Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Kyle Wayne Dinkheller

Laurens County Sheriff's Office, Georgia

End of Watch Monday, January 12, 1998

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Deputy Kyle Wayne Dinkheller

I just viewed the video of your shooting. It had a major effect on me. It just shows the violence that we as officers encounter everyday. Rest in peace knowing that the scum that did this to you will receive his reward soon. I pray for your family and wish them peace.

Corporal Scott Wright
Mount Holly Police Department, NC

December 7, 2007

I watched the video, again, in another class dealing with officer survival. God bless you for the lessons you still teach. I know I will never forget them.

Patrolman Andrew Trogolo
Christopher P.D.

December 7, 2007

God bless you. Because of your sacrifice, countless officers have been saved.

Deputy Shevock
Jackson County Sheriff's Office

December 4, 2007

My deep condolences to the family of this brave man. Tears flow freely as I viewed this incident and I hope God smiles upon you and your family. My heart goes out to you, the family, and I honor this hero in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you.

Deputy J.S. Davidson
Galveston County Sheriff's Office, Texas

December 4, 2007

R.I.P. Deputy Dinkheller, Your sacrifice has not been forgotten.

Sergeant Mike Munoz
Perrysburg Township Police Department

December 1, 2007

Sacred is the man who lays down his life in the service of another.

Kyle was such a man. He gave his time, his energy and ultimately his life for the citizens of Larens County. However, Kyle in the very event that took his life has impacted on an innumerable lives of other police officers. The video that depicted his tragic death has been played countless times, any officer that viewed it as I was myself is appalled and dismayed by it. I hope to use his death to motivate me to be safer everyday. I am sure he looks down from heaven and smiles as he observes an officer demonstrate better officer safety because of what he taught us. I will never ever forget him and thank God that he sacrifice will do some good everyday.

Patrolman Thomas Johnson
Clarksville, TN PD

November 16, 2007

Whenever I see the video, I think of your family and say a prayer for them. It's hard to believe your wife and children have been without you for almost 10 years. With the Christmas season approaching, I am especially praying for them. If any of your family ever needs anything, I want them to feel free to contact me at the Sewanee Police Department located in Sewanee, TN. I know most other cops feel the same way and that your family has probably been well provided for because like the Marines, we take care of our own. God rest your soul brother and bless your family.

Patrolman James E. Rollins III
Sewanee Police Department

November 14, 2007

Deputy Dinkheller-I just reviewed the in-squad video of your final minutes on patrol. I am a traffic enforcement officer in the Metro Chicago area conducting several traffic stops a shift. This video will forever be in my mind. R.I.P. Brother and may your killer rot in hell.

Patrolman D. Kirk #309
Round Lake Heights PD (IL)

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., Columbia, SC

October 10, 2007

Kyle--I just wanted to let you know that in the first couple of years I worked in Law Enforcement I was shown the video of your heroic day. I live every day in hopes that if the day comes when I am in the same situation, I have the courage to keep strong like you, and even though out gunned never giving up. You are a hero and inspiration to us all. PS Say hey to Sgt. William McEntee EOW 7-5-05. We think of all our fallen heros everyday. God Bless. PO Brand 303

Tim Brand
Kirkwood PD MO

October 2, 2007

I never had the opportunity to meet you but you have had an impact on my life as a police officer. I have watched the squad car video of the last few minutes of your life on several occassions in training sessions. It has probably made me aware more than anything else of just how dangerous this job can be. Nothing is just routine.

Patrolman James E. Rollins III
Sewanee Police Department

August 24, 2007

Like so many of us who have seen the footage of your last moments, I can't help but feel angry and sad. Every time I have seen the video, I wanted to jump through the screen and be there to help put the piece of crap down. I remember the first time I saw the video in the academy, my heart was racing and my hands were shaking. I hated the fact that I had to watch such a horrible thing happen to a person I believe was a genuinely good person. But then not long after that first time I saw the video, I started to think that it could happen to any one of us, and not just me. I discussed it with guys who had many years on the job, and they admitted to me that the video bothered them in ways they never knew. I realized that I was not the only one affected as much. I watched it a second time, and realized I need to learn from this as much as I can. My hands still shake when I watch it, but I'm glad they do. I need to remeber that you gave your life so that thousands of others can learn to save their own. I could never say thank you enough for your sacrifice and dedication. I will never forget you and I know you will live forever inside us all you have touched.

Patrolman B Quinn
Bethlehem PD

August 18, 2007

I am so sorry to hear of your loss and I wish that all law enforcement officers may remain safe every day and night, forever. Your sacrifice and service will never be forgotten. May God protect those who protect us.

Chris
Public

August 13, 2007

GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I AM SO SORRY!

HANK

August 7, 2007

God rest your soul. Your scarifice will not be forgotten and may your family stay strong. Keep an eye over us from heaven brother

PO
NYPD

August 7, 2007

Kyle,
It's been almost three years since I first saw your video. Because of the job, your sacrifice comes to mind on a weekly basis. I would like to thank you for keeping me safe and alert. Even in your passing you are still serving and protecting. I belive that for every one person leaving a reflection there are so many more that may have been saved. Thank You for your service.

Officer Robert E Jackson II
Muscle Shoals Police, Muscle Shoals, AL

July 22, 2007

I had firearms training tonight. I watched your dash cam footage of the scumbag taking your life. I cannot even begin to describe the emotions I feel. I have seen the video three times now. I want you and your family to know that what you endured that day has saved countless other officers lives. My heart breaks for your family, especially for your kids. I know that they will know all about you and what a hero you are. I wish I could have helped you that day.......................

AZ Narc

July 21, 2007

We just saw your video today, and I will never forget it, I will take your memory with me everyday.
Thank You, and Rest In Peace.

Deputy
M.C.S.D

June 6, 2007

Well buddy it seems like just yesterday drinking a cold Dr Pepper and seeing you and Don,Darren,Brian,Mike.
As the days go by they just do not seem so long.
I miss keeping up with Angelia and the kids,the last photos I saw they looked so much like you. I guess I could ask Rodney or Capt Cooper for an address. And it seem like every class on Officer Safety or Traffic Stops or Defense they have to show your tape, I just get up and leave. Seeing it on 12Jan98 was enough. If it helps others then I think it needs to be shown in every Class that involves
Law-Enforcement.
Well God Bless ya buddy. I am going to get a ICE Cold Dr Pepper.........Angie if you want you can leave me email at law_dawg707(at)yahoo.com I just want to make sure your still doing good.

Blue Line Sheep Herder
Keeping the nasty Wolfs from the sheep.

May 22, 2007

I'm going to patrol in July. I carry a picture of us to always remind me of your sacrifice and of the scum that's on the streets. You are a true hero Kyle. I hope your in that patrol car with me and that I'll be as good of a cop as you were. Miss you

Deputy Sheriff
L.A.S.D.

May 16, 2007

Rest in Peace my brother !

Pfc. Jeremy R. Wilson #456
Brunswick (Ga.) Police Dept.

May 13, 2007

The Lord is for me. I will not fear. What can man do to me? We love you Kyle. Say hi to Dad for me please. Taylor sure missed out on one great uncle.

Jessica
sister-in-law

April 23, 2007

Rest in peace!


Greater Manchester Police, UK

April 23, 2007

* respect *

Dutch officer
Dutch police

April 17, 2007

To the family of Kyle Dinkheller,
I graduated the police academy here in Greenville, NC this past December of 2006. During the Traffic Investigation part of the academy, I was shown the video of your loved one, Deputy Dinkheller. This video sent chills throughout my body and filled me with anger for the man who took Kyle from you. I am the same age now as Kyle was when he passed away. I just wanted to let you all know that even though he is lost, we are learning from his video. This video has taught me a lot on approaching a stopped vehicle and to keep your guard up. There is no doubt about it that Kyle was a polite and a gentleman who showed respect to others. Although Kyle is no longer with us, his work is an influence on future law enforcement officers. Kyle Dinkheller will never be forgotten.

Deputy Tripp
Pitt County Sheriff's Office

April 16, 2007

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