Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Roland J. Brewster

Newark Housing Authority Police Department, New Jersey

End of Watch Wednesday, January 12, 1972

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Reflections for Police Officer Roland J. Brewster

Officer Brewster,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Newark. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 12, 2022

Officer Brewster, your brave and selfless actions that day define the word hero. Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice are always remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

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

October 12, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Brewster.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 26, 2019

MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES... There isn’t many that will ever understand the belly of the beast until you’ve made your way to the South.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

- 123rd.

Southward
NPD

July 15, 2019

I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save. 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.

Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,

Abraham Lincoln

Lieutenant E.Kemmer
Nevada Department of Public Safety

October 4, 2018

Officer Brewster, today marks the 44th anniversary of your murder. It is nice to know that your family has held your memory so dear. Though you were taken physically by creatures who have been cast aside by history, you never truly left them, or anyone else who knew and loved you. A true hero.

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

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

January 12, 2016

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Laslater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 12, 2012

The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) in Newark is attempting to locate members of the Brewster family, please contact us at your earliest convenience, thank you.

Jim Stewart Jr
Newark Police FOP

June 3, 2010

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

February 25, 2009

Hey Dad. It's your little man here, now 36. You were gone 3 weeks before I was born. I only saw your pictures and heard so many great things about you. I used to wonder why Mom would cry at night sometimes and when I was old enough to understand, she told me. You were gone before your wedding and my birth. But she cried the most because God created me in your likeness exactly. From the walk, talk, attitude, and so on. Your 2 year old Grandson-Bryan saw your picture in the livingroom and said to your 11 yr. old Grandson-Brandon and 6 yr. old Granddaughter-Briana, "look at Daddy." It is you Dad in the picture he was so anxious about. Your Daughter-in-Law France says she sees why Mom was so protective of me. Until we meet Dad. We miss you.

Roland Jr.
His Son

August 22, 2008

Rest in peace my Brother.

Kevin T Ryan
Ex- New Jersey Cop

January 11, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

January 4, 2008

The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 12, 2007

We here at the Newark Police Museum will keep your memory alive forever. Thank you for your faithful and dedicated service and rest in peace.

Curator Edward J. Dalley, Sr.
Newark Police Museum

July 23, 2006

To those I Love and Those Who Love Me

When I am gone, release me, Let me go
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,
Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it's time I traveled alone.

So grieve a while for if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a while that we must part
So bless the memories within your heart,

I won't be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll
Hear all of my love around you soft and clear

And when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say,
"Welcome Home"

January 8, 2005

To the family and friends of this brave officer. I have just completed the new web site for the Fraternal Order of Police Newark Lodge#12 and would like to take a moment to thank all of these men for giving me one of the most spiritual experiences in my life. I felt that each and every one of these officers were at my side guiding me to the completion of the sites "In Memory Of..." page. God Bless and Thank You!

Tom Tortorici
AJ Projections

February 19, 2004

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