Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee
End of Watch Wednesday, July 26, 2000
Reflections for Trooper Lynn McCarthy Ross
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Just read about your incident in the Jason Schechterle Story written by Landon Napoleon. Sir, thank you for your dedication to serve and protect your country and community. Respect, Honor, always Remembered
mother of Officer Craig Birkholz G. Birk
Officer Craig Birkholz EOW 3/20/2011 Fond du Lac PD
May 20, 2021
Thank you for your service, both military and police, and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
July 26, 2020
Thank you for protecting us. May Gods grace comfort your children
Jacob C Davis
April 23, 2020
Rest in peace Trooper Ross.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
January 18, 2020
Keeping us safe from above. Can’t say enough about how thankful I am for his sacrifice. Prayers are with you and your family.
Patrolman Don Garrett
Temple Police Department Tx Traffic Division
August 25, 2019
Driving cross country when we saw the highway designation. So sorry for his loss. Thanks for helping to keeping Tennessee safe. Prayers to his family blood and blue.
Betsy (dispatcher)
Pleasanton CA PD
August 29, 2018
I had the ocasion to meet Trooper Ross as a guest instructor at the THP Training Academy when he was a Trooper Cadet. My children met Trooper Ross at graduation and at the white water olympics and nickname him "Major Payne" due to his personality and his hiumor. Children absolurely love Lynn. His presence will be terribly missed along with his copassion for kids. Prayers and thought continually with his wife and children.
Trooper Mike Myers Retired
Trooper Michael Myers Retired
June 16, 2014
I think of you often especially when going by the sign bearing your name driving down part of I-40 dedicated to you near Jackson. I remember all those hot days we spent at pee wee football practice and games when you were my coach. I remember that day when my dad came home and told me what happened. Thank you for your sacrifice and i still laugh to myself from time to time thinking of you getting onto me with that chin stuck way out and being all dramatic! I do my best to, no matter what, always make it home to my soulmate and little girl. Your situation is heartbreaking but a sobering reminder that in our field theres always a chance that you can do everything perfect and still not make it home. You are missed but not forgotten.
Deputy
Decatur County Sheriff's Office
November 26, 2012
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 10th 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 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 pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.
Rest In Peace.
Phyllis Loya
Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
July 26, 2010
"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 30, 2008
My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Trooper Ross on the anniversary of his passing.
Heros are never forgotten.
911 Dispatcher
Virginia
July 26, 2007
i was awtching tv a few yrs back and this accident came on the news .i told my wife he looked familar to me ,well it turned out i went to school with lynn my only year of school in high school in henderson tn my heart sank for i knew of him he talked of going into the mil don't know if he did or not but just knowing lynn for 1yrs i knew he would excell at what he wanted to do i noticed along the highway there is a memorial to him if anyone should see this and knows his family relay to them my condolesce i will never forget the lynn i knew in auto class so lynn god called you for a bigger highway to patrol it's the staight and narrow one !!you must have been good or the master wouldn't have called for you my freind.... kevin morgan
chester county h.s class of 1980
civilan
January 6, 2007
Thank you for your service. You will always be remembered. Rest in peace.
Daughter of an officer
July 26, 2006
THE POLICEMAN'S LAST ROLL CALL ...
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, Lord, I guess 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 times my talk was 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 just
got to steep. And I never passed a cry for help, though times I shook with
fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept many 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 Lord, it needn't be so
grand. I never expected or had too much, but if you don't, I'll understand."
There was silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod. As
the policeman waited quietly, for the judgement of his God. "Step forward
now, policeman, you've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on Heaven's
streets, you've done your time in hell."
Author Unknown
May you be at peace in the arm's of a loving Heavenly father.
Anonymous
December 12, 2005
I think of the officers who have helped us in the past and this happens. In a job where perfection in all areas of your job seems to be expected I think of you and pray for you and your families. Thank you for your work, dedication and love of your families.
LCR
Lorraine C Richey
Artist
June 8, 2004
Trooper Ross,
My law enforcement career started the day you made the ultimate sacrifice. You will never be forgotten and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ptl.
Glassboro PD (NJ)
December 6, 2003
To know that some people didn't respect the job you chose to do. But day after day, you worked to protect them.
God bless your Family and Friends.
-Rest In Peace-
SBH
KCSO (TN)
August 29, 2003
Trooper Ross belonged to one of the finest Highway Patrol Agencies in the Nation. His dedication and service to other citizens goes without saying. May future troopers who pass in and out of the Tennessee Highway Patrol Training Center remember Trooper Ross and his sacrifice as they begin their own careers.
Anonymous
Dear Brother, I was on patrol earlier in the morning at 0020 hrs. 7-26-00. I chased down a felony car suspect and was hospitalized. I was in surgery when God chose you to patrol heavens gate. Now we will always share this date together and I will never forget your name. Till we meet again.
Anonymous
To the family of a good friend and one that always tried his best to look out for the public. It's hard to say Good Bye to someone like Trooper Ross. He did his job and set the tone for a lot of new officers..I met him while driving for a trucking company based out of Nashville. I was driving a little too fast and he stopped me and told me to slow down. i did from that point on..To his family be proud of him..To others please slow down while driving. I plan on trying to get into law enforcement very soon, and will keep TN. State Trooper Lynn Ross in mind and sprit to watch over us all.
James B.Rose
Dunbar Armored
I would like to send my condolence to the family of Trooper Ross. I will miss Trooper Ross patrolling Hwy 45 from Henderson to Jackson. I passed his house everyday and I would always check to see if his patrol car was at home. If his patrol car wasn't at home I knew to slow down. I still find myself looking for his patrol car as I pass by. Trooper Ross certainly did a GREAT job keeping Hwy 45S safe. My dream is to become a Tennessee State Trooper and I always said I wanted Trooper Ross to train me if I became a trooper. A part of my dream will not come true but if I ever become a trooper I want to be like Trooper Ross.
Trooper Ross will never be forgotten. May God be with him.
Lacretia Croom Johnson
having only known you for 2 days,you told me and 3 other cadets about the dangers of law enforcement.i still remember you working traffic detail at a function in gatlinburg during one of our competions.i remember you telling me to not be nervous during our vehicle search section,and when i did a great job,the way you looked.you are in a better place now,but my heart goes out to the tennesee highway patrol,and especially your family.they indeed lost one of the best troopers ever known.a people's trooper.god be with you always.you will NEVER be forgotten.
i hope every officer and trooper will be as great as you were.
leonard j wilson
ex-charleston city explorer
The Lynn Ross I knew was extremely proud to be a Tennessee State Trooper. He always had a smile on his face. His first assignment was in the Lawrenceburg District where I am stationed, and where I first met him. He was, as usual, just doing his job that morning, and made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the construction workers at that site. He is, and always will be, missed by his fellow Troopers. I salute you Lynn! Take Care.
Trooper Bart Butler
Tennessee Highway Patrol
I remember well the night 3 years ago when we lost Trooper Ross. Rest well, brother, we've got the watch. Hope you are happy patrolling the streets of gold.
Dispatcher Kim Kinsey
Chattanooga PD
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY OF TROOPER ROSS. I DIDN'T KNOW HIM PERSONALLY, BUT I DID HAVE THE HONOR OF ATTENDING HIS FUNERAL. THE OUTPOUR OF THE COMMUNITY AND FELLOW LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES WAS OVERWHELMING. IT IS TRULY A REFLECTION OF TROOPER ROSS'S IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY AND THE STATE OF TENNESSEE. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO WATCH OVER ALL OF THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WHO CONTINUE TO SERVE AND PROTECT
Anonymous
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