Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Joe
Seems like yesterday when we were sitting in the storefront planning our retirement and seeing how far we had to go, Well my brother I made it to retirement and I remember the days prior when we were working together. The morning I came to work and was told officer down I rushed to the scene to find out it was you and my heart stopped. I knew what we had to do. We were a team out there we stood by one another. I always think about that day when you were taken from us. There is so much to reflect on that it is hard to put into words.
R.I.P. my brother for you are watching all of us from afar.
Rene and the kids will always be in our prayers.

Franklin Joe
05/22/11

Franklin Joe Sr. Deputy Retired
Harris County Sheriff's office

May 22, 2011

DEPUTY DENNIS ALTHOUGH IT WAS TEN YEARS AGO TODAY THAT YOU WERE TAKEN FROM YOUR FAMILY COWORKERS AND FRIENDS YOU MUST KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS EVERYDAY RIP MY BROTHER

LIEUTENANT BARRY RANSBERGERE RETIRED
TDCJ

May 22, 2011

We fell out of touch so many years ago, and I was hurt to learn that you were taken from your family and friends. I regret that I didn't keep in touch. Funny how when we get older we look back more. I have alot of fond memories of family times together, and seeing this really touched me. I run into fellow and former Harris county employees from time to time and always ask if they knew you. Kind of makes me feel closer to you. I imagine you grew up to be a great guy, husband and father.

Michelle L. Hanlon
Cousin

October 29, 2010

I read your memorial page today. The reflections left by your family and friends show the quality of man you are.

May God Bless your family and friends.

I offer the following.

Ships

“I am standing upon the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white
sails to the morning breeze and starts
for the blue ocean.

She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until at length
she hangs like a speck of white cloud
just where the sea and sky come
to mingle with each other.

Then, someone at my side says;
"There, she is gone!"

"Gone where?"
Gone from my sight. That is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull
and spar as she was when she left my side
and she is just as able to bear her
load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.

And just at the moment when someone
at my side says, "There, she is gone!"
There are other eyes watching her coming,
and other voices ready to take up the glad
shout; "Here she comes!"
And that is dying.”

-Henry Van Dyke

Ret'd Sgt
Texas LEO

June 10, 2010

Joe,

Tomorrow will be 9 years since that awful day that you were taken from us too soon! I remember it like it was yesterday, it is seems so long ago. I think of you often and shed a tear. Your kids are growing up and you would be so proud of them both! Rene' is doing such an amazing job with them, but that is no surprise. You would be so proud of her too. Her strength is amazing!! You have never been far from our thoughts.
Thank you for all you did to keep us safe. I know you are just preparing a place with God for the rest of your family, as we have the promise that we will see you again! God Bless you Joe!! Love you, Jan-ett (aka Netter)

Jan-ett

May 21, 2010

Deputy Dennis,

I read that your end of watch date was near. Your parents and family are in my prayers and thoughts on this National Police Week. Hope to see your parents at retreat.

Maxine, mother
Deputy Josh Rutherford EOW 5/23/03

Anonymous

May 14, 2010

It is finally May and believe it or not our babies are graduating from high school in just a matter of 4 weeks. I can hardly believe how much time has gone by and how the kids have grown. You would be so proud of your son (brandon) He reminds me alot of you at that age, especcially when he makes comments on facebook about his girlfriend. It sounds like you did when you and rene were dating. I know you would of chuckled at him too. I know that he will make you very proud in whatever he does. We all miss you alot and you will be in our thoughts and hearts when he walks across the stage and accepts his diploma. I still remember when you walked yourself. We had many of awsome years/ times together. I will always love you and think of you !!!!

your sister:

Debbie Dennis/Duncan

Debbie Dennis Duncan
Sister

May 6, 2010

Your children are so beautiful! How proud you must be as you watch from afar.

They said the pain would lessen as time went by.... over 8 years and while it isn't as often, the pain still racks my body as I look at our picture or talk to my sister or one of your babies!
You are honestly the best friend my precious husband ever had, he isn't the same without you, Joe. He doesn't talk about you so much any more but I see it every fall in his eyes when he readys his rifle for hunting season, every spring when we prepare the boat for the first fishing trip of the season, and at every single family function we attend. Your picture is still on the shelf in my curio with the ribbons from your funeral. I talk to you frequently just as I did when you were here... ask your opinions and for guidance.
You were the closest thing to a brother I ever had. I will never ever forget the incredible frieind you were to all of us!

Anonymous

November 21, 2009

you will never be forgotten.
i hope you know that you are missed more than words can say

mike
brother

April 14, 2009

"It's not how they died that made them heroes......it's how they lived". God Bless you deputy Dennis. And God Bless your family, friends and fellow deputies.

AZ Narc (formerly of Paris, TX)

October 15, 2008

Deputy Sheriff Dennis,
You are a hero and will not be forgotten! Keep watch over your family and friends.
Thank you for your service.

Officer Lynn Cronquist
Minneapolis PD

August 27, 2008

Deputy Dennis,
You are a HERO who will always be remembered for your courageous service and sacrifice. You did not lose your life, you gave it in service to others. My prayers are with your wife, children and family. Please watch over them, as well as all of our peace officers.

Deputy Dennis, Never Forgotten.

Jim Sweeney Civilian New Jersey
A friend to our peace officers

July 3, 2008

I sat last night remembering that exact moment 7 years ago... when I still had you, my loving husband. When you held me in your arms and told me that you loved me. I am sure you are looking down now and -hopefully- smiling, your "Baby Girl" tried out for, and made, Cheerleader for her 7th grade year of school. Our boy is getting older and a bit more difficult to deal with (I really wish you were here for this), but we are doing our best to keep him on the right path. He is still playing football, and loving it. I love you and miss you verry much!

I want to thank all those who have left reflections here, and who are still praying for myself and the rest of our family - The prayers are what gets us through each and every day - Thank you!
Keep 'em comming, and I love reading everything you write.
Rene'

your loving wife

May 22, 2008

it has been 7 years and it still seems like it happened just days ago you will allways be missed.joe if you can hear me please pray with me for all of the other victims out there.it is a hard job but a necessary job because not everyone in society was brought up with the same values and there has to be people willing to protect society from these people. i am so proud of you joe and i know that you are in a better place

mike brother

May 22, 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

God bless Deputy Dennis.
God bless Harris County Sheriff's Department.
God bless the Dennis family.

Another chapter of this tragic even closed today, and I offer my prayers and wishes for hope, healing, and comfort. Peace be with you.

Kentucky LE officer's wife

January 30, 2008

How ironic! I posted here last night. Then I said a little pryer and I asked God to comfort this family. Today the murderer did himself in. I am sorry for any loss of human life but at least Joe`s family knows this guy will never put another family through such torment.

Chip Nall

January 29, 2008

Well, the thug that took your life was too much of a coward to accept the punishment a jury of his peers levied against him. He took his own life in is cell today. Though I never met you, I'd much rather have you here protecting and serving with us. Rest in peace and may your family find comfort and strength in God.

Sgt. Paul George
Houston Police Department

January 29, 2008

Joe,
Well today the coward that took your life couldn't wait for his date with the needle and cowardly took his own life while sitting idle on death row. Though I never knew you, I'll never forget the day this scum took you from us. Well rest in peace Joe and know that you are not forgotten. God bless you and your family!

Deputy
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office-TX

January 29, 2008

I recall playing a benefit for your family. It was east to see what kind of man you were. I was touched that day and I think alot more about my own mortality and the well being of my family. Two days after the benefit was 911 and I think the whole country reflected. Obviously you were a man who had great appreciation for the real things in life.
May God pour out his blessings on your wonderful family.
Chip Nall
Forever Country Band

Chip Nall

January 28, 2008

Joe,
Today was not a good day for me... I cried almost all day, and I think I have decided to start takeing May 22nd off every year. But I did run into a few people that you used to work with that realy liked you and that made me happy. And it is nice that there are still a few people within the department that remember what today is, one in particular that emailed me to tell me so - that was nice too! Through my tears today, I called a friend who helped me through it... and she recalled some times when we were together that told me that our love realy did show through, where ever we went, what ever we did - it was very evident that we were in love and even after 16 years of married life, we were still "honeymooning". I miss that!
I love you
I will see you one day, when my chores are done here.
Rene'

Rene
wife

May 22, 2007

well its been six long years with out you..time has went by to fast. every nite when i work the radio i pray nothing else happens like what happened to you joe. i still wish you were here so we all could chit chat and have a heck of a bbq lol. may you continue to rip and i still can not wait to see you again someday

disptacher//willie harrison aka budger
harris county constable pct 3

May 22, 2007

May He bless you and your loved ones.

May 22, 2007

What you did in service to your community meant more than you'd ever guess - Thank you so much for your service

Sgt Don "Boots" Jensen Retired
Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee, WI

May 19, 2007

It is now that time of year that really saddens me most. I find it really hard to believe how much time has passed but in many ways it feels like yesterday that we lost you. I only find comfort in knowing that you are with us even though we can not see you. It would of been really nice for you to be here when our youngest brother ben had his first child ,a beautiful baby girl. He enjoyed and loved your children so much I know you would of enjoyed watching our baby brother explode with joy when that beautiful life came in to this world. Just know that we talk and think of you often and you will always be a part of our lives.

we miss you and love you more than i can ever say!!!

Debbie duncan

debbie duncan
sister

May 18, 2007