Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Chris-

I have sat here reading all of the feelings that your family and friends had and will always have for you and am still in awe that I got the opportunity to share in that glow that you could cast over anyone that was around you. The morning that you were taken from this earth, I can still remember hearing you in my head. Kermit and I even laughed about what kind of language you would have been using when you reached heaven. This has definitly been a tragic loss for many, including my 4 year old son, who lost his favorite playmate Dec. 22nd. It is and will always be my pleasure to be there for Shannon, who has become my sister, Trent, who has become my godchild and all of your family, who have become my family. It was an honor to be able to help out while you were being laid to rest and it will always be an honor to assist them in any way I can, while you watch over all of us from up above. (And I will keep giving Trent kisses until he grows up big enough to make me quit.) Take care and rest up, because Christopher says that the day he comes to see you in heaven, the wrestling matches will resume.

With love-

Elizabeth

Two Weeks
It’s been two weeks since your passing,
And I’m still in disbelief.
But I know the signs of Heaven’s call
And I’m sure you’re above us all.
Your last call was December 22, 2002,
The Angel came down and took you.
May you be standing by Heaven’s Gate,
When it is your family’s date.
Until then Brother, rest in peace,
And patrol those golden streets.

Stephanie (sister)

God bless the family, friends and fellow officers of Officer Betts. My thought and prayers go out to you all.

Working together we all can make a difference.

Ptl. J.S. Postell
Murphy Police Dept.

~~This is a narrative I wrote for school...some of it, is just added in since nobody knows what happened, but this is the only thing that I can picture in my mind to help me get a long with what happened to my oldest brother~~~

It was a dark, cloudy morning on Dec. 22, 2002. It was approximately 1 am and Officer C.R.Betts was working overtime so he could get the following weekend off so he, his wife and their baby could travel up to Ohio to visit with family.
Chris received a call about a suspicious vehicle on the side of I 285, so he turned his lights on and went to the place where the car was located. Chris' partner, Jamie Weinmann, pulled up behind him and Chris decided he would drive up a ways to see if he could find anyone suspicious walking along I 285. So Chris radioed in, not knowing that this would be his last call he would ever make.
Chris got in his patrol car and drove off, leaving Jamie behind. Then on the dark side of the interstate, Chris saw a dark figure sheepishly walking. He pulled up and got out of his car and started to follow the person on foot.
Chris started to talk with the man and pushing and shoving occured. Chris started to grab for his handcuffs while Jamie was just pulling up to them. Chris grabbed the man's arms to put the handcuffs on, and the man flipped out, and he shoved Chris back, giving the man some time to get away and run into the middle of interstate.
Chris saw the headlights of on-coming traffic become closer and he had a decision to make: let the guy try to dodge the traffic, or run after him and pull him out of harms way.
Chris' motto is: "To serve and protect" and he also risked his life saving other people. In the blink of an eye, Chris was in the middle of interstate, trying to pull the man back to the side of interstate; out of danger.
Chris, Jamie and the man were all hit by cars trying to get the man off of interstate. Jamie was the only one to survive.
Chris is a hero for risking his life for the man. He could have left him and the man would have been the only one who would have to suffer. But Chris didn't, and he paid the ultimate price. Chris gave up his life to his duty and honor and he will always be remembered as the one who was first on scene and helping other officers who needed help.
Jamie is also a hero because he didn't have to be in interstate with Chris considering it was Chris' call. But Jamie was always with Chris and helping him and Jamie was injured trying to help a fellow police officer, a brother, a BEST friend.
A hero is someone who will risk their own life to save anyone. It doesn't matter if the person is black or white, wrong or right; a hero will hlep them and die for them.
To Me and many others, My brother, officer C.R.Betts died a hero, and will always be remembered as a hero. His fellow friend/partner/brother, Officer Jamie Weinmann is also a hero, for trying to help Chris out and risking his life.

~~I'm sorry Jamie that things didn't turn out differently. I'm sorry all EPPD officers that you lost Chris. He was a fine man and a fine police officer. I'm sorry Shannon for not praying hard enough to give Chris the protection he needed as he protected those citizens of East Point. I'm sorry Trenton that you will never see your daddy until you enter through the gates of Heaven. I'm sorry everyone for not being as strong as I should. God bless all of you at EPPD and PLEASE all be safe, each and everyone of you. You have family up here in Ohio now, and we don't want to see any of you hurt.

GOD BLESS....

Stephanie (Sister)

Brother
You enjoyed saving lives and keeping others safe.
You loved your family and you had loving friends.
The skies opened when you were on duty,
For whatever reason, you are no longer here.
Many grieve over you and many things are left behind...
A baby who doesn't know you by your name,
A wife who loves you unconditionally,
A mother and father who cry out for their oldest son
And brothers and sisters who call out their love.
You enjoyed being a cop, that was your dream.
We all knew the risk, but we didn't want to believe.
We love you, and we will never forget that you
Lifted our spirits in many ways.
We thank God for you touching many lives,
And we will always be standing by each others' side,
To help let your dreams come true.
Don't worry about the baby,
He will know what kind of daddy you were.
We will take good care of him, and Shannon too!


~~~I love you so much Chris, and I can't believe it has already been more then 2 weeks. I know you are in a better place, and you are away from all the evil and dangerous things here, but many of us wish you could have stayed for just a couple days. If I could, I would gladly switch you places...so you can spend more time with Shannon and Trenton. I will see you again in Heaven, and I hope you will be waiting there with that dorky grin. I will talk to you later. Until that day, I will stand beside Mom and Dad and help them get through this. I love you!

Stephi Marie

Stephanie Betts (Sister)

Heaven Needed An Officer
It was the 22nd. of December that he went away,
only 7 weeks past his sons birth.
His family and friends all asked,
why a young man an Officer
so full of life
with so many things yet to experience
was taken away that night
Then this tiny voice whispered deep inside our hearts:
“God needed a young Police Angel in heaven
and Chris was His chosen one,
Chris is now a Police Angel
with wings of silver
and his golden Badge still upon his chest
around his head was placed a golden halo band”
Yes, our loss is great,
but heaven needed a special Police Angel
to serve at he Lords’ right hand;
Chris was specially selected by Our Lord
As one of His Very Special Angels
that serve at His right hand.
So every night Chris looks down from the white puffy cloud
that makes his bed ,he smiles and whispers
this message to Shannon and Trent ,
“ I was taken away from you only temporarily;
the Lord needed me to help here in heaven ...
Someday we will be reunited and never again have to part
until we are reunited ...
Take care and I send you all of the love
in my heart.”

Rick Kelly/Traffic Division
East Point P.D.

"Chris’s Wings"
Last Sunday God said to St. Michael:
“ I need another Police Angel in heaven,
and Only a very special young Officer
from the East Point Police Department will do.”
So after careful consideration of the qualifications of each candidate
a decision was made;

Officer Christopher R. Betts
would earn his halo and wings that day.
So Sunday, December 22,2002
he was called to serve
at the Lords’ right hand.

His uniform still has the golden Badge upon his chest
added are silver wings and a golden halo around his head
He no longer patrols the streets,
his new assignment is to watch over and protect
his friends and brother Officers from harm
and give them guidance whenever he can.

And even though we all miss him greatly, we must remember;
he is still near in the memories we hold in our hearts

Rick Kelly/Traffic Division
East Point P.D.

"His Final 10-42"

His days always began with a "10-41",
he was always ready to take on more crime.
The same routine for the past two years,
but he got used to it over time.
Day in and day out he gave it
his all and he did his best.
Never stopping to think that this could be
the last time he straps on his bulletproof vest.
Another day passes and once again
he has protected and served.
But never once really getting
the full recognition he deserved.
He had a full life but there was
so much left for him to do.
But on December 22, 2002 Officer Betts made
his Final "10-42"

Officer Rick Kelly/ Traffic Division
East Point P.D.

Chris, I miss you my friend. You made such a impact on everyones lives.You did mine. I think of all the times when we would chase dope dealers at 0800 am on a Sunday morning. Or sit and talk about kids. Rember when my Katie kicked you for picking on her mommy? .....Know that you will never be forgotten....

Ofc. G.E. Louth
East Point Police

I met Chris about two years ago when he started with the department. He began his training for his new career with Officer Kermit Smith just after basic mandate. After Kermit taught him for a few weeks I got my chance to show him some things (mostly traffic). I tried hard, for I feel that I was trained by the best. I know, I work with them every day! For those of you that did not know Chris let me say that he was the type of person you picture as being the best friend. He was always there most of the time he was the first one there even if you got the call. There were time there when he could just get under your skin and aggrivate the heck out of you but still make you laugh. He always had a smile on his face and never once pass by you without saying hello and cut up with you. I knew just a few hours after the incident while out there on that stretch of interstate 285, that you were then in heaven watching down on all of us when I saw the rainbow in the sky. Keep us safe my brother.
We have the best guardian angel possible.
For the family of Chris, I think you know that we all thought a lot of him. I know that you are proud of him. I am so honored for being able to serve next to him.
We Miss You and will always remember you.
Love always your friend,
Rick

Officer Rick Kelly/Traffic Division
East Point Police Department

Son.....It has been two weeks since your death and I am still in disbelief. There are so many things I want to say to you and now I don't seem to have the words. I am sorry that I didn't spend more time with you when you were a little boy. I am sorry I wasn't there watching you play baseball, run cross-country track because I thought work was more important. I am sorry I didn't spend more time talking with you on the phone when you called. And I am sorry I didn't tell you 'I Love You' more often. In the last couple of weeks, I have found out that you were a good compasionate young man more than I will ever hope to be. I love you Chris and am very proud to have you as my Son. I promise, Trenton will know who you were and what kind of person you turned out to be. God Bless You and Rest in Peace..........

Dad

Your service will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Rest in Peace brother.

Michael Davis

chris i want to tell you that i love you... i wish i had told you that when you were here, but we never really talked...also i want you to know that we will take care of trenton and shannon...i love you and will see you soon

Brian Betts
Chris's brother

It is with the most heart-felt of condolences, that we extend our sympathies. Let god keep you strong, and let this wonderful family in blue, be there for you and your baby son.

Wendy&Peter Firth

To family, friends and fellow officers,

May God surround you with peace and guide you through this difficult time. "Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God" Mathew 5:9

Mr. & Mrs. Harry M. Steinfeldt, Jr
Parents of Harry M. "Marty" Steinfeldt, III
EOW 10/6/02

Chris:
You know that we all love you and miss you deeply. Our hearts are mourning this loss and yearning for your company. Never will we forget how you changed our lives, each and every one of us. I will never forget all the mornings you woke me up pouring cold water in my face, and our food fights that made dad soooo angry. But no matter how angry he got, you somehow would make him laugh, and everything would be ok. You were the brother that I had never had. I always wanted a brother to beat up on and play with, but with you I got more than I bargained for. :) No one could ever take your place in my heart, and no brother could ever be as good of a brother as you were. I wish there was some way to bring you back, I've prayed many times for you to be brought back to us. Your family has assured me that you were needed in heaven, but so what if I'm selfish, I need you here more!! Please know that I will ALWAYS love you. I hope that you will always watch upon me, as I will probably need your help from time to time. Please hear me at night when I speak to you, I know what you're saying, even though I can't hear you. I love you always brother, I'll never forget you!

Your (as good as) sister and friend,
Sissy
Missing you in GA!!!

Sissy

For my friend Chris, I leave this message with great dispair. Two years ago, I took you in as a rookie police officer and fellow former MP. I took you to the pitts of the earth, where violence is commonplace and trash litters the streets where only cops and criminals dwell. I trained you to the best of my ability, got you in your first foot chase and taught you that you cannot always fight fair to survive. I rolled on the ground amidst crack baggies and I went to your house to play basketball or see your new baby, I would not trade any of those memories for anything other than to have you back here with your family and friends. I love you like a brother, a partner and my very best friend. You will always be with me in the patrol car and I will never give up the fight against the evil of the earth. Should I ever make that fatal mistake, I hope you will be waiting for me at Heaven's gate. Til then...

Cpl/FTO Kermit Smith
East Point Police Dept.

After reading these reflections, it seems Officer Betts was well respected. To his family and friends my deepest sympathies for your loss. Stay strong for he would want that, To Officer Betts, Thank You for your sacrifice for you are a hero and will not be forgotten. Rest In Peace, we have the watch mow.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

LOVE & DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO OFFICER BETTS WIFE,SON

& FAMILIES. THE REFLECTIONS ABOUT CHRIS ARE A TESTIMONY TO WHAT A FINE YOUNG OFFICER HE WAS.

MAY GOD'S LOVE SUSTAIN YOU THRU THIS SAD TIME.

SHIRLEY & CHARLES POPHAM
PARENTS OF DETECTIVE RUSSELL POPHAM

FEARNOT, I AM WITH YOU; BE NOT DISMAYED; I AM YOUR GOD. I WILL STRENGTHEN YOU, AND HELP YOU, AND UPHOLD YOU WITH MY RIGHT HAND OF JUSTICE.

ISAIAH 41:10

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

DET. WILLIAM J. LEASH
GREENWICH TWP. POLICE DEPT. N.J.

DET. WILLIAM J. LEASH
GREENWICH TWP. POLICE N.J.

God Bless everyone of you, I know that this is so hard. God be with you, and know that he is just a prayer away. He will comfort you, and see you through this.
In my prayers,
Joshua 1:9

Sgt. Kim Reavley
Chattanooga Police Department

Although I had not met Officer Bett's, I knew alot about him from my husband Officer Padgett. Toby was supposed to room with Christopher at the acadmey in Forsyth for a class, but Christopher could not go because his son had just been born. Toby told me how excited and proud he was.
My heart and my prayers go out to his wife and son. I cannot even begin to understand what they will be going through. As my husband leaves for work each night, I kiss him, tell him I love him, and say a little prayer that he will come home to me in the morning. He works morning watch with Officer Weinnman and is usually in that zone. I know he is going to a job that he loves, as Officer Betts did.
I wish there was something I could say or do for his wife and son to help them through this horrible time, but I know all I can do is pray for them, that God will look out for them and comfort them.
Goodbye Christopher....you will never be forgotten.

Christene Padgett, Police officer's wife

As I sit here reading the reflectios left about this fine young man I begin to cry and feel the pain of losing a brother in blue. We are all family! You may be gone Chris, but you will NEVER be forgotten. In pace requiescat, Rest in Peace! Keep a watch on us as we go on shift every day brother. Your family, friends and coworkers are in my thoughts and prayers. And on behlaf of MTSU Police Department Godspeed Brother!

Isaiah 40:31

Ptl. Kimberly Moses
MTSU Campus PD, TN

I won't try to say any of the numerous things you will be hearing for I know that they really do no good and remember most people mean well they just "don't know" and I am sure dear family you are saying thank heaven they don't. For I know at this time nothing will help to make this nightmare go away just remember that you are not alone, your C.O.P.S. family is but a phone call away. A warm loving hug to you dear family.
Trudy Meyers
Missouri Concerns of Police Survivors
wife of Officer Thomas R. Meyers EOW 1/14/98

Trudy L. Meyers
Missouri Concerns of Police Survivors

My deepest condolences go out to the Betts family. You will not be forgotten. God Bless

Det. Brian Connolly
White Plains NY