Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

TO THE FAMILY OF OFFICER LAPAGE YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY. THANK YOU FOR KEEPING THE STREETS OF CHARLESTON SAFE. YOU WILL BE MISSED.

OFFICER SHEILA P. SANTOS
HAMPTON ROADS REGIONAL JAIL (PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA)

01-19-03 GOD BLESS PFC. LAPAGES FAMILY ON THE FIRST ANIVERSARY OF THIS HEROS DEATH. OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU EVEN NOW ONE YEAR LATER. OUR PRAYERS ALSO TO THE PARAMETICS FAMILY WHO ALSO DIED A HERO WITH YOU. WHO ALSO DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY. BOTH ARE GONE,BUT NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN.REST IN PEACE MY BROTHERS.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

You gave the ultimate sacrifice. You may be gone, but you will NEVER be forgotten. We are all family in this job, sometimes we are the only family each other has. In pace requiescat, Rest in peace! Keep a watch on the rest of us as we go on shift each day.

"When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a way that when you die, the world will cry and you will rejoice." (American Indian Prayer)

Isaiah 40:31

Ptl. Kimberly Moses
MTSU Campus PD, TN

My name is Omar Brown, and my friend and partner is physically gone now, Dennis LaPage. Dennis and I did everything together. He is my friend and late partner. I think about him every day. He looks at me everyday through his 8 x 10 photo on my wall, as I try to remember that only in God's hands this matter rest. I have struggled for months with this tragic event that cut so deep into my heart and soul. We were more than just work partners we were friends to the very end. Dennis and I helped kids with homework and often drove them to school when they missed the bus. Dennis treasured life and worked very hard to releave the pain and suffering of others (PEACE MAKER). This was the driving force behind our daily struggle. Dennis and I, worked night and day fighting drug dealers and other violent offenders and were only hospitalized twice in two years. As I, think about this fact it helps me from day to day because, I know that God was with us then and is with Dennis, now. I hope his sisters and family members can take comfort in knowing that Dennis lived a good life and left this world happily doing what he loved best (protecting the innocent from harmful criminals). I will never forget you Dennis and pray daily that God rest your soul and give you peace. It is a very lonely world without your friendship. I encourage all to enjoy life and spend time with the special people in your life (family, friends, partners and children). It is the memories of these special times that we leave behind for the comfort of others in our passing.

Pvt. Omar Brown
Charleston Police Department

I wanna say that I appreciate the service of this officer. I have been a officer for two years now and I think that we are all family in this line of work. God has a plan for us all and sometimes things happen that we do not understand, but God will take care of you and those kids. May God Bless your family and give you the strength to carry on. Officer Godey/141

patrolman
amory ms. police department

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. It is special men like your husband that make The United States of America great and all it stands for. Please remember to throw your burdens upon the Lord and he will sustain you. Psalm 55:22

citizen

After Cain had slain Able, the Holy Father asked Cain where his brother was. Cain answered the question with another question. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” God is prominent in his silence,
but all throughout the bible, old and new testaments the answer to Cain’s question is a resounding YES!
A Police Officer is a very special person. A Police Officer Steps forward off the line and lets the world know that yes, I am my brothers keeper. In times of need, in times of danger, and in times of dread the police are there to serve and protect us.
To all fallen officers and their family’s:
Thank you so very much for your sacrifice.
Thank you for being my keeper.

To the members and family of Pfc Dennis LaPage and the Charleston Police Police. It was an honor to serve with the men and women of the Charleston Police Department and especially Pfc. Dennis LaPage with whom during a brief time I walked the streets of Charleton with. I know he will be missed, but I feel ensured that he is protecting the supreme being as he protected the citizens of Charleston, SC. To the men and women of the Charleston Police Department may the angels of goodness and mercy always follow you all the day of your life.

Chief Joey T. Petway
Enfield Police Dept. Enfield NC

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO PVT 1ST CLASS DENNIS LAPAGE AND ALSO TO THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE CHARLESTON POLICE DEPARTMENT (SC). MAY GOD BLESS EACH ONE OF YOU AND MAY HE KEEP YOU IN HIS ARMS. STAY SAFE MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS.

PTL DUANE CARPENTER
GONZALES PD

A Part of America Died

Somebody killed a police officer today..And a part of America Died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect
will be buried by his side.

The suspect who shot him will stand up in court demanding his rights,
while a widow and mother must work for the kids
and spend many long, lonely nights.

The streets where he worked were a battlefield too....
just as if he'd gone off to war...
though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast.

Somebody killed a police officer today.......
it happened in your town and mine
while we slept in our comfort behind locked doors
a cop put his life on the line
now his ghost has the beat on a dark city street
and he stands at each rookie's side
a cop answered the call
of himself have his all
and a part of America died.

unknown
thank you

Jason Spencer
LFUCG

On January 4, 2002 the Charleston Police Department's Honor Guard was there when Horry County Sheriff's Lt. Randy Gerald was laid to rest. Randy was my Lieutenant. I will never forget the sympthy showing in the eye's of Charleton's Best as I was walking down the long road to the gravesite. I could never imagine that such a short time later you would be making the same walk for your brother. I was unable to go to the funeral of Dennis LaPage, I don't think I could have handled it. Please know that that his family, friends and fellow brothers are still in my heart and prayers. Slowly the pain lessons but the memories never fade.
God Bless.

Elizabeth McLean
Horry County Sheriff's Office

My heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Officer LaPage. It is tragic whenever we lose a brother officer in the line of duty, but to be gunned down by this thug while working a part time job is even harder to accept. I'm sure If Officer LaPage was on duty, he would have been the first to help hunt down the killer of the flight medic.


God Bless you,Dennis LaPage

DE
St. Louis Metro Police

On behalf of the National Drug Interdiction Association, I would like to express my deepest regards and sympathy to the family, friends and fellow officers of Officer Dennis LaPage. Nobody can ever be prepared for the unthinkable. We will all miss you fallen hero. Rest in peace brother, rest in peace.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13

Douglas R. Wright / Borad of Directors
National Drug Interdiction Association

I DID NOT KNOW DENNIS LAPAGE, BUT I WAS A EXPLORER WITH CHARLESTON POLICE DEPARTMENT A FEW YEARS AGO. I COULD IMAGINE THE KIND OF PAIN THE DEPARTMENT IS GOING THROUGH AFTER OFFICER PERRIN LOVE WAS KILLED. ALL I CAN SAY IS HE PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE PROTECTING THE CITIZENS OF CHARLESTON. REST IN PEACE NOW OFFICER LAPAGE, FOR YOU HAVE DONE YOUR DUTY, AND AS A CITIZEN OF CHARLESTON, I DO APPRECIATE EVERYTHING ALL OF THE THINGS ALL OF THE OFFICERS DO. GODSPEED

LEONARD WILSON
EX- POLICE EXPLORER

I am so sorry for the loss of this HERO. I am sure my former brothers in Surfside are praying for this officer's family as are my new ones here in Tennessee.

We will not forget.

Candace Bailey
Former Surfside PD in Horry County, now Oak Ridge PD in Tennessee.

My name is Tiffany Gilbert. I know there are no words anyone could ever say that could make you and your children feel better. All I can say is that I'm sorry and that I too know exactly how you feel. I just recently lost my husband. He was a Norfolk Police Officer that was killed trying to help someone. I know how hard it must be for you. For some reason I feel as though I have a bond with you. I know you also have so many questions and the pain you must feel is so unbearable at times. You ask yourself over and over why my husband.
If you read this, I hope you read about my husband James B. Gilbert. I live in Virginia Beach, Virginia and would love to have an opportunity to speak to you. It's very hard to try and talk to someone about this when they really do not know how you feel.
Your husband and the others are heros. I will be thinking about you and your family. You are all in my thoughts. Your husband and my husband are both in heaven together. May they keep us both strong. May god be with you.

Tiffany Gilbert
Widow of Officer James B. Gilbert

Widow of Norfolk Police Officer

We go where others will not go. We do what others will not do.

Officer W. S. Hood, Jr.
Roswell, GA Police Department

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."

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Pfc Chip Googe
Mount Pleasant Police Dept.

Tomorrow we put to rest another one of our brothers. Everyday we are reminded of the dangerous job that we have chosen to accept, yet everyday we are reminded of all the people that we help by doing this job. Officer LaPage gave his life to the service of his country and his community. May God watch over his family and friends. To all officers who knew and loved Officer LaPage, always remember that he will be watching over you as you perform your duties as a chosen "Peacemaker" of God. God Bless and Be Safe...

Ptl. Peter Wright
North Charleston Police Department

I am sorry to write that one of my former students of Cuong Nhu Oriental Martial Arts was slain this past Saturday, January 19, 2002, here in Charleston, SC. His name was Dennis LaPage, 36yrs. He was a former student of the late Sensei James F. Moore, Jr and myself. He obtained the rank of green belt in Cuong Nhu Oriental Martial Arts at the Winds of Change Dojo.

Dennis LaPage studied Cuong Nhu Oriental Martial Arts back in the early 1990s and was at the time deciding to going into the Police Force of Charleston. He finally had to cut back on his training at the time due to his hours and position on the Police Force. He was veteran of the US Navy. Sensei James Moore, Nidan and myself worked quite a bit with Dennis at the time to prepare him for the force and in the art of street self defense.

Dennis LaPage is the 4th Police Officer in South Carolina to die in the line of duty since Dec 29, 2001.

His sprit lives on and I thank him for sharing his time and training with me. He gave unconditional love to humanity and his fellow man and I will always be grateful to him for that.
Respectfully,
Helen Stone Moore, Nidan
Cuong Nhu Oriental Martial Arts Association

"Foster and polish the warrior spirit while serving in the world;Illuminate the Path in accordance with the divine will." Morihei Ueshiba, Founder of Aikido

Open Mind, Open Heart, Open Arms:
Put all you have in your mind and your heart into your actions and achievements.The dreams or visions of today are the achievements of tomorrow.
Grandmaster Ngo Dong, Ph.D.
Founder of Cuong Nhu Oriental Martial Arts Association

Helen S Moore
City of North Charleston

To the family and friends of Dennis LaPage, our thoughts are with you at this time. Your days ahead will be confusing-you will face challenges in the future. God be with each of you, family, friends, other law enforcement officers.

Janice Starnes
wife of Sgt. Dan R. Starnes
Killed In The Line of Duty
July 10, 2001

janice starnes

Family and Friends, We are saddened to learn of yet another officer taken. We will pray for you to feel comfort and peace through this storm.

Cathy Hill, Widow
Deputy Barrett Hill
e.o.w. 12/4/00
Harris County Sheriff's Department

Cathy Hill, Widow

Our thoughts and Prayers go out to the Family of Officer LaPage.

Uncle of Mississippi State Trooper
Paul Denham
E.O.W.
12-27-99

Danny Gibson

May God be with you and your family, my prayers go out to your family and the MUSC nurses also.

A Part of America Died

Somebody killed a police officer today....and a part of America died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect
will be buried with him at his side.
The suspect who shot him will stand up in court demanding his rights
while a widow and mother must work for the kids
and spend many long, lonely nights.
The streets where he worked were a battlefield too...
just as if he'd gone off to war...
though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast.
Somebody killed a police officer today...
it happened in your town and mine
while we slept in our comfort behind locked doors
a cop put his life on the line
now his ghost has the beat on a dark city street
and he stands at each rookie's side
a cop answered the call
of himself gave his all
and a part of America died.

Anonymous

Dennis,

You will always be in the hearts and minds of your fellow officers at CPD. I remember the times that you helped me out in Team 3 when I first came to the department in 1997. Being a young officer it means a lot when someone takes their time to help you. You served well in this department and will always be remembered.

Joe

Pfc. Joseph J. Matuskovic
Charleston Police Department