Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Its almost been six months and even though its been this long people are still leaving reflections, which to me says a lot. Dad I miss you like everyone else, but i cant stop thinking of you when i go to bed i night. I know we have other Deputys and City cops but going to bed at night and feeling safe just isnt the same. I wish you were here. By the way happy Birthday. June 19th I love you
Jenn

Jennifer Oldest Daughter
Bloomfield Iowa

I did not know Dennis, but I remember praying for his family and friends when I heard the devastating news about his death. Now I have had the opportunity to get to know Jocelyn--what a privilege! Keep your chin up, girl! God has a plan for each of our lives--it's a good plan, too. Our Father cares about each and every one of His children. Obviously, Dennis left an imprint on many, many lives with the love and kindnesses he shared. Because of all you have been through, J, you will carry on a ministry of love, giving out of your grief. Stay strong and close to the Lord; He will bless you. You and Dennis' family are in my prayers.
Kathy DeVore

Kathy DeVore

I was just recently introduced to this web site. I sat here a cried like a child while reading these reflections. I never had the opportunity to meet Dennis, however he was a brother. No matter the color of the uniform, the badge is the key. Rest in peace, and my God shine down on your family and friends, as they have faced an enormous loss.

God Bless.

Officer Matt Maschmann
Grinnell Police Dept. (IA)

I attended ILEA with Dennis and would like to share a few of my meomries of him with you.
I remember that Dennis always smiled.
I remember that Dennis never had anything negative to say.
I remeber that Dennis always had some type of candy in class and I always asked him for some. He never did turn me down.
I remeber that Dennis was my elder and that he always finsihed the runs before me.
I remeber thinking that Dennis was a very fine man.

If you attended the services you would know how much respect and love everyone felt for Dennis. My hart goes out to the Davis CO SO, his wife to be and children. He will be missed. From all of us in the 172nd, godspeed Dennis- we love you.

Ptlm
Oelwein Police Department

Dennis...this seems a bit strange at the same time I want to leave my thoughts also, hopefully it will help our children in some way. I miss you Dennis. I miss you for the children. In the beginning, I honestly thought Taylor was going to be the one who dealt with losing you the hardest. She was the most vocal...you know Taylor...Miss Social Bug! Taylor shared a lot of her memorabilia with her friends, classmates, Mrs. Magel and Mr. Plowman. I just wasn't sure if how she dealt with it was normal...but what is normal for a child when they lose their dad? You and I both know the turmoil we went thru when Jennifer had Mrs. Magel for a teacher....I was so proud of Mrs. Magel with the way she handled this difficult year within her classroom, dealing with Taylor and then the loss of Gabby. Dennis we could not have asked for a more understanding, helpful and dedicated teacher as Mrs. Magel was. I wanted you to know that Taylor was in very good hands. As time goes on Taylor stays busy as expected. Her dance recital was wonderful; softball is here and gone....she is just like Jennifer...an awesome shortstop!; swim lessons are almost done for another year, her and Blake both get tested tomorrow and Thursday, they both still swim like fish. Of course you and I both know that instinct came from you. I think her hair is more blonde this year than normal, or maybe it is her tan that makes it appear that way. She is planning on something special for you at the Drakesville Reunion; I know you will be touched.

Blake.... is so quiet. I hope he shares his feelings with Grandpa; we are so lucky Dennis that Blake and your dad have a very special relationship. Blake has also been busy; baseball was really good for him this year. He played right outfield at first then was moved in to 1st base, he did a great job. Close to the end of the season Blake made some really good hits, I asked him what changed, he said the coach told him he hit like a girl.... well not anymore...hahhah. He is getting ready for Boy Scout camp, and all 3 of the kids helped finish a shelter at Camp Wapello in your honor. It was very nice. He has tried something new this year, golf. Blake seems to enjoy it and it is different from any of the other sports he has participated in.

Jennifer...did go out for softball this year. She starts JV and dresses Varsity. She plays shortstop...she has been making some very awesome plays. The softball season is almost over, but Volleyball camp will be coming up soon and then she will be ready for that. I saw the sign at the high school today stating classes resume August 21st. Can you believe it? Jennifer will be a junior? The 16th birthday doesn't affect me nearly as much as her being a junior...hard to imagine. At times I wish she would be somewhat like Taylor, in reference to dealing with her loss. If she could just let her feelings out I am sure it would help. I noticed she posted another message to you...that is what made me decide to write here for you and for them.

There are so many thoughts and things to tell you. We all miss you. On Blake's birthday when you, Blake, and Jocelyne met me at the Drakesville turn off to get Blake's watch; I remember when you pulled in, the smile on your face, that was such a good feeling. The day of your funeral I realized how happy and in love you were with Jocelyne. The way Jocelyne described your relationship, even though it was for a short period here on earth, it is good to know you found love and that will last an eternity.

Somehow I hope that you can help the children deal with this, at the same time I will try to keep them talking, and as usual God will do his part.

We all miss you,

Deb

Deb McElderry

Dennis and I had shared a lot of memories and a lot of good times, though our time together was way too short. I've been trying to share my memories with others so that people may know Dennis like I knew Dennis. I hope to post some of those memories up here over time.

As most of you know, Dennis and I had a long distance relationship until very recently. I'm not sure why or how it happened, but it did and somehow we made it work. It hasn't been easy losing Dennis or saying goodbye, but I'm trying my best. Those of you who know me, bear with me.

Dennis had once written a story about the first time he'd come to visit me in Canada. I found it recently and I thought I'd share it all with you. I think it's sweet. It told me how much he enjoyed our time together and that it showed his creativity. We never got to "live happy everafter" he mentions at the end of the story but the time we got to share was happy.

In the story Dennis refers to himself as "the Jerk" and to me as the "Princess". I don't know where the princess name comes from but the jerk name comes from something I always used to tell him. I used to tell Dennis that "all men are jerks". He used to tell me that that was probably true about most guys. I used to then ask "Did I tell you you were a jerk today?" To which he'd reply, "No" or "Not yet." To which I'd reply, "just checking!" Then we'd both laugh :) Now that I think of it, it's kind of a silly memory, but it made us both laugh and that's all that mattered.

Anyway, here's the story. Those who know about Dennis' visit to Canada will recognize some parts of the story. Happy reading~!
___________________________________________________

"The Canadian Princess

Once upon a time there was a Princess named Jocelyne who lived in a castle near Toronto. Jocelyne was a very beautiful princess who liked to play on her computer and talk to her friends. One day while playing her favorite game she met this Jerk from Iowa who came to love her very much. Although it was a long ways to Iowa one day they finally met and the Jerk was extremely happy to meet such a fine princess. While there they went to some very interesting and dangerous places. One place they went up into this tower that was very high off the ground where you could look for miles and see all the other castles and ships coming into the area. They also took the chariot and went to the jungle where there were wild animals running all around like lions and tigers and bears and some mischevious monkeys that took some parts off the chariot. They then went to see the Great Falls where they got on a ship and sailed right into the very edge of the falls where it was very misty and mysterious and the ship rocked from side to side. From there they traveled on to another planet called Hollywood where there were a lot of aliens and ohter interesting things from around the planet. And then they went to the great lake where all you could see for miles was water and ships sailing on the lake. But soon the fun was over and it was time for the Jerk to leave and it was a very sad day as the Jerk really enjoyed the Princesses company and didn't want to go back to his home but soon they would meet again and the Jerk would be happy again to see the Princess and things would go well and they would live happy everafter."

By: Dennis McElderry.

Jocelyne Brar
Dennis McElderry's fiancee - E.O.W. (01/03/03)

A great tribute to a great man. You DID make a difference in my life and the lives of others. You ARE missed and you WILL NOT be forgotten. My condolences to the family and to local law enforcement personnel for their loss.

Concerned Citizen
Bloomfield, Iowa

Just going through the site, I feel compelled to leave a message to the family, friends and fellow officers of Deputy McElderry.
A few months have passed, and although time helps to heal the pain, I know there is no way to overcome this tragedy. Life changes in a single second, but it takes a lifetime to heal...
Still thinking of you

Samantha
Private EMS; Youngstown, Ohio

DENNIS-

I AM STEPHANIE ANDERSON WIFE OF APPANOOSE COUNTY SHERIFF GARY ANDERSON. WE WERE BOTH UP THE NIGHT THE CALL WENT OUT AND HEARD THAT THERE WAS A POSSIBLE OFFICER DOWN. I HAVE TO TELL YOU ITS A VERY SICKENING SOUND. ONE I HOPE TO NEVER HEAR. BUT LIKE YOU MY HUSBAND IS VERY DEDICATED TO HIS JOB AND I AM SO PROUD OF THE JOB HE DOES, AS WAS YOUR FAMILY.
YOU GAVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE TO KEEP US SAFE AND WE WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THAT. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND GIVE THEM STRENGTH TO GET THROUGH THIS TIME OF SORROW.

STEPHANIE ANDERSON- WIFE OF A SHERIFF
APPANOOSE COUNTY- IOWA

"The Undefended Victim"

(By an Unknown Author)

For me, no gavel, hammers
The Scales were never weighted.
My Crime was that of a victim,
My life, was the price I paid.

And when my life was taken,
Why weren't my rights read?
And the Statement, "overruled"
When they pronounced me dead?

I'll never hear my rights
Nor take the witness stand,
No attorney to defend me,
My fate was in a killer's hand.

Now the courtroom's crowded
As the defendant pleads the case.
With just the glimmer of a tear,
Cold eyes on a straight face.

But oh, that I could take the stand
If they could witness my last breath,
Could they live with the terror
That I went through in death.

If they could hear my pleading cries
And see the hatred in that face,
At last, we'd know, the scales had
"Been balanced" in this case.

If I could, I'd tell the judge
Exactly how it was,
The fear and pain that I went through
Struck down without a cause.

Did the judge carefully weigh it all
As they listened to the plea?
There were no emotions, howing now,
Just the hope of going free.

The final verdict now is in
As the defendant stands in tears
If only I had done as well.....
Given ten to twenty years.

Anonymous

On behalf of the men and women of the Virginia State University Police Department, our thoughts and prayers to the McElderry family and the Davis County Sheriff's Department.

Officer Don W. Reichhardt #125
Virginia State University Police Department

As you hold me close in memory,
even though we are apart,
my spirit will live on,
there within your heart.....

I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS

When you lean on trusted friends
and their caring hugs enfold you,
within their loving arms,
I'll be there to hold you.....

I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS

And beyond the far horizon
when we'll finally be together,
where love will be eternal
and life will last forever.....

I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS

Anonymous

I Am Not Dead


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 diamond glints of 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 encircled flight
I am the soft star that shines at night
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die

Anonymous

Miss Me - But Let Me Go


When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom filled room!
Why cry for a soul set free!
Miss me a little - but not too long
And not with your head bowed low,
Remember the love that we once shared,
Miss me - but let me go.
For this is a journey we all must take
And each must go alone;
It's all a part of the masters' plan
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss me - but let me go.

Anonymous

When I Am Gone


When I am gone release me
Let me go, I have so many things to see and do
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears
Be happy that we had so many beautiful years
I gave to you my love
you can only guess how much you gave me in happiness
I thank you for the love you each have shown
But now it's time I travel alone
So grieve awhile for me, if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by my trust
It's only for awhile that we must part
So bless the memories within your heart
I won't be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near
And if you listen within your heart you'll hear
All my love around you soft and clear
And then when you must come this way alone
I'll greet you with a smile and say " Welcome Home".

Anonymous

REST IN PEACE BROTHER.

POLICE OFFICER
NYPD

To Deputy Dennis McElderry's Fiancee, Children, and Family,
My heart goes out to all of you. God needed your Deputy as he needed mine. Stay string on the hard days and remember the wonderful memories that your hero has left behind. Never forget the love of family both at home and the police family that I have found is just as strong. God bless and you are all in my prayers. For I too know the heartache of your loss.

Katrina Hickox
Girlfriend of Adam Fleshner E.O.W.1/13/03

To the family and coworkers of Deputy McElderry:

You are in our prayers. We, too, have recently lost brothers.
The pain fades, but never goes away.

Cpl. R
PA STATE POLICE

My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Deputy McElderry. God Bless....

Deputy Scott David Bjornstad P-25
Yuma County Sheriff's Office

Sorry, my brother. You will be missed.

Anonymous

Our hearts go out to the friends, family, and co-workers of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry. Please accept our condolences. If you ever need any support please do not hesitate to contact us.

Friends & Loved Ones of Fallen Officers

To the McElderry Family-
May God be with you and comfort you through this painful time. My heart goes out to you and I can only pray that in time, you will be able to find joy and happiness in life. God bless all of you....

A friend of the Jones's Family
Ron Jones
Prentiss Police Dept
EOW Decemember 26th,2001

Anonymous

Please remember the fallen officers we have lost. Remember the men and women who died trying to make this world a safer and better place for us all to live in. Thank you Deputy McElderry for a job well done. Please continue to watch over us and protect us as only you can. You will forever be at our side and in our hearts.

For those of you who still have loved ones with us please take the time to tell them how much you appreciate and care about them.

IF I KNEW

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

Anonymous

Never forgotten.

1658
Knoxville Police Department, TN`

Reading over the comments left in your honor Dennis, there seems to be so little left to say. Know that this comes from my heart. I remember the first time we met on line. I know some people don't understand how you can become such good friends, but that we did. You were there when I lost my sons. Your words of encouragement and your poems were so precious to me. When you were "courting" Joycelyne, you were so happy. Then when you were going to get your marriage license and called to tell me, you sounded like a balloon ready to bust you were so happy. You were perfect for each other and so in love. Joycelyne I wish I could be there to give you a big hug, but know that I'm only and e-mail or a phone call away. Jennifer, he loved you so much. I know because he was so proud of you, Blake and Taylor. Mr. and Mrs. McElderry, his greatest joy was his family. Please accept my sincere sympathy. WCloud, take care of all of our loved ones and know that you will be missed.
Susue

Sue Goodwin
Internet Friend