Our ‘True Blue’ Angels In Heaven 2013

State Trooper Ross M. Riley

This is a story of how this Hero LIVED: New York State Police, New York
State Trooper Ross M. Riley (SORT/MRT Units) – U.S. Marine – End Of Watch: 11-20-13: Trooper Ross Riley, 44, lost his life after falling more than 30 feet down the side of a cliff during high risk rescue training. Born with a soul that has courage to wear the badge, Trooper Riley had been Saving, Serving and Protecting the People for 17 years as a New York State Trooper. But his call to serve our beloved country and her People began in 1987 when Brother Ross took his oath as a proud Patriot of the United States Marine Corps.

 During his tour of duty, Brother Ross served valiantly and with distinction in the Persian Gulf Conflict and was the recipient of numerous commendations, awards, and medals (which included Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon and National Defense Medal, among others). Following his Honorable discharge in 1992, Ross took time to pursue a civilian career as a musician, where his gifted natural talents took him to amazing places, but his call to continue to serve was too great to ignore, and in 1996, he took his oath to serve as a New York State Trooper. And oh how he thrived …

Taking with him his attention to detail, his dedication to service, and all his training, Trooper Riley proved to be a tremendous asset to the agency. Assigned to Field Command, Emergency Management in Albany, this fearless, selfless, and courageous Warrior did it all. He worked in Troops A, E, and then F over the years. Trooper Riley had so much experience to share and yet he always took time to learn from others. This Brother knew that no matter how much you go through, you will never know it all. So he continued with great discipline in his training and eventually became a member of the elite Special Operations Response Team (SORT). The SORT Units carry out risky and dangerous operations, including counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, fugitive arrests, disaster relief, and more. But even this was not enough for our Valiant Brother. Trooper Riley also worked hard and in March of 2000 became a member of the Mobile Response Team (MRT),

and it was all because of his incredible sense to serve those in need. The NYSP MRT Unit responded to ground Zero immediately following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City. They received commendations for their work here, but it was knowing he was helping his fellow man that was the most rewarding for Trooper Riley. Brother Ross’s training as a Paramedic and EMS Instructor also played a big role in all he did saving lives.

Trooper Riley was a thinking man. Always looking for ways to better execute a plan and to hone skills, Brother Ross often came up with innovated ideas when things weren’t going as planned. And in this line of work, we all know how often that occurs! But this was one man not to be easily deterred … if there was a way, Ross would find it. Incredibly focused at any task at hand, fellow Troopers and local LEOs alike, always felt comforted just having Brother Ross on scene. And there was no call nor too volatile for this Warrior. Everything mattered and every one was important …

ad Trooper Riley made sure you knew and felt it. He never sat still either. Just full of energy, if something needed to get done, Ross was your go-to-guy … and he did it all with a smile and a wink.

When not in uniform, Brother Ross never strayed far from our big Blue Family. In fact, he was married to another True Blue. Together, Ross and Heidi Riley were a power couple in every way … from parents, to LEOs, to community members and everything in between. Their understanding of how this is not a 9-5 job, together this dynamic duo managed to work around the crazy schedules and keep their three daughters happy and taken care of. But their compassion did not stop at the front door. If there was an event to raise money or awareness for a fellow LEO or even a citizen, you could bet at least one of the Riley’s would be there volunteering and representing in the finest of fashion.

Even if it meant Ross showing up at a memorial service to play TAPS, which he did so beautifully. In fact, our Brother was an accomplished trumpet and bugle player and had been accepted into the Juilliard School performing arts conservatory. Music was Trooper Riley’s escape. His balance. Getting lost and turning the world off for those fleeting rare moments we get.
This Brave and Benevolent, Courageous and Compassionate Son, Husband, Father, and Brother Of Blue will be incredibly missed by so very many, especially his 3 young girls.

May we vow as his family to ensure our Brother’s legacy is never faded by taking a small piece of him with us when we enter the arena as we continue to create our own legacies. May we also vow to take care of his precious girls and help Heidi raise them as Ross would want. Trooper Ross Riley has shown us what it means to truly Live As Only A Hero Could … may we never forget.
On 20 November 2013 1130hours, SORT team members were training for high risk rescue at Letchworth State Park in Wyoming County.

Three members of the team rappelled down 70 feet into gorge onto a ledge in a ‘treat and rescue’ scenario. During this high angle rescue training, they were preparing to lift the stretcher when Trooper Riley fell from the ledge approximately 30 feet into Wolf Creek. Our Brother sustained critical head trauma, external and internal injuries. He was transported to the hospital but sadly, this proved to be our Brother’s final battle. State Trooper Ross M. Riley succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced. At this time, it appears Trooper Riley was not tethered at the time of his fall as is customary, but the reasons are not yet known. This is an ongoing investigation and we will update as permitted.

Ross leaves behind his beloved bride Heidi (NYSP Station Commander) and three daughters, Abaigeal, 10, Katherine, 8, and Jillian,3. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Riley family, the Men and Women of the New York State Police, the Patriots of the USMC, and to all whom have had the pleasure and the privilege of knowing and working along side this True Blue Hero. Special thoughts and prayers are with Ross’s team members who were with him during this tragic accident.

A very special thank you coupled with thoughts and prayers are with everyone who tried so desperately to save our Brother’s life, even while en route to the hospital.

Our Brother, as you now patrol the highways of Heaven may you continue your vigilant watch over us all as we carry on In Our Brother’s Honor. We thank you for your service and for your sacrifice. We thank you for your life. job Well Done, Sir.

Rest In Peace NYSP Trooper Ross M. Riley (SORT/MRT Units) … We Have The Watch From Here. SALUTE!
Semper Fi Marine!

~written by Nessie for True Blue Warriors with assistance from Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico for the New York State Police~
www.facebook.com/truebluewarriors – NYSP: http://www.troopers.ny.gov/
copyright2013 Nessie/TrueBlueWarriors.org
USMC: http://www.marines.com/home
services pending – we will update

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Law Enforcement Today

Liked · about an hour ago

IN MEMORIAM – TROOPER ROSS RILEY
New York State Police has sadly announced the death of Trooper Ross Riley. Trooper Riley, 44, was a member of the Special Operations Response Team. The SORT team was conducting a training exercise at the Letchworth State Park in Wyoming County. During the training exercise, Trooper Riley fell 30 feet into the river at the bottom of the gorge in the Park. The accident occurred shortly after 1:00 p.m. The cause of the accident is still under investigation. Mercy Flight Care airlifted Trooper Riley to Wyoming County Community Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Read More: http://lawenforcementtoday.com/2013/11/21/in-memoriam-–-trooper-ross-riley/
“Graphic created by Fellow Officer Rose Borisow GraFX”

Tags: Law Enforcement Today

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Posted with Permission..  ~Nessie~

THANK a Police Officer … TODAY.

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Don’t wait until it is too late … THANK a Police Officer … TODAY. Today, and every day, nearly 900,000 men, women, K9s, and Horses, most of who you have never met, are out there for you, willing to do with no hesitation nor reservation, just because it is who they are and what they were born to do.

As we give thanks and gratitude for a job well done to the 20,000+ Men, Women and 4-legged Heroes who gave their lives In The Line Of Duty, we ask that you recognize all the things those still out there are doing Today … for you … with a simple nod of the head, wave of the hand, or word of thanks, when you see one of these Heroes … Today.

We also ask that you give thanks to all of our Heroes who are permanently injured, as well as all of our retirees. “Born with a soul that has courage to wear the badge” … They are Our True Blue Warriors. We thank you and We Salute you … Today … and Every Day. ~from all of us at True Blue Warriors~ www.facebook.com/truebluewarriors copyright2013 Nessie/TrueBlueWarriors.org

— with  Joey Pope, DeWitt Coleman, Kathy Byrd Bass and  47 others.

— with   Joey Pope,DeWitt Coleman, Kathy Byrd Bass and   47 others.

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Posted with Permission..  ~Nessie~

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ONE Heart …. Two Heroes

“You know, it may be in somebody else’s body, but that was the heart that fell in love with me,” were the words from wife of slain Police Officer. Jersey City, NJ Detective Marc DiNardo, 37, married father of 3 children ages 4,3, and 1 years old, was gunned down during a shoot-out during an attempted arrest on 21 July, 2009. Four additional SWAT Team members were also hit by gunfire.

But even in death, this True Blue Hero gave his life so another may live … Brother Marc was an organ donor and it was only fitting that his Warrior heart just happened to go to another Warrior Hero … Don Zolkiwsky, who is now 70 years old, had received Det. DiNardo’s heart so that he may live. Mr. Zolkiwsky is a surviving Patriot of the Vietnam War, where he earned the Purple Heart. But his own heart became damaged due to a virus.

Now, he continues to live with the Blue heart of another Hero … and Marc’s beloved bride Mary had the opportunity to hear her husband’s heart beating, 4 years, one month, and two weeks after his death, when she met with Mr. Zolkiwsky … and hugged him.

When Mr. Zolkiwsky was asked what it was like to have another man’s heart, he responded with “You can’t stop thinking about him. He is like a buddy through the service. It’s a bond, it’s a friendship that I can’t describe how the feeling is, but it’s an intense one. I’ve had dreams consistently about the episode with the shootout. The noises, and I could almost sense what it must have been like to be in a room with a gun battle going on.

That had to be horrific.” Horror to which Mr/ Zolkiwsky knows first-hand.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the DiNardo and Zolkiwsky families.

May our Brother be resting with peace. May we never forget Detective Marc DiNardo, End Of Watch: 07-21-2009. -Mac for True Blue Warriors
To view the video of this meeting, click on this story from CBSNews: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57601618/four-years-later-cops-widow-meets-man-who-got-husbands-heart/

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Posted with Permission..  ~Nessie~

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True Blue Warriors

True Blue Warriors

“We will never forget that an officer was outside Paul’s hospital room for 51 days. Seven days a week, 24 hours a day” – Portland (Oregon) Police Officer returns to work after being left paralyzed: Officer Paul Meyer has made a remarkable recovery in just 9 1/2 months. In November 2012, Brother Paul was involved in a freak accident during a Police Bureau ATV certification course. He sustained severe injuries that left him paralyzed from the waist down.

“We will never forget that an officer was outside Paul’s hospital room for 51 days. Seven days a week, 24 hours a day,” said Paul’s beloved bride Mary. “It gave us such a sense of relief and gave Paul the reassurance that there was always a familiar face available at any time, day or night. Life will never be as it was, but we are confident that with everyone’s support, Paul will continue to amaze us with his speed of recovery.”

Officer Paul Meyer, a 20-year-veteran of the Portland Police Bureau, was welcomed back to work on Tuesday by Chief Mike Reese. Mary and Paul, along with their two sons, Russell and Matthew, say they have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of support from the members of the Portland Police Bureau. A surprise lunch followed with many members of the Bureau attending to welcome Paul back to work. Officer Meyer will return to work on a limited, part-time basis in the Bureau’s Armory, which is part of the Training Division.

Brother Paul has shown us what a true blue warrior spirit means, his family has shown us how important unwavering support and love can do, and the Men and Women of the Portland Police Bureau is a perfect example of the true meaning behind The Brotherhood. You are ALL truly inspiring. Our continued thoughts and prayers are with Brother Paul, his beautiful family, and to everyone at the Portland Police Bureau. -Mac (Agent M.) for True Blue Warriors

www.facebook.com/truebluewarriors

special thank you to Kim (Agent W.) for figuring out how to create a photo very close to the way Nessie (Agent ‘DiGi the SiGi’) does it.
information and photo direct from the Portland Police Bureau:http://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/
Thanks Susan B. for writing to us about this!

(Posted with Permission from ~Nessie~ ( True Blue Warriors)

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Gems Art News Blog

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Wishing All A Very Happy NEW YEAR 2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!!

Deputy Sheriff Motor Officer James D. “J.D.” Paugh

LAW ENFORCEMENT TODAY

 

Augusta, Georgia

Richmond County Sheriff’s Office

Deputy Sheriff Motor Officer James D. “J.D.” Paugh

End Of Watch: 10-23-11

Deputy James Paugh, 47, was ambushed and gunned down when he stopped to assist a motorist. At 0118, Deputy Paugh was heading home after his shift when he noticed a suspicious vehicle. As he stopped, before even engaging the kickstand on his Department motorcycle, he was met with gunfire. Deputy Paugh managed to return fire but was struck by multiple bullets, which proved too much for our Warrior Brother. The Cop Killer then took his own life. Prior to Deputy Paugh’s arrival, the gunman, National Guardsman Christopher Hodges, had fired off several dozen rounds from an M4 semi-auto at passing motorists. Our Brother had not known this prior to him stopping to assist. Deputy James Paugh was ambushed upon arrival. It was later determined that there was a female passenger in the gunman’s vehicle and if Deputy Paugh had not stopped, even though he was not working at the time, this woman may have been killed. This is an ongoing investigation.

Born with a soul that had courage to wear the badge, Deputy Paugh had been Saving, Serving and Protecting the People of Richmond County for more than 17 years. A favorite among his peers, Brother James was a joy to be around and work with. His charming personality and fun disposition made even the real bad days tolerable. Tough, but fair on the road, this Warrior knew when, and how, to balance his work. With his winning smile, he was able to put people at ease which enabled him to gain trust and get to the truths. Even if you found yourself on the wrong side of a simple ticket, Deputy Paugh managed to have you drive away with a smile. When he found himself in tense situations, he was all business and his years of experience and training was admired and sought out by his co-workers. Living As Only A Hero Could, James was a great friend to all, young and old. With a heart of gold, he was the first to volunteer his time for anyone who needed assistance … or even just an ear. When not in uniform, James loved to cook and would often do so for his fellow Deputies. And to keep his mental balance, you could often see him riding his motorcycles to clear his head, though his favorite thing was simply when spending quality time with family and friends … who will miss him so very much … and will never forget.

Our Heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Paugh family and all the Men and Women of the Richmond County S/O as well as all surrounding agencies whom have had the privilege and the pleasure of working along side this Hero.

Our Brother, as you now patrol the streets of Heaven, may you continue your vigilant watch over us all as we carry on in the battles to come … In Our Brother’s Honor. We thank you for your service and for your sacrifice. We thank you for your life. Job Well Done Sir.

Rest In Peace Deputy Sheriff Motor Officer James D. “J.D.” Paugh … We have the watch from here. SALUTE!

~Written by Nessie~

RCSO: http://www.augustaga.gov/index.aspx?NID=294

Cop Killer Christopher Michael Hodges, 26, deceased.

Police Officer Terry Lewis-Flemming

Law Enforcement Today

Albany, Georgia

Albany Police Department

Police Officer Terry Lewis-Flemming

End Of Watch: 10-28-11

Officer Terry Lewis-Flemming, 36, was killed in a vehicle crash while in pursuit of armed robbery suspects. During a pursuit of the fleeing gunmen, several agencies were involved. Officer Lewis-Flemming and Officer Batson collided. Ofc. Lewis-Flemming’s cruiser burst into flames, causing critical injuries. Officer Batson also suffered injuries. They were transported to Trauma but injuries to Ofc. Lewis-Flemming proved to be too much and she succumbed to multiple blunt force trauma. The second Officer, Ofc. Gregory Batson, is stable and doing as well as can be expected. The suspects rammed several cruisers before they flipped their own vehicle. Even upon arrest, the suspects put up a fight. Money and weapons were recovered at the scene of the crash. This is an ongoing investigation

Born with a soul that has courage to wear the badge, Officer Lewis-Flemming has been Saving, Serving and Protecting the People of Albany for 5 years. Our beautiful Sister had the biggest smile and even bigger heart. She was made for this work no doubt. Tough as nails when needed be but also had an amazing compassion for those in need. Terry would often take time to stop and talk with the citizens and really listened to their concerns. She gained their trust and was an wonderful example to the People of how the Police are there to help. Officer Lewis-Flemming truly did us all proud. She took great pride in her uniform and the work that goes with wearing the badge. Serving every day with the utmost Honor and Integrity, Living As Only A Hero Could. Our Sister was just starting a whole new life. Currently attending college and newly married just 4 months ago on June 18, 2011. Her greatest joys came from spending time with her beloved and three children. Terry was also a huge Atlanta Falcons football fan and would often lose her voice cheering them on. It goes without saying how incredibly much this amazing Warrior will be missed by so very many … never to be forgotten.

Terry leaves behind her newly-wed husband Henry Flemming and three children. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Lewis and Flemming families as well as to all the Men and Women of the Albany PD and all surrounding agencies whom have had the privilege and the pleasure of working alongside this Hero. Thoughts are also with the Albany Fire Rescue and we thank them for doing all they could. Special healing prayers are with our Brother Gregory.

Our beloved Sister, you entered the battle and gave your life As Only A Warrior Dare so that others may live. As you now look down from the Heavens, may you continue your vigilant watch over us all as we carry on in the battles to come … In Our Sister’s Honor. We thank you for your service and for your sacrifice. We thank you for your life. Job Well Done Ma’am.

Rest In Peace Police Officer Terry Lewis-Flemming, We have the watch from here. SALUTE!

~written by Nessie~

APD: http://www.albany.ga.us/content/1798/2879/2939/default.aspx

(photo sent in to us by family, it was one of their favorites of Terry)

Kentrell Bernard Butler, 22, and Wesley Martavi Wilkerson, 22, charged with murder (felony), armed robbery, aggravated assault (three counts), possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Patrolman Derek Kotecki

LAW ENFORCEMENT TODAY

Patrolman Derek Kotecki was ambushed and gunned down
RIP Patrolman Derek Kotecki
http://lawenforcementtoday.com/2011/10/13/r-i-p-patrolman-derek-kotecki-end-of-watch-10-12-11/

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New Kensington, Pennsylvania

Lower Burrell Police Department

K-9 Officer Patrolman Derek Kotecki

End Of Watch: 10-12-11

Patrolman Derek Kotecki, 40, was ambushed and gunned down by the subject of a weeks long manhunt. On Oct. 2, one Charlie Post had fired several shots at his boss. The authorities had been hunting this bastard down ever since. At one point, a Detective made contact by phone with the gunman to try and get him to surrender. The suspect’s words to the Detective were “My gun

is loaded with 14 bullets. 13 for the cops and one for me.” The Police got a tip stating that the suspect would be at the Dairy Queen at a certain time. Multiple Officers responded at 1900 this evening, including Ptl. Kotecki. As our Brother exited his cruiser, the suspect jumped from his vehicle and immediately opened fire, striking and killing Patrolman Derek Kotecki. The killer tried to flee on foot but came across a fence that blocked his escape. Officers were right on his tail. The gunman turned facing the Officers, pointed his weapon at the Police and then shot himself just as the Officers also opened fire. Post died at the scene. It has not yet been determined if the cop killer took his own life during the shoot-out or if hit by Police gunfire. It is possible that the person who called in the “tip” was Post himself in order to set up this ambush. This is an ongoing investigation and I will update as permitted.

Born with a soul that has courage to wear the badge, Patrolman Kotecki had been Saving, Serving and Protecting the People for more than 18 years with dedication and devotion. Before coming to LBPD in October of 2003, Derek worked part-time with the Ocean City, Maryland PD. This Hero was not just adored by his colleagues but also the citizens of Lower Burrell Township. Derek was so incredibly friendly and warm. His larger than life personality always left you smiling … and usually laughing. Derek had an amazing sense of humor and was known for his goofy jokes. This veteran knew how to balance the good with the bad out there and he made sure his Brothers and Sisters knew to do so also. Derek was like everyone’s big Brother. And his heart was definitely big enough to handle everyone. But make no mistake, this Warrior was always ready for the battle and very proactive in his policing. He and his partner, K-9 Odin were all business when called to assist in narcotic detection, tracking suspects and searching for lost loved ones. Ptl. Kotecki was also involved with the D.A.R.E. Program. When not in “Warrior mode”, this dynamic duo, who have been partnered since February of 2008, would win over the crowds at community events, often demonstrating their skills. The only thing Derek enjoyed doing more than his work, was spending quality time with his young family and friends. An avid basketball player and fan, this gentle giant will be tremendously missed by so very many … forgotten by so few.

Derek leaves behind his beloved bride, two sons and 4-legged partner, K9 Odin, 5. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Kotecki family as well as to all the Men and Women of the Lower Burrell PD and all surrounding agencies whom have had the privilege and the pleasure of working along side this Hero.

Our Brother, you were out there trying to get a violent offender off the street to protect the innocents. Though you knew this was very dangerous, you did so with no hesitation nor reservation … as Only A Warrior Dare. We thank you for your service and for your sacrifice. We thank you for your life. Job Well Done Sir. As you now patrol the streets of Heaven, may you continue your vigilant watch over us all as we carry on in the battles to come … In Our Brother’s Honor.

Rest In Peace K-9 Officer Patrolman Derek Kotecki … We have the watch from here. SALUTE!

~written by Nessie~

LBPD: http://www.cityoflowerburrell.com/government.htm#PoliceDept

COP KILLER Charles A. Post, 33, … deceased