My husband, Inv. Thomas L. Buck, New York State Police, died on March 19, 1981, due to a needle stick during an arrest in 1971, and died from syrum hepititus. Tom was last stationed at A Troop, Fredonia/Falconer, south of Buffalo. I didn't hear about C.O.P.S. until a few years after his death. Our Superintendent at the time, James McMahan, invited all NYSP survivors to Albany for a weekend of learning what we had endured, and connected with other survivors for the first time. I learned, after 16 years, what I had gone through on my own was normal while trying to survive my worst nightmare.I opened the first Chapter of COPS in NY State, became N. East Regional Trustee, and sat on the National Board for one year. I traveled to Washington for several years to assist survivors with their first years of trying to grasp what they were going through. C.O.P.S. is the most wonderful organization for healing, learning, and meeting others who understand what you are going through. I now live in Port Charlotte, Flordia, but will always remember those I met and who help me with my own personal journey.
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Tanya Chomyszak
Posted on the 2023-02-20 at 19:00
My husband, Ret. NYSP Sgt. F. Brent Chomyszak, was a First Responder with New York State Police at Ground Zero during 9/11. He was diagnosed with a rare stage IV cancer directly related to his time at Ground Zero. Brent lost his battle on August 23, 2022. I am so grateful to have been introduced to C.O.P.S. through signing up for Police Week. Brent\'s name will be inscribed on the wall this May 2023, and my family and I look forward to attending the C.O.P.S. events and being able to meet some of you.
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Barbara Heckman-Sauer
Posted on the 2022-05-15 at 20:00
Hi folks! Just moved to Palm Beach Co from Texas. Hope to join your zoom tonite.
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Karen Zorsky
Posted on the 2022-05-15 at 20:00
Thanks for all you do.
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Ruby whisenant
Posted on the 2022-05-15 at 20:00
Just found out of this organization, would love to know more about involvement of volunteering.
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P Howle
Posted on the 2018-08-27 at 20:00
A very Thankfull website for a very Thankless job!
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Mario J Santiz
Posted on the 2012-10-06 at 20:00
Not a bad website for a Greek! You know I love you Katt!! ;;;;8) Somewhere in Tennesee.
MJSantiz
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Robert Labelle, Ret. Davie PD
Posted on the 2012-10-06 at 20:00
Great site. Thank you for all that you do. May God Bless each and every one of you, your families, and your loved ones, lost in the line of duty.
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Captain Rex Kidd-Galindo
Posted on the 2012-08-06 at 20:00
I have heard the words “Thank you for what you do” on many occasions. Now I am saying the words, “Thank you for what you do”. Keeping the memories of our fallen angels is a great and honorable task.
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Rafael Navarro
Posted on the 2012-01-04 at 19:00
Great Organization, taking care of what great men & women have left behind Families!sfcnav.com
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Debbie Martin
Posted on the 2011-12-05 at 19:00
Hello COPS, Just want to share a good news story with you all. Thanks to the support our family has received from COPS over the last few years since our officers death (Ofc. Michelle Lawless EOW 10-27-2007). Michelle had a commitment and passion for educating the public about Wildlife and our Environment. Since our officers passing her family (Debbie & Diana Martin, along with James Holloway) have been able to create an Academic Scholarship through Broward College in memoriam of Ofc. Lawless. It is the first of its kind (a scholarship in Environmental Sciences)! We were able to raise over $5,000 for the scholarship that will now be awarded in January 2011 to a student from Columbia who wishes to major in Environmental Science.
In reading the Mission Statement of COPS COPS believes that a law enforcement death affects not only the surviving family and the agency, but the COMMUNITY AS WELL. This couldn\'t be more true as the support of COPS helped us to have a positive impact on our community and continue our heroes love for the environment.
Many thanks to COPS this holiday season...
With warm regards, The Martin Family
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Lt. Russ Fennelly
Posted on the 2011-12-05 at 19:00
COPS as a whole organization is a great group. The people I have met recently from many of the chapters have had an impact on me in ways that I did not think they would. I thank you for your service to the survivors.
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Bryan Glover
Posted on the 2011-12-05 at 19:00
What a nice website.
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Paul Armitage
Posted on the 2011-12-05 at 19:00
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of my friends in South Florida C.O.P.S.
Chief Paul F. Armitage, Ret. Northeast Region Trustee
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Monica Zahasky
Posted on the 2011-12-05 at 19:00
Cops cycling for Indiana C.O.P.S
Happy Holidays,
Monica Zahasky
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JESSICAMARIE SEPULVEDA
Posted on the 2011-05-25 at 20:00
I LOVE THE WEBSITE. GOOD JOB KATT AND TO THE OTHER MEMBERS OF C.O.P.S. ... I\'M HONORED TO BE WITH C.O.P.S. IN MEMORY OF MY FATHER RAMON A. SEPULVEDA 11-05-56 to 07-19-04
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Commander Richard Gentry
Posted on the 2011-05-25 at 20:00
It is truly an honor to thank each and every one of you for your efforts in honoring our fallen heroes and their families.
Thank you for your leadership!
Miami Police Department Honor Guard Motto:
Honoring our Heroes Everyday!
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Steven Confino
Posted on the 2011-01-04 at 19:00
For all that you do for the families of my brothers and sisters in LE, we thank you and support you in your mission.
Steve Confino President Blue Knights - FL
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Cpl. Sean Wm. Kille
Posted on the 2011-01-04 at 19:00
Just dropping a note to send my best wishes to your survivors for continued healing and strength. As a fellow C.O.P.S. Executive Board Member, from the Great State of Maryland, I wanted to also say \'Thank You\' for the service that you provide for others. I know that your efforts are greatly appreciated. Awesome website by the way. Very nicely done. Best wishes for a safe and healthy 2011.
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Barbara Brower
Posted on the 2010-12-17 at 19:00
Thank you Kathy for putting this web site together. It is a creative informative work! I appreciate your efforts and talent.
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Joyce Wisdom-Metroplex C.O.P.S.
Posted on the 2010-12-17 at 19:00
Your website looks great keep up the good work. Merry Christmas to all.
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Lisa Hardison McAllister
Posted on the 2010-12-17 at 19:00
Thank you for giving me an avenue in which I can honor my grandfather.
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Dennis C. Moore
Posted on the 2010-10-31 at 20:00
Keep up the good work. God bless you and thank you!
Kathy, as always you have done a great job. God bless you. Give my best to all.
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Thomas Alvarez
Posted on the 2008-12-04 at 19:00
God Bless Kathy Alvarez & Concern Of Police Survivers A.K.A C.O.P.S God Bless You And May God Be With You Always.
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Mitch
Posted on the 2008-11-18 at 19:00
Kathy, what a very interesting site for someone outside your world. Thank you for inviting me to have a look - it opened up a new perspective. Mitch
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Charles Corton
Posted on the 2008-11-08 at 19:00
Kathy, thank you for being such a great person. All your work does not go untoiced. You are a blessing and I am a better person for knowing you. Thank you
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Kathy Alvarez
Posted on the 2008-11-08 at 19:00
All of the kind words, compliments, and sentiments from all of you I must say are very well received. :) But I will say, that if I did not have the inspiration of everyone with COPS and what they represent, as well as the other survivors, none of what I enjoy doing could have been accomplished. They really are the inspiration. There is no better feeling for me than watching a person lift themselves from the depths of personal despair, and seeing the light of love illuminate them once again. Its a privilege for me.
Thank you again and enjoy the site.
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Suzie Sawyer
Posted on the 2008-09-03 at 20:00
Having met a friend of Kathy Alvarez's at an event, I checked out the South Florida C.O.P.S. website. Very nicely done, Kathy. The South Florida C.O.P.S. Chapter certainly has a website to be proud of .
Suzie Sawyer C.O.P.S. Executive Director
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Michael J. Saxe
Posted on the 2008-08-10 at 20:00
What a beautiful website. It is very informative as well as inviting. I know that Debbie Geary is participating in the C.O.P.S. walk...Way to go! I also see that you are having a family fun night with Bunco and dessert. Thank you for allowing me to visit you on your website and leave a litle comment. I think it's great.
Michael Saxe
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Joel Peney
Posted on the 2008-08-08 at 20:00
An exceptional job, our thanks to Kathy.
Ellie and Joel Peney
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Karen White
Posted on the 2008-08-04 at 20:00
All of us in the law enforcement community have felt the pain and loss of friends and colleagues over the years. Your website is a beautiful tribute to those officers and their families. Thank you for providing us with a place to remember and stay in touch.
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Mercy Dixon
Posted on the 2008-07-12 at 20:00
Kathy you are doing a super job with the website. I want you to know that I greatly appreciate all that you do because it takes hard work but is so wonderful to continue to keep in touch with everything that is happening to people that we love. May God continue to give you this burning desire to keep this good work going and may He richly bless you.
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Wayne Shatas
Posted on the 2008-07-08 at 20:00
You do an outstanding job Kathy and I know it will be very succesful. You put a lot of effort in projects you undertake. Good luck.
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Tony Letizia
Posted on the 2008-07-08 at 20:00
A website that will truely guide law enforcement families for years to come during those difficult days. Wonderful work!
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Orlando A.
Posted on the 2008-07-06 at 20:00
Dear Kathy,
I can not imagine a more worth while organization or a better site adminstrator. Congratulations, it is beautiful. You are a class act!
Orly
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Clark Frogley
Posted on the 2008-07-05 at 20:00
To the families of the fallen chosen, who have sacrificed their lives in protecting the innocent. God bless you for your sacrifice and loss.
Former FBI Special Agent
Clark Frogley
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Tony Martin
Posted on the 2008-07-05 at 20:00
We now have a place and moment in time to pay tribute to our fallen. To share the tears that have and will always join us as a family. To find comfort that the sacrifice is not and will not be forgotten. Thank you Kathy
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Melodie Lothrop
Posted on the 2008-07-05 at 20:00
Great job on the website! I know this site will be a true comfort to people who have lost their heroic loved ones. Keep up the good work & God Bless all who are involved in this organization. You truly are angels, thank you for being there for others who need you.
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JIM HITT
Posted on the 2008-07-03 at 20:00
GREAT JOB WITH THE WEB SITE. I SEND MY PRAYERS TO ALL TO KEEP SAFE.
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John Roper
Posted on the 2008-07-03 at 20:00
Kathy, The site is wonderful, and as we can see from the guest the word is getting out about COPS. Thank you for the hard work and dedication to put this site together. You stuck with it even through the rough times. Let's keep up the good work. COPS is a great organization that remembers the families of the officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice. We will continue to rebuild shattered lives. John Roper-Retired MDPD Sergeant President South Florida COPS
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Rob Darby
Posted on the 2008-07-03 at 20:00
Keep fighting the good fight.
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Wayne L.
Posted on the 2008-07-02 at 20:00
SoFloCops.org Supporters and Staff,
As a Military member, I would like to say that those of us in Military uniform stand in honor of those of you in Blue who also do war against a different kind of 'Axis of Evil' every day... perhaps less visible on television sometimes, you nonetheless wage war against just as destructive an enemy every day all over this great Nation.
It is indeed a thankless job it seems.
Please know that your sacrifices truly do not go as unnoticed as you might think... your losses are painfully and solemnly noticed by members of the Military Family. (Many of you in Blue also wear another uniform, too, and also wage the same war that my Military Brothers and Sisters do.)
This site seems to be a right and fitting tribute to those among you who have fallen during the battle, and an excellent support tool and refuge for those who are left behind to suffer the brunt of the pain alone.
Well done. And, Thank you. All of you.
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Catherine Papadopoulos
Posted on the 2008-07-02 at 20:00
Nice work Kathy! I wish we had something like that here in Greece! Blessed be for being a light in some people's darkest hour! Katt
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Tim Bond
Posted on the 2008-07-02 at 20:00
I'm neither in South Florida nor professionally involved with law enforcement - I'm one of the general public, and from the UK, and found your site through a friend. I just wanted to add a note of thanks and support.
I frequently visit the USA, one of the truly great countries of this world, and love to see your beautiful land and receive such a warm welcome. It is always a great pleasure to spend time with you.
As with any country, though, I know that there are some who do not follow the laws and am grateful that there are those who spend, and give, their lives to maintain a safe world for the rest of us. Though I spend only a small part of my life in your care, your dedication and sacrifice is truly appreciated, and my thoughts are with those who are left treasuring memories of lost loved ones.
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Tom Fitzpatrick
Posted on the 2008-07-02 at 20:00
What a great way for all of us to stay in touch. After working together for so many years we are family.
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Debbie Miller
Posted on the 2008-07-02 at 20:00
I too wish all families of those slain-peace, hope, and faith. I too have several relatives in the police field and I pray everyday for their safety as I know how bad a situation can change within seconds. Bless you all and may this site comfort you and yours.
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Cheryl
Posted on the 2008-07-02 at 20:00
To All Who Serve and Protect -
Thank you from the bottom of my heart...no good deed goes unnoticed.
Peace
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Tracie Bowerman
Posted on the 2008-07-02 at 20:00
Your website was done just beautifully. What a perfect tribute to those who have sacrificed on behalf of us all.
Tracie Bowerman (Dispatcher) Mishawaka Police Department Mishawaka, Indiana
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Bill Colby
Posted on the 2008-07-02 at 20:00
SoFloCops,
Your site is impressive, and your work is important. Greetings from the Heartland, and keep it up.
May God continue to bless you and everyone in this organization. You keep the memory alive of those that were so dear to our hearts. I love you Terry and I thank God for having a friend like you.
Zoe
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Kim Villere
Posted on the 2008-07-01 at 20:00
Kathy, I'm honored to be among the first few to visit your site and sign your guest book. You're doing a wonderful thing, here...making sure no one forgets the men and women in blue who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I miss you and my Sunny Isles boys. :-)
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Mario Santiz
Posted on the 2008-07-01 at 20:00
Great job Kathy..
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Henry & Martha Sanchez
Posted on the 2008-07-01 at 20:00
God,look out after all our men & women in uniform,who place their lives on the line,to protect us all in these dangerous and troubled times.
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Judy Good
Posted on the 2008-07-01 at 20:00
Kathy, you put your heart and soul into every project you take on. You've done nothing less than that here and for a very honorable group of people. Best of luck with this site.
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Richard Armstrong
Posted on the 2008-07-01 at 20:00
Kathy - You have such fine talent for designing attractive web sites. This is an important site. Just two weeks ago, here in Western North Carolina, we had a fine young highway patrolman, 24 years of age with a wife and new baby, shot to death in a simple traffic stop by a real nasty guy with a long record of violence. It really shook up the whole area. Web sites like yours all around the country help us all keep those that have been lost in our memories for ever. Keep up the good work.
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Vicki
Posted on the 2008-07-01 at 20:00
Awesome job on the new website! Hope that more people get to view and see what a worthwhile cause this is.
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Lt. Kay White
Posted on the 2008-07-01 at 20:00
It is reassuring to know that there is an organization that is there for the friends and family of fallen officers. Good job Kathy on the website.
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Kent Hart
Posted on the 2008-07-01 at 20:00
I thank You for your great work. I, during the course of my 23 year career, almost lost my life several times and realize the importance of people who carry the torch for our FALLEN BROTHERS and SISTERS.
Thank You and God Bless
Kent
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George Kartis
Posted on the 2008-07-01 at 20:00
Great site, Kathy. Thanks for your hard work where it really counts, as always. Good job!
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Eric Strzalkowski
Posted on the 2008-06-30 at 20:00
Great website. It looks very nice. You did a very good job.
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Barbie Dezayas
Posted on the 2008-06-30 at 20:00
The site is beautiful. It was about time . It honors my family and i to know that our loved one will never be forgotten. Thanks
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Diana Martin
Posted on the 2008-06-30 at 20:00
Awesome website! COPS is truly a valuable organization and means so much to our families. Thank you to all!!
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Retired, Rolando Romeu
Posted on the 2008-06-30 at 20:00
All who visit will find comfort and love from those of you who are involved and keeping the memory of those angels that have fallen. God Bless and may he keep keep you safe.
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Ann Becker Alexandrino
Posted on the 2008-06-30 at 20:00
Kathy, the website is great. Everyone has always done a great job and you will be a wonderful addition.
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Lieutenant Mike Vesely
Posted on the 2008-06-29 at 20:00
Kathy, Thank you so much for including me. Excellant job!!!
