Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

Anonymous

Although I didn't know Deputy Joseph Dennis personally I did know his wife and father-in-law, both Deputies for Harris County SO.
I will keep Deputy Dennis's family in my prayers and would like to say that the Sheriff's office lost a good friend and excellent Deputy.

Debbie Buish

JOE WE HAD ALOT LAUGHS TOGETHER, AND WORKED ALOT OF YEARS TOGETHER, I NEVER IN MY WILDEST DREAMS THOUGHT I'D SEE YOU LEAVE US THE WAY YOU HAVE. REST IN PEACE BROTHER, AND ENJOY YOUR NEW BEAT IN HEAVEN, SAVE ME A SEAT IN ROLL CALL, LOVE YA, SCHNUR

Former Deputy J.A. SCHNUR
HCSO

My deepest condolances to the family of Deputy Joseph Dennis. My heart goes out to his wife, fellow sister. To the rest of the family, the department. Please Lord, watch over Deputy Dennis, lead him safely to heaven. May he rest in peace, as he made the untimate sacrafice. "We will never forget".

Deputy Belia Fessenden
Pinal Co S.O./Florence, AZ

We will miss you Joe.

Deputy Shannon Wayne Bowdoin
Harris County Sheriff's Department

Deputy Sheriff Joe Dennis was a wonderful man! He leaves behind a beautiful wife of 16 years, Rene' along with a nine year old son and five year old daughter. His family was his life. In addition to being a great family man, he was also a great officer. He will be greatly missed by one and all in Harris County.
Please keep the Dennis family in your thoughts and prayers!

Jan-ett Little

I have known Renee for a few years since we both worked in booking, but i didn't have the pleasure of meeting Joe until October 1999 when i was assigned to the 249 Storefront. I then learned that Joe was a very kind and loving person whom loved his family. He always had a smile on his face and never had a negative thing to say. He will be missed by all of us at the storefront. My prayers go out to Renee and his children. God Bless you!!

Deputy Ronda Thomas
Harris County Sheriff's Department

To the family of our fallen brother, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Senior Patrol Agent, Jason
United states Border Patrol

Another peice of America Died. My Sincere condolences to the family and friends of Deputy Dennis. You will be remembered in the hearts of all Law Enforcement this day.

Patrolman Patrick Mulhill
Montana Highway Patrol

MY HEART AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE DENNIS FAMILY DURING THIS TIME OF LOSS.

R. STANLEY, UNIT #4437
HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, DISTRICT 4

DEPUTY R. STANLEY
HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

I remember Joe from Stovall Jr. High School. He was a good kid who became a good man. My prayers and sympathy to family and friends and to the men and women of the HCSO who have suffered more than their fair share.

Sergeant/Pilot Tim Middleton
Texas Department of Public Safety

Our thoughts and prayes go out to the family of Deputy Dennis and the Harris County Sheriff's Office. May god bless you Deputy Dennis.

Police Officer. Walter Duran
U.S Postal Police

Renee and Family:

Our condolences to all of you for your great loss. Though we all know that being a law enforcement officer is a dangerous job, that knowledge cannot and will not make a loss of life easier, nor something for which we can EVER be prepared. Your husband's noble death hits my wife and I very close to home as we are dear friends to Cathy Hill who, as you know, lost her husband Deputy Barry Hill last December.

I want you to know that there are literally thousands of people praying for you today and it is my hope that you are comforted as a result. We know not why God had the plan He did for Joe, but we do know that what Joe was doing was something that REALLY mattered. The vast majority of people lack the courage (I know I am one) to risk what Joe and you risk everyday, whether on duty or off. It may seem as though the bad guys are winning, but they are NOT!! They may win a few battles, but they will not win the war.

There will always be pain for Joe's loss, but I want you to know that, with the support and encouragement of many people who care for you and by the grace of almighty God, the deep hurtful pain you feel right now, it too shall pass.

Today, may you find comfort and peace in your time of need.

Greg Candelaria

May God comfort the wife and children of this fallen brother. "No greater LOVE hath any man than he that lay down his life for that of another." You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Officer Jimmy Bartley
Beaumont PD

Of all the professions we Americans embrace with honor and respect, the military and Law Enforcement are those God has ordained to keep us safe and free. Those men and women who serve there do so with moment by moment uncertainty. Families know all too well the risks taken and the sacrifices given. Our family extends to the family, friends and fellow deputies of Deputy Joseph Norman Dennis, our deepest sympathy of your great loss. May our God comfort you in this time of deep sorrow and grief.

John T Voisey / Cpl / Retired
Pinellas County Sheriif's Office

I met Joe the week my husband was killed in the line of duty and knew I had met a man of honor. He was a support for my family and we are eternally grateful.

Renee, you are to be proud of him and the man he was. I am thankful he crossed into my path even for the briefest amount of time. God bless you and I am standing firm by your side as we are "The Love Behind The Badge". I am praying for you and know there are thousands of others lifting you high to the throne of God. I love you.

Cathy Hill - Widow Deputy Barrett T Hill
Harris County Sheriff's Department

I thank Dep. Dennis for his sacrafice, may it not be in vain. My family's prayers are with yours.

Officer Laurence Dennis
Greensboro, FL Police Department

Another Deputy is gone while trying to perform his duty.There are to many laws out there that protect the bad guy.Don't let him ever get the drop on you.There is nothing routine about being a policeman. Death can come at any second.Now another Family must suffer like so many of us all ready have Now Joes name will be carved upon the Memorial wall and he has all ready joined 15000 real good men.I hope his family wil never have to stand alone.I know the terrible feeling. Hes in a much better place now Kenny

Deputy Sheriff
Ottawa county Sheriffs dept

GOD bless Dep. Dennis, for he gave his life in the performance of his job which he loved. I would like to say for him... 10-42, rest in peace my brother....my brother in blue.

Anonymous

My heart goes out to the family of Deputy Joseph Dennis. My God welcome him with open arms into his kingdom of heaven. I also hope that we catch this bag of scum and get him off the street. That way he can face the music and burn in hell.

PO Michael A Baker
Kansas City MO Police Dept

Dear Sheriff:
My wife Aleidy and myself wishes to express our sincere condolences to the brothers and sisters in blue with the Harris County, Texas, Sheriff Department in the death of Deputy J. Dennis. As always, learning of the passing of a brother in law enforcement is a tremendous blow to our hearts. May God have mercy on Dep. Dennis's soul and grant His consolation to his family, friends and coworkers.
Frank A. Piloto, Retired Police Officer
Miami Dade Police Department
Miami, Florida

Frank A. Piloto, Jr., Retired Police Off
Miami Dade Police Department

My prayers and heartfelt grief go out to the wife and children of Deputy Dennis. May God give you the strength and peace to come through this time and wrap you in His love.

Patrol Officer J. Mason
Post Falls Police Dept. Idaho

Our sincere sympathy is extended to the family and agency colleagues of Deputy Sheriff Joseph Dennis, another one who has made the extreme sacrifice in order to "Protect and to Serve."

May the Lord give you His comfort and security.


Police Chaplain Jack H. Lanier, Jr.

Chaplain
Longview Police Department

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Deputy Dennis, may God Bless you all.

Terry Miyares
Officer Emilio Miyares, widow
Hialeah Police Dept. Florida
killed in line of duty 11/6/86

Terry Miyares, officer's widow
Hialeah Police Dept.

A great husband of 16 yrs & 2 mo. as well as a wonderful Dad to children ages 2 & 9 was lost in a senseless killing on 5-22.

Anyone who knew Joe liked him and some of us loved him very much - I can say this because I was his Mother-in-law. Having 3 daughters of my own, Joe was like a son to me.

He is missed by all of his family, and today was one of the hardest days of our lives.

This truly is something you never expect will happen to you.
MM

Marilyn McDonald
wife of HCSD