Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Vance:

It's 2008 and we still think of you often. God bless, my friend.

Ferg

Michael Ferguson
East Texas Police Academy

February 1, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

January 28, 2008

was in Austin today and visited to the Peace Officer Memorial at the Capital. Still remember that night every day. Keep watching over us. Thanks Bro!

na
co-worker

December 12, 2007

We had a service at the memorial at the Police Academy Range today. We never think about our name being inscribed on a monument until we see our brothers name on there. I didn't know you as well as some but I gladly cleaned your gear up the day after you passed. I didn't want to give your family your stuff how it was after your wreck. I have seen Cort many times, I saw him last week, driving, never would have thought that. He honked at me while he was headed home, he has grown up to be such a good young man. I know that he misses you both very much. Matthew 5:9

Tim Bryan
GCSO

May 14, 2007

We still miss you, bro. Rest in peace, my friend. Ferg

Michael Ferguson, Instructor
East Texas Police Academy

February 1, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 6th anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol guarding the Thin Blue Line. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

February 1, 2007

Vance:

Hey, bro, it's 2006 - it's been five years...which is hard to believe. We still think about you and you're still missed by all of us. God bless and rest in peace, my friend.

Ferg

Michael Ferguson, Instructor
East Texas Police Academy / Gregg Co. SO

February 1, 2006

Just wanted you to know that you are remembered today and everyday. You will never be forgotten for the sacrifice that you made.
Stay close to your family today, everyday is hard some days are just harder. Keep watch over all of us till we can all be together.

Connie Barker
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04

February 1, 2006

It has been 5 years ago that you were
taken and time has not diminished
your sacrifice. Thank you for your many years of service. You are missed.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

February 1, 2006

Vance, it is 05' now and not a day has passed that i havent remembered you. I will never forget the night your tour ended nor will i forget the friendship that we forged. God Bless You and the ones who were left behind.

annonymous
GCSO

August 26, 2005

Deputy Clements,

Your name is carved near my fiance's at the Wall in D.C. Thank you for the sacrifice that you never thought you'd have to make. I hope you and Cole have become friendly "neighbors" in Heaven. I think of all the fallen officers are one big family both here and above. Take care of Cole. Just know that you were remembered this year at Police Week by me.

Jessi Garger
Fiancee of Cole Martin EOW 4.25.03

May 16, 2005

In loving memory of Vance Clements:
Thinking of you today on the 4th
anniversary of your death. We don't
ever want to forget you, just want the
sting of losing you to go away. May
God be with all those left behind who
are still grieving your loss. Thank you for your sacrifice, but you were
taken much too soon. We lost a
deputy here in Whatcom County in
the same fashion. What a waste.
We are left to pick up the pieces, but
the Lord Jesus is constantly with us
and is the healer and restorer.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

February 1, 2005

Vance:

Another January 31st is here...I still can't believe it. Know that we think of you often and that you are still very much missed.

Your pal,

Ferg

Michael Ferguson, Instructor
East Texas Police Academy

January 31, 2005

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

Rest in peace.

December 28, 2004

we civies, p*ss and moan when you pull us over we think "it ain't going to happen to me".
nobody out there really can appreciate what all of you do to protect US from OURSELVES. some where here there is ironey. what will it take ? we could start by saying THANKS !!

mike doody
civilian

March 19, 2004

Vance:

Today's the three-year anniversary of your death. It's still hard for me to grasp the fact that you're gone. We all miss you.

I saw Cort last month. He has grown into a fine, mature young man. He has gotten tall, too! He plans on attending law school after he finishes his undergraduate work. You would be so proud of him.

God bless, bro. I know that I will find you and my friend Bryan on patrol together when I get up there.

Michael Ferguson, Instructor
East Texas Police Academy

February 1, 2004

Well it's been two years since you left and it seems like yesterday. I know that heaven is safe with the likes of you up there. A good friend joined you Thursday, Brain Vail from Henderson P.D., Look out for him and show him the ropes OK. You will get along great you were alot alike. Love you and miss you still. Les

Les Ferguson, Instructor
East Texas Police Academy

December 21, 2003

Vance...we miss you! You always made me smile when you started off your shift with a hug and a "How Are Ya?" You were always considered one of "My Guys." An officer and his dispatcher share so much time together..not just on receiving calls for assistance from citizens of the county, but by also just passing the time away with phone calls to the office til the end of a shift...I miss that. Gregg County has lost a fine officer...and your impact on us will never be forgotten.
Fluff

Ex-Dispatcher-Staci Brannon

TO OUR FALLEN FRIEND AND COMRADE VANCE CLEMENTS. THANK YOU FOR ALL THE JOY AND GOOD TIMES YOU ALWAYS GAVE US. BEING A YOUNG DISPATCHER IN THE DEPARTMENT, YOU TAUGHT ME MANY HELPFUL THINGS IN THIS LINE OF WORK. NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT US AT THE GREGG COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT DOES NOT THINK OF YOU AND THE PRICE YOU PAID FOR YOUR LOVE OF YOUR PROFESSION. THE JOB YOU DID WAS GREATLY APPRECIATED AND YOU ARE DEARLY MISSED! I HOPE ONE DAY I WILL BE HALF THE OFFICER YOU ARE. KNOW YOUR DOING GREAT UP THERE. BEST WISHES TO YOUR FAMILY AND THE FAMILY OF GREGG COUNTY SO. GOD BLESS

LIL ROCK GREGG COUNTY UNIT 235

Anonymous

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 got just too 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 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 your burdens well.

Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in hell."

Anonymous

To the family of my fallen comrade,

My name is Christopher M. Hess and I am 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

Vance-a-lot! Thanks for being a good friend. I already miss you, as do all of us whose lives you touched. After all, whom else do I have to call me "Mikey" all the time? I know that you're doing a great job up there on patrol in Heaven. God bless, bro.

Michael Ferguson
East Texas Police Academy (formerly with Gregg County SO)

It has been over two years, I just now have what it takes to write something to my best friend. And yes, you still are my best friend. I really don't know what to say other than I had a wonderful time with you and the fishing and hunting trips we had together. I will never forget them. I check in on Cort from time to time and he is doing well, as we all knew he would. I want to thank you Vance for all you showed me in the time we had together, even though we did not like each other at first...haha.

Take care buddy.

Seth Vanover. Detective Longview Police

Seth Vanover Detective
Longview Police Department

I know that Vance can't read this now. But for all the ones that he left behind, I give this message to him:
I didn't know you, Vance, because you were coming into the Department as I was going out. I vaguely remember you from riding as a Reserve after I left. I had been at the Dept. for 7.5 years, but I had to move on for personal reasons. I do remember your youth and "Gung Ho" enthusiasm. Much like myself when I was there.
I remember the night that you died, serving the people of this County. I felt like I had my insides kicked out. You see, I believe that, having been part of the family, you really are never not a part of what happens to the ones who have chosen the Badge & Gun as a life long career. You can't take it out of your heart no more than you could disown a distant relative.
I found this memorial today while looking for all the fallen officers that I have known and mourned. You see, another officer has died who meant a lot to me. Not while serving the Dept. that you,he and I were a part of, but while serving his family at the chemical plant that he and I worked at together.
Maybe you knew Mark Mitchell. I hope so. You would have loved him like I do. Mark stayed in the Reserves and served at Gregg County. We both mourned your passing. He felt like I did about any officer that died in the line of duty.
I didn't know you Vance while you were here on Earth. Perhaps someday, if GOD is willing, you, Mark and I can sit around with M.D. Hodges and all the others who gone before us and swap war stories. I think that you might even like to hear some that are a little different. For you see, I don't carry a gun and badge anymore, but a firehose and bunker gear are my tools of the trade. For I am now an Industrial Fireman and Safety specialist where I work. It's the only fire that I will ever see, because I know that, like you, Heaven is my home. Until we meet in Heaven....
Kelly Allen

Kelly Allen, Former Deputy Sheriff
Gregg County Sheriff's Department

Vance:

It's been two years now since you left. We still think of you often and talk about your good humor, great police work, and valued friendship.

God bless, bro.

Ferg

Michael Ferguson, Instructor
East Texas Regional Police Academy