In Memory of TJ “Ber” Berry by Investigator A. M. Shovlin
It’s hard to know where to begin when thinking about
my friend. He was not only one of the best officers I had the blessing to know,
but one of the best men that I knew. I remember the first time that I met TJ,
or Ber as I knew him. It didn’t take much for us to make an instant friendship.
That was the way it was with everyone that knew Ber though. He was always
friendly with people and could make just about anyone laugh. He taught me to
always be ready and to make sure to take my seatbelt off
in a parking lot in case I have to jump out, which is a practice that I have
today even without thinking about it. Ber and I worked side by side in the West
End just prior to when the shifts were split into platoons. It was when he
worked the West End that we got the ever famous “West End Drug Bust” that would
become one of my favorite pictures and stories to tell. When I was in my
accident in 2008 that required me to ride to the hospital in an ambulance it
was Ber that was the first one that I saw and heard say, “Hey Munchkin”. That
was all it took for me to start crying again, but I knew that everything was
okay because my friend was there and he would make it okay. That’s what Ber did
every day at work and otherwise, he made things okay. When you were down, mad,
confused or whatever he made you laugh. It’s his smile and his infectious
laughter that I think of when I think of him. I miss him every day and the
sting of his loss is still very present as I know it is for the rest of his
friends and even more so for his family. There is a great hole where Ber was
that will never be filled, but I am thankful for the time that I did have with
Ber. He was a great man and great police officer and it truly was an honor to
serve with him and be one of the lucky few to be his friend.
"Policeman's Prayer"
When I start my tour of duty God, Wherever
crime may be, as I walk the darkened streets
alone, Let me be close to thee.
Please give me understanding with both the
young and old. Let me listen with attention until
their story's told. Let me never make a judgment
in a rash or callous way, but let me hold my
patience let each man have his say.
Lord if some dark and dreary night, I must give
my life, Lord, with your everlasting love protect
my children and my wife.
(Author Unknown)