Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

When I first was trying to get hired by the department, I sat in the lobby of the LEC by your uniform on the wall. Sadly to say, I did not know your name or of your sacrifice before that day. During all the training I have been through, all the respect that has been shown by the veteran officers, I know that you were a great man and a great officer. Have no worry that a rooky like myself will ever forget you.

Rooky
Greenville PD

January 24, 2012

I think of you and that awful moment I knew you were gone, 14 years ago. But I like to remember you when as a rookie you worked under me in dispatch awaiting the academy. You wanted to out on the street, but worked with dedication until that time you were out there working the streets. Your sense of humor always made me laugh...I remember a tape I researded and you were given some call in West Greenville involving a guitar...I laughed out loud when you responded to H.Q. and said you would be strumming on over there....Your family, your police family miss you always. I know you are watching over us though on that beat beyond. RIP!

Sgt. B.J. King (Retired)
Greenville Police Department

September 19, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 13th 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

Anonymous

September 19, 2009

Thirteen years later and we still remember. RIP brother you will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

September 19, 2009

I remember Russell as a great guy,well liked by others. We graduated high school together and were next to each other at our graduation as my last name was next after his.And he was intelligent and hard working in school. twnty years have passed since we finished high school together.I know that he is resting in heaven as he came from a very good Christian family. With Warm Regards Jeremy Taylor

Jeremy Taylor
graduated high school w/him

October 19, 2008

Russ, sorry it's took me so long little brother but for years I blamed myself for Joy and Matthew's loss. I've always thought that if I had never called Chief Bridges on your behalf to try and help get you hired then that tragic day would never have happened. I can still remember the day while I was still working at the Ware Shoals Police Dept. and you came by begging me to help you get in Law Enforcement. Then one day Papa J.C. told me that I needed to find my closure in God and that is when I realised that for whatever reason Heaven needed another Hero. We had lost touch to a degree after we both got married but You will alway be in my heart especially every time I go to a Hornets football game.

L/CPL Daniel Campbell
SCHP Childhood friend

October 14, 2008

I was researching for material on a project I'm working on for my job on gang activity. I ran across this link. For all this time, I never knew it was here. Truthfully, I have a hard time still going to the webpage I have for Russ and viewing the posts there. The pain is still too great. It's been 11 years now. Matthew will be 12 in April 2008. He is the spitting image of Russ. (He acts like him too). Joy and I have marveled at this since Russ was with his son only the first 5 months of his life. Matthew is now asking a lot of questions. He knows the name of the man who took his life and that his dad died a hero. He doesn't know the details, he's only 11. Matthew gets depressed, especially on Father's Day. He had to leave this past Father's Day he got so upset. My father knows his pain, he lost his mother when he was 6 on Mother's Day. Matthew is very close to us, his mother has been wonderful and has never kept us from seeing him or spending time with him. Joy lives in Ninety Six now, her home town. She still loves Russ and misses him so much.

Those of you who knew Russ, well, I wish you could see Matthew now. It is unreal. I need to update his webpage with updated photos. Keep a look out, one day I will learn how and get this done. Thank you all for not forgetting. I know we can't live our lives grieving all the time. Rememberance is also for loving the person lost and being joyful for the short period of time we were blessed by God for having them with us.

Micki Sorrow
Sister

November 13, 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.

July 10, 2007

I happened to see your memorial on this site the other day and it struck me close to home I guess you can see why by my name. My Father tells me that all Sorrow's are related in this area so I wanted to pay my respects. We will strive to always honor your memory.

Officer John Richard Sorrow
Henry County Police Department

December 21, 2006

A decade has passed and you are still remembered, you will never be forgotten. You are a true hero and heroes never die. The individual that caused all the broken hearts will eventually fade away but your name will live on forever. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

November 9, 2006

Officer Sorrow,
Today on the anniversary of your leaving us in the physical sence, we pay tribute to your spirit. The Evening Watch of the Henry County Georgia Police Department's North Precinct will hit the street tonight in your honor. Please watch over us as we continue your fine work.

Fore the entire shift,
Sergeant V.T. Rosen

Sergeant V.T. Rosen
Henry County Police Department

September 19, 2006

Officer Sorrow you are a hero. Thank you for your service to the citizens of Greenville. May you rest in peace my brother. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

September 19, 2006

May you sleep safe with Our Lord and may He ever Bless your family.

September 19, 2006

I can still recall hearing of your death on the radio. We had just moved back to Greenville. I remember that you were married with a new baby. I heard your father speaking w/regard to your love of God, family and the city that you served. A few years later my son started his career in law enforcement as a guard at the prison where the man who murdered you is housed. He told me that he is a "hero" to many of the inmates in that institution.
I say to you and the world that you, sir, are the real hero!!! I thank God for men and women like you who chose to serve and protect us and our loved ones every day. May God richly bless your wife and child as well as other members of your family. You will never be forgotten as long as good, decent people appreciate your sacrifice.

Beverly Sibley

April 20, 2006

Officer Sorrow your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Care now. May you rest in peace now brother.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

March 17, 2006

Well, I'm pushing about 12 years in law enforcement now and I've got 2 girls of my own. It's hard to believe this much time has passed my friend. You were a great example of what a cop should be. I talk about you at each street survival school I teach. You will never be forgotten. God bless you. S.D.P.

S.D.P.
FBI/GCSO

October 5, 2005

09-19-03, HEROS NEVER DIE. GOD BLESS THIS HERO AND CONTINUE TO BLESS HIS FAMILY AS THEY LIVE WITHOUT HIM. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER.

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

September 19, 2003

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, I guess I ain't because those of us who carry a badge can't always be a Saint."
I've had to work most Sundays
and at times my talk is 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 to 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 a 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 you burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets.
You've done your time in Hell"

G. Houston
South Carolina

September 19, 2003

God bless you and your family.

Anonymous

September 13, 2003

Russ,

You didn't deserve to die in a place like West Greenville.

Richard Inman

"If you told me you were drowning

I would not lend a hand.

I've seen your face before, my friend

But I don't know if you know who I am.

I was there and I saw what you did

I saw it with my own two eyes

So you can wipe off that grin

I know where you've been

It's all been a pack of lies".

Lyrics by Phil Collins

NOTE: Officer Sorrow's murderer was given a life sentence when one member of the jury held out against the death penalty.

We miss you Russ. A day does not go by that I don't think about you. Joy and Matthew are doing fine.

Anonymous

"This award, however, is not easy for me to accept. For, in doing so, I am forced to relive those painful memories of September 19,1996. A day doesn't go by that I don't think about Russ Sorrow and those memories.

"In the days following Russ's murder we were all working long hours hunting for Russ's killer. We were struggling with our grief, riding an emotional roller coaster between rage, sorrow, and disbelief. I remember one night driving through West Greenville by myself and being struck by a profound feeling of isolation. I remember thinking, 'these people don't want me here'. As time passed, however, I began to recover from the emotional trauma. I came to realize, and accept, that Russ's murder was not a conspiracy or a community effort. Rather, it was a singular manifestation of evil; it was the act of an individual; it was an aberration. And I came to realize that the majority of the residents in West Greenville are decent people, who do appreciate the job we do, and who do want us there.

"I harbor no hatred in my heart. For if I were to allow myself to be consumed by hate; to be destroyed by hate, then the bullets that took Russ's life would surely take mine. They would poison my family and they would poison everything I touch. I cannot, and I will not, allow that to happen.

"It doesn't take a hero to die at the hands of a coward. It takes a hero to live life courageously, and with honor, in the service of others. Russ Sorrow was a true hero, by any definition".

>From the acceptance speech by Officer Robert Gamble for the 1997 James Russell Sorrow Memorial Officer of the Year Award February 11, 1998

Corporal R.C. Gamble
Greenville Police Department, SC

Russ we do miss you, I think of the night a lot of us guys were out to eat with our wives, and you broke the news about you going to be a daddy. I would have never thought that you would only get to enjoy the baby for a short time. You were a great cop and friend, everyone that knew you, thought the world of you. I miss you very much, I thank god for the time that you had on this earth, you touched a lot of people, and I am glad he let our lives cross.

Investigator T.A. Brock
Greenville Police Department, SC

We still miss you Russ, we drove by your old neighborhood the other night, and a silence came into the car. It's still the same for them - hanging on the street, but you're gone forever. There was a bunch of people out though out the days hunting "him" down, it showed how much you were liked, and how much people thought of you. You were a good cop. It's been a little over two years now, a lot of new rookies, but they know who you are too - we won't let them forget.

Anonymous

Rest easy as you are not forgotten. As long as we pin the badge, you live. Help watch over us and please help those who will follow you.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)