Rest in Peace Ulster Police Officer Travis Nissen

General Patton once said, "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank god that such men lived."

Even though his words were a little harsh, he is right. Officer Nissen's tragic passing this weekend creates a void in this community that will never be filled. He touched many lives not only through his traditional Police Officer duties on the streets of our town, but more importantly he worked hard to make a positive difference in the lives of our community's children at the Miller Middle School where he was assigned as an SRO. I personally only had a couple of encounters with him in the community where the UPD is ALWAYS there to watch the backs of those of us in the fire service as we carry out our duties. But I have been touched over the last couple of days as I have heard from friends of mine that worked with him at MCM as well as the accounts that I have read in the local media. I know my own daughter looks up to the SRO "Officer Harry" as she calls him at Bailey School, and I have been very impressed with the SRO program locally that I have observed. And by all accounts Officer Nissen was definitely one of the best.

This community was very lucky to have Officer Nissen even though it was for a very short time and the effects that he had on our community (especially the children of our community) will make a difference for many years to come. My most sincere condolences to Officer Nissen's family, the Ulster Police department, as well as his friends and co-workers at Miller Middle School. You are all in our prayers.

Below is a tribute to officer Nissen that was being passed around the internet: