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 My heart goes out to you all. I work for the City of Bellevue and was a patron at the fruit stand that fatal day. I watched the scenario unfold in disbelief and fear. I am so sorry !! I just wanted to let you know you are all in my prayers. God Bless you and know you have a very special angel watching over you. With the most sincerest sympathy — Dottie Schmidt You all have my deepest sympathies. I am so sorry for your loss and for our loss. You all, family, friends and co-workers are in my and many other people's prayers. — Maria Murphy I just wanted to say to Deputy Herzog's family, that I am very sorry for their loss! I did not know any of them, however, I truly feel for each and every one of his family and friends and co-workers! This has been a great tragedy, and should never have happened! Sincerely — Kris Newcomb, The Country Upholsterer Im only 15, but after Deputy Herzog got killed. It made me think of what I have, and not to take any thing for granted. For the family of deputy Herzog's family. I wanted to say is your dad, son, husband, aunt, uncle, etc. maybe be gone but you still have in your heart, and he will be always watching over. When something special is going on like a wedding and it all a sudden starts to rain he is crying because he is happy. Remember you have everyone mourning with. — Anonymous My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this difficult time. I was watching the tribute on channel 7 a little bit ago to Richard Herzog. I could tell he was very dedicated to his family and his jobs that he had had. He was dedicated in servink his country through the Army and then through his service to community as a Deputy in the Police force. I could see the love he felt for family, country and community in the video tribute. And again, My thoughts and prayers are with you all! — B. Brightman Our hearts are breaking for Officer Herzog's family. As a fellow officer I am sickened by the senseless tragedy that took his life. Someone is always looking to lay blame at a time like this. If any blame must be attached, perhaps it lies with a political system that is too ready to take money from the social programs that aid people with mental and chemical health problems, and an open door policy that turns these people back on to the streets without treatment or any form of help. Locking them up does not help. Nor does this dialog when such useless pain has hat been inflicted on our fellow officers and their families. We send prayers that the good Lord will soften the grief in your hearts, and that positive action will be taken to prevent future innocent lives being taken in such a brutal, senseless, devastating scenario. — Joe and Joyce Lane I would like to extend my condolences to the Herzog Family for their tragic loss.His family will remain In my prayers. — Deborah Dequier-Bowden I live near Factoria and I heard the many sirens racing to the scene. I knew something bad had happened. I stopped to give a silent prayer for who-ever they were rushing to help. I was shocked and saddened to hear it was a police officer, doing his job, protecting our community. From all I've heard, Officer Herzog was loved by not only his family, but his co-workers and neighbors, community members. I want to wish them my deepest condolences. May Officer Herzog rest in peace. — Kelly Our sincere condolences to the Herzog family and to all the other police officers who protect us all. You will never be forgotten. — The Tripp Family As the child of an officer, I can not imagine the pain his family must be feeling. The men and women who put their lives on the line each day to keep the rest of us safe are very special people. There has been too much anger toward the Police for too long. Look at what happens when people in the community promote anger. We all need to learn some respect for our fellow humans. I can not express the heavy heart I feel today for the officer and his family. — Julie Coleman hello my name is curt goffin and my dad is a cop too i didnt reallize how much a cops role is in the world till this tragety happen. i didnt think of them as a hero i just though of them as people that stop speeders. a cop is like a family. they have friends and relatives all over. every day i worry about my dad going to work hoping nothing will happn and i always get scared.. i just want to let the family know that im giving all my wishes and prayers to them and hope that u get though this ok — curt goffin I just wanted to convey my deepest symapthies to the entire family of Deputy Herzog. In particular I want to let his daughters know I understand what they are going through. I lost my father suddenly not to long ago. I know how hard it is to deal when you are young, because you never expect to lose a parent so soon. There is a very rough road ahead, but over time it will get easier. Without my strong family and support system like friends I never would have made it through. Take comfort in each other as well as in all of us who can truely understand your loss. — Dawn, Lynnwood, WA Deputy Herzog will be greatly missed. He is a hero in the truest sense of the word. I hope and pray that Gods love will comfort you thru these tragic times. — Gary Brown Thank you, Deputy Herzog, for your service to our community. You are respected, admired; you will be missed. Our hearts and prayers are with your family and with our community. — C and A of Newcastle, Washington I live in the newcastle area where this incident happened. I frequent the numerous shops that surround the neighborhood. You father/husband like all officers put his life on the line to protect my community. To me your father and husband is a hero and I feel proud of the entire police community. — John Virden Please forward my condolences to the Herzog family and fellow King County police officers on the tragic death of Deputy Herzog. My prayers are with you all. May God keep you and comfort you during this terrible time. Have faith, and know that Deputy Herzog is with the Lord. We share your grief. God Bless... — Leslie Harper Miles To the family of Deputy Herzog, you are in my prayers. May God place His loving arms around your family at this time, and bless you with comfort and strength. Thank you to all law enforcement and emergency personnel who put your lives on the line for us every day. — Carla As I watched the procession coming down the road I wanted to cry. I didn't even know your husband/father/loved-one, Deputy Herzog, but it breaks my heart to know what happened to him. But he is safe with God now, and will always be watching over you like a Guardian Angel. I thank him for his work to protect our community and pray for peace. God Bless all of you. — Nancy Holdaas Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Herzog, his family and friends, and all his fellow officers. May God hold you in the palm of his hand. We will never forget his service to our community. — The Kehoe Family I would like to send my most sincere condolences for the Herzog family. This is truly a very private ordeal for them that is a very public outpouring, since Officer Herzog was killed in the line of duty. I live in Des Moines and coming to work today, I saw officers starting to line the streets, and I could not help but take a moment to offer a silent prayer and get emotional. This city, has seen two funeral services in the past year and this country has seen several including those who lost their lives in Sept. 11 attacks doing their jobs. May Officer Herzog and those before him rest in peace and never be forgotton. — Lori Jenkins Deputy Herzog - I give you this one thought to keep - I am with you still - I do not sleep. I am a thousands winds that blow, I am the diamonds glints on snow, I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the mornings hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not think of me as gone - I am with you still - in each new dawn I am there as you grow with every soft wind blow. You will be missed but not forgotten — Tina My children and I would like to send to you and your family our deepest regrets for your loss. We will keep you in our prayers — Bridgett, Anthony and Amanda My family and I would like to express our condolences to the family, friends, and co-workers of Deputy Herzog. Newcastle is where I grew up. While I no longer live there, it is still considered home to me. With that, this horrible event is that much harder to bear. My children and I have seen Deputy Herzog on many occassions and he always had a smile on his face and you could feel the warmth, drive, and determination from his heart. He was a good man, no doubt. While his death was tragic and very unnecessary, his legacy and his affect on people will live on inside us all. May he rest in peace and may those close to him find the strength to carry on. — Jamie I live in the same neighborhood as Officer Herzog. This morning on my way to work I had the privelage of watching as the motorcade went by. I was moved to tears at the awe inspiring sight. I was grateful that my children happened to be with me so they to could wittness such a solemn tribute to a wonderful man. We have seen him for years at school functions and community events or in his front yard pushing the lawn mower like any other dad. He was the person who rescued a friend of ours that had fallen down an unmarked man hole as he was jogging. Had Officer Herzog not seen my friend's hand waving for help his injuries would have become life threatening. We have lost a valued member of the community; he was not just an officer he was a wonderful dad and neighbor. He will be missed and remembered. Our love, In Christ — Catherine,Robert,and Ryley To Deputy Herzog, Newcastle Police and his family. Our family would like to express our sorrow and loss to a wonder officer and family member of Newcastle. We would see his Jeep drive by our neighborhood in The Terrace and also a wave and felt safe and secure to have such a member guarding our homes and families. God bless your family and guide you during this time. What a tragic loss to our community. We will surely miss him and his Jeep. — LT Newcastle residences Our Hearts go out to you and your Family. You are in our Thoughts and prayers. -- "God looked around His garden and saw an empty space, Then He looked down upon this earth, and saw your loving face. He put his arms around you, and lifted you to rest, His garden must have been beautiful, He always takes the best. He knew that you were suffering, he knew you were in pain, And knew that you would never get well on this earth again. He saw your path was difficult, He closed your tired eyes, He whispered "Peace be Thine" and gave you wings to fly. When we saw you sleeping, so calm and free from pain, We could not wish you back on earth, to suffer once again. You've left us precious memories, your love will be our guide, You live on through your children, you're always by our side. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone, For part of us went with you, on the day God called you Home. Love always your friends — The McCain Family In Bellevue. A PART OF AMERICA DIED by Harry Koch -- Somebody killed a policeman today. And A part of America Died. A piece of our country he swore to protect will be buried with him at his side. The suspect who shot him will stand up in court, with counsel demanding his rights, as a young widowed mother must work for her kids and spend alone many long nights. The beat that he walked was a battlefield too, just as if he'd gone off to war. Though the flag of our country won't fly at half mast, to his name they will add a gold star. Yes, somebody killed a policeman today, it happened in your town or mine. While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors, a cop put his life on the line. Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street, and he stands at each new rookie's side. He answered the call and gave us his all and a part of America died. -- God Bless the Herzog Family, and thank you to Officer Herzog and to ALL the Law Enforcement Officers for doing a wonderful job. — Anonymous To the family of Deputy Herzog.- "May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord look upon you with favor and give you HIS peace." Amen. — Elizabeth Knittel I would like to send my deeps feelings to the family of Mr.Herzog. My step father is with the fire department in Lincoln Ne. I know the fear and pain they must feel. To know that they risk there life each and everyday to protect us, but you never think in a million years that you would get a phone call that would make your world crash down. I want to let Mrs. Herzog and his girls know that I have cried for them and prayed for them ever since I seen what happened to him. There is no excuse for what that man did to him and I hope he gets what he deserves. I hope Mrs. Herzog and their daugthers see this and it gives them the courage they need for the weeks,months and years ahead. With our love to the family, police force and fire department you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Thanks and with love — Lindsey and Robert Egger and some of the members of the Bangor Naval submarine base community When I heard this story, I was saddened, that a wonderful man out doing his job and protecting everyone while doing it had to end his call of duty this way... I know that the call of duty for Richard will never be ended, He will look over the community and his family from above. — Karie Lynn Pierce Bereaved family; "God be with you til we meet again, by His counsel guide uphold you. With His arms securely fold you, God be with you til we meet again." At this time, I will not belabor your suffering, no words of righteous fury shall be loosed. Rather tidings of comfort and solace I would speak to your hearts. Well done, good and faithful servant. The highest words of praise, to be memorialized in Deputy Richard Herzog. Such perilous times doth make men quake, though through it all, such heroes make. I reaffirm my support and my life, to do that which is right, to step forward in the protection of others in need. My respect and gratitutude for the unselfish sacrifices, made every hour, by the men and women in uniform, and especially their families. Whom without, we could not be. God Bless and sustain you always. — Michael & Pamela Riel My prayers and condolences go out to your family, co-workers and community. As a law enforcement officer we all grieve with the lost of one our own. — God Bless — Deputy David W. Minshall, Ada County Sheriff's Office, Boise, ID It's sad it takes a tragic event like this to remind us that everyday law enforcement officers risk thier own lives for our well being and safety.I see officer Herzog as the ideal role model for all ages. Officer Herzog, you are and always will be a TRUE HERO! — Brent Johnson Thank you for your heroic service to our community. — John Brooker I live in Newcastle and work for the King County Public Health Dept. I was also a witness to the terrible event. I can't put into words the sadness I feel and the gratitude towards Deputy Herzog for protecting my son & I and our community. I also have family in law enforcement and know that every day they put their lives on the line to protect & serve us all. I pray that people would remember the sacrifices made by all law enforcement and emergency responders every minute of every day. — Karen Morehead The hearts of your police family tears with the tragic death of your beloved husband, father and fellow officer. We all know so well how all of us face danger in our daily work in law enforcement. We have all been exposed to situations which by the grace of God could have gone either way. We know you saved others by your sacrifice in the line of duty. Godspeed in your journey home, my brother in blue. May you continue to protect and watch over us all. — Det. Mo Stich, Seattle Police Dept. My family and I would like to send or condolences to The Herzog Family along with the many prayers and blessings that we ask God to bestow upon them through these difficult times and as they continue in the future. As a father of two young daughters I can only thank this example of the finest in human beings for providing a safe community for my neighbors, families and my own children. Many times we have see the white Jeep with the Newcastle Police insignia as we enjoy the comforts of our neighborhood forever knowing that someone is always watching over us. May God Bless you and keep you Always....His Spirit Lives On..... — The Graham Family As a citizen of Washington state, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the Herzog Family. We truly appreciate the protection your father/husband/son and our law enforcement community provides. The unselfish act of courage it takes to put his life (their lives) on the line for ALL citizens of Washington State. — the Hatch Family I SEND MY DEEPEST RESPECT TO YOUR FAMILY. I WISH YOU THE BEST AND AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE WORK THAT HE HAD DONE FOR THE COMMUNITY AND KEEPING IT A SAFE ENVIRONMENT — MELODY Our famiy doesnt watch the news that often due to the constant bombardment of bad news, however, when a friend told us of the loss of a good guy, we have been glued to our set. We are so very sorry for this loss in the law enforcement community. May justice previal. — Tom & Akemi I would like to extend my prayers to all of the family and friends of Officer Herzog. He has given the ultimate sacrifice and was killed in the line of duty protecting all of us. He will forever be remembered for his honor in many communities around the country. I work directly across the street from where the Precession began, in the Factoria Mall parking lot, I truly believe that Officer Herzog was looking from above at all of the people paying tribute to his life. Quite possibly the rain today could be tears from Heaven. He will be missed... — Tracy Skipworth To the family and extended family of Deputy Richard Horzog, I pray that you keep in your front mind the wonderful memories you have of your husband, father, son, bother and friend Deputy Horzog. And as time goes by that you never forget the person he was and take whatever you learned from him and honor him by it. May God Bless you all. — Sigrid Prater Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Herzog Family. Words cannot express how deeply sorry that we all are for your loss and the loss to Washington State as well. He is truly a hero. Anyone who would lay down their life for the safety of others is nothing less than an angel. Thank you and God speed Deputy Herzog. — Lauer Family 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, I guess I ain'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 is 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 to 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 a 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 you burdens well. Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets. You've done your time in Hell" (Author Unknown ) May God Bless You All — The Donohoe Family "Angels In Blue" -- I had this friend you see, who loved God, Country, You and me. My friend went to work day or night the peace to keep, so you and I could sleep. He worked the holidays and weekends, away from family and friends. To keep this peace for you and me. Each day this friend put his life on the line to spare yours and mine. Then one day he paid the price, he gave his life. You've done well my friend, patrolling these earthly streets. Now it's time to walk on Heaven's beat. The next time you see a Police Officer or two, remember they are one of God's Angels in Blue. And God said; "Blessed are the Peace Makers." -- Anonymous 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. By visiting this and other King County web pages, you expressly agree to be bound by terms and conditions of the site. The details.