Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The policeman stood and faced his God, which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning just as brightly as his brass.
"Step foward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To My church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and said, "No lord. I gues I ain't. Because those of us who carry badges, can't always be a saint."
I've had to work most Sundays and at time my talk was rough... and sometimes I've been violent because the strees are awful tough."
"But I never took a penny, that wasn't mine to keep... though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got just to step."
"And I never passed a cry for help, though at time I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I wept unmanly tears."
"I know I don't deserve a place mong the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fear."
"If you have a place for me here, Lord it needn't be so grand. I never expected or had to much, But if you don't... I'll understand."
There was a silence all around the throne, where the saints had often trod, as the policeman waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step foward now, policeman. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk the beat on Heavens strees. You've done your time in hell."


We miss you so much Dennis. you are always on our minds and with ever call for service we know that we have you watching over us keeping us safe.

L/Cpl. C. K. McLendon
Horry County Plice Dept.

June 11, 2005

Hey Dennis, I can not believe it's been 5 years. Everyday I think of you and know that your there right beside us all. Thank you for all you have done for us. We love you very much.

L/Cpl. C. K. McLendon
Horry County Police Dept.

June 8, 2005

Hey Dennis, Five years later and you're still on my mind.

Corporal Bob Stephens
Horry County Police

June 6, 2005

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.

When we've been here ten thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

Surviving Friend

June 5, 2005

I still miss u everyday!!! Maryann is doing ok, but still misses you and loves u more than anything!!!! Your Friend and partner!!

PSO. Marc Hadden
Surfside DPS

January 19, 2005

Hey Dennis! Had you on my mind today. I'm a Corporal now Dennis, ha ha, imagine that. Anyway, you were on my mind today Dennis and I wanted to Say hey. Thanks For Everything, Bob

Corporal Bob Stephens
Horry County Police Department

August 16, 2004

I remember Dennis from the Horry County Detention Center when I was employed with the Atlantic Beach Police Department, we later teamed up at the Marion City Police Department. We often talked at shift change about wishing we could be hired on at the Horry County Police Department. We received the call the same day - we were hired by Horry County and Major Canterbury had called us with the great news. He was '353' and I '354'. I think about him each and every time I turn my blue lights on. Rest in peace my brother. Hoooorah!

Horry County Police Department

May 19, 2004

The policeman stood and faced his God,which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?
The policeman squared his shoulders and said.
"No, I guess I ain't because those of us who carry a badge can't always be a Saint."
I've had to work most Sundays
and at times my talk is rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep...
though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got to steep.
And I never passed a cry for help
though at times I shook with fear,
and sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much, but if you don't...I'll understand"
There was a silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman.
You've borne you burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets.
You've done your time in Hell"

G. Houston
South Carolina

September 19, 2003

Dennis Lyden will all ways be a part of my life.He had the best insight I have ever known anyone to have.When my husband first became an officer I was so scared of what could happen to him on the road.One night me and Dennis'wife Maryann had the talk about what we would do if something ever happened to take away our husbands in the line of duty.I'll never forget her telling me this was the life they chose to make a difference.And they were happy with making that choice.Dennis always had something positive to say and a joke to tell.He was many peoples backbone.I thank God for letting me be lucky enough to know him.May God bless his family and stand beside them in this tragedy.  You are sincerely missed,

Patsy Hair
Horry County Dispatch 911

My first day out of the academy is one I will never forget. It was the day Dennis died. It's been about two months since his death, and every time I read this page I start to cry. I can remember the times Dennis and I stood in the P.D. just talking. I remember when I was trying to get hired with the dept. and Dennis just gave me encouragement. I also dispatched for Dennis and his squad D Squad for a while. To this day, I can still hear "County--353." This was his call number. I am proud to say that I am now a member of D Squad, and I can only hope, as I start my police career, I can be the type of officer that Dennis was. Dennis, thanks for all the pep talks, your show of concern, and most of all your life. I will never forget you.We all miss you.THANKS FOR EVERYTHING.

Bob Stephens
Horry County Police Dept.

He wore his police officer uniform with tremendous pride, he was just to name a few.....a caring, compassionate, loving, helpful, honest, and truthful man of high morals -- he was my friend -- I miss him.

Just the other day I went to his gravesite to talk to him, the sprinklers were on and I didn't even realize it -- how he would have teased me about that -- that was Dennis, my friend -- I could just hear him laughing.

David Cobb
Horry County Sheriff's Office

There are so many second that we let pass away.

The time constant in passing.

Some are wise enough to grab hold...others unaware.

A hero is able to live a life of nobility.

To be a person aware of how precious time's essence

is; he risks all for the greater good.

This is a True Blue Hero.

Jennifer m. Ganzala
Concerned Citizen

On June 5th, 2000- The Horry County Police Dept. lost one of their own. This is the department that my husband Kevin works for, and let me tell you it is a day that we will never forget. I believe most of us are still in shock over the senseless death of Cpl. Dennis Lyden.  We not only lost a fellow officer and friend, but we also lost a family member. It is true what they say about Law Enforcement being a Brotherhood...That was proven by the officers of this wonderful department, the officers family members, fellow officers around the state of South Carolina, and the citizens of Horry County.

Dennis' life was taken by two terrible human beings (if you can call them that) for reasons unknown.  They have affected so many lives, especially the life of Dennis' wife Maryann, and now she must face this world without her husband and best friend.  Her life will never be the same ever again.  (I pray for you daily Maryann).

Dennis gave his life protecting us, and he deserves to be recognized as "The Hero" that he is.  We lost a wonderful man, and an outstanding officer...We miss you Dennis, You will never be forgotten.

Sandy Duke
Horry County Police Officer's Wife

Cpl Dennis was my feild training officer when I got out of the academy.  I remember how intimidated I was when I reported to him on that first morning.  He was a very dedicated family man, and every discussion topic he brought up was about his wife, Maryann.  The couple had tried for several years to have a child, but health reasons prevented them from becoming parents.  His funeral was yesterday, and I am filled with so many emotions.  I am not sure how to feel right now.  I am obviously mad as hell, and at the same time, I am in mourning.  This department lost one of it's very best officers.  I have a feeling of emptyness, and confusion.  I hope his wife will be able to find peace, and go on with her life.  On behalf of the entire law enforcement community, I would like to say...............job well done!

Toby Boyd
Horry County Police Dept.

Although I did not know Officer Dennis Lyden very well, I have learned from friends who are fellow Horry County Police officers, that Officer Lyden was dedicated, served the people of Horry County unselfishly and deeply loved being a police officer. The love of his career was only exceeded by his unending willingness to help others any way he could. He not only upheld the law, he went out of his way to boister the spirit of those he came in contact with. His dedication and commitment to those he chose to protect and serve can only serve as a role model for the rest of us. If we come across someone in need of assistance or witness a wrong that needs to be righted, ask yourself "What would Dennis do?" The answer is simple, get involved, for not to do so we are part of the problem, not the solution. Officer Lyden will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

Patrick Clarke
Concerned Citizen

Cpl Lyden,

We never met but we must certainly have had some common acquaintances and common experiences, South Carolina is, after all, a small place.

My deepest condolences go out to your family and colleagues.  If there is any consolation to be had in your passing, it is this...that you gave the ultimate sacrifice doing a job that few would have.  That you committed yourself to taking your position in the thin blue line that stands between good and evil, that protects the weak and the innocent from the violent and lawless.  It can not be said often enough. Thank you.

SSgt David W. Rice
Beaufort County Sheriff's Office, SC

I never met him, then again one does not have to know him personally to recognize his sacrifice. He paid the ultimate price to do a job that few can or will do. My condolences to his family. Tomorrow night when I start my shift I will think of Dennis and others like him and pray that God will watch over me and all my fellow law enforcement officers. Go with God Dennis.

Deputy Jim VanLandingham
Beaufort County Sheriff's Office, Beaufort County N.C.

06-05-03 MAY GOD BLESS THIS DECEASED HERO. GONE BUT NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER. GOD BLESS HIS LOVED ONES, FRIENDS AND COWORKERS.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

You were obviously well liked and respected. Rest in peace brother. We have the watch now.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

You still cross my mind every day, and every stop.

A Brother
HCPD

Dennis was my training officer and friend. I remember discussions we had while on patrol and how he loved his job. Dennis had many loves. Three in particular that we discussed often while driving the streets. The first and foremost was his Wife Maryann, second was the love of his job, third was his love of real estate. Yes real estate. Often we would talk about how he would like to get into the real estate business after retirement or part time while policing, and we spent many hours checking property on construction sites. In the early mornings of a long nights shift, when we were getting tired, we would get out and walk through many of the newly constructed homes and talk about how we would like to add this and that to our own homes. I remember the last time Dennis and I spoke. I was on another shift and met him at shift change coming out of the P.D.. Since we worked opposite shifts we rarely ran into each other. We reminisced about how we used to walk through those houses and how he was hoping to start some real estate classes in the near future. We said our goodbye's and went our seperate ways. Sadly a few days later Dennis was senselessly killed. It's been a while since Dennis's death. He is still in our conversations and memories, and although his hopes of being a realtor were never obtained I know he still likes walking through those houses. Only now ....
He walks through the house's of God. Rest in peace Brother.

Pfc. V Sissell
Horry County Police Department

I worked the same shift as Dennis, and the same area alot of the time. I remember seeing Dennis the night before we sat and talked a bit tryng to wake up a little. I remember he was in such a good mood. He had a call to go to and the last thing we said to each other was "I'll give you a call tomorrow and we'll meet up again." The dreadful night we were working night shift, and unfortunately I was at his scene. My deepest thoughts goes to the family. Dennis, I think of you everyday. I truly miss you brother. Please watch and protect us all.

Corporal Ian Vaughn
Conway Police Department, Conway S.C.

DENNIS, YOU ARE GONE FROM THIS WORLD OF PAIN BUT, YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN. I THINK OF YOU EVERYDAY, WHETHER I AM AT WORK OR OFF DUTY. YOU WILL FOREVER BE IN MY MEMORIES.

Anonymous

I worked with Cpl. Dennis Lyden since starting in 1990, both beginning our career in detention in Horry County, South Carolina, and then again as patrol officers with the Horry County Police Dept. Cpl. Lyden was an exceptional individual and officer. He genuninely cared about people and was quick to give people the benefit of the doubt both on and off the job. As a friend and fellow officer, he will be greatly missed. My love and support go out to his wife, Maryann, his family, and those who loved him, as did his fellow officers did.

Pfc. Patti Fondren
Horry County Police Dept.