Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Oh how I remember meeting you at school at Northside, and what a crush I had on you. I ended up moving in the fall of 10th grade. Although we kept in touch through the years, I was devastated to learn of your accident. You were very special to me and I have never forgotten you. Lots of love and hugs. You are the reason I chose a career in Nursing.
Laura

Laura Pitzer
Friend from highschool

August 30, 2023

Officer Carder,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Atlanta. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 9, 2021

Rip

Civilian Cameron Cruz
N/A

May 8, 2019

Denny,

we grew up on Longwood Dr together, played street ball together, attended grade school, middle school and high school together. You always wanted to be the referee. You kicked field goals and d-jayed house parties. Always part of the action but always one step removed.

I was sorry to hear of your tragic death. I have missed your friendship for many years.

Michael Uhler
Friend

March 24, 2016

My Dennis (sorry, babe, I just never could call you Denny . . . you were, and will always be 'My Dennis'). We grew up on the same street, went to both Sutton MS and Northside HS together until I moved to NY, reconnecting when I came back for college. I still have all your cards you sent me while away at school and found them recently. I miss you.

Dana Kable Torres

January 7, 2016

Graduated the Police Academy together was a great officer

Corporal Tom Martin
academy classmate

May 31, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.

Thank you for your heroism.

God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 9, 2015

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Detective Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

March 24, 2013

Dennis and I attended Northside High and graduated together in 1982. I joined the police force first and was surprised to see him when he first came out of the academy. Dennis was a sweet and friendly person. If you didn't know him personally, you missed out on something special.

To his family, I will never forget Dennis and miss him everyday. Rest assured he is in Heaven and at peace.

Ex-APD Investigator/Federal Agent
Friend/schoolmate

August 21, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 16th 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 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

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

May 9, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Carder. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 17, 2012

My classmate, and my good friend, you will never be forgotten. I remember we worked down the hall from each other in the old building on Decatur St, and then we both were added to class 135 list. We share 19 weeks in training together, before going to different zones. In May 1990 when you took that fall chasing that suspect and I later visited you in the hospital. It was a hurt that I never felt before other than for a family member. The Blue Line, I didn't really know what it meant and/or the feeling behind it until that moment. Dennis my friend it's been a long time and I am about to retire from APD. I wish I could say so long to you in person but some how I know you know. My friend, my classmate, my brother in Blue you have always been with me. You will be forever missed!!!

Detective
Atlanta Police Department

December 12, 2011

REST EASY BRO!

INSPECTOR MASON
DHS ICE FPS

March 26, 2009

"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 23, 2007

My Dearest Denny,
I will always treasure the memories of our friendship. Midnight Magic is still my favorite Commodores album! I miss you so very much and think of you every day.
"For I shall see you again, and your hearts will be full of joy, and that joy no one shall take from you."--Gospel of St. John 16:22. We will see each other again one day in God's Kingdom, and what a happy reunion that will be!!!

*L*
High School Friend

September 27, 2007

Officer Carder, you have not been forgotten! Thank you for your service. Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

September 24, 2007

May sweet sleep be yours and may you and your loved ones be ever blessed by The Lord.

May 9, 2007

Dear Denny,
I still remember your smile and exhuberance and the great time we had playing banjo and guitar. I cherish that memory!

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. God Bless You.

Mike Smith
old friend (mid-'70s)

July 21, 2006

Dear Sir,

Very sad week, your Father has passed away and in his obituary it speaks of his beloved son who passed before him, an Atlanta Police Officer who died in the line of Duty. You are both together again. Please be at peace and know that you are not forgotten.

We will pray for your family that the God of all good things will give them peace of mind and heart.

You are not forgotten. Our Hero.

May 30, 2006

Rest in Peace Officer Carder.Thank you for your service.

May 9, 2006

A friend of mine had done an online search of my name, and found a fallen police officer with the same name (and spelling) as me. I have to say this is somewhat eerie, but I'm proud to have the same name as somebody who gave the ultimate sacrifice to law enforcement. I just wish that he too had been able to complete 20 years.

Retired Police Officer Dennis L. Carder
Formerly Greeley Police Department

January 20, 2006

The policeman stood and faced 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 time 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 a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

June 15, 2004

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer. Today, May 9, 2003 we dedicated the shift to the memory of P.O. Dennis Carder who died on this date 8 years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Officer Carder's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

Rest in peace blue angel.