Butte County Sheriff's Office, California
End of Watch Wednesday, May 21, 1997
Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Randal Eugene Jennings
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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 21, 2015
Randy, You were my training officer in the jail. I will never forget you or the time we spent working together. I learned so much from you & was impressed at how well you dealt with people. You were one of the best people I've ever known, and your loss hit me hard, such a waste.
Former Corrections Officer Ted Clarke
Butte County SO
February 26, 2015
Randy,
I left work and said goodbye when 30 minutes later this happened to you. I will never forget being in the emergency room with you, Terry and Brian looking on. I was so young I couldn't fathom the reality of what happened. Know your sacrifice has shaped so many of our lives and we all honor you and the Jennings family. I spent some time with Terry after and reading her recent post brought tears to my eyes. I got to see first hand the struggle she went through that first year and I can only offer honor and everlasting memory to honor your sacrifice. I pray to meet you one day in eternity. Know your memory and story is continually shared with many young officers as one thing Terry asked of us, "Never forget" and I won't. I also pray for those left behind like Terry and your family - God Bless you. Love - Mark Gonzalez
Sergeant Mark Gonzalez
Capitola Police - Formber Butte County Sheriff Deputy
January 24, 2015
I am not sure what to say, except I remember that night vividly. I was so sad when your death was confirmed, it dealt my heart a huge blow. I had my own very personal demons to deal with. Shortly afterwards, I knew I had to focus on you and the way you lived your life, rather than the way you died, and that would help ease the pain. I still have dreams about all of that; and some folks call it PTSD.
Randy, you were such a great guy! I remember sitting at the "Cornucopia" talking about your Simpson College days. I am glad to know that you knew our Lord God and Savior, and I am honored to have worked with you!
I pray to see you one day in Eternity!
May God, our Lord and Savior bless and keep you!
Anonymous, Sergeant (retired), Riv. Co.
Former Sgt, and BCSO alum
September 11, 2014
Another year past. I miss you brother!
Chief Mike Wilson
Lake Shastina
May 20, 2014
Tonight I lay in bed trying to sleep and just as I've done for the past 15 years I start thinking of your last day with us and I count down the hours until your death. Some years the memories fly by, other years, like this one, the memories stay for a while and bring the tears with them. You would think that after 16 years those memories would be more controllable but they aren't. Like waves of the ocean pounding the shores the memories cannot be controlled.
With God's help and your help I've had the honor of helping others when they have suffered the tragic loss of their law enforcement officer. Recently, following the loss of a co-worker by suicide I ran out of anything more to give to family survivors.
I know that with God's help and your help, I found a man with whom I may share the rest of my life. I am living the kind of life that you and I used to dream of having some day. I hope you are enjoying watching all this as I know you do with love in your heart. For whatever reason, God blessed me by allowing me to have 2 great loves in my life.
When we used to talk about what we would do if one of us died your only wish was that I not get over you TOO quickly. I'm still not over you - the last pillow on which you rested your head in our bed is still wrapped in plastic (I thought it would hold your scent - does it? Or is that my imagination?) No, the part of my heart you took with you cannot be replaced - it is yours forever. Fortunately the part of my heart that is left is still capable of great love.
Oroville and your department still remember you - you WILL be fondly remembered. Not for the way your died, but for the way you lived.
I love you and miss you.
Terry Jennings-Moline
Oroville PD (retired) and widow of Randy
May 21, 2013
A terrible loss for a lot of people, especially Randy's family and close friends. He was an unforgettable guy, a great cop, a sincere and authentic person. I still miss him fifteen years later, still can't tell that story without a tear. But he left us so young with a shining example of a cop who really could "be all he could be". A tough cop but also a good friend, husband, partner. I'll never forget him.
Deputy Jim Norman
Butte County Sheriff
May 25, 2012
It's been 15 years since i've seen Randy and it was one of the worst nights of my life, when I was woke up to the news that Randy had been shot. When a brother dies in the line of duty, it changes your life.
I think about Randy all the time, but every May 21, there is a moment of silence at my department and the men and women who wear the badge get reminded of how critical it is to stay safe out there. I know Randy is up there keeping an eye on us and I look forward to the day that I can see his big grin on his face and shake his hand again.
Captain Mike Wilson
Marysville PD / Former Oroville PD
May 23, 2012
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 15th 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 21, 2012
Randy, this world misses you. Our remembrances, respect, and sorrow will last our lives through. Terry and Randy's family, you've been in so many prayers. We think of you always. Always with love, honor and respect, Stu and Beth
Ofc. (retired) Stu Beatty
BCSO Alum
May 21, 2010
Deputy Jennings,
Thirty years ago my parents left the L. A. area retiring in Butte County. Although I never lived there, I visited them several times and could see why they loved Butte County so much.
I'm back today to thank you for your service and sacrifice to the people of Butte County.
My prayer is that God, through His son Jesus Christ, will be with you and your family always.
Aux. Deputy Sheriff Shaver
Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office
May 14, 2010
Rest in Peace, Deputy Jennings. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
Officer 11169
June 8, 2009
I've visted you every year on the same date, you are not forgotten.
It's amazing the lessons we can still be taught by those who are silent.
Mike Hensley
Oroville Police Department
October 23, 2008
Randy was a college buddy of mine. He was the same in college as in the rest of his adult life. He was caring, courteous and a Christian first. Randy stood by my side during so many family eruptions. He did this for so many others at Simpson College as well. He is forever my friend and brother. See you in Heaven my friend.
Pastor Terrence Nichols
New Hope Church in Vallejo, CA
December 28, 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
August 9, 2007
It's been 10 years now that you've been gone. Hard to believe. The impact of your presence in my life cannot be measured - you continue to fill my heart and thoughts. I would not have imagined the feelings would still be this strong! Because of you, many wonderful, loving people have come into my life and will have a lasting place in my heart. It's been an amazing journey....
Distance has made the heart grow fonder just like the cliche says...your memory will be light and full of love. I'll see you someday - I know you'll greet me when I cross over, and I look forward to that time.
Terry Jennings
Wife
April 29, 2007
Randy was the instructor for my first law enforcement training class, and I was quite nervous about executing the arrest tecniques correctly. He was the coolest instructor I've ever learned from, and his personality allowed learning to flow quite easily. He could have been in a hurry to leave at the conclusion of the course, however, he instead chose to take some personal time to talk about the profession to a few of us dreamers. He was a great cop and a better person.
Joseph L. Caglia, Jr.
August 6, 2006
Think about you from time to time and just want to say "We Still Remeber"
BT
Patrolman (SWAT)
Oroville CA
February 23, 2006
Brother Jennings,
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Respectfully,
You’re Brothers in Blue
Untouchables LE Motorcycle Club
December 22, 2005
You are being highlighted today on
the website so those of us who did
not know you have an opportunity to
honor you posthumously. We are
remembering your supreme sacrifice
and if there is one consolation, it's
that you had a good aim. It's already
been 8 years, but as those who endure the pain of your leaving know, it's never the same again. The
loss of your life diminishes all of us.
Lynn Kole
Washington State
July 14, 2005
I was not privileged to know Randy Jennings personally. At the request of Sheriff Mick Grey, I was privileged to lead the effort to memorialize his contribution to the community he served by erecting two monuments, one at each end, on the Randy Jennings Memorial Bridge (West on 162 out of Oroville). The response from the community was truly overwhelming. The rather expensive undertaking was oversubscribed, the excess being donated to the scholarship fund established in Randy's memory. If you are ever in the area, be sure to visit the monuments, erected by the Citizens of Butte County.
I came to be very good friends with his wife, his brother, and Terry's brother. It has been my honor to maintain that friendship over the intervening years.
Major Don Hall
Arizona Rangers
April 14, 2005
All of our duty shifts today are dedicated to the memory of Deputy Randal E. Jennings. Seven years ago this day he lost his life in the never ending pursuit of justice. Deputy Jennings is a hero and his example of courage and sacrafice will never be forgotten by us. We continue to extend our thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and fellow law enforcement officers.
OMY/COP/WPD
5/21/04
Chief of Police/Olen M. Young
Wauneta PD Nebraska
May 21, 2004
God bless you and your family. You are a true hero to us all and you will never be forgotten.
Anonymous
April 23, 2004
It's been just over a year since Randy was killed. The memories of him are sweet. The last year of Randy's life was a good one. His highest goal, to become a member of the department's SIRT (Special Incident Response Team) had been realized. Randy worked for months to get in shape to become a member of the team. The other men on the team pulled for him every step of the way, and Randy knew it. Randy had also become a rangemaster for the department and had just become an assistant instructor for range training at the police academy. Randy's professional life was satisfying for him. I've heard from many citizens whose lives were touched by Randy.
Randy's personal life revolved around his family, and his passion for motocross racing. Randy rode a Honda CR250, and the stacks of motocross magazines still coming in the mail attest to his obsession with the sport. Randy could answer all the trivia questions at the local racetrack. Randy was recently remembered at the local racetrack with a Memorial Race. The proceeds from the race went to the Butte Co. SIRT Team. Vacations centered around scuba diving and trips to tropical locations. We also enjoyed camping together. Randy looked forward every year to a hunting trip with his uncles to Utah or Colorado. The years his brother, Allen, could go with them were his favorite. Randy was like a big kid who always had a lot of fun with life.
I know the years I had with Randy were a gift from God. Randy taught me how to love and how to enjoy life. I'm blessed with the memories of the time we shared and those memories sustain me now. Randy will always be my hero, and life will go on, but never be quite as good without him.
My heart aches for every family who will have to go through the pain of losing their loved one. The love and support I've received helped so much - I hope each of these families receive the help they need. God Bless each of them.
Officer Terry Jennings
Oroville Police Department, CA
I have spent many days trying to find the right words of comfort for the family of Deputy Randy Jennings. You see, it's just not enough to say I'm sorry for the loss. I lost a dear friend, a co-worker, a brother in Law Enforcement which is my extended family. But I cannot imagine the loss of a son, a husband, a brother. Randy was indeed a very special person. He was an outstanding Officer, but wow.. what a smile huh?? Yeah, Randy can certainly bring a smile to your face! I started my career at Butte County the same year as Randy. We worked together in the jail and I will always have that to reflect on. I saw Randy two days prior to his last watch and as usual, he didn't disappoint me with his politenss as he drop a deposit off at the jail. That was the last time I saw Randy. I will cherish that memory forever. I am all the richer for having known him. I have faith that one day I will walk with him in heaven. I am confident that he is preparing for us as the Lord is. Terry, may you live the life Randy taught you. May your healing process be gentle and kind to you. You were a wonderful wife and partner to Randy and he spoke so often of you. Allen, you are so much like your brother. You are a soft and gentle spirit, loving all gods natural beauty. You are of the same "free spirt" as Randy. May your healing be equally as gentle and kind. And to Randy's Mom and Dad, God will walk with you daily. He will find the way for you. We all walk in company in the heavens above!
Correctional Sergeant
Butte County
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