff (Reno, Nv.) & NVDPS

April 4, 2022

I served with Eric "Guy" Kelly in the United States Marine Corp. We were in the same platoon on Parris Island summer of 1988. Platoon 3068. Upon graduating boot camp Eric and I found ourselves at the Military Police School on Lackland AFB. It was a combined services academy. He and I quick became friends. Years later we had lost touch and I was corresponding with another of our fellow jarheads who told me about Eric. I was shocked, but he is an absolute hero. It does not surprise me at all that he gave all to assist his fellow officers. This message is way too late to bring much comfort to his family, but he was a great man and a damn fine Marine. I am privileged to have known him and to call him my friend. God bless him and his family.

Scott McQuillan

May 28, 2021

To these three brave officers, their families and loved ones and to the brave men and women of the Pittsburgh Police Department, especially the ones who also responded and assisted that day, God Bless and God Speed. Officer Kelly, your selfless actions that day define heroism and demonstrate how police are never fully off duty. Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

April 4, 2021

What a hero. I was not aware of his story until I saw his name on the back of the Steeler’s QB Ben Rothlisberger’s helmet. God bless his wife and girls and family and all the Officers who loved and worked with him. Bless the brave officers who put themselves in danger trying to save him.

Deputy’s Wife
BCSD

January 10, 2021

To all of the men & women police officers of the GREAT country whom gave their all to protect the citizens of thier community, rest in peace.......we will never forget!

Michael K Kidd
tax paying American citizen

September 23, 2020

Officer Kelley, 11 years ago today you and your partners where horrifically ambushed and murdered while trying to protect a mother from her son. Your killer will never be able to hurt anybody else again He deserved the death penalty which he got in 2011 . God Bless you and thank you for your service to your country and to the people of Pittsburgh. Rest easy

Mark Mottola

April 4, 2020

Hey Eric: The city held a wonderful service in your honor. Your family was there. I stopped by in the afternoon. You are missed. I will never forget that day and being there. I can't believe it is 10 years already. I am sure you're with GOD and may GOD be with your family.

Margo, LE LODD Survivor, Ret. Pittsburgh {PA} Rescue 1 & PATF1; Monroeville FD

April 4, 2019

Officer Kelly,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC. You were off-duty yet you responded-thats says everything about the kind of man and police officer you are. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

April 4, 2019

Rest in peace

Lieutenant Raymond Flores
NYPD (retired)

April 4, 2019

Scripture assures us that, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called [children] of God.” Matthew 5:9 ESV and “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 ESV.

Rev. Dr. Steven Robert Closs, DD, MSBS
Licensed & Ordained Independent Christian Minister
The Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
“An Intercessory Prayer Ministry for Law Enforcement”
Chartered by the National Association of Christian Ministers
Merrimack, NH 03054

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DD, MSBS
Merrimack NH Police Department

July 29, 2018

I remember the day you said your joining the force, and I was happy for you be joining us. We had good laughs together, played ball together, and worked together. It was good to have that personal relationship with someone on this job. However that day 4-4-09 will always remain on the coldest days of my life. I lost three co-workers that day and one really good friend. Rest easy my brother rest easy......

MPO Michael l. Gay, Sr.
Pittsburgh Police 24 year veteran

May 16, 2018

Eric: I will never forget that day and being there. I can't believe it is 9 years already. I am sure you're with GOD and may GOD be with your family. RIP..

Margo
Ret. Pittsburgh Rescue 1

April 4, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service to this country.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

April 4, 2018

Just read your story. Sadly too similar to my sons. You are a brave hero. Thank you for your dedication to serve. May you rest in peace. May your family be comforted by their loving precious memories with you.

Survivor G. Birkholz
Mother of Officer Craig Birkholz EOW 3/20/2011

April 3, 2018

You are not forgotten.
Rest Well, Officer Kelly

Pittsburgh Resident
Friend

June 8, 2017

I still can't believe your gone, it still hurts just like it was yesterday

Jake Hartwell Family
Family

April 6, 2017

"When a good man is hurt, all who would be called good must suffer with him.”

Euripides

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

December 12, 2015

Rest in peace Eric God bless you and your family!

Pittsburgh City police officer retired #
Pittsburgh City Police

November 12, 2015

Rest in peace Eric God bless you and your family !

Pittsburgh City police officer retired #
Pittsburgh City Police

November 12, 2015

A Hero in Heaven, always remembered and never forgotten.

Kim Weigand Mom of Sgt. Mike Weigand
PA C.O.P.S.

April 4, 2015

RIP Brother. May you be with GOD and may GOD be with your family.

Det. Russ Cain
Pittsburgh PD

March 12, 2015

It has been 4 years but your sacrifice is not forgotten. Thank you for your service, may you rest in peace.

Amy R. Cafardi

April 4, 2013

I am in awe of the bravery and sense of duty displayed by this fine young Police Officer.

F/Lt. Michael Fulcher (retired)
Washtenaw County Sheriff

December 6, 2012