Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I'll never forget that day. One of the most shocking of my career. Rest in peace my friend. We have your and your family's back from here.

Sergeant Scott Ashmore
HCSO

October 21, 2020

It is very sweet to see a few that still remember that day. I will never forget and I will love you always.
Your wife and best friend

Becky Risley
Wife

October 23, 2019

J.C. we worked together at 701. I followed you out to patrol and took over your contract (blue bell) in district 1. I transferred to district 4 and worked nights out in 4C. I always looked forward to you flying by me in that big dually as I was sitting in the dark running traffic. I’d chase you down and we would talk for a few minutes at 290 and mason. You’re not forgotten my friend

Deputy Butch Grable
HCSO

March 12, 2019

I remember that day like it was yesterday. A group of us ate lunch together that day. You and I met up just a couple hours before that fateful call dropped at a Texaco gas station on FM1960. That was one of our frequented places to grab a cup and vent with one another. We certainly had a great group of coworkers who worked well together. I still remember your call drop on the radio and I was so mad I was at the station and so far away. The response time seemed like it took forever, even though it was only a matter of minutes. I miss our chats and your friendship, JC. You were a good man, a tough cop and a great husband and father!

Retired deputy, Tom Miller
HCSO

October 23, 2018

Thinking of you, today. Gone, but not forgotten.

Denise Davis
Retired Life Flight nurse

March 25, 2017

"A life that touches others goes on forever."

Leigh Payne

November 22, 2016

Hard to believe it's been 16 years J.C.. I still remember the day you were taken from us. We would be coming to the end of it now.

Deputy R.C. (Bobby) Grigar
HCSO

October 25, 2016

Today was a hard day when we had to lay another officer to rest, I could not help but remember you and your family at this time and let you know we talk about you all the time. Just like that time you came by the house cause something was flying in the sky that looked like nets being dropped from planes thinking something terrositic was going on and the dispatcher reported that it was some special spiders being released in the area to control some bug that was getting over populated the strangest thing we had ever saw and all the cob webs hanging from the power lines what a day. We talk to Becky on and off she has been a little ill but she is tough but you already new that when she use to make you mow the lawn, with a beer in your hand lol.. The girls with their husbands and children are amazing and are building there lives with there children now and doing a great job. You should be very proud and I know you are and you miss them like they miss you and we all miss you to. Just wanted to give you a shout out and let you know you will never be forgotten.

Trish & Tye Smith
290 Wrecker/FRIENDS

September 5, 2015

John- On this Police Week 2014/ I'm watching the National Candlelight Vigil at this very moment: You will never be forgotten...as one of my classmates in jail school in 1990/1991, you were a positive influence from the start...

To John's Family- remember that those of us who still do or have worn the badge will ALWAYS be on your side and in our thoughts!

Rob Barnes-Law Enforcement Coordinator
DOJ/U.S. Attorney's Ofc/ Former HCSO, HCCO 4, Federal Air Marshal

May 13, 2014

May this reflection find your family well. I ran into someone the other day and had a conversation about you. It made me remember Becky, and your children. Although I haven't seen them in many years, I pray they have become all you would have wanted. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Lieutenant Shawn Sayers
Fort Bend County Pct. #3 Constable

March 13, 2014

You are remembered today.

Friend

October 23, 2013

Heroes live forever, Deputy Risley, and we will never forget. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for the citizens of Harris County and the great State of Texas.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

October 23, 2013

john. I remember the first day I met you. I walked into the squad room and you invited me over to get to know you. I tell my friends about how you always wanted to join the DPS and sit on the side of the road and "Ticket Them". John, I miss you. I remember the last time I was at your house and you showed me around to the beer stash you had and sold me my puppy. Elrod and I talk about you often and remember the person. I miss you.

Bill Taylor
Friend

June 11, 2013

Dad, I was 16 when you were taken away, and now I am all grown up. I met a nice guy in high school and we have been married several years now. I went to college and got the degree and the job that we talked about. I bought the car that we talked about. And now my husband and I are trying to start a family of our own...even though I said that would never happen. I still jam to our favorite music and know that you would have loved some of the new stuff that has come out. I miss you every day, and Johnathan and I take pretty flowers out to you often. We will come see you soon! I love you Dad!!

Jennifer Dennison (Risley)
Daughter

January 11, 2013

Rest in peace, Deputy Risley. Your service and sacrifice to the citizens of Harris County and the great State of Texas are not forgotten.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

October 23, 2012

I was just talking about you Sunday with a retired HCSO, I didn't realize it was the anniversary of one of the most horrific days I experienced. I'm sure we'll see each other again. You are loved and missed much.

Friend
Friend

October 25, 2011

Rest in peace, Deputy Risley. You're not forgotten.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

October 23, 2011

It's hard to believe it's been ten years since I lost you bro. It seems like yesterday when we were chasing vicious dogs in good ol' Ranch Country. You are a once in a lifetime friend to me that could never be replaced. Godspeed and I'll see you again someday bro!

Kelly Ritchie
Harris County Animal Control

June 10, 2010

Deputy Sheriff Risley, nine (9) years later you are still
remembered with honour.

You died a hero protecting your community.

Thank you for your service.

The citizens of Texas were alway well protected under your watch.

A tragic and unnecessary loss.

Anonymous

May 4, 2010

J.C.

Passed by your house the other day on the way to my Grandmother's funeral...Just thought I'd let you know we're still out here and we have not forgotten...

To Becky and the girls, of course, if you ever need anything...we are here for you always...

We will never forget Unit 4410

Sergeant J.E. Flynt
HCSO

March 29, 2008

Hey JC,
I still remember the day I met you when I started at the Harris County Sheriffs Dept. when I began working in the VCC. I was a white shirt at the time going to the academy before work at UofH downtown. We worked night shifht together and remember you helping me study for my test's. I really looked up to you as someone with honesty and integrity. I think about you all the time and wonder if you are still "cracking Heads" fro the Lord. If I know you, you are. Keep Heaven safe from all evil my Brother. You are missed!

John Jackson
Williamsom County

Deputy John Jackson
Williamson County Constable Pct 3

March 28, 2008

"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

February 7, 2008

J.C., We still remember you out here. When the new ones come to patrol and I happen upon them, I recount that you passed before them and to be grateful that changes were made to prevent the tragedy that visited upon you. God bless, rest in peace brother.

Bobby

Deputy R.C. (Bobby) Grigar

January 7, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

This writer is pleased that justice was so quickly served on your behalf.

VAn DenBerghe
NH

October 19, 2007

WE STILL MISS YOU OUT HERE YOU SNUFF DIPPIN CUSS WITH A BAD ATTITUDE. I WAS BLESSED TO KNOW YOU J C, REST IN PEACE BROTHER.

DEPUTY R C (BOBBY) GRIGAR
HARRIS COUNTY SO

December 1, 2006