Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I met Ron for the first time in 1989, I didn't know him as Ron the Deputy at first. To me he was SGT. Kanze the Army Recruiter. Ron and Tim Blair shared an Army Recruiting Office at Central Mall in Fort Smith, AR. I came to know both of these men as time passed, but initially as the men who were instrumental in my induction into the Army. It was several years later that I had learned that both of them had been Police Officers. I recall Ron escorting me to the MEPS Station in Little Rock for my Military Physical and Swearing in Ceremony, and on the trip back we stopped at a McDonalds, I mention that because it was the first time I had ever had a McRib (weird thing to recall). I have thought about that meal several times over the past 30+ years as well as the conversation at that McDonalds. Ron didn't BS me about the Challenges that I was about to embark on, matter of fact he described the Hell that I was about to experience when I arrive at Fort Sill, OK for Basic Training and he was not wrong. A couple years after Ron's EOW, I pinned on the badge. There were several Officers that were influential in my decision to become a Police Officer and of that list Ron is included.

Rest in Peace Sgt. Kanze, we have the watch from here.

Thell Riddle
Mulberry Police Department

June 9, 2024

Rest in peace knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 2, 2020

Thank you for your service. God bless you and your family.

Special Agent-in-Charge Diane Upchurch
FBI - Little Rock

August 4, 2017

Just stopping by to reflect on our friend ship, we put a lot of miles om the country's highways together..

Corporal Kenneth Moody (Ret.)
Arkansas Highway Police

July 20, 2017

Ron. Damn it brother. I didn't know you at all until you went to work under me at Greenwood Police Department many years ago. We had some times didn't we? Wow. Our futures were supposed to be different weren't they? I know you weren't real religious and in hindsight I should have been more proactive in that. I hope you found peace and I very much hope to see you again someday. You were my best friend for a couple years. I miss ya and I thank you for all the times we had. Rest peacefully my friend.

Lance Langdon (former Chief)
formerly Greenwood Police Department

January 20, 2015

You crossed my mind today as I was talking to a friend about ride alongs. I told her about you and how I remembered you living a few apartments down from me. You were the "duty officer" of the apartment complex and I remember everyone always though very highly of you. I remembered playing video games with you and you had bought me a virtual boy when they came out. A real stand up guy. I still remember the accident and going to the site of the crash. Such a tragedy. You obviously touched a lot of lives during your time here on earth. This is apparent by looking at some of the other reflections on this page. I consider it an honor to have known you and to have had you in my life. Even if it was only for a short period of time. You are missed and will never be forgotten.

Robert Fingerhut

January 16, 2015

Daddy It's been 16yrs since you left this earth and not a day has gone by that I haven't thought of you. They say it gets easier every year but I'm not sure... The pain and shock aren't as bad but the saddness seems to get worse and my heart still aches cause I miss you so much.. I wish you could see your grandson, he's 19 now and taller than me. He really misses you a lot!!! And how I wish you could meet your Beautiful granddaughter.. Ohh how she would melt your heart. She 7 now and I talk about you to her a lot.. She alot like u... There is just so much I wanna talk to you about and I wanna hug your neck and tell you I Love you.. I know God had a plan that's why your life was so short and one day I will understand...
You will NEVER be forgotten daddy so many people loved you...
Daddy keep watch over us from heaven continue to protect and to serve
I Love and miss you......

Teresa Vanmeter (daughter)
Daughter

August 13, 2013

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

March 3, 2013

Had you on my mind today! Decided to google your name and see what turns up! I got to read some awesome testimony from friends and family! It's been 15 years now and you still cross my mind! Till I see you in heaven my friend...

Lisa Leonard
Friend

July 8, 2012

Rest in Peace, Deputy Kanze. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

June 8, 2009

Thinking of you and all your loved ones and close friends on this day. Continue to keep watch over all of them and protect them from harm. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You have not been forgotten.

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

August 2, 2008

Ten years has come and gone so fast but it seems like yesterday you saved my life on that night in August of 1997. Ron you were like no other and it is to you that I owe my passion of law enforcement. We met at an off duty assignment of yours at the gun show when I was 23 and you treated me like a best friend from that day on. Every night that I rode shotgun with you you went on and on about how much you loved being a Deputy and how much you loved your family. You loved Sebastian County and every fellow Deputy was truly your Brother and Sister. You taught me the ropes before I ever received a badge. You lived an exceptional life and I am so blessed to have known you so well.

My family and I owe you everything for your last moments alive when you held me back in that seat as we crashed over and over and over. I do not know why you were the one taken and I was the one who walked away but I have cherished every day since then that God has given me. Oh how I wish you were still here to talk to. I hope you would be proud of the Officer that I have become and continue to grow into. I have your picture taken next to that old Caprice on the dash of my unit and remember you and your testimony every single day when I look at it. Words here cannot express how much you are missed but what joy it brings to see how you touched so many and continue to do so years later.

I love you my Brother. . . My Hero . . .Rest in Peace

Cpl. Rich Hightower
Greenwood Police Department

February 5, 2008

This is the start of 2008, I still miss you Ron, but now you aren't alone, Linda and John join you. I miss the 3 of you.

Ken Moody
Arkannsas Highway Police Cpl. Ret.

January 13, 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

November 20, 2007

On the 10th Anniversary of your tragic and untimely death, I salute you, Sir! Although we worked in fairly close proximity to one another, I never had the honor of meeting you. May your family, friends, and co-workers take comfort in the fact that you will NEVER be forgotten and FOREVER be a hero! Until in Heaven one day we meet, keep walking the beat on the Golden Street looking over the Officers on earth.

SGT Mark Hanna, Retired
Fayetteville, AR PD

August 2, 2007

A decade has passed and you have not been forgotten. Your loved ones will always have that special place in their hearts for as long as they walk this earth. You are a true heroe and heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and those officers still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line.

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

August 2, 2007

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

January 31, 2007

I pulled this page up by accident and it brought tears to my eyes. Ronnie was a quiet person and kept all his good deeds to himself. He never turned his back on his children, friends or family. He died in honor and I will miss him and the moments we won't share for the rest of my life. Love you brother.

Karen Kanze-Fisher
sister

January 24, 2007

To the family and loved ones of Deputy Sheriff Ronald Alan Kanze and his fellow officers with the Sebastian County Sheiff's Department:

On this the ninth anniversary date of Ron's tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember him today. Although I never had the privilege of meeting Ron, I feel as if I know him through the loving reflections left by loved ones and friends. His valor and courage will never be forgotten.
To his daughter, the love for your father shines through your reflection. I am sure he is so proud of you.

I hope that God is holding his loved ones in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

I am so sorry that Ron was robbed of his life so tragically, but through his heroism and the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Ron gave to his community and the citizens of Arkansas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 2, 1997.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD
eow 4/24/05

August 2, 2006

I worked with Ron when I was Chief of Police in Hartford.

Ron was great and was quick with a joke.

I remember talking to the officer who was in the car with Ron a few years ago. He was a younger guy and said that Ron put his arm up to hold him. That was Just like Ron. A Dad and a Friend always to think about someone else up till the last.

Ptlm./T.O. Michael Huber
Greenland Arkansas

April 7, 2006

Ron was a great person and one of the finest Officers. I not only had the privledge to knowing him through his work at the Sheriff's Dept, but also through his Family and Children (mostly Teresa his daughter). I remember every detail about his accident and the moment they had to break it to her. My husband at the time was on call that night, and disbatched to the accident. I'll never forget receiving his call and hearing the sadness in his voice when he broke the news to me. It was as if he had lost his own brother. I think of Ron and his family all the time. I feel the void he left his family and co-workers. It is so great to see that Ron has not nor will never be forgotten by his friends, family or co-workers. The Sebastian County Sheriff's Dept. has done a great job at keeping his memories very much alive. Ron was loved by all who knew him, believe it or not including the inmates. I have heard stories from different inmates about how Ron treated them like they were real people, and how he would laugh and cut up with them, or just talk and listen to them. One even mentioned a water fight he had with the inmates one evening late. Ron did his job, and he did it right. I have heard his daughter talk about being a little girl and remembering his hands appear so huge and large next to hers laying in his hands. I have heard what a great friend and partner he was to work with. Ron left us, doing what he loved doing most. Serving his Country, and serving his County. Protecting and Serving. I want to thank everyone for the efforts they have applied in keeping Ron's memories alive. I am overwhelmed with what I have seen. God Bless to you all.

Karren Creek-Robison

July 21, 2005

You were spotlighted on the website
today. Seeing you next to your car
makes me realize how you served
with such pride and honor. You are
still missed today, almost 8 years
later. It's never easy to lose a co-worker, relative or friend.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

June 18, 2005

Ron was a great peraon,father,and friend who will and is missed daily. A day dont go by with out a tought of him. thank you all for the great things you said about him.

Teresa vanmeter
daughter

June 10, 2005

Not a day went by that you weren't missed. When I rolled the roads you and I worked, ate at the resturants we went to. I remember the joke that you and Terry Johnson pulled on me a few days before the crash, All the things that good friends share.......

Corporal Ken Moody(ret,)
Arkansas Highway Police(ret)

May 27, 2004

Ron, you were a fine guy and a good deputy who I was honored to work with. You are missed. God Bless.

SGT George Cabaniss
Van Buren Police Department

May 24, 2004