Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

.....Happy Birthday Chris.....

...I miss you so very much...

Stephanie
Chris' youngest sister

February 16, 2007

Daddy's Poem

Her hair was up in a pony tail,
her favorite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school,
and she couldn't wait to go.

But her mommy tried to tell her,
that she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand,
if she went to school alone.

But she was not afraid;
she knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates
of why he wasn't there today.

But still her mother worried,
for her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again,
she tried to keep her daughter home.

But the little girl went to school
eager to tell them all.
About a dad she never sees
a dad who never calls.

There were daddies along the wall in back,
for everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently,
anxious in their seats

One by one the teacher called
a student from the class.
To introduce their daddy,
as seconds slowly passed.

At last the teacher called her name,
every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching,
a man who wasn't there.

"Where's her daddy at?"
She heard a boy call out.
"She probably doesn't have one,"
another student dared to shout.

And from somewhere near the back,
she heard a daddy say,
"Looks like another deadbeat dad,
too busy to waste his day."

The words did not offend her,
as she smiled up at her Mom.
And looked back at her teacher,
who told her to go on.

And with hands behind her back,
slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child,
came words incredibly unique.

"My Daddy couldn't be here,
because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be,
since this is such a special day.

And though you cannot meet him,
I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy,
and how much he loves me so.

He loved to tell me stories
he taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses,
and taught me to fly a kite.

We used to share fudge sundaes,
and ice cream in a cone.
And though you cannot see him.
I'm not standing here alone.

"Cause my daddy's always with me,
even though we are apart
I know because he told me,
he'll forever be in my heart"

With that, her little hand reached up,
and lay across her chest.
Feeling her own heartbeat,
beneath her favorite dress.

And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads,
her mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her daughter,
who was wise beyond her years.

For she stood up for the love
of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her,
doing what was right.

And when she dropped her hand back down,
staring straight into the crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft,
but its message clear and loud.

"I love my daddy very much,
he's my shining star.
And if he could, he'd be here,
but heaven's just too far.

You see he is a Marine
and died just this past year
When a roadside bomb hit his convoy
and taught Americans to fear.

But sometimes when I close my eyes,
it's like he never went away."
And then she closed her eyes,
and saw him there that day.

And to her mothers amazement,
she witnessed with surprise.
A room full of daddies and children,
all starting to close their eyes.

Who knows what they saw before them,
who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second,
they saw him at her side.

"I know you're with me Daddy,"
to the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers,
of those once filled with doubt.

Not one in that room could explain it,
for each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her,
was a fragrant long-stemmed pink rose.

And a child was blessed, if only for a moment,
by the love of her shining star.
And given the gift of believing,
that heaven is never too far.

They say it takes a minute to find a special
person, an hour to appreciate them,
a day to love them, but then an entire
life to forget them.

unknown author

Take the time...to live and love.
Until eternity. God bless

Stephanie
sister

January 29, 2007

While reading through my son's reflections, I seen that your sister Stephanie sent a reflections for us and my son, shortly after my son's accident. Stephanie you are right we miss Clint everyday, and I've just come to terms with the fact that it's going to always hurt. I see that Christopher was the same age as Clint, don't you know they are having a grand time walking Heavens beat.

I know that your family misses you every minute of everyday but we will never forget your sacrifice and the sacrifice that your family makes everyday that you are not here. I have the Blue Candles in my windows that burn 24/7 you will always be remembered in Fort Walton Beach.

Connie Barker Fort Walton Beach, Fl
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04 Prattville, Al

January 21, 2007

Today has come and gone, marking four long years since our last call together. The feelings I have are supposed to get easier as time goes on, so many have said countless times. Then things change…

While walking today in a steady rain, and behind the officers to your marker I heard a voice come from behind me, a voice of innocence, a voice of curiosity ask a question. “Where are we going?” Then a few seconds later in the same voice I heard “This is where my Daddy lives?” The voice was soft in tone, but at that moment it seemed to me like the World was echoing in those words.

Trying not to fall down from walking forward while my head and neck snap back to see a face that matches the voice, innocent and curious. I then see a mother with tears in her eyes holding her son tight. I think to myself:

Does he really know?

Would he even understand?

God,

Please help me prepare for the day, when it comes, that I will have the ability to pass on Chris' life story, and do it the justice it deserves

MO MO

December 23, 2006

Fours years has gone by like a flash Chris. We still miss you. Just wanted to stop by and let you know I still think of you on this day. Sorry I didn't make it to the service this morning but you were on my mind brother. Merry Christmas.

Det. Mike Sheehan
East Point Police Department

December 22, 2006

I am at work right now and thinking of you. I can't believe it has been 4 years..I miss you and think about you.

former co worker

December 22, 2006

Well it has been 4 years (well tomorrow it will be). I have been doing a lot of thinking about you. Everything from our past while growing up until the day you died. I miss you. I am glad to have a guardian angel hanging over me at all times. You are often thought about.

I just want to thank all law enforcement officers for their sacrifices they make every day. Its just sad that some have to lose their life in order for me to walk about outside, or drive down the road. Thank you all for making me and my family safe.

Have a Merry Christmas every body and lets hope the New Year is a better year.

God speed....

Stephanie
sister

December 21, 2006

Chris, I can't believe that in a few days it will be four years. Losing you is like having a huge open sore that never heals. You are thought about, talked about, and missed--especially at this time of year.

EPPD

December 18, 2006

Chris-I recently learned of your death in the line of duty. We went to Basic Training together a long time ago. My heart and prayers goes out to your family. The true heroes are the ones who make the ultimate sacrifice. I just want your family to know that your sacrifice is not forgotten. You are a hero and will never be forgotten. I have your picture at my desk and reflect on your sacrifice often. Thank you Chris. You will be greatly missed.
If there is anything your family or kids ever need drop me a line.

Deputy James McCormick
Olmsted County Sheriff's Office Rochester, MN

December 6, 2006

Dear Chris:
I have never had the honor or priviledge to know you, yet strangely, because of our shared profession, you are my brother. The sacrifice you made, the oath you took, the life you lived, has made you a true hero.
Perhaps the hardest part of reading your reflection, is to know that a little boy will never get to play with Daddy. Nothing, nothing hurts so much as that. But rest easy brother, because your son will ALWAYS be a part of us, as you will.
Having recently survived a shootout, everytime I read of a brother officer who made the ultimate sacrifice, I thank God above for allowing me to still be here. Yet, I find myself questioning Him as to why so many of us have to die. Even one, is one too many.
This site, your family, your brother officers, will never allow you to die, but rather, your legacy shall LIVE on...forever.
To your family, my wish is that the pain and sorrow they feel, though it will never disappear, be lessend with the knowledge that you, Chris, did a job, and did it well. You did a job that most Americans could not, and would not, EVER want to do. May God bless your son, your family, you, and police officers everywhere. Amen

Detective Ron Tomassi
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office-Florida

November 16, 2006

Chris,
You were on my mind today. I can't believe that it's been almost 4 years.
I still miss you.

Former co-worker

November 9, 2006

Your son just turned 4 today!!! He's getting so big!! He's even looking more and more like you. Josh is still trying to fulfill his dream of becoming a cop. We're just waiting on word from Gwinnett Co. PD. I'm having mix emotions about it but I refuse to be the person who keeps him from his dream. It's hard to believe that in 7 weeks you were taken from us 4 years ago. It's tough at times but I'm getting through it. I have Josh who helps a lot. I don't know what I'd do without him. I miss you Chris. Happy Halloween!!
Love ya

Jeni
Sister

October 31, 2006

Trying To Understand

"Is daddy coming home soon?" asks a precious little face.
"It's past when he should be here.
Is he working on a case?"
Your dad's not coming home son.
He's working late tonight.
He's a policeman up in heaven, making sure we're all alright.
"But mommy, why'd he leave us?
I miss him when he's gone."
I know you miss him darling, but now we must be strong.
"Who's gonna teach me baseball, and help me fly my kite.
And help me with my homework,
and buy me my first bike?"
Your daddy loved you darling, and he didn't want to leave.
But a bad man took, your daddy, and left us all to grieve.
Be proud of who your dad was,
and how he earned his pay.
Because it's people like your daddy
that keep us safe each day.
"Mommy, when I get bigger, and if it's okay with you,
I'm gonna be like daddy, and be a policeman too."

"In memory of fallen officers everywhere"
by: Daniel T. Dunbar

October 19, 2006

This Countries Hero
By: Brian J. Betts

Many times when we think of heroes,
You may think of superman or batman.
But what about those who proudly serve,
This country, state or community?
Have we forgotten the ones?
Who put on a uniform daily?
Who faces evil everyday?
So we can be safe and secure.
And sometimes these heroes,
Never return home to love ones.
So the next time you think of a hero,
Remember the men and women,
Of this great country,
Who put on a uniform
To protect and defend,
The country, state, or community.
For they take a risk, that none of us want,
To lay down their lives at the blink of an eye.
Just so we can sleep peacefully at night.

Brian Betts
Sibling

October 12, 2006

I am thinking of you today like everyday. I miss you so much.

Stephanie

September 11, 2006

A Real Hero Indeed
By: Brian

A hero is real; it’s inside all of us.
Some show it everyday,
Some hide it away.
You are a hero, it was your job.
To take criminals off the street,
To keep a community safe.
And sometimes it takes a person,
To lay down his own life for another,
And that is what you did.
And what do we give in thanks.
A coffin draped with the America flag,
A 21-gun salute.
Bagpipes being played, and
Even taps.
What do we have to remember you?
A folded flag, a badge, a uniform.
And slowly we will forget the story.
But one thing that wont be forgotten,
Is who you were,
Who you are
And what you did.
That signifies you a hero!


Loving Memory of Officer Christopher R. Betts. A true Hero indeed. His story of the accident is slowly fading, but the story of his life, will never fade away.

Brian Betts

August 25, 2006

It will soon be 4 years that your tour of duty ended and I know your loved ones think of you ever day. They have shed enough tears to fill a small pond at which they could sit next to and ponder the many memories they have of you. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten as heroes never die. I would like to leave a poem I was sent for your loved ones to read. Keep watch over your loved ones and wrap your wings around them to help them with their grief.

No Person is ever truly alone.
Those who live no more,
Whom we loved,
Echo still within our thoughts,
Our words, our hearts.
And what they did,
And who they were,
Becomes a part of all that we are,
Forever.

Poem by Richard Fife


Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father

August 13, 2006

Check out this change, from running to get lunch to running after folks. Nothing like hitting the ground running again, litterally. I was thinking the other day when the interviews for K9 were going on and remember how selfless you were. You gave me that opportunity to be a dog handler. For that I can't thank you enough, that makes two I owe you. I'm gonna need some extra eyes out there so be ready to go and try to keep up slow poke. I miss ya and love ya. Talk at ya later Woody.

Love always my Brother
MOMO

Investigator MoMo
The VIPER UNIT

August 7, 2006

ohhhhhh, Chris where shall i start, because i dont know. I still cant believe you are gone. I can still see you silly smile in my head, your funny jokes, and your awsome personility. I think of you daily, and speak of you daily also. Im suprised on how many people actual what to hear about the accident, and what kind of person you were. I tell them the story that we all know, but to explain what kind of person you were is hard sometimes. The best way to sum up what kind of person you are, is that you are and will always be a Hero. Its that easy really thats about all i can say, is that you died doing what you loved and always longed to do, and that is what a hero is. But not only that, you enjoyed saving lives, enjoyed protecting others, and you put others before yourself, and that is the meaning of a Hero. When i first heard about your death, i started to ask God why. Almost four years later i believe i found the answer ive been longing for. We all know that our Lord and Savior has a plan for all of us, sometimes we disagree with him. But his plan is for the best. I've tried to be strong for the family all these years, and i think now its catching up to me. I tried to hold my head up as high as i could, to help mom, dad, shannon, jason, jeni, and stepi to get through this. I worried more about them then me during the time of your death. Yes it hurt me badly, knowing that i would not get the chance to talk to you anymore, knowing that you would not be in my life when i made decisions. But what hurt me most, was losing the biggest part of my life. Not only did i lose my brother, i lost my role model. Chris i love you so so very much, i wish you were still here. Somedays the pain of lossing you is almost to much then i can take. Those days i feel like a nothing. But ever since you were taken from hell, part of my life ended also... Everything that i wanted to do, i didnt have the courge to do. Everything, i had going, vanished, almost like i wasnt here anymore. And i guess thats why im now taking your death so hard. Its because, the rolemodel i had back befor 12/22/02 isnt here anymore to help me. You are not here to help me when i need it most. I look at your picture and see me. And wish that i could be half the man that you are... I dont know if that will ever happen, i hope it does. I never what to fill you footsteps, i just wish i could walk beside them. I miss you Christopher, i honestly do. All i have these days are the memories of you, that have gotten me this far, and i guess those memoires will have to keep me going. To you my Brother, Friend, Rolemodel and most of all MY HERO, keep up the good work there in heaven, and i will see you someday, at the Gates of Heaven. God Speed, God Bless......I love and miss you

Brian
Youngest Brother

August 7, 2006

Chris,
I can't believe its been so long since you left us. You are still thought about often.
I gave up policing and went back to dispatch. It never has been the same without you.
I still remember how you use to pick on me. I tell my kids the stories of how we use to chase the "dope boys" down Stanton Rd. And how we couldnt stand each other at first. I remember tell you off several times. But, then I got to know you,,,You were like a brother to me..I miss you and think about you ...

Till we meet again at the gates,,,,

Friend
former co-worker

July 8, 2006

Happy 4th of July buddy. God I still remember all the good times in the back yard, setting off bottle rockets, getting yelled at by mom and dad. Always my best holiday with you.

A Friend

July 4, 2006

I can't believe its been that long. Each and every day i think about you. I think about how you help me, in many ways, and i just wanted to thank you. I show you picture to many people, and they all comment that i look just like you. I know I've made many mistakes in my life, who hasn't, we are only human. But having someone like you in there life helped so much. I never did things that i would regret later in life, I have you to thank. I was on the wrong path, but somehow you got me back on track. I'm now just starting fresh, and its great, hopefully soon, i will be following your footsteps. You were such a good role model to me, and i hope that one day i could be next to your steps. We all know that no one, can ever fill you shoes, so i'll just stand next to them in my own. I miss you Christopher, I truly do, i have and will always. Untill we see each other again in the streets made of Gold, and where we fill no pain, God rest, God Bless, and Rest in Peace, my Hero, My Friend, And My Brother...

A Friend

June 28, 2006

Chris,

You were on my mind today. Has it really been that long?
You will never know how much a difference you trully made. See you on the streets of gold....

a friend

June 27, 2006

Hey "Big Gay"
Sorry that I haven't dropped a line lately. I have no excuses and I'm not making up one either. It's been hard lately. I don't know why either. The dreams are coming back. The depression is creeping up. And the feeling of not wanting to go on is here again. its just been very hard, I guess. I caught myself forgetting. How can I forget my past. You're my oldest brother, and I'm starting to forget you. How can I ever forgive myself? I stare at your picture now, only because I'm forgetting what you looked like. I don't know how this can happen? I don't know why my mind would let this happen. I completely forget how you sounded like. I forget your laugh. I forget your smile. I forget the dumb looks on your face....I only remember you had those...I just don't remember what they looked like. Is this a bad sign? I don't know. But when the accident happened, I told myself, I would never forget. Now it's almost 3 1/2 years later, and I'm forgetting. Am I letting myself down? Am I letting the family down? I couldn't live like that if I am. I've tended to distance myself from everyone here lately. I don't really want to see anyone. Including mom and dad and the siblings. I don't know why. I can still hear the phone ringing like it was the morning I found out. Then when I called Jason and Jeni...I can remember the ringing on the other end...praying that I didn't have to be the one to break the news. I guess that's what I hold the grudge the most on. Telling them that we no longer have an older brother. I can remember the phone dropping when I told Jason. I can remember the sis and the youngest saying, "are you lying?" I'm just having a tough time right now. I can't believe I'm actually just letting all these feelings go, for everyone to read. I'm sorry that I'm forgetting. I'm sorry that I'm letting go. I don't want to. You are always going to be my oldest brother. You'll always be my role model. I'm sorry that it was you. I really miss you. I really wish you were here for everyone who holds a grudge on what happened. I'm just sorry that I'm not strong anymore.

-Steph

May 18, 2006

Hey bro, i just wanna thank you for being there with me the other day. I know you where in the car with me, protecting me. The accident could of been a lot worse, but i have you to thank. You gave me quick actions to make a serious accident a less serious. Thank you so much. I love and miss you big bro

March 27, 2006