Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

james,
as you know this thansgiving finds you still watching over all of us who are still insane enough to pin this badge on and fight another day.there isn't a day that goes by that i don't wonder if any of this is worth it at all, but as a famous friend of mine once said"somebody needs you tonight".there isn't a night that goes by that i don't wonder what any of us could have done to prevent what happened but then i realize you are in a way better place than we are.i know in my heart you will continue to shadow our watch and i promise you macon p.d. will keep doing it for you brother.if your family ever needs anything i hope they know they can count on me.rest well my brother,it's up to us to walk the thin blue line for you now.

officer anthony h. pittman
macon police

November 22, 2007

Daddy,

You are still my hero,and i miss you daily.I tell all three of grandchildren how great of a hero you was, and Dakota. We love you always.My guardian angel.

crystal
daughter

November 10, 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 8, 2007

Officer Bryant,

On this the anniversary of your leaving us in the physical sense we pay tribute to your spirit. Tonight the Evening Watch of the Henry County Georgia Police Department’s North Precinct will hit the street in your honor. Please watch over us as we continue your fine work.

For the entire shift,
Sergeant V.T. Rosen

Sergeant V.T. Rosen
Henry County Police Department

January 3, 2007

James,

I apologize for not writing any sooner but you know how law enforcement is, you never really get a break.I got away from lumber city p.d. for a few years but it looks like i'm gonna go back pretty soon.Things will be different this time around because jimmy isn't chief but maybe we can survive.i can't get over all the crazy nights me,stan and brad had the first time.lumber city was my first gig straight out of the academy and i just didn't know they could pack that many idiots in a town that small.i remember the first time i had to arrest shady grady,man that was a treat.i didn't know a person could bend that many ways.i met a lotta good officers down there,like kirby,richie,chris and of course the great pulpwood.i hope when my watch is over people look back and say the same things about me as they did you my brother.your dedication and memory is really an inspiration to all of us.keep watchin over us so we can continue to strive on.gotta run now but i know i'll see you again someday.

OFFICER ANTHONY H. PITTMAN

August 27, 2006

Rest in peace sir. Thank you for your service.

Shannon
Collins Fire Dept.(Mississippi)

July 12, 2006

James,

Roger (who was my partner at the time of his brother's James shooting) was riding with me and told me that the worthless guy (willie mitchell) is finally fit to stand trial. I hope that court will start soon and that he get's what he deserves in this case... I figured everyone one be proud to know that justice may finally be served in this case..

DKirby Jeff Davis 13

Deputy Duane Kirby
Jeff Davis Sheriff's Office

February 4, 2006

Brother Bryant,

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

January 19, 2006

James it's been almost six years! It's hard to beleive. Every Day I remember us laughing and talking about our kids and law enforcement.
I'm sure you are guarding the pearly gates, just waiting to see all of us again. Look after us!

Duane Kirby

DEPUTY DUANE KIRBY
JEFF DAVIS S.O.

December 24, 2005

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

November 21, 2005

To Officer Bryant's Family, May you always find comfort in knowing that he IS a TRUE hero. You're family is in my thoughts and prayers. Crystal, I haven't seen you post here in a very long time. I hope that you're OK. God Bless.

OHIO

November 7, 2005

Officer Bryant,
By reading your reflections you were a loved man. You made the ultimate sacrifice with your courage. You are a hero.
Your daughter, Crystal, has left you many messages. You must be as proud of her as she is of you. Please look over her sir as she still needs her father. I know that you are with her and the rest of your family.
A police officer's spirit lives on in each one of us who wears the uniform.
Thank you for you service. Rest easy Officer Bryant, we will take it from here.

Police Officer
Maryland

January 3, 2005

T o all the officers that put their lives on the line daily, may god be with you. you are al in my prayers daily. And know your brothers in blue that have passed on already watch over you, and ride with you daily. I miss you daddy but, know you watch over us daily. I tell your grandchildren how great of a man you was. i love and miss you greatly.

crystal

December 1, 2004

Again we mourn as another hero is taken from us. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Bryant. May the Lord give you strength and bless each of you during this time.
Rest in peace for your watch here is over; walk in heavens beat and guide us all to protect and serve others safely.

US Ranger Catroppa
National Park Service Kennesaw GA

September 4, 2004

Daddy,
It seems like the days would get easier as time goes by. But, since court hasn't started we don't have no closure yet. But, welove you very much and think about you daily.(It just might be a glimps of your smile or something someone said, that reminds us of you.)WE love you very much.Dakota's getting big and so are your three grandchildren.You are a great man and a wonderful father and I want everyone to know how much you are loved and missed;not only by family,but friends also.Ilove you daddy. You are my hero.
Love,
Crystal, dakota,Alex,
Ashton,alyssa,and Family

Crystal Bryant Summerlin

June 11, 2004

daddy,
I wanted to write and let you know your third grandchild was born. She looks alot like you.She was born on Jan. 30,2004. I thank god above for sending me a little girl who looks just like you and makes the same facial expressions as you. Alex and Ashton love you too. The look at your picture and say papa. Alex tells people that you are with Jesus, and you are sleeping. They will know all about how great of a man you was, as long as i'm here to tell them. We love you very much, and think about you daily.

crystal bryant summerlin

crystal bryant summerlin

April 17, 2004

JAMES,

I APOLOGIZE FOR WAITING SO LONG TO WRITE ANYTHING BUT I NEVER REALLY KNEW WHAT TO SAY.I STARTED IN LUMBER CITY IN AUG.2000 AND ALL I EVER HEARD ABOUT WAS YOU.YOU REALLY WERE A LEGEND AND I BELIEVE ONE OF THE GREATEST TO EVER WEAR A BADGE. I'VE HEARD SO MUCH ABOUT YOU AND WHAT AN AWESOME OFFICER YOU WERE.I WISH EVERYONE HAD THE COURAGE AND DEDICATION YOU HAD.I KNOW YOU ARE STILL WATCHING OVER US AND I ASK YOU PLEASE BESTOW SOME OF WHAT YOU HAD UPON ALL OF US.SOMETIMES THIS JOB SEEMS LIKE TOO MUCH BUT THEN AGAIN WHEN YOU HELP SOMEONE AND YOU SEE THAT SOMEONE SMILE AGAIN THAT MAKES IT ALL SEEM WORTHWHILE AGAIN.EVERYTIME I VISIT YOU ON HERE IT JUST TEARS MY HEART OUT TO KNOW WHAT YOUR FAMILY WENT THROUGH THAT DAY AND WHAT THEY STILL HAVE TO DEAL WITH NOW.IF THEY EVER NEED ANYTHING I HOPE THEY KNOW THEY CAN CALL ON ME ANYTIME FOR ANYTHING.GOTTA GO NOW BUT YOU'LL REMAIN FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS AND ON OUR WATCH.

OFFICER ANTHONY H. PITTMAN
MONTGOMERY CO. SHERIFF'S OFFICE

April 14, 2004

daddy,

You are going to be a grandpa for the third time. I wish you was here everyday. But never worry I tell Alexandria and Ashton about you everyday. We just found out it is going to be a little girl. We are going to name her Alyssa Leigh Summerlin. Alex never got to meet her papa, but she gives your picture a kiss and says, I love you papa!

I love you and will remember you always
crystal

crystal bryant summerlin

September 28, 2003

Daddy,

I graduated last night and I knew you were standing there beside me. I have about three more months and you will be having a granddaughter. I can't wait until we meet again. We miss you very much, and we always will. I love you and will talk to you later.

Love you always,
May 27,2001

Crystal Bryant

James,
Its May, 2001 and I've just gotten the nerve to be able to complete this reflection. I have started to do this a lot of times, but I am always unable to complete it. How do I put into words the anguish and hurt that I feel about losing a brother officer? How inadequate it felt to be at your funeral and wonder if I could have done more, or if I could have helped you had I been with you on that horrible day in January. How do I simply write words that will offer some sort of consolation to your family? I know that they think of you all the time, they miss you, they wonder why this had to happen to you. To you and your family I say this, and I know it to be true: You are and always will be a Hero. Children, always remember that your father was a police officer because he wanted the world to be a little bit safer for you and your mom. Also know this: We officers, your dad's brothers and sisters, will continue to do this job and we will continue to make this world safer for you. Your father will not be forgotten. We miss him too.

Ofc. Jon Teegardin
Nashville Police Department

James,

This is Mandy. I just wanted you to know that me, Tony, Travis, granny and pops miss you.

4-24-01

Anonymous

James, I wish I could have left you a reflection on January 3, 2001 because that was a year that you have been gone but the systems were down. I have really missed you being here with everyone. I guess you are here, but I wish I could just touch you or talk to you. Like I have said before, nothing is the same without you anymore. It is still hard to believe you gone. I know we will meet again oneday. I miss you and love you very much.

Lisa Walters

Lisa Walters

To the family of my fallen comrade,

My name is Christopher M. Hess and I am a volunteer public relations specialist with the National Association of Police Organizations in Washington, DC. I am also the son of a 24-year veteran of the Easton, Pennsylvania Police Department. It is with great sadness and grief that I learn of the death of your love one. Whenever a brother or sister falls in the line of duty, it always has a profound and lasting effect on me.

Although my father was and “inside” officer for his last 14 years of service, I often feared for not only his safety, but also for the men and women who serve along side of him. Being a police officer in this day and age is the most difficult job out there.  Your loved one has paid the ultimate price protecting the citizens of your community as well as the entire country from those who have now regard for humanity.  Please know that there are many other people who are sharing in your pain and grief at this very moment, for when one of our own pays the ultimate price, a little bit of us passes with them. Your loved one is a hero who will never be forgotten. I realize that the pain and grief may seem too great to handle, but feel comforted by knowing that is an extended family out here who support you and are praying for your comfort, safety, and well being. Your family will always be in my family’s mind and prayers. We wish you peace in handling the rough times ahead. May God grant you a speedy closure.

Respectfully yours,

The Hess family in Easton, Pennsylvania

Chris Hess
NAPO

Officer Bryant,

I am writing tonight because I have spent hours going through the countless names and faces of your fallen comrades. As an 18 year old college student I sometimes see how people my age don't give much respect to people who give an oath to "Protect and to Serve." I'm sorry I never got to know you sir. I give the utmost respect to you, and your family. I to have had to suffer the loss of an imediate family member who was a police officer. My father remembered something one of his fellow officers said at his funeral, "Safeguarding the rights of others is the most noble and beautiful end of a human being." Even though that may be of little condolence your wife and children, please know that for those of us who do remember those that are fallen; are thinking of you tonight. Let those that you have left behind continue the work you started. Let your children never forget what their father stood for... Justice.

Anonymous

James,

It's still hard to believe that this has happened to someone I worked with. I remember when I started working in Lumber City, you were the one that showed me the town and the next night we started nailing the bad guys. I often wondered if it would have been different if we could have been in Broxton with you. You are one of the best officer's I had the pleasure to know, because I knew, when a situation got tight you would be there and if someone broke the law, you would get them. I will never forget you partner. Sleep well friend, and God Bless you and your family.

Your sincere friend and parter,

Manuel Browning

Manuel Browning
Alamo Police Department