Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dennis,

I still think about you to this day. I like to think about the good times of you and Omar. I have many good thoughts and memories. I will never forget the day they called your number over the intercom at your service and there was no response. I remeber when the dispacther said you were out of service the heads of all CPD officers fell. It still chills me to this day and this is not one of the memories I like having of you. I spent many nights sitting with Omar talking about you. You are and forever will be my brother in blue. I miss you.

CPD

November 21, 2007

Dennis, I was just talking about you today. I was telling the new agency I work for about the kind officer that I had the pleasure of working with. It made me sadly remember what happened that day and I found myself silently crying. We still think about you. We still miss you and we still pray for your family and friends. I still think about you and Omar. The pair you made. We love you and miss you. Myself and others keep you alive by remembering you and telling others about you. I shall never forget you and with that you shall always live on in my mind.

September 25, 2007

"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.

July 9, 2007

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Private First Class LaPage and we honor his distinguished service to the cause of justice and peace. Sadly, our nation has lost one of its finest citizens, a community has lost a friend and protector, and a family has lost an example of character and courage who they will love and respect forever. Today, because of the sacrifice Private First Class LaPage has made, the house of freedom is stronger, sturdier, and more secure.

To the family and friends of Private First Class LaPage, I would like you to know that a lot of people pray for you, and my hope is that their prayers will give you the strength necessary to move on. Just as you were always with him when he walked the beat or patrolled the streets, know that he will always be with you - wherever you may be. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Private First Class LaPage is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

SA Thomas Doyle
FBI New York City

March 9, 2007

Dennis It has been five years today, not one day goes by without my thinking of you. You are deeply missed. your sister, gloria

gloria
sister

January 19, 2007

You have not been forgotten. My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 5th anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

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

January 19, 2007

G-d Bless.

January 19, 2007

Five years later, but he is NEVER forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEOs

January 8, 2007

Dennis you were a great friend and a great person also was loved by many. I still think of you and pray for your family and closest friends. I also pray for every officer out there attempting to keep the peace.

Tonya Murphy

December 28, 2006

May God bless you and your family. Rest in peace, my brother in blue.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

January 19, 2006

You are still remembered. My God watch over your family and friends.

PFC Joseph J. Matuskovic
Charleston Police Department

December 20, 2005

My fiancé, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis was a Deputy Sheriff with the Davis County Sheriff's Office in SE Iowa. My Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure your Dennis did. It saddens me to know that my Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and your Dennis be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing my Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Private LaPage's family, friends, and co-workers must have gone through in losing him. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. Please know that my thoughts are with you and that you are not alone in your "journey". Should you ever need anything please do not hesitate to contact me. (Dennis' department will also always know how to reach me.)

As a fallen officer "survivor" and a friend, please accept my condolences on behalf of myself and the McElderry family. I never got the opportunity to know your Dennis but, I am certain he was well respected and well loved. Your Dennis will live on in the hearts of all the lives he touched. You were all blessed to have been able to know and love your Dennis, even for a short time. I pray that your Dennis will continue to watch over us along with all the other fallen officers all as only they can.

Thank you Private LaPage for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiancé Dennis for me.

Wishing you and all those who loved you brighter and better days,

Jocelyne :)

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

August 28, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies...

Rest in peace, hero.

January 19, 2005

Warrior . . .

Jim Crotty, Special Agent (Ret.) ATF
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

November 6, 2004

Dearest brother,

You are always on my mind and in my heart.

Elaine

Elaine LaPage

October 2, 2004

TODAY AS I ENJOY THE BLESSINGS OF ANOTHER DAY OFFICER LAPAGE'S FACE CAME TO MIND. YOU ARE IN A MUCH SAFER PLACE THIS MORNING WHERE NO HARM OR INJURY CAN BE INFLICTED. YOU WERE ONE CHARLESTONS FINEST . THANKS FOR WHAT YOU STOOD FOR.

OFFICER SHEILA P. SANTOS
HAMPTON ROADS REGIONAL JAIL (PORTSMOUTH, VA)
(FORMER NEIGHBOR OF DENNIS, FORMER CPD EMPLOYEE)

OFFICER SHEILA SANTOS
HAMPTON ROADS REGIONAL JAIL

March 16, 2004

To the family of Ofc. LaPage, Thank you for his sacrifice. I know that it does not ease the pain, but even though I never meet him, I believe he died doing what he loved. It is so hard for someone that is not a cop to realize the feeling of helping others, or putting away a badguy. I have been an officer for about 6 years, and have a wife and two young daughters. As much as they are on my mind when I'm on duty, I know you where on his. " Blessed are the peacemakers".....

P.O. I M.J. Booker
Knoxville P.D.

January 19, 2004

Jan. 19, 2004
Remembering you on the anniversary of your death. May God comfort
all those who are still grieving your passing. Life is difficult at times and
the Lord Jesus wants to help carry our burdens. He gives us many
beautiful promises in His Word to help us through our valleys. I pray you
will feel His presence and know His peace. God bless!

Lynn Kole
Washington State

January 19, 2004

Dennis
It has been two years today since that night you taken by another man's hand. The man who took your life is now serving his sentence in prison. A day does not go by that I don't think of you or speak of you to someone. I really miss you brother. I am so proud of you.
Your Sister,
Gloria

January 19, 2004

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Today, January 19, 2004 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Private First Class Dennis Elisha LaPage who died in the line of duty on this date two years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

PFC LaPage's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

January 19, 2004

As I read this I am overcome at the thoughts that flood my mind. How awesome a bond does it show that the medics went out there on the scene to attempt to help their fellow public safety employee. As I sit here and read this I wonder if I would do the same...if I was eating at a diner and heard shots fired, would I run outside to assist if I knew an officer was down...even if I knew it might cost me my life??? In my heart of hearts, I think I would...but I guess that's something we never know until the day comes. God Bless you, Private LaPage...your sacrifice will not be forgotten. And to the unnamed flight medics that tried to assist...your courage is overwhelming. I know that day in and day out we are trained to stay away until the scene is safe and secure...don't bring more victims to the scene...but I can honestly say that I probably would have done the same thing. God Bless you guys. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of all 3 victims of this shooting. I know it's been 2 years now...but I'm sure the pain is still fresh.

A 911 Dispatcher

Anonymous

January 6, 2004

I WAS JUST THINKING ABOUT DENNIS AND WANTED HIS FAMILY TO KNOW THAT HIS FRIEND AND PARTNER HAS HIM IN HIS HART AND PRAYERS. I WISH THINGS WERE DIFFERENT AND YOU WERE HERE DENNIS, HOWEVER, I COULD ONLY FIND COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT GOD HAS PLACED HIS BLESSINGS ON YOU.

PVT. OMAR BROWN
CHARLESTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

December 25, 2003

I was in Marion Square the night and time you were shot. God be with you.

Patrolman
Fort Mill PD

September 18, 2003

Thank you everyone for all the nice reflections and thoughts of kindness for my Uncle Dennis Lapage. He is greatly missed. There isn't a day that goes by that we aren't thinking of him. I will never foget that year at christmas when I was growing up and he dressed up like Santa and gave me a red wagon. Or when he was in the navy and brought home a sailors hat for me with my name on it. These are such happy memories that stick out for me. I was so blessed to have my uncle as a part of my life for 22 years. I am so proud of him for serving and protecting his community. God Bless all the of our nations officers. A special thank you to all the officers in Charleston for being there everyday and looking after my uncle. God Bless his partner Omar who was his best friend and jolly green giant. Our family thinks the world of Omar we feel as if he is a part of our own family. Uncle Dennis would be so proud of you today Omar.

Melissa Bezio-Niece

September 9, 2003

Dennis - You are remembered with love, pride and tears and are forever missed.

Elaine LaPage - Sister