Even though Rodney was the baby of the family of three, he was still my protector. He would question all boys that came in to date me. Rodney was handsome and knew it. He wouldn't work weekends because it interfered with his social life.
When Rodney went off to college, he became a different person. He studied criminal justice. There was no arguing with the boy who was always right. But he studied hard and worked even on weekends.
He saw that he was not able to use his skills in PA so he trained for Virginia Beach Police. He said the training was like training for Navy Seals. During training, he married the love of his young life. They were both so busy in their lives.
Then came their little boy. He came into this world with difficulty, and we thought he wouldn't make it but he pulled through. Rodney was so proud to have that little boy. He showed him off to everyone. He took about 100 pictures a day and bogged down computer memory when you tried to upload all of them.
Rodney was the happiest I had ever seen him. But somehow I think in the back of his mind, he knew what would happen. He did things he didn't normally do. He visited all family members so they could see his son. Rodney rarely visited family before. He took lots of pictures with his son and himself. He sent video clips.
On June 22, Rodney stopped by his house to have dinner with his son and wife. He doesn't normally do this. He went back to work. He never left his shift early and always stayed at his post till the end of his shift. The speeding truck drove by him at 3:23, and he pulled it over at 3:24 a.m. He had no idea who he had pulled over. He never had a chance because the man (who was a 6 time convicted felon, had assaulted another policeman, and had just got done robbing a restaurant) got out and shot Rodney. I still wonder why this man ever stopped. Why didn't he keep driving? Rodney somehow found the strength to shoot back. But then it was over.
I got my call in New Mexico. I had just arrived there one day prior and was starting to relax from a long, hard year. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I had to fly for over 8 hours and think about what I was coming back to.
Rodney was a dedicated officer, husband, father, brother, and friend. Will I ever understand why God took him from me when he took my father 10 years ago. He took all the men from my life.
The strength is gone. When things like this happen, it becomes hard to understand life and what is dealt to us. My tears fall everyday for my brother. I cry for myself. I cry for the little boy who could only hear the stories about his father but really won't have a bond with them because he was too little.
I will never forget how his son kept crying to go to an officer thinking it was his father but realizing it wasn't and crying more. I will never forget his son looking into the casket and reaching his arms out to go to his father. He knew it was his daddy.
I read the other touching stories and wish time could pass quickly to get through this hurt.
My friends in blue, where do you find your strength? You are a remarkable person for the job you do. I will value your work till the day I pass on.
Rodney, you will be thought of everyday of my life. When I see your little boy, it will remind me of you as a child. As he grows, it will remind me of your life. I love you little brother.
Officer Name: Rodney Pocceschi
Officer City: Virginia Beach Special Operations, VA
End of Watch: June 23, 2003
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