Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

hi uncle joey how are you i am fine i am fine and i want to let you know i really really miss you and i would love to see you again and tell you how mudh i love you and miss you well i love you and got to go love you bye~bye....

niece

July 16, 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 9, 2007

Happy 4th of July Sweetheart!

Just wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts. Everyone is out celebrating by shooting firecrackers and toasting drinks, and my mind goes back to all those who have made the utimate sacrifice for our freedom. Joey, you will never be forgotten. Thank you for always looking after me and the girls. I envision you being their guardian angel, and that brings a certain peace to my life. I'm already teaching them to be kind to law enforcement. Last week, we went to Chick-Fil-A and law enforcement officers were on hand to raise money for "COPS on TOP". Anyway, Paul and I gave the twins $5.00 a piece for them to donate. Well needless to say, they refused to hand the money to the nice officer. I thought I was going to cry I was laughing so hard. Finally, I convinced Elizabeth Ellis to hand over the money and Charleston Evan was convinced once she saw the balloons. I think you would have gotten a big kick out of the whole scene. I just want them to realize how important it is to respect police officers and the sacrifices they make. Well sweetheart, take care and know that you are dearly missed.

Dana

July 4, 2007

joey, we miss u so much!!! i wish u could of been here to see your nephews tj and clay. they look at your pictures all the time- your mom says clay is the spitting image of you!!!!!! i know jim is there by your side and u guys are taking care of each other. please continue to watch over us!!! we love you- lynn,tj ,clay

lynn rodgers
sister in law

July 4, 2007

Joey,

10 years. You have not been forgotten. I hope you and all our guys are having a great time up there.

Dana,

10 years, I know it seems like yesterday at times. I love you girl, thank you for being the first to show me life can continue and the love we have for our heroes does not have to end.

Big Hugs,
Monica
Fiancee Scott Stewart EOW 8/11/02 Detroit

April 9, 2007

Joey,

I can't believe tomorrow will mark the 10th anniversary since you were taken from us. It still amazes me that I made it through the pain of losing you. You were such a dear soul and loved by so many people. I was blessed to know you and be loved by you. I feel that it was an honor to know I was the woman you had decided to spend the rest of your life with. I know you remember when I held your hand in the hospital and told you that "No matter what, I will always remember you, and you will remain in my heart forever". That day still haunts me but it was still so special. I got to be there when you left this world, when so many others never get the chance to say "Goodbye" to their loved ones. I got to tell you over and over "I LOVE YOU", and I hope the past ten years have shown you how much you meant to me. As I sat at your grave today, I was reminded of all the wonderful times we shared together. I thought back over the night you proposed and our trip to the beach. Joey, We shared so many special memories and they will be with me always. Again, I want you to know how blessed I feel to know that I was your fiance'. Rest in peace Joey, you will never be forgotten.

P.S
Please Welcome Officer Shelton and Officer Clark to Heaven, and maybe share one of your Bud Lights. As you know, we lost two heroes this week in Charlotte. It makes me sick to know another family is going to travel this painful road.



Love,
Dana

Dana
Fiance' of Deputy Joey Rodgers

April 8, 2007

Just letting you know I was thinking of you. Never forgotten!

Dana, I'm so happy for you and your babies! There is nothing like being a mommy. I wrote to you on the only email address I had and didn't get a response, but wanted to let you know I was praying for you and your daughters. Take care and God bless
Lori

Lori Johnson Rowley, wife of NC LEO
Daughter of Sgt. James Johnson, EOW 11/11/04, FCSO, NC

January 17, 2007

Merry Christmas Joey!

I hope you are having a Wonderful Christmas in Heaven. Here on earth we have to decorate with angels and in heaven you are surrounded by them. Joey, We remember you on this day and know that you are greatly missed by family, friends, and loved ones.

Joey,

I wanted you to know this year was my First Christmas as a "MOMMY" and it was truly wonderful. The twins got so many gifts and enjoyed all the attention. They are still young and don't quite understand what's going on, but they had a great time. The girls even sat on Santa's knee this year and didn't shed a tear. I know you probably know all this since I envision you watching down on us, but I still like sharing the stories. Please keep a careful watch on my family and know that I'm sending you BIG HUGS! Merry Christmas!

Dana

Dana Shriver

December 25, 2006

I just found this website, lucky me. I can't believe it's been nine years now buddy. I really miss all the good times we had. I've now been with the SO 11 years and so much has changed since you were taken from us. You will never be forgetten; I promise you that. You were a role model as a deputy and the best buddy I guy could ever ask for. RIP my friend. Brian.

Brian Cockfield
Florence County Sheriff's Office

September 21, 2006

Joey,

Thank you for watching over all of us, especially Dana. She loves so much!

Dana,

Keep you chin up girl. I am so glad the girls are doing great. Call, email or text me when you can. I hope to see you in DC.

Love you,
Monica

September 3, 2006

Joey,

Well here I am again and trying to find the words. The babies are doing great and getting bigger everyday. I know that you serve as their guardian angel and I thank God everyday that I have you to look over my little ones. Charleston Evan is just like her MOM with her outgoing, never meets a stranger personality and Elizabeth Ellis is such the little lady with her patience and charm. I don't know what I did to deserve such perfect little girls but I know that I will never take it for granted. Joey, I almost lost them so many times during the pregnancy and then Paul and I had many ups and downs with them being born so premature. I wake up every morning and just want to cry knowing I have these little miracles. Please keep a careful watch over Ellis and Evan as they grow out of this preemie stage and into healthy little girls. I just know that you are smiling down on all these wonderful blessings and knowing that I'm happy I hope puts a BIG SMILE on your face. Knowing that I have such a wonderful husband to share this life with and you to be with me in spirit is more than any woman could hope for.

Dana

Dana

August 16, 2006

Rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer
Tn

July 29, 2006

Joey,Family, and friends,

As I reflect upon the past 9 years since this tragedy I always wondered if there would be a way to thank you. Your courage and heroic efforts were a direct cause for the demise of the person that took the life of my brother Anthony Joseph Quackenbush and my nephew T.J.

My deepest sympathy for your family, friends and your sweetheart Dana. My sincere appreciation to you!

I just happened across this reflection page tonight and am grateful for those who keep your memory alive. Being from New York I always wondered who the hero was that made the ultimate sacrafice for my family. I was thinking of you and never forgot your name. I typed in your name and found this wonderful reflection page.

God bless you all!

Thomas L.Quackenbush

April 22, 2006

Joey,

Wow what a year I have had. I know you must be smiling down on me and helping the Lord grant me all these blessings. Joey when you left my side I thought I could never love again and it took eight years for me to believe that I deserved to be happy. Joey, when you were alive there was nothing that you wouldn't do to put a smile on my face and I feel you are still bringing miracles to my life even from your cloud in heaven. As you know I got married to a wonderful man named Paul and we just had two beautiful little girls named Elizabeth Ellis and Charleston Evan. Both girls were two months early and now they are in the NICU. I hope and pray you will be their guardian angel and watch over my little girls. I know you are in heaven smiling down on all these blessings and I hope I will continue to make you proud. Thank you again for blessing my life. I will continue to make sure your memory remains alive. I can only hope that me now having a smile on my face brings a smile to yours. Thank you Joey

Dana

Dana

April 14, 2006

To Deputy Sheriff Joseph C. Rodgers and his loved ones:

On this the ninth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.
Reading the loving reflections about your beloved Joey gives us some understanding of what a kind and honorable young man he was, and what he meant to his family and friends.


Joey, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Deputy Rodgers. I am humbled by your valor, courage, and dedication. I am so sorry your life was taken from you at such a young age when you had a lifetime ahead of you. How your parents and loved ones must miss you.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Joey gave to his community and the citizens of South Carolina, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 9, 1997.

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

April 9, 2006

Joey,

Give you beautiful Dana a lot of strength this summer - she's going to need it! I'm sure you are very happy for her and will be with all of her blessings through the years. You know what a beautiful woman you have and how great she'll be with those blessings!

Say hi to Scott for me. I'm sure you two are together.

Dana, miss you girl.

Love,
Monica
Fiancee Scott Stewart EOW 8-11-02 Detroit

January 28, 2006

Joey,

I just wanted you to know that you were always in my thoughts and prayers over the holidays. As you must know so much in my life has changed in the last year, and I feel you must have had a hand in it. I have always had the sense that you are my guardian angel and the thought of knowing you are with me gets me through the tough times. Thank you for always looking out for me and I hope I have made you happy. I can now say that I am at peace and very happy in my life. I will always miss you, and like my promise the day you left my side I vow to make sure no one forgets you. Merry Christmas Joey.

Love,
Dana

Dana
Fiance' of Joey Rodgers

December 28, 2005

MERRY CHRISTMAS BROTHER

LT.CHUCK LONG
BUNCOMBE COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPT.

December 25, 2005

What a man Deputy Rodgers must have been. I sure would have liked to meet him. I will someday. To his family, friends and especially to Dana, God Bless you all.

AZ Narc

December 12, 2005

Dana,

I was truly blessed the day you came into my life. You are one of the people who truly understands what I feel when it comes to walking this road without my Scott. You have been such an inspiration. Your strenght has given me strenght. Your dedication to Joey has shown me there is no time limit for a fiancee to continue to love her officer, and that it is okay to show that love for him.

Joey,

I know you are very proud of your Dana. She has told me so much about you. I would have loved to have known you in life. I think you and Dana would have been regulars with me and Scott. I know Scott would have liked you. Your work ethic and lifestyles are so similiar, so I know you two are up there looking down on us together. Give Scott an elbow to the shoulder for me, because I know he wouldn't let you hug him! LOL.

:0)

Joey thank you for being a great officer. On the day you died you probably saved so many people by bravely confronting that X@$@#$. He took a great man away from those who love you, but he did not take away the memories, the pride, and the love from you and your love ones. I know Dana will continue to keep your memory alive, and love you.

Dana - love you girl. Thank you for being a great friend. Can't wait to see you in May, hopefully sooner.

Love,
Monica
Fiancee Scott Stewart EOW 8-11-02 Detroit

September 28, 2005

You are a true hero to us all and you will never be forgotten for your service and sacrifice.

DE
St. Louis City Police

July 11, 2005

Dana,
I just found this website about a week ago. My best friend was killed in the line of duty last year and I was looking at websites that honor fallen officers. I have read some of the reflections that you wrote and I wanted to say how strong you are. You are an inspiration to so many! Its hard not to be angry, to let the "horrible day" consume you!! I have to focus my energy now on my husband, its never easy seeing your husband get dressed for work everyday and have to put a bullet proof vest on to do so. My heart is heavy for you bc I have that luxury of seeing my husband everyday. Jake was killed by a mentally ill man 319 days ago. I remember people telling me that things would get easier as time passes, it doesn't it just gets different. My heart goes out to you Dana...you realize that you are family though. You should realize that anytime you go to a dedication for Joey...your family spans over the nation. May the Lord keep granting you the strength to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Joey,
if you see Jake Laird up there tell him we love and miss him. If you don't know who he is, he will be the one telling jokes, making people laugh until their stomachs hurt and reflexing in the mirror :)

Wife of an Indianapolis Police Officer

July 6, 2005

Dana,
I wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you. I know that no matter how many years pass, there will still be a hole in your heart from losing Joey. I pray that the Lord will keep bringing the happy memories you shared to mind, so that your tears will turn into smiles. I understand your pain, though I know all too well there are no words that can be said to take away the pain. Just know you're in my thoughts and prayers.

Love & prayers,
Kelly

Kelly Gillain
Josh's Kelly

June 14, 2005

The policeman stood and faced his God, which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning just as brightly as his brass.
"Step foward 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 gues 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 time my talk was rough... and sometimes I've been violent because the strees are awful 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 to step."
"And I never passed a cry for help, though at time I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I wept unmanly tears."
"I know I don't deserve a place mong the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fear."
"If you have a place for me here, Lord it needn't be so grand. I never expected or had to 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 foward now, policeman. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk the beat on Heavens strees. You've done your time in hell."

L/Cpl. C. K. McLendon
Horry COunty Police Dept.

June 11, 2005

Deputy Joseph, you are a hero. The departments of Florence will always remember you. It's hard to believe something like this happened here in Florence...but it happens everywhere. I thank you for what you've done, and you will never be forgotten!

Sgt. Brandon Grove
Florence Police Dept. Explorers, SC

June 5, 2005