Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sergeant James A. Wouters was an amazing man an amazing father and an amazing husband, I never got the opportunity to meet this amazing man but I have seen videos and read a ton about him. I'm Lucas Hinkle and I would be his grandson, I am so grateful for what he did so I cant even be mad or sad about him risking his life to save others. I can only hope that I could be half the man he was that is why I want to be a police officer.

Lucas Hinkle
Grandson

November 13, 2024

Jim
After years of traveling the world chasing waves I moved back to Florida to discover you had gave it all and became a true hero. Many great memories I have of you from our youth.,

Rest In Peace Bro
Alan Cline
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Alan Cline
Friend from the past

February 2, 2024

It's hard to believe Jimmy's been gone 34 years. It feels like yesterday to me. As I get older, I miss him even more - thinking about how it would be for us now - probably arguing about current events and differing majorly on politics. He will always be my 'little' brother who should have outlived me. I know he is looking down on us and I hope he and Mom are together now. I wish you were still here with us.

Mary Brough
Sister

February 1, 2021

Rest in peace Sergeant Wouters.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 9, 2019

Rest in peace Captain Cooper.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 9, 2019

Sgt. Wouters,
On today, the 31st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow Officer who was also killed in that incident for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Ft. Pierce. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 12, 2018

Today marks 30 years since the tragic event that took you from us. Not a day goes by that I don't think about and wish you were here. I miss you so much it hurts. I love you dad.

Ashley Hinkle
Daughter

January 12, 2017

Your name is forever engraved into my badge, and those of your new brothers and sisters. Everyday we patrol the streets of Fort Pierce, you protect and look over us. We carry your name and memory on our chest everyday. We have the watch still, and will never forget the ultimate sacrifice you made for the people of our city. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace brother.

Police Officer
Fort Pierce Police Department

January 9, 2017

Not a day goes by that I don't think about. I wish you were here. I wish you could have met your grandchildren. I wish I had my own memories of you. I know you're watching from heaven looking down. I love you dad

Ashley Hinkle
Daughter

September 30, 2015

After all these years, it still feels like just yesterday when you left us. You will always be much loved and sorely missed.

Mary Brough
Sister

November 26, 2013

Jimmy my old partner after academy---rest in peace

Neal Rosenstrom

November 25, 2012

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Wouters. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 9, 2012

Continue to rest in peace Sgt. Wouters, we will never forget the heroes who gave their all, and you sir are a hero.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Deb

January 12, 2012

No matter how long it has been, we will never forget the heroes of Florida, and you sir are one of them. Continue to rest in peace. Thank you for your service, dedication, protection and ultimately the high price you paid for us all, your life.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous

January 12, 2011

Sgt. James Wouters

Go rest in peace brother, for your job here is done.
May god rest your soul, bless all your loved ones and fellow officers. You will always be remembered.

"HEROS IN LIFE, NOT DEATH"
Ontario Police Memorial

Simon Moussa
Ontario Provincial Police

January 22, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 23rd 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.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

January 13, 2010

Jimmy
I think about you and Cooper and Danny and Steve all the time and now with the most recents deaths in Oakland it just brings it all back to me. Another tragedy more lives taken, more families feeling the heartache that your loved ones and friends have had to endure over the years. I know that you are all missing your families and friends and one day we will all be together. Just know that you are not forgotten,just know that you have inspired many men and women to pursue their dreams. You are all heroes in our eyes. We love and miss you all very much.

Carla Cusanelli
Former 911 Dispatcher for Ft Pierce PD

March 23, 2009

I became a police officer with the Fort Pierce Police Department in September of 1976. Jimmy Wouters worked on the same shift with me. In those days, there was so much comraderie and less fear about being a police officer than there is today. Jimmy was a hoot! He had a teriffic sense of humor and was a great one to initiate practical jokes. But when it came to serious cop stuff, he was all pro. I remember Jimmy and Coop and the other guys on our shift - Ed Reed, Jimmy Duncan and others whose names fade in the fog of age. It was a great time to be a cop, but all of that came to a crashing end when Jimmy and Coop were killed. I was living in Connecticut and a dear friend, Joanne, who was a reserve and loved those guys so much, called to tell me the horrible news. The world changed that day - the ugliness and horror of line of duty death came to our door. My prayers are renewed every May during the law enforcement memorials that take place through the United States. I was priviledged to be in Washington D.C. for the 2002 LEO memorial service and was able to make a tracing of Jimmy and Coop's names at the memorial. May God bless and keep their widows and children.

Peg Gant, Exec. Director
Comm. for FL Law Enf Accreditation

February 13, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

January 4, 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

October 2, 2007

May you Rest in Peace and may Our lord bless your wife and daughter.

January 12, 2007

The reflection posted by your daughter is a moving tribute to you, your wife and her mother. We will never know why such things happen this side of eternity. May God richly bless your daughter and your wife as they struggle on in your stead.

Police Sergeant

March 26, 2006

This was e-mailed to me from Ashley Wouters, daughter of the late Sergeant James Adrian Wouters. I found it very touching and believe that it is an appropriate reflection. I trust that Ashley Wouters would agree with my posting it on her behalf.
May GOD Bless Sergeant Wouters' Family.

Daddy Dearest
By: Ashley Wouters

My father, Sergeant James A. Wouters was shot in the line of duty on January 12, 1987 in Ft. Pierce, Florida. He died the following day. He was an undercover police officer and worked hand-in-hand with his two best friends. One of them, Captain Grover Cooper, was by his side that horrific day and was also killed by the same person and died on the scene. His other best friend, a local 9-1-1 operator and dispatcher was also working that night. She was his wife and my mother. Although she was not killed, a part of her died with him.

When an officer is hurt, it is always tragic and emotional. Imagine hearing it come across the radio that an officer is down, only to next hear that it is your husband and father of your two year old daughter who is at home with her grandma. When you are two, you don't understand what has happened. Now at 19, I understand what has happened but not why it happened.

I have grown up without a father, but with a mother who is unbelievable in every way. She kept it together and raised me on her own. I have no memories of my own father. I only know what my family and friends have told me. Although I may never understand why it was my father who was taken from me and why I had to be so young, I do know that he was a terrific man. Anyone who can get up day after day only to risk their own lives for the lives of their family, friends and for people they don't even know has to be a terrific person.

I love my father more than words could ever say. Every law enforcement officer deserves that kind of love.

Paul Montgomery
Dickson County Sheriff's Office

November 30, 2004

06/28/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Sgt. Wouters.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

June 28, 2004

Not forgotten. Rest in peace

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

February 18, 2004