Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

O God of Peace, so many of America’s Peace Officers who are on the front lines to protect us never make it back home to their families. We pray for these fallen law enforcement officers, Lord God, who gave their lives for us. We pray for the families of these heroes, who have to now endure life without their loved one. Lord God, society tries to move forward, but there is always bloodshed occurring. We approach Your throne of glory and grace to beg of You for peace. Lord God, bring peace to this land – the United States of America. We plead for Your divine intervention to quiet our hearts and unify our communities. Stop the violence that occurs amid our cities. We thank You for all America’s Peace Officers who have died protecting us, and ask that You send an everlasting peace so that America’s Peace Officers on the streets may be safe and return home to their loved ones at the end of their assigned shifts. In Christ Jesus, Your blessed Son, I pray. Amen.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

July 23, 2023

Continuing to remember Lt. Johnnie Shoates. RIIP sir.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

September 13, 2022

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and especially your incredibly heroic sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. God Bless your family and loved ones and I hope they take some small comfort in knowing that not only did your actions that day define heroism, but they in all likelihood saved other lives. God Speed.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

December 7, 2020

Johnnie, I’m thinking about you today. It has been more than 44 years since we talked. I miss you. Your friend forever. R. I. P.

O’Neal O. Wright
Detroit Police

June 20, 2019

Rest in peace Lt. Shoates.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 21, 2019

Lt. Johnnie C. Shoates will never ever be forgotten. May his soul rest in Heaven, and may our Lord God forever bless Mrs. Shoates and their three children.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb (Retired)
New York State Police

February 16, 2018

My Faithful Servant



My faithful servant.
You were called upon to serve others.
You were asked to see, what no man should ever have to see.
To go through, what no man should ever have to go through.
But you did so with pride, honor, and integrity.

My faithful servant.
You were called upon to defend those, who could not defend themselves.
To provide justice to those, who did not respect it.
To lay down your life, if the time called for it.
Again, you did not question what was asked of you.
You did it with love, compassion, and loyalty.

My faithful servant.
In times of adversity, you prayed for strength.
In times of triumph, you praised your Lord.
You served your Country, State, and city proud.
Your service will forever be remembered by the many lives you’ve touched.

My faithful servant.
When your service on this earth is finally complete.
I will welcome you home with open arms.
I will embrace you and proclaim,
“Well done thou good and faithful servant.”

RIP my brother, the Lord has taken you home.

sergeant barton
garden city pd

December 2, 2014

When I was born, you were already in a coma. I never had a chance to meet you, yet I hear that we have a lot in common. :-)
I will NEVER forget your sacrifice. I will never dishonor our family or the badge, because it's too important to me.


Thin Blue Line until we meet again.

United States Probation Officer
Niece

June 18, 2013

Imagine my surprise when i googled my daddy's name and found this!!! wow what a wonderful feeling...the reflections show me what i always believed, That you would live forever

I miss you..I love you,
your "big girl",
Gwen

1st born daughter Gwen

February 2, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 25th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

December 7, 2011

rhank you sir for sharing the thin blue line with me , your sacrifice is not forgotten................you never will be forgotten.......rest sir rest , we have the watch from here .

officer val pickens
b'ham pd/b'ham , al

November 15, 2008

You are remembered today and thank youSir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

December 4, 2007

"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

November 13, 2007

I never new you personally, but I was good friends with your oldest daughter. Through her I knew your dedication and courage to your job. You will never be forgotten. When I visit my mother's grave, I always leave a flower on yours. Rest in peace.

Cheryl Ray

friend of family

September 29, 2007

You fought to the end, rest easy

Senior Officer D. W. Reichhardt
Waverly PD, Va.

December 7, 2006

Daddy, I never got the chance to have a conversation with you, at least not the way I wanted too. Momma allowed me to know who you were through her memories and stories. When the accident happened I was gearing up to come into this world. I think I spirits crossed in heaven. There is so much of you in me and so much of ma in me. I just hope you are both in heaven proud of what your lives created together. I love you. I miss you and I know our spirits will cross again in heaven one day.

Love Eternally,

Your last daughter

Kelli M. Shoates

The Baby
Daughter

September 28, 2006

Rest in peace brother. May God Bless you and your family.

Patrolman

March 5, 2006

You hung on as long as you could, rest easy now. Thank you for your courage, bravery and your committment to make this world a safer place.

Detective T. Henshaw
Bell Gardens Police Dept., CA

December 7, 2004