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Graphic of police officer praying and text In Remembrance
Photo: Deputy Richard HerzogOn Saturday, June 22, 2002, King County Sheriff's Deputy Richard Herzog made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community when he lost his life protecting the citizens he served. Deputy Herzog was shot with his own gun as he attempted to apprehend a suspect in the city of Newcastle. Deputy Richard Herzog is survived by a wife and two daughters.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Herzog and his family. If you would like to post a message in remembrance of Deputy Herzog for his surviving family members, friends and co-workers to read, please use our comment form. We will publish the messages received on this Web page. Note: Messages will be posted using the name(s) entered on the comment form; if you wish your posting to remain anonymous you may leave the name and address field blank.

— Messages from the Community —

It is more than a year later, and I still find myself returning to read the beautiful messages posted in honor of Deputy Herzog. I can only read a couple at a time, because I get choked up at all the kind words. I have read over and over where people don't understand why tragedies like this always happens to the best. The anwser is truly very simple; the best are such because they are the people that rise to the occassion to take the risks and fix the wrongs when others can't or won't. Thank you Deputy Herzog-Even a year later you are still not forgotten. — Jennifer Assaker

We haven't forgotten you and what you did to protect others.. — Dottie Cordes and Miriam Delgado

God bless Deputy Richard Herzog, his family and the king county Sheriff's Office. I know the King County Sheriff's Office is a great department with close tie's with it's Deputys. I know a lot of them. Stay strong, and God bless all of you. — Deputy Joe Childress, Yadkin County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina

I would like to recognize Deputy Herzog for at least twice serving his nation - once in the Army, then as a law enforcement officer. Among all the good he undoubtedly did while with us on earth, I hope his senseless death changed a few people's kneejerk reaction when a criminal act occurs and accusations fly about police abuse, etc. Our law says the accused are innocent until proven guilty. Our society needs to believe in an unwritten law that says police deserve our respect and benefit of the doubt. That is one small good to come out of this horrible event. Let's all smile the next time we see an officer, support their families if they live down the street, and stand up for them when groups accuse them without facts. — Anonymous

I'm fifteen years old and I have gone to school with Erika since elementary school. Although I don't know her or her family personally, I was really affected by Deputy Herzog's death. The Herzog family lives two minutes from me so it literally hit close to home. I felt so bad, especially for his daughters. While watching the memorial, I cried off and on, but I did crack a few smiles when people shared their memories of him with the public so that we could see how truly wonderful he was. He is such a hero and the world will be affected by the loss. I just want to say to his family that they are in my family's prayers, and that their son, father, husband,and brother touched many people's lives without even knowing it. It's such a shame that it took something so horrific for everyone outside of his family to realize what a great man he was, but just know that he's in heaven where he's safe from any pain. May God be with you during your time of sorrow and may you eventually find peace through it all. — Nicole

My heart went out to the entire Herzog family at the funeral of Officer Herzog, and especially to Sonya as she spoke her eulogy to her father because it took me back 40 years ago to when I was a teenager and my dad died and I could relate to the deep wound that had been inflicted on her life. God bless her! When I saw her and Dave Reichert in the Seafair Parade this evening I was very moved. It showed incredible strength and was a powerful reminder to keep Officer Herzog's memory alive in this community. — Cindy

To Family and Friends of Deputy Herzog -- I am just a teenage girl, who was living my life on June 22, 2002. I was driving on Coal Creek with my mom to get home......we were in a hurry and were just trying to get through what seemed like triffac built up from an accident. We were wrong. What had happened was an awful and tragic event that is unthinkable. We pulled into Safeway and got out of the car to see what was going on. Hearing from one lady and then a man......an officer is down will never leave my mind. Herzog had come through my neighborhood very often to check that all was well. I want to give you my deepest sympathies and give all that I am.....just a teenage girl that was there that day. I visited the roadside memorial 6 times and paid my respects to the officer that you knew.......whenever I laid down another bouqet of flowers I felt like I was helping someone. I wish your family the best! — Jessi

My prayers and thoughts are with Deputy Herzog, his family and his brothers & sisters of the King County Sheriffs Department. God Bless. — Sergeant S. Mariani 40 Pct. NYPD

I want to express my greatest sympathies to the family of Deputy Richard Herzog. I rarely get a chance to thank police for what they do; I think they have one of the most dangerous occupations, and deserve great respect. — Robert

I am a Peace Officer w/ Alameda County in California. I did not know him, but do know his father through Single Action Shooting Society. It always hits me close to home whenever one of our brother/sister officers who are just trying to make the world a better and safer place is lost in performance of duty. We willingly accept the risk, but never think it will actually happen to ourselves or someone we know. We are those that say "NO MORE", while others say they were "victimized by the system", and make victims of others. I hope the person (and I use the term loosely) responsible for this horrible act of MURDER is brought to justice (within the law if possible), and (if there is a god) is condemmed to the bowels of HELL for his sin, for eternity. Good luck and be safe. — Deputy W. Bloom #1377 A.C.S.O.

I would like to offer my condolences to Deputy Herzog's family and the police department. I didn't know him personally but I thank him for being such a brave man and protecting the lives of the people in the community not just that day but everyday. God Bless Deputy Herzog and all the police heros like him. — Jeannette

I would like to offer my condolences to the entire Herzog family and to the King County Sheriffs office. Deputy Herzog will be missed in Newcastle. I have a friend in law enforcement and know the risks you all take each day to protect the citizens. Thank You. — Kevin Kato, Newcastle, WA

I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Deputy Richard Herzog and to my Brothers and Sisters of the King County Sheriff's Department. I know it almost been a month but I am sure it seems like only yesterday....It will feel like that for quite some time. In a tragedy like this, we often ask “why?” and look for specific answers….most times there are none…. Those of us on the job know …”there but for the grace of God, go I”. We all know that any time, anywhere, any type of call… It could be the one, we just never know when. Deputy Herzog made the ultimate sacrifice… But he also leaves us with a precious gift… a reminder to all of us that there are no guarantees in life. He reminds us to take nothing for granted… Each new day is the most important day of your life. As the saying goes….”Today is a gift from God…That’s why it called the present”. Deputy Richard Herzog, I salute you my Brother… I pray for you and your family, friends, and for all of those who feel the void left by your passing. I post the following poem in Honor of YOU... ONE NEVER KNOWS By: Marc A. Turner Copyright/2000 -- We answered the calls just as they’d come. A man with a knife, two more with a gun. Fights that broke out in back alleys and bars. Chasing down felons in fresh stolen cars. My partner and I were always ready for hell. We watched each other’s back… we did it quite well. We’ve been shot at and missed by thugs selling rocks. We’ve been battered from rooftops with garbage and blocks. The word on the street was we’d take no guff. The skells would say we were fair but damn tough Yup, ready for anything I always said. Never surprised… until I learned he was dead. See my partner worked overtime he needed more pay. He had two little boys and a girl on the way. No it wasn’t a robbery or a felon on the run. He just stopped a kid, to say be careful, have fun. But the kid on the bike was high on cocaine. Now my partner lay dead, a bullet in his brain. I miss him real bad, he thought just like me. When I’m walking my beat, his face I still see. Every call he is with me, still watching my back. His voice reminds me, don’t ever slack. Take nothing for granted… keep on your toes. Cause, when’s YOUR shift end…? One never knows. — Marc A. Turner, Poetry From the Heart of a Cop: www.BlueAutumn.com

I know the sorrow of a fallen officer....I lost my husband on duty 17 yrs ago..he was a detective in narcotics when he was killed .....it is so hard to see your love one go to work.....protecting the public and making the streets safe for us.....and not knowing whether that knock on the door happens....we all suffer the pain of the family and the many friends a police officer has.....I cried tears for hours with deputy friends .......it was such a great lost of a dedicated officer.......this was all so senseless.... there is a special bond in the circle of law enforcement people and a bond that the public doesnt realize exists...My heartfelt condolences go out to all brothers and sisters as the grief of a fallen officer hits us hard....but yet they will give their lives time after time for us.......To all the law enforcement people out there.......vests up and peace and please keep as safe as you can....you are the super people of the world and a very special breed .....everyone was there for me in my time of loss and therefore am here for Deputy Herzogs family — Marilyn

I want to express my heart-felt sympathy to family and friends of King County Deputy Herzog for consolation in this time of grief. As I watched Deputy Herzog's daughter give a eulogy for her dad, I could see the bravery and strength she possesses, and assimiliates from her family, particularly the strength and bravery of her dad. I offer at this time of grief, quotes from Isaiah 13:3-4... "I have commanded my dedicated soldiers, I have summoned my warriors...", and, from Psalm 83:7-8..."I relieved his should of the burden; his hands were freed from the basket, In distress you called, and I rescued you." I truly believe he is in a place away from his pain. These words I meditated upon losing my father in 1991, who had been a Lt. Col. (Retired) in the Marine Corps and had served at stations in WWII, Korea and Viet Nam. Sincerely With Yours in Faith — Michaelene, from Renton

Tears For A Cop - God's Version. When God Made Peace Officers. When the Lord was creating peace officers, he was into His sixth day of overtime. An angel appeared and said, "You're doing a lot of idling around on this one." And the Lord said, "Have you read the specs on this order? A peace officer has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn't touch, and not wrinkle his uniform. He has to be able to sit in an undercover car all day at a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvas the neighborhood for witnesses and testify in court the next day. He has to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half-eaten meals. And he has to have six pairs of hands." The angel shook her head slowly and said, "Six pairs of hands....no way!" "It's not the hands that are causing me problems," said the Lord. "It's the three pairs of eyes the officer has to have." "That's on the standard model?" asked the angel. The Lord nodded. "One pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket before he asks, "May I see what's in there, Sir?" (When he already knows and wishes he'd taken that accounting job) Another pair here in the side of his head for his partner's safety. And another pair of eyes here in front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say, "You'll be alright, Ma'am....when he knows it isn't so." "Lord, " said the angel, touching his sleeve. Rest and work on this tomorrow." "I can't", said the Lord, "I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident and feed a family of five on a civil service paycheck."The angel circled the model of the peace officer very slowly. "Can it think?" she asked. "You bet", said the Lord. "It can tell you the elements of a hundred crimes, recite Miranda warnings in its sleep, detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five learned judges to debate the legality of the stop...and it still keeps its sense of humor. This officer also has phenomenal personal control. He can deal with crime scenes painted in hell, coax a confession from a child abuser, comfort a murder victim's family, and then read in the daily newspaper how law enforcement isn't sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects." Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the peace officer. "There's a leak," she pronounced. "I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model." "That's not a leak," said the Lord. "It's a tear." "What's a tear for?" asked the angel. "It's for bottled up emotions, for fallen comrades, for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American flag for justice." "You're a genius," said the angel. The Lord looked somber, "I didn't put it there," He said, "It comes with the job." — Mike Thomas

I offer my sincere condolences to the family, friends and fellow officers of Deputy Richard Herzog. I honor his life of dedicated serice to his community and fellow officers. My Son, Paul Schene, has been a member of your department for 18 months now and I feel in some ways a sense of "kin" with the Kings County department. Sincerely — Christopher R. Schene

A part of us remains where ever we have been. — Anonymous

I work with the San Diego District Attorney's Office in California. I was visting in your area when I heard the tragic news about the death of Officer Herzog. I just wanted to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with Officer Herzog's family, and with your department as well. — Karen St. Charles

God Bless Deputy Richard Herzog, The Herzog Family, and the King County Sheriff's Office. — Lakeland Florida Police Officer

I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the Herzog family. To have a man go to work in the morning, and never know if he's coming home at night is be a terrible burden for a family. I am a retired U.S. Navy Submarine Sailor with 20 years in the naval service and I know what my family went through while I was gone out at sea, not knowing if or when I would return. Now a Corrections Officer with the King County Jail, and have two sons that are involved in the Explorer Scout’s, one age 16 with the Tukwila Police Department and one age 14 with the Tukwila Fire Department. Also a third age 12 still at home. I had the pleasure of knowing Deputy Richard Herzog, and I’m here to tell you that Law enforcement and public safety is a family, there are many different uniforms and badges, but just one family. When we lose a brother or sister, all of our hearts are broken. Today my heart is broken because yet another of my brothers has been lost to the senseless and unnecessary act of violence. This was such a horrible, senseless killing, but know that people from all over are hurting and grieving with you during this time. Your memories of Richard will always be with you, he was a wonderful man, police officer, husband and father. Be proud of him, as I know you will and know thousands of people and fellow officers are grieving with you. , It takes a brave and selfless person to serve their community in such a way. Richard was a brave, dedicated man, who was robbed of his right to see his daughters grow. He was, is, and always will be a hero. Deputy Herzog made the ultimate sacrifice to maintain the safety and security of your community keep his memory alive. God Bless you. I will keep you in my prayers. — Officer A.T.Benson (King County Jail)

I just wanted to express my deepest sympathies for the Herzog family and Deputy's Herzog's friends and co-workers. As a police officer I know all too well the horrifying feeling when there is a fallen officer. Please know that your brothers and sisters in blue across the country are behind you. — Officer Joyce Combest

I'm really sorry about your loss. I'm deeplly sadden to hear about this tragady. God Bless you allway's. — stacie clark

May the Lord bless each member in the family of officer Herzog. I was happy to see the community come to aid you financially and spiritually. I pray each morning for protection for all of our Law Enforcement officers and I hope someday the laws will change so that a person who harms or attempts to harm an officer will spend more time in jail than the one who robed a bank. With out our officers to uphold the law, we would have a sad country. May God bless America, our officers and our military. — Linda Connor, Orting WA

To the Herzog Family and friends: My deepest sympathies to your family for the loss of a love one. My nephew was one of the officers shot last week and I know your pain. I will keep you in our prayers and May God Bless you and your family. — Pat Bertness, San Antonio, Texas

I would just like to send my prayers to the Herzog family and all of their loved ones. I did not know Deputy Herzog, but I have loved ones and friends who worked with him. I think it is wonderful that the community has been so supportive to his family. I truly hope this goodwill will continue long into the future. We all need to remember that every single police officer is a hero, they risk their lives every single day. Each day I worry for my sister and my future husband who are both police officers. My thoughts are with all of you. — Rose

An entire nation mourns the loss of valiant Peace Officer Herzog. But make no mistake about Deputy Herzog's mission. His was to serve and protect and that he did. The Corrections department and the courts only act upon the will of the people. It is WAY OVERDUE that our government representatives, our judges, our prosecutors, and our correctional institutions be held accountable for releasing PREDATORS into our communities without punishment. One of us currently suffering the loss of Deputy Herzog will fall prey to an early released inmate soon. Let us wait no longer!!! Take a firm and clear stance against violence and contact your lawmakers today!!! Deputy Herzog did not give his life! He had it ripped out of him by drug loving maniac Matthews who should have been serving his one year sentence for assaulting Bellevue Police Officers late last year! Enough is Enough........... My condolences to the Herzog and Law Enforcement family - but my loudest and harshest exclamations to the criminal justice system that failed Deputy Herzog!!!!!!! — A mourning peace officer

I am so sorry for your loss. My heart aches so much for your whole family. I know there is no words that can make you feel any less pain. I just want to say that Richard Herzog is surrounded by angels and is in heaven. He is with the King of all Kings and Lord of all. I send my blessings to you and your family. — Marie Murray

I'm sorry for the daughters. I lost my dad 7 years ago and it still hurts. — jennifer hansen

The Special Investigative Unit of the Virginia Marine Police wishes to express our deepest sympathy regarding the death of Rich Herzog. Our condolences go out to his family and department. — Lieutenant John E. Croft - Special Agent in Charge

It is nice to see the support, the caring, and the love the community is putting forth. While most of us never new Deputy Herzog we all feel a sense of loss. Reading these "remembrances" shows how much the community really cares about the work which is done. So many times it takes something like this to pull a community together. Let not the sacrifice by Deputy Herzog go without cause. Remember his sacrifice and that of all State, County and City police agencies who put that uniform on and head for the streets to serve and protect. For they all put their lives on the line for us everyday. They leave their wives, their children and other loved ones behind, hoping to return yet one more day. Officer Herzog touched many lives and countless more even after his passing. Support your local law enforcement with a kind wave, a smile or polite gester, for far to many citizens take their safety for granted. Without officers like Deputy Herzog many more lives of innocent victims would be lost. REST IN PEACE DEPUTY HERZOG YOU WILL BE MISSED BY ALL... — S.L.

To the family and friends of Deputy Herzog, my prayers are with you in this difficult time. Deputy Herzog has joined many other police officers, deputys and military police officers who have given the ultimate sacrifice, their life. We know the hazards of our job, yet we do them with profesionalism and love for others. May God comfort you as you grieve. — SrA David P. Carlson, Patrolman, 31st Security Forces Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy

All my thoughts and prayers go out to you during these tough and trying times I attended the fueral procession of officer Hicks in 1982 and also of deputy Herzog I was one of many onlookers on the overpasses in Renton over 405 many of us toughed it out in the rain to watch but but I know many would say its worth it for A man that gave so much to the community and friends and family around him ...The world needs more people like him. he will Be missed.... — Rod...Renton

The Staff and Board of Directors of Island Domestic Violence Outreach Services on Vashon Island would like to express our sincere sympathy and support for the family and friends of Deputy Richard Herzog, and the King County Sheriff's Dept., in this time of tragedy and sorrow. We are reminded once again how important it is that we continue in our work toward a life free of violence. — Island Domestic Violence Outreach Services

To the family of Deputy Herzog, my deepest sympathies and prayers are with you. I did not know Deputy Herzog, however, from what I've read and heard, he sounds like a kind and decent human being, a good father and husband. I know nothing that I can say will ease your pain, but understand this, he died doing what he loved - helping people. Sonja, I was very moved by your strength and courage in your eulogy to your father. You are a daughter that any father and mother would ask for. To the co-workers of Deputy Herzog, may you find comfort and strength in continuing to do what you do best, Protect and Serve. I do appreciate what you do! To Deputy Herzog's parents, you raised a respected and decent son who served his country and community well! My deepest condolences and sympathies go out to you. May God bless you all and I honestly believe that Deputy Herzog lives on in you, his family, co-workers and friends. Peace. — Karen Cook

I'm really sorry....I didn't know your family or much about the situation, but I do know many prayers are out for him and he'll be safe and happy! — Amy

To Mrs. Herzog, both daughters of Deputy and Mrs. Herzog, and loved ones: Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers! Our hearts go out to you now and forever. You will forever have your husband, father, brother, son, and friend with you in spirit and as the years go on…hopefully, that will be a comfort. But, we wish you didn’t have to pay for the price for another’s horrific act of violence. It isn’t fair we know and we want you to know, we in law enforcement continue to fight the fight to make better laws, better policies, more staffing, and better training. We paid our respects to the roadside memorial and witnessed first hand the support that the community has shown you and your family. To the rest of the law enforcement community, continue to be safe, never, ever give up (!) and thanks for giving your best everyday and laying down your lives for us all. We know what you do cause we are there beside you as law enforcement officers here in King County! To the dispatchers that had to take the calls and you can’t be there…thank you and take care of yourselves. You watch over us from your stations. To the deputies and officers that responded… thank you and take care of yourselves. God bless you and may he watch over you and keep you in his care. — Anonymous

Word cannot express my feelings adequately. Even though I didn't know Deputy Herzog I still grieve for him. To his family and friends I am so, so sorry for your loss. Please know he will not be forgotten. To Deputy Herzog, May you rest peacefully in the arms of Jesus until the day you are reunited with your family. Love to all — Darcy Kjolso

Taps: "Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lakes From the hills, From the sky. All is well, safely rest. God is nigh. "Fading light, Dims the sight, And a star Gems the sky, Gleaning bright. From afar, Drawing nigh, Falls the night. "Thanks and praise, For our days, 'Neath the sun, 'Neath the stars, 'Neath the sky, As we go, This we know, God is nigh." — Anonymous

My thoughts and prayers are with both his family and his family in blue at this time of sorrow. We can stand tall and proud for having you in our ranks. Godspeed, my brother. — PJN - Cook County Illinois Sheriff's Dept.

I didn't know how to spell your name this is Bill you worked with me at burger king I just wanted to say that you and your family are in my prayers I hope that you will give me a call you know where you can get my # you have been through so much. If you need to talk to me or a friend just give me a call. your friend william

A True hero = a person who puts his/her life in danger to protect others = Deputy Richard Herzog...A True hero..Thank you Mr. Herzog for giving you life to protect my community.. — Jill

As my husband and I waited to hear the news of the shooting last night of the three King County policeman in Maple Valley, we were sick. We prayed that they would live. We were relieved to hear that indeed they would. As I said my prayers of thanks last night I though about our Newcastle Officer Rich Herzog. And smiled. I know why the police officers lived. Deputy Herzog was the angel who watched over them. He is already sharing his love with us -continuing his protection. We miss him here in Newcastle, but know he's loving the "new" job he has above. — Imelda Dulcich

To the family, friends, and co-workers of Rich Herzog, my family and I want to express our deepest sorrow on your loss. Deputy Herzog's sacrifice should affect everybody in the region, but it touches me deeply as I am training to become a law enforcement officer. After learning of Rich's death and witnessing the beautiful memorial service, my committment to serve feels greater than it ever has before. Deputy Herzog was a true hero and I will remember him as a role model when I become a police officer and serve my community. — Owen and Miranda North, Mt Vernon

To the Herzog Family, As a member of this incredible group of people known as the "Law enforcement family", I feel indebted to you. I know that only God's grace kept me from standing where you are now. I feel blessed that my father and grandfather were able to serve the people of King County for many years and retire safely. Rich Herzog chose the hero's path, and it ultimately cost him his life. Your sacrifice is in losing a husband and father and that cost can never be measured. I wrote the following poem last year after Steve Underwood was killed. It was dedicated to his son, but the grief and gratitude I feel towards you as a family is just the same. You stand in the place of every member of the law enforcement family that is blessed every day that their hero comes home. Our Lords peace to you. — Todd Stewart, proud son and grandson of Det. Mick Stewart, KCSO ret., Capt. Clinton Stewart, Founding commander KCSO reserve detachment 133. "The Son of Valor Stolen, Dedicated to Esteban Underwood, Son of Master Patrol Officer Steven Underwood, Killed in the line of duty March 7, 2001. The son of valor stolen, a hero’s legacy. A boy without his father, something that should not be. Your father chose the hero’s path, to protect and serve us all. But valor’s price is very high, the brightest too can fall. You are as yet, too young to know, the burden that you face. The son of valor stolen, you stand there in my place. For I am the son of valor spared, in your place I could be. A boy without his father, my strength taken from me. So be brave little brother, more brave than I could be. The son of valor stolen, a hero’s legacy." — ă2001 Todd M. Stewart

I had the pleasure of meeting Richard Herzog when he worked at SAFECO Field at Mariners games. All I can say is he will be gravely missed by everyone here. He was always smiling and friendly. My prayers are with his family. — Deborah Alexander

I want to express my heartfelt sympathy to family and friends of King County Deputy Herzog for consolidations in this time of grief. As I watched Deputy Herzog's daughter give a eulogy for her dad, I could see the bravery and strength she possesses, and assimilates from her family, particularly the strength and bravery of her dad. I offer at this time of grief, quotes from Isaiah 13:3-4..."I have commanded my dedicated soldiers, I have summoned my warriors...", and, from Psalm 83:7-8..."I relieved his shoulder of the burden; his hands were freed from the basket, In distress you called, and I rescued you." These words I meditated upon losing my father in 1991 who had been an officer in the Marine Corps and served in 3 wars. I truly believe he is in a place away from his pain. Sincerely With Yours In Faith — Michaelene, from Renton

When I was 15 years old (I'm now 35) my family was the victim of a home invasion..two men violently assaulted my sister and were preparing to kill us all before the two County Sherrif's deputies (in another state) burst in. The two criminals were stopped..but not before one young deputy was killed. I have never forgotten him and am sure he is an angel. Every time I see a police officer, I am in honor of their bravery and courage. Mr. Herzog, you have joined the angels. Thank you. — Christy

We would like to extent our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Herzog family. Deputy Herzog was a great soldier and an outstanding law enforcement officer.The loss of a fellow brother officer is always hard to cope with. Our payers are with you. — Rocklin CA VFW Post 904 Commander - LAPD Retired Jim Meskan

I would like to thank Officer Herzog for saving all the people he has over the last years. Even though I didn't know him personally, he will always be remembered in my heart. My entire family would like to express our condolences to the Herzog family. You remain in our hearts and prayers. o all who live on and follow in Officer Herzogs shoes, thank you for being here, for protecting us, for giving your lives for us. Thank you for being our living heroes. You will never get the thanks you deserve. God bless each and every one of you! God bless the Herzog family and God be with all that protect us. — Kim Donovan

We want to let Deputy Herzog's family, friends and co-workers know that our prayers are with you. We realize the terribly hard job Deputy Herzog and his fellow officers do every day when they go out and risk their lives to protect us, the people of King County. We thank you. There are no words to make you feel better about your loss so I will not try. I will just say an extra prayer tonight to pray to keep other deputy's out there safe while they are trying their very best do do an impossible job, especially after tonight's shooting. God bless. — LeRoy & Patricia Dunbar

Dear Herzog Family: I was in complete and utter shock to turn on the news and learn that once again we have lost "one of our finest!". My heart goes out to you and yours in hopes that you will somehow be able to move on and find peace and joy once again in your lives. I am 28 years old and am so angry and dismayed about the violent and disturbed world that we are living in. It breaks my heart! And even more sad is that I am raising an 8 year old daughter in this world and trying to instill in her that this is still a beautiful world and there are good people out there and people like Officer Herzog to protect the good people from the evil people and distruction that abounds. Please know that Office, Husband, Father, and Son Herzog is now in a better place. I believe that god has taken him to a place where he need not protect and witness all the hatred and anger in our world today! All the best! I will keep you in my prayers. Sincerely — Christina Sonnenburg (a sad and concerned citizen)

More messages from the community:

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Related links:
» News release: Sims sends condolences to Herzog family
» News release: Donations accepted for slain deputy’s family
» Message to employees: Deputy Richard Herzog Children Trust

Updated: Aug. 4, 2003

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