Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To the Family,

Deputy Merritt dedicated his life to Public Safety.  He went to work every day to try to make the world a little safer for the next generation. Deputy Merritt made the ultimate sacrifice. It is because of Officers like Deputy Merritt that I am proud to pin my badge on every day. Deputy Merritt is a true hero.  Please remimber that you and the rest of Deputy Merritt's family is a part of mine and every other officer's family.

Patrolman Josh Cox
Alpharetta P.D., Alpharetta, Ga.

As I wipe the tears from my eyes I can't help but feel that without knowing this man, I can say that he is a hero. I know that our brotherhood has suffered a tremendous loss and I only hope that his family can find some comfort in the fact that this world is a safer place because of people like Deputy Merritt. The rest of us can only hope to be as brave as you!

Anonymous

Dear family

I am so very sorry but know that others do care and know some of the pain you are going thru. When C.O.P.S. contacts you please respond.................they will help and you will find other wifes and children who want to listen and hold you, if only from a distance.

It was so scary when I saw your husbands age & service time. I sit here tonight on the eve of my second anniversay for my officer of 14 1/2 yrs service with Kansas City PD and 53 years old. We were married 32 years.

Please email me, or if you are a friend of the families reading this please let them know that there is a shoulder ready any time day or night to cry on, yell at or brag about how great a guy he was.

Trudy Meyers - widow
Kansas City Missouri PD

Your sacrifice was the ultimate. The worldneeds more people like you.You will not be forgotten. Rest well knowing that when the coward who ended your life too soon reaches our "care " he will get his just reward!!!!

Anonymous

Too my brothers family, My deepest regrets to you!!! May god be with you forever! Thank you for being one of us clyde!!!!!!!!!! You or your family will never be forgotten!Mrs.Merritt, should there be anything I can personally do for you and your family,Make sure you call dear! God bless you!

ptl Dean L Gransden #1037
camden police dept. NJ

Any Person who can confront a situation with such Heroism in his heart, is a Hero. Deputy Merritt, I can not respect you enough. You tried to assist an Officer in Need of Assistance, and your life was taken from you in such an awful manner. My Family Prays That You Are in a Better Place Now, and we pray that you can rest assured that your Wife and Daughters will be taken care of by our own. God Bless You Deputy Merritt. All of our hearts in the Law Enforcement Family World-Wide Go out to You and your Family. Mrs. Merritt, God Bless You too. I am very Sorry for your loss. Very Sincerely, Gary Wolter, IMPK9 Association

Dir. Gary Wolter
International MP K-9 Association

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." -----John 15:13

Sgt. C. Rodewolt
Newington PD, Georgia

What you did was lay your life down while not only protecting the people, but protecting one of us. You died heroically in a seemingly purposeless way. I prayed all night last night for your family and for that of Officer Bryant. I only wish we could have sent that slayer to where they belong. Join the other warriors in heaven and look down on us from time to time. I will shake your hand one day and tell you thanks for what you did. When is at all gonna end???

Deputy Sheriff
Tift County Sheriffs Office

Though I never new Tub, through all stories I have heard of you I felt like I new you. I am a distent cousin of Tub. I am 13 years old. I new I always wanted to be a Police Offier, I would always ask my grandmmother if there where any Police Officer in the family. She would always reply only one Tub.

Chris Chappell
None

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. He died the same day you did, only three years later. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Clyde be the be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Sergeant Merritt's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Clyde is part of huge law enforcement family. From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Clyde was well respected and well loved. Thank you for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please take care of my fiance Dennis.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Drakesville, IA)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

Awful shots ring out
An Officer goes down
The Suspect completes the job
The Officer dies there on the ground

Cries of help ring out
Officers at the site
Trying to help their fallen “brother”
They try with all their might

An Officer gives cover
They all do their very best
But another shot rings out
A bullet goes through his chest

In a matter of minutes
A town is torn apart
Trying to understand the madness
Trying with all their heart

James and Tub, two special people
Whose job’s now over and done
By a psycho who couldn’t pay the rent
But managed to have a gun

Awhile back the headlines read
“Willie Mitchell might get Death”
Among us here, there is some doubt
We’re not going to hold our breath

Over a year and a half has passed
The time has come and gone
Doesn’t seem like that long ago
Sometimes it feels twice as long……..

Will be remembered always
Memories won’t let you fade
Remembering the day you gave your all
And the sacrifice you made.

Anonymous