Messages from the Community Remembering Deputy Richard Herzog Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Page 5 Page 6 | Page 7 | Page 8 | Page 9 | Page 10 | Page 11 To those who choose to uphold it, freedom requires a sacrifice that the protected will never know. God Bless You. — Anonymous I am so, so sorry. How I wish I could change things — Sherry My family and I would like to extend our sympathy and condolences to Deputy Richard Herzog's family. We know that Deputy Herzog still lives in God's presence. His life change but do not end. May his soul rest in peace. — Benjamin/Daisy of Issaquah It is at this darkest hour that I find myself actually agreeing with Ken Schram. Why does it take a tragedy. We are all here hailing Officer Herzog as a hero. Which he was. But he was a hero long before Saturday's disheartening events. He was a hero every time he put on his uniform, as was/is every member of our law enforcement community. They all should be revered as heros every day. And in my heart, they are (even when they ticket me for speeding). To the extended family of Officer Herzog, I can say nothing to ease your pain, but please know that Officer Herzog gave his life to protect others, anf for that I will be forever thankful. May you take comfort in knowing you all have one more angel guarding you. — Kathi Wilkerson, Kirkland To the Herzog Family, I wish to extend to you my heartfelt sorrow at your loss. I am a widow, and currently a California Highway Patrol spouse. I do understand the depth of your pain. Please know that my sympathy is extended to you as well as prayers. May God bless you all and keep you in the palm of his hands. — Laurie Brewer First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy to the Herzog family, friends and co-workers. These public servants put themselves in harms way everyday to insure our safety. Tolerance has gone to extremes! This is one of the most important reasons that I moved out of Seattle proper three years ago. These public servants should be allowed to use whatever means necessary to control a situation. As cited here, even a naked person can take a life. When someone is put on notice to "stop", especially "in the name of the law", they then become responsible for their own actions. If the advance continues and places the officer and/or public in immediate danger, then lethal force should also be "tolerated", no exceptions! — David Faulk My sincere sympathy to the Herzog family. Cherish your memories of a brave man who gave his life in the protection of his fellow human beings. One can demonstrate no greater love of his fellows than to lay down his life for them. May the perpetrator receive swift and condign justice. — Keith Varni There is nothing that I could ever say to ease the pain you are feeling right now, if there was any way I could take your pain , please believe me when I say that ,I would do it in a heartbeat, but I know that words cannot heal the loss you are feeling. I am writting this to let you and your family know that although I never met him,I feel this tremendous loss .There is no way to ever make sense of a life cut short,the question of why such a good person should be taken is the question that remains.I wish that I could answer that question for you,but I cant . What I can do is tell you what I believe ,and maybe you will find a small amount of comfort , if only for a moment. I never met your father , yet he has touched my life. A police officer takes an oath to protect and serve, not protect and serve "some people" or protect and serve "good people"... they protect and serve all people.Your father put on his uniform every day to protect my family, my friends and my very way of life. His death was not in vain. He and his bravery will not be forgotten.His life and death has touched us all, and as a community we grieve the loss of a hero. Please know that you and your family is in my thoughts and prayers, and he will not be forgotten. — Shannon Veal My condolences to the family, friends and fellow officers of Deputy Herzog. He made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting me and my fellow citizens. Losing a loved one is always difficult, but this one is even more tragic. May you be comforted by the outpouring from the community. I wish you peace. — Michelle May God Bless and comfort the family and community that share the tragedy of the senseless killing of a husband, father,friend, and police officer. — Gwen Rich, it has been a hard road. We all did everything in our power to get there for you. To have you taken from us the way you were makes it that much worse. We will miss your humor, professsionalism, and most of all, friendship. I am truly honored to have worked with you and to call you my friend. I never worried knowing you were my backup. Please know that you are always with us in our hearts and our minds. We owe it to you to go on out there and keep doing the job that you gave your life for. We owe it to you to do it right. To Rich's family, I can never say how sorry I am for your loss. Please know that Rich was very loved and admired by those of us who worked with him. He will be sorely missed. — Your Squadmate TODAY A UNIFORM FELL. TODAY A BADGE WAS HONORED. TODAY A MAN DIED. TODAY A FATHER WAS HONORED. TODAY A HUSBAND WAS REMEMBERED. TODAY A SON WAS PRAISED. TODAY A WOMAN DIED. TODAY A MOTHER WAS HONORED. TODAY A WIFE WAS REMEMBERED. TODAY A DAUGHTER WAS PRAISED. TODAY A BROTHER, TODAY A SISTER, TODAY A UNIFORM FELL. — KING COUNTY CORRECTION OFFICER Dear Herzog Family - through this tragedy we must all stay strong all of your friends and family are behind you. I know this is a tragedy impossible to put behind you just look at how much Richard was loved and be proud that such a man was so close to you. — Nick Zeitler Even though I never knew Deputy Hertzog personally, I know that as a police officer he did all he could for the community around him. He is definitely a hero, and deserves to be recognized for the gravest sacrifice he gave in the line of duty, doing what he does every day, protecting us. I for one will miss him and all officers who have given their lives to protect our freedoms. — Jason My deepest sympathy goes to you all. I am so saddened by this senseless execution of Deputy Herzog, who was serving as Peace Keeper for community. I cried today as the flag was at half mast, I cry for the loss of a life, of a father and husband. Peace be with your family LOVE to you — Jane My prayers are with the Herzog family, friends and co workers. God bless you all. He will always be remembered in the community as a brave and remarkable man. — Anonymous I will keep this short. Although it may not feel like it there is a God with you and yours and knows all your pain and anguish. This was a very loved man and that spoke loudly to me! My prayers are indeed with you at this time of sorrow. — Christine M. I am so sorry and saddened over this terrible shocking crime. I just wanted to extend my condolences to you all. I'm grieved that such a thing could happen. — Terry Barker Aloha Brother Officer, Our fallen officer gave the ultimate sacrifice to defend lives and the community he served in NewCastle. May our lives as well as those of his family and love ones always remember his committment to serve and protect. My sincerest condolescenes to his wife and children. May God Bless you in this darkest hour and hold all of you together in peace. — Paul Aio On Behalf of the Kent Police Explorers I would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to Deputy Herzog's family and friends. Saturday one of our finest heros fell because he was protecting the citizens and doing his job. From someone who is working on becoming a police officer I look up to them more than being heros but also as idols. And although I did not personally know Deputy Herzog there is still a feeling of absence of one of our brothers. Also, Saturday was the 11 year anniversary of my father's death. With time it gets easier but you never stop missing and loving them. You all have a spot in my heart! — Exp Christiana Sullivan why do deaths have to happen to people that are loved. That is a question I keep asking myself, what I am trying to say is that just recenlty I lost 2 friends that were loved and for the king county and herzog`s family he will be missed alot as a husband/father/friend and a hero who sacrifice his life. (AMEN)GOD BLESS — cassie H. A true hero has been lost. My sincere condolences for Deputy Herzog's friends, colleagues and especially his family. God Bless. Rest assure, Dep. Herzog will patrol the heavens above making them safe for all of our loved ones lost. Keep your chins up. — Ofc. Eric A. Platt, NH State Hospital Police, Concord NH I just wanted to say how sorry i am for your loss. I have many friends in law enforcement and this just breaks my heart. — Shelby Blowers What can I say to the man that gave his life for just doing his job? How about THANK YOU.. THANK YOU for being there for ALL of us, THANK YOU to our police, for all of your hard work that many of us simply take for granted everyday. And to those who may have gotten a traffic ticket and blame the police, just think about your job and the impact you have on society. How many times a day do you have to worry that the next thing you do could be the last? Unfortunately for officer Herzog, Saturday was that day and for that, may you NEVER be forgotten and may the STIFFEST punishment be applied to the one who caused this great pain on the citizens and law enforcement in the Seattle area and around the world. My deepest sympathy goes out the Officer Herzog’s family and to the fellow men and women who protect us every day. — The Warrens Whenever we see or talk to our local police officers, I think we should all take the time to thank them for risking their lives every day to protect us, especially during this time when all law enforcement personnel are hurting and grieving over their fallen comrade. — Travis To the Family of Deputy Herzog, Like all law enforcement men and women, Deputy Herzog is a hero. He performed a duty that most of us would be afraid to do. Be proud of your father and husband - and pray for justice. My family's thoughts and prayers are with you in this awful time of grief. — Wirth Family I had the opportunity to know Rich Herzog for a short time when he was first hired by King County. He was a wonderful person and good officer. He always had a smile...even if it was only visble in his eyes. I will keep the Herzog family in my prayers, as well as his law enforcement family. May you all find comfort and peace in your wonderful memories and may justice be done, on behalf of Rich. — Michele I just wanted to let you know that my families thoughts and prayers are with you in this terrible time. This is such a tragedy and incredible loss to 'our' community in Washington. People all over the state grieve for you and pray for the best. Sincerely — Michael F., Lakewood Thanks so much you are the best!!!!!! — Chris Dodds My deepest sympathies go out to the Herzog family as well as the entire law enforcement community over the loss of Deputy Herzog. I truly beleive that the law enforcement community will honor his death by continuing to serve the community so well. I paid my respects at his memorial yesterday. Seeing the amazing outpouring of support by other law enforcement professionals, as well as citizens, only makes me want to pursue my goal of being a police officer even more intensely. — Aaron Woolsey Today Heaven has a new angle that will forever watch over us and protect us. My Prayers are with Richard and his family. — Kenny Searles I attended and will attend school with Deputy Herzogs daughter. I offer what little a highschooler can give in condolences to their family. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. I am shocked that somthing has happened so close to home. You only live down the street from me. I will continue to pray for your family as you go through this awful time of sorrow. Remember that God is always with you, and that he is your refuge in times of need. God bless. — Peter Van Elswyk To the Police dept of Newcastle, the family of the slain officer and friends, I wish there I something I could say to ease your pain you all must be going through. He was a true hero, I never meet him, but to be on the police force, you have to be brave, and I am sure he was all that! I only hope that god will see you all through this together. The community is outraged by this terrible event! May god be will you all! Sincerely, TJ Crockett My prayers are with you. My husband is a reserve officer with Sunnyside I say a prayer every time he goes out. It takes a very special person to do the job that these men do. May GOD Bless You and Your Family. — Martha Thatcher My sincere thoughts are with the Herzog's family at this time. Please know you and your family are in my prayers. It hurts deeply that a wonderful-gifted life has been taking... — Joeane Sholund To the family, friends,fellow officers and all who knew Officer Herzog, Our hearts, thoughts, and all our sympathy go out to you at this sad time. We are thinking of you. — John and Charlotte Smith To the family and co-workers of the fallen Officer, you are in my prayers, may god protect you, I am very sorry this sensless act happened. — Roberta Please accept our condolences. My family and I are keeping you in our prayers. — Jackson Beard My husband and I would like to extend our support and sympathy to the family of Deputy Herzog. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. My husband is a retired police officer from NJ, but for the grace of God this could have been our family. There just aren't words that can express enough sorrow for this senseless act. Please know we will keep your family in our hearts. — Mr/Mrs Joseph Panarisi Dear Family--words can not express the deep sorrow that we all feel at the loss of your loved one. You are in our prayers. May God Bless you in the days ahead with healing and understanding. — Eric Holdeman To the family and loved ones of Officer Herzog our hearts are breaking for you at this time. We pray that Christ will comfort and console you in your time of grief. God is a loving and a caring Father that knows your loss and knows your grief. He suffers the loss and feels the same pain that you do. We pray that you turn all of your pain over to Him and allow Him to show His love for you and allow Him to comfort each and everyone of you. Just know that each of you are loved by countless thousands of us that you have never met. God Love Each Of You and May His Love For You Touch Each Of You Deeply. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou are with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 — Bob and Susan Life so short as it is to have a horrible tragedy like this happen. So senseless! My heart, as so many, many others, that didn't even know this officer of the law goes out to his wife, children and other family members and friends that knew him. He is in a better place now without all the ugliness that our world faces each and every day. God Bless the ones he has left behind in this time or sorrow. — Sandy F. My wife and I are filled with sorrow for you and your family, and the working family of Deputy Herzog. Gently sleep I say as I lay your head down. Please don't weep I pray the angels are around. When you wake in the morning, a gentle hand to start your day. But if you don't hear my voice, I'll be with you in other ways. I'll be with you when the stars come out at night, And scare away the monsters that fill you full of fright. I'll be there when you don't know what to do, To point to a direction, so you may follow through. And I'll be there when you're missing me the most, And smile on down, because you knew I had to go. Well I hope I have changed this world a little as I've lived, And those that remain, will still commence to give. And remember the children that lie in our wake, Because sometimes this world of ours is very hard to take. — Martin To the Herzog family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. It is so sad, that he had to leave us in such a inhumaine way. Life can be so cruel sometimes, just know he is in a better place. — M. Jones, Everett Although we did not know him well, we were able to briefly meet Deputy Herzog on two occasions. He had a great sense of humor and was a consummate professional. He clearly liked his job. He was a good man. Our thoughts and prayers go with him, his family, his co-workers and the community. — Rob & Rita Kneisler, Newcastle My entire family and I want to extend to you our deepest sympathy on your loss. Deputy Herzog died in such a terrible tragedy and we all feel so very terrible about this. May you find peace in knowing your husband/father was a very well respected officer doing the best he knew to do each day. We grieve with you. — Sheri It takes a special person to become an officer. They save lives, endure criticism and continue to do what is right. There is a big "why" going through my heart... In an instant lives are changed forever. I am deeply saddened about this tragedy. I will continue to pray for the family & friends of this brave soul. I will always respect the service that officers provide. Thank you! God bless the Herzog family. — Anonymous I am very sad about the execution of Deputy Herzog. I am also disgusted to read the front page of the PI this morning where they talk so much about "the troubled Ronald Mathews". Please accept mine and my husband's heartfelt condolences to yourself and all your fine officers. You do a wonderful job of keeping us safe. — Nancy Skalsky We only met once, and talked about our prior service...with honor, Sir. I am a Special Forces Soldier. A professional! I will do all that my nation requires of me. I am a volunteer, knowing well the hazards of my profession. I serve with the memory of those who have gone before me... I pledge to uphold the honor and integrity of all I am in all I do. I am a professional soldier. I will teach and fight wherever my nation requires. I will strive always to excel... I know that I will be called upon to perform tasks in isolation, far from familiar faces and voices, with the help and guidance of my God. I will keep my mind and body clean, alert and strong, for this is my debt to those who depend upon me. I will not fail those with whom I serve. I will not bring shame upon myself of the forces. I will maintain myself, my arms, and my equipment in an immaculate state as befits a Special Forces soldier. I will never surrender though I be the last. If I am taken, I pray that I may have the strength to spit upon my enemy. My goal is to succeed in any mission... I am a member of my nation's chosen soldiery. God grant that I may not be found wanting, that I will not fail this sacred trust. You have not failed this sacred trust, Deputy Herzog. You are one of the finest among us. De Opresso Liber. — Jim Leland, Newcastle Each and every one of us should be greiving the loss of Oficer Herzog as if he were a member of our immediate family. Each and every one of us should be sickened by this tragedy. And, mostly, each and every one of us should be extremely frightened. We are allowing criminals to live amongst us and denying our law officers the means to protect THEMSELVES and the public. — Janice Pedersen We are doing a fundraiser dinner on Monday July 1, 5-8 pm at McDonald's in Newcastle. All sales for the three hours will go to the deputy's fund. — Alefa Gomez I am so saddened to hear of this tragedy. It is wrong and I am angry. That "man" should have not been out of jail. How many more officers have to die? My prayers to the family. He'll always be remembered - by man and God. — T More messages from the community: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Page 5 Page 6 | Page 7 | Page 8 | Page 9 | Page 10 | Page 11 Updated: July 1, 2002 Executive's home | Executive's news Executive's schedule | Executive's e-mail King County | Executive | News | Services | Comments | Search Links to external sites do not constitute endorsements by King County. 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