That's one of the most beautiful things I've ever read. Your words go straight to the heart and capture exactly what Natalie meant and means to our community.
I too was a female law enforcement officer. I remember when I was at the beginning of my career, like Natalie, and I feel very deeply what she never got to experience in her career and in her life. But I am sure she is patrolling in Heaven…
The Corner Where Courage Blooms
(for Officer Natalie Corona)
Here, where the water leaps into light,
we remember a woman who leapt first—
into duty,
into service,
into a promise to keep us safe.
She was not born into power,
but into purpose.
From Arbuckle’s small streets
to Davis’s open doors,
she carried the kind of bravery
that wears no crown
yet stands taller than any throne.
She gave without asking—
coins for the cold,
hands for the hurting,
a shield for the strangers
who would one day call her their own.
The night that took her
could not take her light.
It is here now—
in the splash of water,
in the shade of trees,
in the laughter that rings free of fear.
Natalie’s Corner is not just a place—
it is a promise:
that service matters,
that kindness counts,
that courage can outlast grief.
Today, we gather not in silence,
but in gratitude,
not to close her watch,
but to keep it.
Because every child who plays here
runs in the freedom she protected.
And so her story is not ended—
it is written in the spray of this fountain,
the roots of these trees,
the heart of this city.
Natalie Corona—
your corner is the whole world you made better.
Inspired by the writing of Bob Dunning
Andy -
That's one of the most beautiful things I've ever read. Your words go straight to the heart and capture exactly what Natalie meant and means to our community.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Thank you Bob! It's your writing that brought tears to my eyes and inspired that.
Thank you for your heartfelt sentiments.
Thank you, Johnny.
Much appreciated.
Why do the good ones have to leave us so soon?
I know, Bobby.
I've asked myself that many times.
Beautiful tribute, Bob.
Thanks so much, Diane.
Can't say enough good words about Natalie.
"The Final Inspection"
The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."
Sincerely,
Former LEO
Author Unknown
That one really makes you stop and think.
We were blessed to have Natalie among us.
I too was a female law enforcement officer. I remember when I was at the beginning of my career, like Natalie, and I feel very deeply what she never got to experience in her career and in her life. But I am sure she is patrolling in Heaven…
She absolutely is, Ilsa.
So beautifully said.
Thank you
Thank you for the beautiful testimonial
Thanks you, Jan.
Natalie was special.
…💧…🙏🏼…💙
Amen, Bill