Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My prayers are with the family, friends and coworkers of this hero, may God be with you all. Rest in peace Sgt. Szczerba, we will never forget the sacrifice you made.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02

Deb

September 18, 2011

'There's no greater love, then when a man lays down his life for a friend.' Thank you for your insurmountable sacrifice for the residents of this county. Although I did not know you personally, I join the mass of public safety family members who are hurting at your loss. I can never forget the distress in the voices of my coworkers or the glazed faces of your friends who were standing by you that night. We will never forget you or the family that you've left behind so soon. Rest in eternal peace.

Paramedic L. Hill
New Castle County EMS

September 18, 2011

."The Final Inspection"

The policeman stood and faced his God,

Which must always come to pass.

He hoped his shoes were shining.

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 Sundays,

and at times my talk 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....

Though I worked a lot of overtime

When the bills got just 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,

You've done your time in hell."

Author Unknown

Ofc. J. Allison #2651
New Castle County Police Department

September 18, 2011

Rest in peace Sergeant Szczerba!
You will not be forgotten!

Willie Bell Hopewell VA!
Friend Of All Law Enforcement Officers!

September 18, 2011

Prayers go out to the family, friends, and co-workers. This is a difficult reminder of the inherent risks of every encounter we make in law enforcement. Thank you for your service and God bless the entire New Castle County Police Department as they cope with the tragic loss of an outstanding officer.

Eric Lawson
United States Probation Office, Pittsburgh, PA

September 18, 2011

God bless you Joe.

S/CPL FRANCIS CRAFT
NEW CASTLE COUNTY POLICE

September 17, 2011

my prayers are with the family and friends of sergeant joseph szczerba

carol-randall-shehorn-hugli
citizen

September 17, 2011

For Sergeant Joseph Szczerba:

The duty of a law officer remains dangerous thoughout our career, starting the day we first pinned on the badge. The incident that takes an officer's life is not predictable, despite our training and experience. We regret that Joe would be the next law officer to lose his life while serving those he swore to protect. We laud his comrades who brought his killer swiftly to justice. We remain bonded always - and forever.

We pray for Joe's family, friends, co-workers and all who care about him. May they be ready to reach-out to one another in the days ahead/

We are proud to render a final salute to Sergeant Joesph Szczerba, a valiant and brave soldier-of-the-law.

Cpl. Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
Pennsylvania State Police

September 17, 2011

Thoughts and prayers...

Trooper
Virginia State Police

September 17, 2011

God bless you and your family. RIP Brother

DSS SA
Fellow LEO & Sallies Grad

September 17, 2011

I never worked with you but knew you were a Sallies man. You had a professional appearance. We met on a few calls and I was impressed with your exemplary performance, communication skills, and excellent problem solving abilities.

My time was short at the agency but your body language showed me that you were a future leader and I was right. I know that one of the sergeants who responded was my son's mentor at North East High School in Md. My prayers are out to your family. I am assured that the New Castle County will support your wife and family. Jesus will help your family through these difficult times. Father Murphy will be there for you. He was there for me.

For the officers at the scene, you did the best that you could do. You will never forget and being traumitized, you should seek help if needed. I have been down this road as well.

Retired Sgt. C. Greenhill
New Castle County Police

September 17, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are for the family of Sgt. Szczerba, and the officers of the New Castle Co PD. Rest in peace Sgt.

Ptlm Kevin Smith
Nether Providence Twp PD, Wallingford, PA

September 17, 2011

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO.

Deputy J. D. Davis
Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office

September 17, 2011

Watching you nephew play with Penn State and they mentioned your passing. You are a true hero. Gods speed Sir. Rest in Peace.

C Hamilton, citizen Surprise AZ.

September 17, 2011

You've served your time in hell brother, we'll take it from here. God Bless.

Cpl J.E. Guzman
Nashville, NC Police Department

September 17, 2011

Everytime we say goodbye,see you later we always take for granite you will return. I can't imagine what the family is going through right now.My thoughts and prayers go out to you.I am so very sorry for your lose.

Daughter of retired police officer

September 17, 2011

As an employee of New Castle County Government Information Systems, I had the pleasure of meeting Joe on a couple of occassions. He was a soft spoken, quiet individual on the surface, but all cop on the inside.

My condolances and prayers to his family, friends, and coworkers.

Jim McElhinney Civillian Employee
New Castle County IS Division

September 17, 2011

There is little sadder than losing a man who is serving the community with his life. Although I no longer live in Delaware, close friends of mine knew this man and his family and I can feel their pain and loss.

Deepest sympathy to his family and the police family who have sustained this loss.

Michele Fields
Denver, CO

Michele Fields
Friends of good friends of Sgt. Szczerba

September 17, 2011

Our prayers are with your family, both on and off the job, and we share their loss. We will continue your work in your absence; you may rest now, your watch is covered.

(agency and identifying info witheld by directive)

just another road dawg
(unnamed municipal agency)

September 17, 2011

I am truley struggling today with the idea of my loved one returning to work on Sgt. Szczerba's squad, without his great leader. I find comfort knowing that Sarge is watching over him and all law enforcement officers as we protect and serve. Rest in Peace and keep us safe.

Det. J Forester
University of Delaware PD

September 17, 2011

Dear Lord Jesus and Mary, Mother of God,
Hold all these brave souls in the palm of your hand, comfort them and their families.
Send angels of protection, love, and comfort to all the police men and women patrolling our neighborhoods, bring them home safely.
For those who do not make it home, we thank you God for their honor and bravery to serve their communities.
We ask all our prayers in Jesus' name. Amen.

no rank
citizen who appreciates

September 17, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored, Peace Prayers & Blessings.
God Bless You And Your Family ......

Chief Rick J.Del Campo
Chery Hill Police Dept New Jersey

September 17, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with Sgt. Szczerba and his family and also with his brothers and sisters at NCCPD. I have a special affection for NCCPD. I am a graduate of NCCPD's Academy 6th Recuit Class, June 1976.
God Bless!

First Sergeant Jeff MacKenzie
Cecil County Sheriff's Office

September 17, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with Sgt Szczerba's family and with the New Castle County Police. Sgt Szczerba, rest in peace.....you've done your job well. You are in God's hands now....farewell brother.

Cpl John Breen
Delaware State Police

September 17, 2011

I went through the New Castle County police academy with Joe. He was an awesome example of what a police officer should be. He showed courage, honesty, integrity, respect, confidence yet he was also humble. I am heartbroken for his family and pray for their healing in this sad time. He was a great cop and a great person.. My last name was Torre at the time.

Andrea Endres
New CAstle County Police Academy

September 17, 2011