Tonight, the Rosewood Club, made up of RPD command staff, gave an award to the entire community. Here is the speech given by President Sgt. Mark Freese. It is dedicated to all of you. *** I want thank you all of you for being here tonight. I want to personally congratulate all of tonight’s award recipients. Kelly and Matt, it is such a privilege to work with both of you. Your service to not only to the Rochester Police Department, but this community, is extraordinary. Bob Urtis, youre a tenacious investigator, who always went the extra mile.. Terrorists tonight probably are breathing easier because you retired. And Lt. Tom Jones, yes you are a legend. You sir terrified the hell out of me the first time I ever was assigned to write a homicide report and hand it into you. Amy Pierson, Thank you for being here tonight. We have a heavy heart tonight, knowing that we lost one of our own. On September 3rd 2014, the unthinkable happened. Officer Daryl Pierson was murdered, doing what every police officer signs up to do, arrest bad guys. Daryl’s senseless death struck all of us horribly. We all hoped we would never see an event like this in our careers. In the aftermath of this tragedy, we had to investigate the loss of one of our own, plan a funeral, go about the business of policing the city and find time to mourn. I think I can say this was the darkest time in any of our careers. As all of this was going on something else happened. Friends called and expressed condolences, strangers stopped us and thanked us for our service, community groups offered assistance, organizations dropped off food at our offices. Local businesses offered services. The law enforcement brotherhood came to our aid, covering calls for service in the city. On the day we laid Daryl to rest, we gathered at the War Memorial. Again the community allowed us to quietly mourn. Long-retired members of the police department stood in line to pay respects to their fallen brother. Law enforcement from around the state the nation and Canada came to Rochester to support us and the Pierson family. After the funeral, we escorted Daryl’s family to his final resting place. The procession to the cemetery was an amazing tribute to Daryl - and this community. On downtown streets, on Route 490 and on every bridge and overpass, people were holding American Flags, standing quietly and saluting. In Daryl’s hometown of East Rochester, the streets were lined with young and old. It still brings a lump to my throat when I think about the students standing quietly outside East Rochester High school. Every year this great organization recognizes people who have made a difference in Rochester with our Distinguished Service Award. Tonight, our award is going to the entire Greater Rochester Community, to every single person who thanked us, hugged us, stood by us and showed us support. You reminded us why we chose this honorable profession and of the good that exists in this community. We have asked Rochester’s Deputy Mayor Leonard Redon --- to accept this honor on behalf of everyone in our community. Deputy Mayor Redon we welcome you to accept this award along with Amy Pierson.
Posted on: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 02:38:12 +0000
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