Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

With time that passes and lives that move on,
Eternity is a privilege when our work is done.
Always giving and not knowing when it's finished,
comes as a surprise and privilege when God says,
Welcome my good and faithful servant.
If we could have taken Brett's place, we all would have lined up. I just think that Brett would not budge and that's the kind of people that wear the badge.
God bless you Brett. I look forward to meeting you in Heaven.
Keith

SRO Keith A. Lipsey
Town of Cornwall Police Dept. Cornwall, NY 12518

I have read the "Reflection" page for over a week and cried each time I've read it. My son is Detective Chad Burton of the East Point Police Dept. and a friend of Chris. I didn't personally know Chris but stayed up late one night listening to my son talk about him and felt as though I did. My heart and prayers go out to Shannon and Trenton and Chris's family. May God Bless all of you in your sorrow and please know that Chris's memory will live on forever!!

With Love to all,

Gaylene Burton
mother of Det. Chad Burton - East Point Police Dept.

What a pity. So young. God Bless his family. I'm sure he was a great officer.

Officer J. Larson
Dept. of Veterans Affairs

I am so very sorry to hear the news about Officer Christopher Betts. It is always an empty feeling I get when I hear of such happenings. I didn't know Officer Betts but it doesn't make a difference. We as US Law Enforcement Officers everywhere are Brothers & Sisters. This is no different than losing a blood family member.
To the Betts family, I am so sorry about your loss and I know it is a loss for all Law Enforcement in the United States. It is clear that Chris was a brave person and that is what it takes to do that job.
Christopher W. Sager// Ret. Kansas City Missouri Police Department.

Ret. Officer Christopher W. Sager
KCMO-PD

The loss of Officer Betts was such a tragedy and all because he was performing his job in protecting and serving the citizens of his community in East Point. Words can not describe the emotions of his family, friends and coworkers as they deal with the loss of a loved one and a friend. Their shattered lives will never be the same, but they are survivors and through the love and support of friends and family will work their way through their loss of a loved one. Somehow God gives us the strength to press on!

Our thanks and appreciation for all those who serve and protect our communities daily, just as Officer Betts did so well.

Roger Parker
Georgia Chapter - Concerns of Police Survivors

I did not truly know Christopher as a police officer; I knew him as a baby, a child, a young man and eventually as a grown man who moved away from home to serve his country and community and who fell in love with the woman he married and with whom he had a child. Although I grieve with all of my heart for the loss of my nephew, my sister and brother-in-law’s son, my other nieces and nephew’s brother and cousin, my Mom and Dad’s grandson, I also realized this past week the lives Christopher had touched as an adult. I regret not knowing him as his friends and colleagues on the East Point Police Department and the community in general had. I pray for strength, understanding and peace of mind for all of Chris’ family and Chris’ extended family. There are so many comforting words shared on this website and I pray that all find comfort in knowing the prays of so many are with you all.

Rest in Peace sweet nephew. You will be missed. You are in a much better place.

God Bless You.

The LORD's Grace and Peace to you, your family and your law enforcement family~

To the family, friends and fellow officers, we send our heartfelt condolences.

Chief Brian E. Barrs
Newington Police Dept.

My prayers and thoughts are with the widow, 7 week old son, and family members of Officer Betts. Know that God is with you and although it is easier said than done, you will get through the tough times with love and support and time. Chris is truly a hero among us all. These are definitely trying times for law enforcement officers everywhere. May you rest in peace my brother. I would also like to pray for a speedy recovery for the other injured officer.

Deputy United States Marshal
United States Marshals Service

Thank you Officer Betts -- you gave your life to defend our safety, a debt we can never repay. Godspeed to you and may Mary give comfort to your wife, son, parents and siblings. May we East Point residents never forget you or take your fellow officers for granted.

A grateful East Point resident,

Teresa Nelson

Teresa Nelson
East Point Resident

To the family and friends of Officer Betts go our deepest prayers and thoughts. True heros never die and are remembered forever. Stay close to your firends and family they will help provide the strength.

God bless

Carl Wortham son of Glenn T. Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham
Sand Springs Police Dept. Okla

I want to express my deepest simpathy for Officer Betts family. I am also 26 yoa and could not imagine what type of loss this is. We all try to make this world a better place to live. Officer Betts was doing exactly that.

Now he is watching over us all from above and keeping heaven safe for all of us who will join him at a later date. I will keep his wife and family in my prayers. God bless you.

Deputy A. Kinsley #547
Linn County Sheriff Dept, Kansas

I never knew Officer Betts except in passing. I have many friends that are in law enforcement. Many of them had worked with Chris. My prayers go out to both family, friends and co-workers. I have listened to many stories that friends have told about Chris and I must say that I am saddened that I never got the chance to know him. To his wife and son, know that he is watching you from above and is forever your Guardian Angel in Blue. He truly was a hero!

Lesley Evans
Hapeville Resident

I miss my friend, my brother. I miss his cockiness, his special
brand of sarcassam. I miss Him clearing radio to back me up on a fight call. I miss the war stories we told each other when we 59 (meet with officer). I miss sharing my tales of the infantry and his tales of the MP corp from our days in the Army. As I sit here typing this, I cry thinking how much he loved his wife and how proud he was that she and him produced a healthy baby. To my friend , a great soldier and warrior, and an outstanding OFFICER, You will not be forgotten. Every officer in East Point will be thinking of you. God speed Officer C. Betts. I'll keep them 10-80 on foot through Sahara plaza for you. LONG LIVE WOODY!!!! Brothers in blue. To serve with you was an honor. BATMAN Aka Signal 24

OFFICER Rennie Walters
EAST POINT POLICE

Officer Betts
God be with your family. I am sorry that you had to make the ultimate sacrafice. Semper Fi

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS MILITARY POLICE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION DIVISION (TID) 5811-5813

Anonymous

Officer Betts,

May God bless and keep you and may you rest in peace.

From A Detective's Mom.

Anonymous

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond's glint on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn's rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush,
of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there. I did not die.

For an eternity I will wait,
Till again we meet at Heaven's gate.



God Bless Officer Chris Betts, a warrior... and all those before, those now, and the ones He will call...

God Speed to the Betts family...may He assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and the lost, and the solemn pride that is yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

Every time I pray I will ask him to bless you and protect you for your family's unyielding commitment to justice, which will always be remembered each time any of us look at the stripes of red in that piece of cloth we call the american flag, and which will be forever protected by the warriors who continue the fight against evil which Chris so valiantly fought.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul...you will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.



a brother officer in PA

I began my LE career in 1997 at East Point Police Department and eventually met my future husband there, also a police officer. While I no longer work there, my heart is still with each and every one of you. I feel your pain, even though I was never able to work with Chris. I am good friends with many of the ones that were so close to him. I want them to know that I will be there for them if they need me. As for Shannon and your baby boy, I too am a mother and have often wondered what I would do if my husband passed or what he would do if I should die. If you need anything, let me know. I am easy to get in touch with and my prayers are with you.

Patrolman S.P. Forrest
Hapeville P.D. GA

Chris was a wonderful person and brother. He died doing what he loved to do....saving other people. I believe I will see Chris again. The entire family is doing ok and we want to thank all of the East Point Police Department for their gratitude. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers, we love all of you

Stephanie Betts
Chris' youngest sister

On January 3,1996 I lost my friend Ofc Cash of Forest Park in the line of duty. Now on December 22, 2002 I have lost another. Betts, the horror of the moment when I had to tell your wife and son that you would not be home will stay with me for the rest of life. I want you to know that Shannon has been strong as any person can.
Betts policed because he loved it, the same reason I do. I had hoped to one day police directly with you as I feel we could have accomplished great things. You are welcome to join St Michael and Cash as they ride and watch over me each shift.
Thanks for touching my life. I still say though that Heinze bent your goal not me!
FULL SPEED INTO THE LIGHT UNTIL YOU SEE GOD...APPLY BRAKES
Sgt Snake

Det. Sgt. C. L. Israel (Snakeman)
East Point Police Department

Our deepest sympathies to the Family,Friends and co -workers of Officer Betts.
Rest easy now Brother...

Detective
Buffalo, New York Police Dept

Godspeed.

Terina Isaac
East Point citizen

To The Family of Officer Betts:
My heart goes out to each and every one of you. Being the mother of three small children, I can only imagine what you are going through. I did not know you Officer Betts, but from the reflections left for you, you were a fine, upstanding law enforcement officer. Kind of reminds me of someone we lost here not too long ago. Maybe that's why this hurts my heart so much...too similar...Mrs. Betts you will have some fine memories for your young son...through you, family and these reflections your son will be very proud of his dad. It may be days, weeks or even months before you can bring yourself to view these reflections, but they can only bring you great memories and great pride that your husband was such a fine officer and friend. Please know that my heart goes out to you and your young son and the rest of Officer Betts' family. I will remember you all in my prayers.

Patty Baker
Central Comm/Nicholasville, KY

I met Chris 2 years ago when we started the academy together. At the start Chris seemed cocky and full of himself. As I got to know him I soon learned that he was an alright guy and turned out to be a friend. Chris taught me many things, like how to march, stand at attention and how to shine my boots. We shared some really good times together. I will remember Chris for his great sense of humor, the many laughs we had together. Chris was a real cop and you could always count on him to be there for you when you were in trouble. Chris I shined my boots, pressed my uniform, stood and saluted just like you showed me. I did it for you and for your memory, I hope that it was the you would have done it and I hope I made you proud. Chris I will never forget you.

Kevin Bock
East Point Police

.....Sadly missed

Uncle Larry & Sheryl