Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I never got to meet you brother, but with so many of us falling lately, I wanted to stop by and give you my regards. You were my blood, are my blood, and always will be. I know you’ll be guarding me when I go 909. Rest easy cuz...

Officer Z.A.
Stockton Police Department

January 12, 2019

Joe,

It's been a while since I left you a reflection, you are never lost in my memories and I think of you often. You got a birthday coming up. I love and miss you my friend.

Jeremy Elswood

January 2, 2019

It has been over 17 years now; at times I can't believe it has been that long, it seems so much more recent. At other times it seems like so much more time has passed; that the calendar has slowed. We have accomplished much as a department since 2001, you would be proud of everyone.

I guess above all I just wanted to say that I miss you my friend.

LT Kenny Rose
Lehi City Police Department

August 27, 2018

My neighbor, my law enforcement brother. I remember that night. I was on a traffic stop and was asked to meet with another officer after the stop. I was then told the news. My heart hurt for his family, especially for his son who was two weeks older than mine at the time. Joe was a wonderful neighbor, always had a smile and wave, a family man and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Yolanda Stewart, Sgt. (retired)
Orem DPS

August 6, 2018

I will always remember Joe's sacrifice on my birthday. His dedication shows as this was an extra shit that he didnt have to work but was trying to provide for his family.

Guy Gustman Lt. (Ret)
Orem PD

August 4, 2018

In loving memory of officer Joseph Adams.
January 3rd, 1975 - August 3rd, 2001

Written by Arturo Javier Scott Welch’s sister, Feliz. August 3rd, 2018.

17 years ago, today, it felt like our world completely derailed. As the memories come back of, not only that tragic day, but the days, weeks, months, and years after, my eyes fill with tears. What used to be tears of pain, sadness, unbelief, anger, uncertainty, and hopelessness have now turned into joy, praise, gratitude, and hope.

I want to thank Officer Adams for his life of service, for his sacrifice, and for giving up his life to change ours. I want to thank his father, Thad, for standing up and forgiving my brother the day he was sentenced and showing mercy to my brother that he didn’t deserve. I want to thank his mother, Rosemary, for writing letters to our family, and my brother...for being so loving and kind to us even though she lost her son and we still had our brother. I want to thank God for using something so tragic and awful and turning it into an incredible testimony for His kingdom.

To me Officer Adams and his family are a picture of who Jesus is. Their mercy, forgiveness, kindness, and love for my brother, Scott, and our family has not only helped us but it has also changed us forever. I cannot fully put into words the gratitude I have in my heart and spirit for Officer Adams and his family.

17 years ago my brother’s eyes were dead. He was suicidal. He was addicted to alcohol and drugs. He was involved in illegal activities. He was a dead man walking. And he killed a police officer.

My brother has stayed sober since that fateful day to “live” with his crime.

Fast forward 17 years. God’s hand of mercy ever present in so many miraculous ways in my brother’s life. (The miracles are endless!) My brother is now a believer. His eyes have been opened. He is more alive and free now than he ever was on the outside. He is a light in the darkness. He is learning and growing in his faith. He is reaching out and helping others see that there is always hope for a new life in Jesus. God can redeem ALL things and HE IS SO GOOD!!!

Looking back. Although it felt like our world derailed that day, I now realize that our life WAS derailed way before that day. We were living a life of selfishness, hopelessness, pointlessness, just surviving...not truly living. Now I realize that, that day was one of the first things God used to start us on our journey to get “on track”, and become the people He had always intended us to be. God used Officer Adams tragic death, and his family’s forgiveness, to change our lives and teach us to be selfless instead of selfish. Hopeful instead of hopeless. To live a life of purpose instead of purposelessness. To live a life thriving in HIS kingdom instead of merely surviving in the world.

Because of Jesus. Because of forgiveness. Because of Officer Adams sacrifice. I will forever be grateful.

I can’t wait to meet you in heaven Joe. And thank you.

Feliz R Scamehorn
Sister of Arturo Welch

August 3, 2018

This year marks 17 years since our son was killed in the line of duty. Not one day has passed that we haven’t thought of him and missed him in our lives. His memory remains very tender in our hearts and we are so grateful for his example, service, and that we are blessed to be his parents.
His son, our grandson, reminds us so much of him and we are blessed to have him as a special gift from his dad and mom. Thank you our dear Joe. We love and miss you.

Rosemary and Thad Adams
Parents

August 3, 2018

I miss you Joe!

Lt. Jeff Swenson
Lehi Police Department

July 19, 2018

Though I never knew Joe, I find this message board both beautiful and sad. Beautiful that you were an outstanding young man, had many friends, impacted so many lives, and lived a life worthy to be emulated. Saddened to see the senseless act that impacted so many lives and has caused so much heartache. Further, to see that you left a young family without a husband and father. I thank your family for giving you to the greater community, for their allowing you to serve. As, with your service - they served/serve the community as well. Your legacy will not be forgotten, nor will you be forgotten. Thank you and thank you to your fine family - may they be blessed and may God fill the void that has been made by your untimely departure.

A Brock
Provo, UT

May 29, 2018

Been a while since I have left a reflection, sorry for that. The Memorial continues to progress, slowly but worth the work, as each of these Eagle Scout Candidates has put in a lot of work to make it a fitting tribute to you and your family's sacrifice.

I have had the chance to interact with Cade a little bit over the last while. I'm sure you are proud, he is a good young man.

NEVER FORGOTTEN!

LT Kenny Rose
Lehi Police Department

April 19, 2018

Been way too long since I left my last reflection. You are and always will be remembered at the Lehi Police Department. Your contribution to this department and this community are not forgotten and they never will be; there is a beautiful memorial that we are continually working with scouts on to complete their Eagle Projects.
NEVER FORGOTTEN!

LT Kenny Rose
Lehi PD

April 4, 2017

Thanks for all that you do. Your son would be making you proud.

Anonymous

January 6, 2017

Joe,

Thinking of you, miss you my friend.

Parker J Elswood

December 7, 2016

Joe, I have been reflecting a great deal over the past few weeks as the anniversary of your sacrifice approached. 15 years seems like such a long time but in many ways it seems not so long ago at all. I miss your friendship a great deal. I miss the graveyard shifts that we worked together and had so much fun.

LT Kenny Rose
Lehi Police Department

August 5, 2016

15 years. I miss your friendship.

Sergeant Sean Ferrell
Lehi City Police

August 4, 2016

I was just a young boy when you were killed in the line of duty. I will always appreciate the sacrifice you made that fateful day, and your legacy is still felt throughout the Utah LEO community. Rest in peace, brother.

Officer J. Honeycutt
Utah Valley University Police Dept.

March 2, 2016

Joe,
First of all I apologize for not leaving any reflections of late. Believe me that the lack of posted reflections doesn't mean that I don't think of you often. Things have been busy lately and I have spaced posting anything. I am proud that we are working with Cade on completing his Eagle Project at the memorial. It is a great honor to help him put his mark on the memorial that honors your name. Although it has now been over 14 years since you were taken from your family don't ever think that you or your sacrifice are forgotten.

Lt. K. Rose
Lehi PD

December 9, 2015

Life continues to move on but we never forget those who have had such a positive impact on our lives.
We will always be grateful for the life of this young man who is our son. We have wonderful memories of him growing up and we will always cherish those memories. It has now been 14 years since he was killed. We reverence his life and are so proud to have been his parents.
We are ever grateful for all Law Enforcement officers who go to work each day to protect us all.
We love and miss you, Joe.

Rosemary & Thad dams
Parents of Officer Adams

August 4, 2015

Miss you bro. Never forgotten.

Detective Zach Adams
Utah County Sheriff's Office

August 4, 2015

I think of Joe often. I didn't know him personally. The passenger in the car, who assisted CPR is the father of my oldest child. When this happened, our son was only a few months older then Joe's little boy. Since this happened, he has passed away but it was always so hard on him that this happened. Knowing that someone who he thought was a friend could do something so horrible to another person. It was so hard knowing that his innocent little boy would never know him. I hope all is well with the entire Adams family. God bless!

Amber D

January 15, 2015

13 years later, and I just learned of Joe's death. I have been quietly mourning myself this day. I met Joe while we were both serving missions in Dresden, Germany. We became good friends. When I returned to the mission field several months later to marry my wife, who is from Magdeburg, Germany, Joe was in Magdeburg finishing his mission. Joe got permission to attend our civil ceremony and basically served as my best man. Because I married in Germany, Joe was my only friend who was able to attend the wedding. I had always hoped to reconnect with him after he got home, but life was busy and I don't live in Utah. I inquired about him on a missionary page yesterday and was told about his death. I work as a federal agent and so the news of his death while in service was very poignant. Joe was soft spoken but strong, and a good man. I know he is missed greatly by his family and friends. I plan to stop by the Lehi PD and his memorial the next time I visit Utah. Gott sei mit dir bis aufwiedersehen Elder/Officer Adams!!!

Special Agent Adam Jones
U.S. Dept of Treasury

August 6, 2014

My heart breaks for you and your family Mrs. Adams, my mother worried and prayed every day for me, I truly believe that moms take it the hardest when tragedy befalls them... No words can take away the pain, God be with you..

Ptlm. Gary A. McCarty (Ret.)
Corning City Police NY

August 4, 2014

Thirteen years ago this afternoon, our dear son, Joe went to work as a Police Officer for the last time. I remember watching him drive away that afternoon after saying good-by to his wife and baby son. I was so proud of him and the service he rendered to the city he served in. We were so devastated when we received the phone call that he had been shot, and so much more when we arrived at the hospital only to be told he had passed away. Our family remains so thankful for the time we had with him. Our memories of him will never be forgotten. Our gratitude continues for the men and women who serve as our law enforcement officers everywhere. May you all be protected and watched over.
Rosemary Adams

Rosemary Adams
Joe's mother

August 3, 2014

Miss ya buddy, never forgotten!

K. Rose
Lehi PD (Utah)

October 3, 2013

It has been 12 years since our son, Joe, was killed in the line of duty. Not a day has passed that he hasn't been in my thoughts.
As a family, we are proud of his life and of the commitment he demonstrated as a law enforcement officer. We are so grateful for the many memories we have of him.
We are also so grateful to all law enforcement who are as committed and strive earnestly to protect the citizens of our nation. May you all be blessed for your unselfishness.

Rosemary Adams
Mother

August 5, 2013