Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dad,
40 years have passed and your lessons still guide me. Thank you for teaching me the values I have today. Thank you for your commitment to your family and your service to the community. You are gone in body, but never in spirit.
Thank you to all officers, fallen, retired and active. Your service is appreciated immensely.

Steve Sanders
Son

January 9, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Sanders,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country when you served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 9, 2022

It’s almost been 40 years since my brother was killed in the line of duty. I’ll never forget our father telling me how “Little Jr” had just finished his day and stopped by Daddy’s to talk. That’s when a call came over the radio and although Daddy asked Jr to stay, he went to the scene anyway. That’s the last time Daddy saw his namesake alive. I’ll always remember that call telling me Jr was gone. He loved his job and was so proud to be a Deputy for Thomas County GA. And I’m sure Thomas County Sheriffs is proud to call Ernest E Sanders one of their fallen.

Dale Sanders Marucci
Sister

January 5, 2022

January 09th was the 35th anniversary my cousin, Ernest E. Sanders, Jr, a.k.a. Little Jr, being killed in the line of duty as he worked for Thomas County Sheriff Office. You were gone to early from your family and friends. You are missed never forgotten. RIP Deputy Sanders EOW 01/11/1982.

I hope one day I will make contact with your children.

Charles Sanders
Cousin and former Law enforcement

January 15, 2017

I heard your story the other day on a call about 100 yards from the scene of your crash...proof you're not forgotten. You'll never be forgotten.

Deputy
Thomas County Sheriff's Office

April 28, 2013

Rest in Peace, Deputy Sanders. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 3, 2012

Jr was my half brother. We had the same Dad. On many occasions, he would come and live with us when we were all young in Ft Lauderdale FL. I remember him as a fun loving kind person. Many times, Daddy would tell the story of the day Jr. died and how he asked Jr not to respond to that call that came over the radio as he was sitting in the front yard of Daddy's home. But... as a dedicated deputy, he did respond even though he was off-duty. I an proud of him and would like to know his kids as we lost touch when he went in the service. RIP Jr ~ your sister, Dale

Dale Marucci

February 21, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 9, 2012

DEPUTY SANDERS, MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

January 9, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 2, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 27, 2007

I have never searched for these sights until today. I did not know my father very well as I only got to meet him the one time when I was 9 years old. Never the less I do think about him often and it always brings tears to my eyes. I miss you Dad. I wish that our time would have been more. Love forever your son Rich.

Son

April 3, 2007

Deputy sheriff Ernest E. Sanders had an unwaivering sense of duty to his position as a Thomas County Deputy Sheriff, as he did in many other aspects of his life. He dedicated himself to giving one hundred percent in every endeavor he pursued. He was a loving husband, father and friend to his family. I remember fondly of his wonderful smile and sense of humor and the many days we spent fishing and hunting together when I was a boy. I will forever remember the sounds of his laughter and the sight of his wonderful smile. He gave his all in everything including raising me, his son. I miss you Dad. Love Ya steve

Steve Sanders

November 29, 2004