In our line of work our worst nightmare is losing one of our own. I dedicated this page to those who have lost someone they care about.
THE FINAL INSPECTION
The policeman stood and faced his God,which must always come to pass,in hopes 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 haven't. Because those of us who carry a badge 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 bill got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help, though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I wept unmanly tears. I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand,
I never expected 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 judgement 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."
ANONYMOUS
I would like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I'd like to leave and echo, whispering softly down the ways, of happy times and laughing times, and bright and sunny days.
I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun.
Of happy memories that I leave, when life is done.
On August 9, 1994, Lt. Anthony Seirchio died. He was a respected part of our police force and I will never forget him. He once told me that someday my life will change and things will get better. Well Tony you were right and may God Bless you. Thank you.
On January 26, 1996, Lt. Thomas Mcnellis died. He was the Midnight shift commander and things will never be the same now he is gone.
Tom was a good husband, father and officer. He was always kind and ready to lend an ear to those whose needed to talk. He also will never be forgotten. May God Bless you Tom.
In this time of need know that you are not alone. We are a family. Whether we have met once or one hundred times we are all in this together. There are places you can get the support you need. Most of us are afraid to be labeled. But there is a program out there that can help us all. It is called Critical Incident Stress Management. There are teams from all over the world who have decided to give back to the service that which they have learned.
Life has a way of bringing out the best in those around us just know that we are here when you need us. We never judge. We are here to listen and help you though this time of grief. We are your peers and we do understand and we will not break your confidence.
Critical Incident Stress Management has helped to get our fellow emergency services workers through those troubled times. We do this by offering complete confidentiality. We are here to help those in need realize they are normal people dealing with abnormal situations.
This flag will always fly at half mast for all of those we have lost. They may be gone but not forgotten. We as emergengy services personel are a close knit family and when we loose one of our own it is like loosing a family member. We all take life for granted. We must learn to live each day to it's fullest and tell those around us that we love them everyday. That way when the time comes we must leave this earth those we left behind will know we loved and cherished every moment we were here.
MAY GOD BLESS ALL WHO COME HERE TO PAY THEIR RESPECTS.
I hope in some way this page helps to heal the hurt we all feel in this very heart felt time.
ONCE AGAIN IN SORROW I MUST PUT THE NAME OF A FRIEND ON THIS PAGE.
THOMAS C. GIANNATTASIO, JR.
Tommy was a paid EMT and dispatcher for Jersey City. He was a volunteer fire fighter for the Pioneer Hose Fire Co. He was also a volunteer EMT for Community First Aid. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.
I have known Tommy since he was six years olds. He always had a wonderful spirit. I watched him grow into a wonderful man. He used to call me Mom he would come over and "Ask what's for dinner Mom." He loved my chocolate chip cookies. I always thought of him as my son. He was always smiling. It was rare to see him angry. He never held a grudge. He was and all around good guy.
Tommy was different he would give 110% to whatever he did. I had the priviledge to fight side by side in fires with Tommy. He was a true volunteer. No matter how many hours he worked it was never too much. He was always ready to answer a call. Whether it was a fire or first aid call you could count on Tommy to be there.
We never realize until someone is gone the wonderful things they did while they are on this earth. Tommy was a true angel on earth and now he has his wings he will always watch over those who loved him.
Tommy lost his battle for life on October 8, 1999. He was 28 years old. After a long battle with viral cardiomyopathy. He received a heart in May of this year, but he just never was able to fight the infections he encountered after the surgery. Tommy never lost hope he was always planning for the future. While he was waiting for a heart he asked his girlfriend Melanie to marry him. All he wanted was to have a normal life.
Tommy was honored by many and loved by all. He will never be gone he will live in our hearts forever.
GOD BLESS YOU TOMMY! I LOVE YOU AND I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU.
"I choose to be a citizen who is remembered as a man who cared & who made a difference, not just by my family and friends but also by others. I will be satisfied if the only memorial left of me are the good deeds I have done. Wherever I abide I want LOVE to reign."
WHEN YOU REMEMBER ME!
Aaron Epsey
If I am ever called to leave you,unexpectedly,
please take from me these parting thoughts
to frame my legacy.
When you remember me tomorrow,
I pray you'll recall
a happy soul who loved his family,
loved his work as well.
Please recollect a man who loved the chance to lend a hand,to save a life or property from some untimely end.
Someone who heard the public call to safeguard streets and homes,
deliver breath to silent lungs,
to quench the hostile flames.
But when you ponder how I came to make my final stand,
don't make me more than what I was,
a kind and caring man.
Don't make me more in death,
than I, in life have ever been.
Remember, simply,
ONE WHO SERVED HIS GOD AND FELLOW MAN!
Not much more we can say to fallen heroes.
Prayer to St. Peter
Let them in Peter
For they are very tired
Give them couches where the angels sleep
And light those fires
Let them wake whole again
To brand new dawns
Fired by the sun
Not war-times bloody guns
May their peace be deep
Remember where the broken bodies lie
God knows how young they were
To have to die
Give them things they like
Let them make some noise
Give them dance hall bands not golden harps
To these, our boys
Let them love, Peter
For they've had no time
They should have bird songs and trees
And hills to climb
The taste of summer
And a ripened pear
And girls sweet as meadow wind
And flowing hair
And tell them how they are missed
But say not to fear
It's gonna be all right
With us down here
(Author Unk.)
LET US ALL SAY A PRAYER OF THANKS FOR THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES AND STILL GIVING THEIR LIVES, SO WE CAN BE FREE.
