Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Sergeant Rector.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 10, 2020

Sgt. Rector,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow Trooper who was also killed in that accident for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Oregon. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 2, 2017

I read this today and it bring tears to my eyes, you were such a wonderful man and it shows in the words everyone wrote. I will never forget all of the officers, family and friends that attended your service, you made such an impact on so many. God bless.

Sandy (Rector) Pritchett
Cousin

September 2, 2013

I had the pleasure of working with Scott's father Bill. Bill was one of the finest OSP Troopers I have ever met. It's no wonder Scott followed in his father’s footsteps with OSP with his father as a model. I had the privilege of playing my bagpipes at Scott’s service. I've played at too many police funerals, but this was one of the hardest. After warming up my pipes, I walked back down towards the gravesite. There were many officers in uniform and as I stopped, Bill, Scott's father turned around to face me. I didn't know Bill had been standing there. He grabbed me gave me a big hug and said I knew you would be here to play for Scott. I couldn't say a word. Sorry for your loss seemed so insignificant at the time. I tried to hold back my tears, nodded at Bill and felt the honour it was to be able to do a small part for my friend Bill as he buried his son. I'll never forget that day.

Captain Alex Maich (Retired)
Redmond Police Department

September 2, 2013

Dad,

I think about you everyday and miss you so much. I can't believe its been over 15 years now. You would be so proud of your grandchildren. They absolutely love hearing all the stories about you. Thank you for showing me how to be a husband, father and friend. You were and still are the greatest man I've ever met.

Senior Trooper Scott J. Rector
Oregon State Police

May 31, 2013

Uncle Jim,

A day hasn't passed that I don't think about you. You are the reason that I am a cop today and your memory motivates me every time I put on my uniform.

You are a true warrior! I miss you!

Sergeant Steve Smith
Salem Police Department

May 6, 2012

My 9 year old son was telling me today that he wanted to be an Oregon State Police officer. It made me think of you today. Bless you cousin for your commitment and dedication.

Mike Rector
Cousin

February 26, 2012

My son, Scottie, told me about this page today, and I thank everyone who wrote. I was so blessed to be married to such a wonderful, caring man. I think of him every day, and try to live the legacy he left to me. I see him in my children and my grandchildren, and wish he was here with all of us. I know he is here in spirit, and people like you who write make sure he is never forgotten. I love you, Jim

Carol Rector
Wife

January 2, 2012

We all miss you very much. We hope to have a portion of Hwy 97 named in your Honor very soon.

Sr Trooper Jeff Leighty
Oregon State Police Officers' Association

August 19, 2010

Sergeant Rector, thirteen (13) years later you are still remembered, with honour.

Thank you for your service.

The citizens of Oregon were always well protected under your watch.

A tragic and unnecessary loss.

Anonymous

May 6, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the twelth 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 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 hold your family in thought and prayer today, and pray for solace to their grieving hearts.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

September 2, 2009

Jim,

As we honored Bill today and lay him to rest I could not help but think of you. Just wanted you to know how much you touched my life and how much I am certain that you are missed by all. God bless you Jim and I know that you welcomed Bill with open arms.

Love, T

Trooper
OSP

December 20, 2008

Thank you Sergeant Rector for your service to Oregon and to our country. May your name and memory be everlasting.

Lieutenant
Dept. of Defense, Retired

December 9, 2008

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. Continue to keep watch over all of them and also those still out on patrol. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8.8.04

September 2, 2008

Hi Jim.

I think of you often. After the memorial service, both you and Scott were on patrol with me for around 5 years. It finally dawned on me that you would like to rest, so I took your photos out of my patrol vehicle. Since then, I have moved from Central Oregon to Western Oregon. My daughter is now an Oregon State Trooper, and it is largely because of you. You were a mentor for many of the kids in the community. I met your son, who is now a grown man, and State Trooper while attending my daughter's graduation ceremony. I told him that I knew you, and shook his hand for a long time. He probably thought I was a little strange. I often think of the many times that you responded when I called for back up. Thanks Jim, for all that you have done for your community. Your legacy lives on! Rest in peace.

Patrol Captain Joe Fletcher
USFS, Western Oregon Zone

May 8, 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

January 14, 2008

Sergeant Rector,
Today is the tenth anniversary of your EOW. We remember you and thank you for the legacy of courage and committment you left. You will never be forgotten.

Pennsylvania citizen

September 2, 2007

Sergeant Rector,

All we have to leave behind is our legacy. I've had the opportunity to work with your son Scott on several occasions. He is an awesome trooper and I'm sure you would be proud.

Deputy
Oregon

April 7, 2007

I had the privilege of working with Jim on a few occasions. He was a fine man and an outstanding officer. Whenever I was working the north end of the county, it was good to know that Jim was somewhere nearby.

Thanks Jim.

Michael Henderson
Formerly-Klamath Co Sheriff's Office

January 26, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers go out to This Officer, as well as the Family, Friends, Department and Community.

This is a loss that will never be forgotten. Hours will turn into days, days turn into weeks, weeks into months and months into years but, the difference that these officers have made will last forever.

We lost Our Deputy Morris Taylor on September 14, 2002. When he joined the other Angels in Blue.

God Bless Our Law Enforcement Officers and Those Who Love Them.

Jack & Tracy Van Dolah
Former LEO/U.S.M.C. & Wife in Sutherlin, Oregon

May 22, 2005

God bless you and your family at your tragic loss. Volunteering to work on your day off shows your dedication and ultimate sacrifice you were willing to pay.

DE
St. Louis City Police

September 26, 2004

Rest in peace sir, your tour is over. We carry on in your memory.

Senior Trooper
Virginia State Police

September 2, 2004

05/25/04

Rest in peace Trooper Rector. You are not forgotten.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

May 25, 2004

God Speed, sir. Lead those who follow and help watch over those left here.

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

Jim, and Scott,

I met you Jim when i was a very young boy. i will never forget the way you helped me when i was having a tough time in school, nor will i forget the smile you always had on your face when you stopped by. i am now 19 years old and i know that you are watching all of the other officers in the line of duty. you have inspired me from the first time i met you in D.A.R.E. i also remember when my father took me to the station because he had some papers to give you. i thought then and i still think now that you were and are an awesome man. i was inspired by you to become a firefighter, and help those who were injured. all i can say, Jim, is that we miss you. We know you are not really gone, just looking at us from above and waiting to meet once again.

Scott, i met you once in the gun store in town, and i remember you asked me what i was doing there. i told you that i was going to go buy some ammo for a gun i had and to go shooting. you asked me if you could tag along and see how good of a shot i was. im not sure if i impressed you or you were just being kind, but being able to go to the shooting range with an oregon state police officer as nice as you was an honor. as with Jim, i know you are not really gone, just waiting to say hello once again.

Rest Easy Guys, and remember we love you!! You will always be loved and missed!!

Rick C.

Richard Caudill Jr Firefighter
Crescent Rural Fire Preotection District