Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

A week ago I watched as another one of my family was buried. I lost a wonderful brother and a good friend. Dennis didn't always say much, but I know he always looked out for me. I remember times I had to call him late at night to get me out of a jam, usually something requiring a chain and four-wheel drive. He never complained about these late night calls and, at times, couldn't help but laugh. There were things we shared with each other, but never with others. I still carry those conversations in my mind. As the youngest I could always be a pest to my older siblings, but Dennis was the one that never seemed to mind. I never worried as my husband left to hunt, fish, frog hunt, etc. with Dennis because I knew that he would watch out for him as he always did with me (even if it wasn't needed). I try to find comfort in knowing that Dennis will continue to watch over me and my family from a better place, but that comfort is slow in coming. Dennis, rest in peace and take care of our sister. I will love and remember you always.

Dawn McCarty
Youngest sister

Rest in peace my Brother. You were a True Hero.

Sgt. Keith H. Koen #411
New Iberia Police Dept.

THE BUFFALO - DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE AND I
WISH TO SEND OUR CONDOLENCES. OUR THOUGHTS AND
PRAYERS ARE WITH DEPUTY MCELDERRY, HIS FAMILY AND
CO-WORKERS.

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE

May God watch over your famliy and keep them safe.

Lord I ask for courage
Courage to face and conquer my own fears
Courage to take me where others wil not go

I ask for strength
Strength of body to protcet others
And strength of Spirit to lead others

I ask for dedication
Dedication to do my job, to do it well
Dedication to my community
To keep it safe
Give me Lord, concern for others who trust me
And compassion for those who need me

And Please Lord
Through it all, be at my side.


Rest in Peace

Officer Michael Dixson
Chariton Police Department

We begin our careers for different reasons. For me, it was to make a difference, even if in just one life. From what Ive read Deputy McElderry has made a difference in the lives of many, even after his watch had concluded. This is all we could ever attain to. See you on the other side brother.

Cadet John W
Central Texas

Saint Michael, heaven's glorious commissioner of police,who once so neatly and successfully cleared God's premisesof all its undesirables, look with kindly and professionaleyes on your earthly force.

Give us cool heads, stout hearts, and uncanny flair for investigation and wise judgment.

Make us the terror of burglars, the friend of children and law-abiding citizens, kind to strangers, polite to bores, strict with law-breakers and impervious to temptations.

You know, Saint Michael, from your own experiences with the devil, that the police officer's lot on earth is not always a happy one; but your sense of duty that so pleased God, your hard knocks that so surprised the devil, and your angelic self-control give us inspiration.

And when we lay down our night sticks, enroll us in your heavenly force, where we will be as proud to guard the throne of God as we have been to guard the city of all the people. Amen.

Det Sgt C. L. Israel
East Point Police Department, Ga

Dennis we all miss you greatly more than words can say.You always tired to keep me out of trouble even though I was older.Tried to keep me away from all those groundings and boyfriends you didn't quite think was right. You did a mighty fine job.Lucky I ever got to go any where.I can never say thank you enough for taking care of me and you took care and watched out for every one all your life and I know your looking down on us now and we'll be taken care of.I really miss your stopping in for snacks.Most of all I miss you. Love you always. your older sister Deb

Debbie Karr
sister

To Deputy McElderry family and friends our hearts and prayers goes out to you. May your love one rest in peace.
D. Jones
Mother of Officer Ron Jones
PPD
EOW 12/26/01

I met Denny during my various visits to family and friends in Bloomfield. I also knew him from a jail inservice in defensive tactics nearly two years ago. That day was a good time - I remember Denny having a smile on his face the entire day (as he was pounding on the rest of us, lol).

I didn't know him very personally, but I knew him enough to know that he loved the job and gave his all and then some. He was not only a brother-in-law to my uncle - he was truly a brother and a best friend.

The funeral was one of the saddest things that I have ever seen in my life, yet at the same time it was truly breathtaking to see all of the officers from different agencies come together for this unfortunate occasion.

I speak for the entire Mahaska Co. SO when I say that my heart goes out to the co-workers, friends and family. May God be with you.

God speed, Denny. Rest in peace.

Kathy L. Blumhagen, J-5
Mahaska Co. Sheriff's Office, Jail Division

I have been where you fear to be,
I have seen what you fear to see,
I have done what you fear to do -
All these things I have done for you.
I am the person you lean upon,
The one you bring your troubles to -
All these people I've been for you.
The one you ask to stand apart,
The one you feel should have no heart,
The one you call "The Officer in Blue,"
But I'm just a person, just like you.
And through the years I've come to see,
That I am not always what you ask of me;
So take this badge....take this gun...
Will you take it..... will anyone?
And when you watch a person die
And hear a battered baby cry,
Then do you think that you can be
All these things you ask of me?

Dennis am going to miss you, look over my sister.

OFFICER DAVID GODMAN
BLOOMFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT

Patrolman
Bloomfield

It's obvious from reading all the previous reflections left by the people who knew Dennis the best, that I have missed out on meeting a remarkable officer. It is a small consolation, but he was obviously wonderful guy to be around and it's a shame that he is not still patroling the streets and representing his department. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, co-workers, and community.

deputy Faith Hill
Shelby County Sheriff's Office

Rest in peace Deputy McElderry. Let the rest of your brothers and sisters cover your place on the blue line. You have earned you peace my friend.

Anonymous

Dennis This is from a friend. When I came to the Dept. in 2000 I was new in town and I was glad to come.it made it easy when I got hear to find some one like you in the work we all love and need as we have ask to be hear,We as police officers want to do this kind of work but non of us want bad things to happen to anyone but when we do see it we all come running,you my friend ran faster because of your long steps. There will never be another 26-3 but another officer will be hear and do the same thing you have done but it will never be the same to us that have seen you do it. I was never so graced in my life as when I was given the time to speak that day about you as a frinnd and a Chief.God blessed me that day I came to see you. I will see you again Ed.

Chief Ed Anderson
Bloomfield Police Deot.

Dennis, i don't where to start of the wonderful things to say' but i believe there really isn't enough words to say.I remember the day i was interveiwed for the Deputy's job in April of 2002, and you were there with the Sheriff.I can still remember the first three months of riding with you in training.I think i wore out your name, Dennis where do i go, Dennis what do you want me to do, Dennis how do i handle this situation,Dennis did i make the right decision,etc. I loved the saturday nights when we tag teamed up with the city officers when Dennis had a plan going.everyone knew when Dennis was out earily, when you heard the radio 26-3, 10-28 on xxx xxx, Dennis was on the move. Dennis McElderry did make a difference in our community, and in my life as well. there will never be another Dennis McElderry, and my sorrows go to the family, for this is a great loss for the family, freinds, and Sheriff's Office. DAVIS COUNTY DEPUTY WESLEY BALES 26-5

Deputy Sheriff Wesley Bales
Davis County Sheriff's Office

To Dennis, your family, friends, and co-workers. I'm setting here again tonight reading the reflections with tears in my eyes. I spend a good portion of every day, since God took you home, trying to figure out why he would of allowed this to happen in our small community, but remembering God telling us that he would give us nothing that we couldn't handle. I sit here tonight with my three babies playing and having fun in the background which warms my heart but in my mind, seeing your three babies who have to deal with this and my heart is broken again. You was a true role-model Dennis and I hope I can effect half the people in my career as positively as you have.

Jocelyn: You are and always will be a part of our family.

Jennifer: Anytime you see me on the street or anywhere else, I still expect a full report on who your dating and whats going on in your life!

Blake: Keep that smile that you "always" have on your face because like your Dads, it means allot to allot of people. And remember not to let to many people rub your head or it'll end up like mine.

Taylor: You keep on stopping and asking for a ride to school on those cold mornings, or any other time you feel like it!!

To the rest of Dennis's family and freinds: May God comfort all of us during this tragedy and blanket us with his protection!

Officer Mike Davidson
Bloomfield Police Dept.

MY PARTNER HAS FELL

TO THOSE PEOPLE THAT KNEW DENNIS McElderry, THEY KNEW THAT HE TRULY LOVED BEING A DEPUTY SHERIFF. HE ALWAYS WORKED THE EXTRA HOURS AND NEVER COMPLAINED ONCE. HE WAS A MAN OF HIS WORD AND HONESTY WAS NEVER A QUESTION. HE WAS ALWAYS THERE WHEN YOU NEEDED SOME BACKUP AND ALWAYS THERE AS A FRIEND. I HAVE KNOWN DENNIS SINCE THE MID 70’S AND KNEW THAT HE WAS A HARD WORKER WELL BEFORE NOW. DENNIS’ WORK ETHIC WAS ONE THAT ALL PEOPLE SHOULD FOLLOW. WE HAVE A WONDERFUL GROUP OF OFFICERS HERE IN THIS COMMUNITY TO WORK WITH, COUNTY , CITY , AND STATE. ALL OF THE OFFICERS WORK WELL WITH EACH OTHER AND THE COLORS OF OUR UNIFORMS DOESN’T CHANGE A THING. WE WORK TOGETHER TO GET RESULTS THAT MAKES OUR COMMUNITY SAFER. I HAVE BEEN BLESSED TO BE A DEPUTY SHERIFF THAT WORKED ALONG SIDE DENNIS ON MANY CASES. I LEARNED A LOT FROM DENNIS ABOUT LAW ENFORCEMENT IN THE FIELD. NO MATTER WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED IN THE IOWA LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY, THE FIELD IS WHERE YOU LEARN THE MOST. DENNIS WAS ALWAYS EAGER TO HELP TEACH ME MANY THINGS WHILE WE WORKED TOGETHER.
I JUMPED OUT OF BED ON JANUARY 3RD AFTER HEARING THE WORDS, POSSIBLE OFFICER DOWN. I CAN SAY THAT THIS RADIO TRANSMISSION WAS THE WORST THING I HAD EVER HEARD. MY MIND STARTED RACING AS I WENT TOWARD THE SCENE. I HAVE WOKE UP TO HELP DENNIS IN THE PAST. IN THE PAST THE END RESULT WAS ALWAYS GOOD. DENNIS SEEMED TO ALWAYS GET HIS GUY. THE END RESULT OF THIS INCIDENT WAS THAT A WONDERFUL AND CARING PERSON GAVE HIS LIFE TRYING TO KEEP THIS COMMUNITY SAFE. IT IS HARD FOR US AS OFFICERS IN THIS COMMUNITY TO LOOSE A WONDERFUL PARTNER. DENNIS’ PASSING HAS REINFORCED OUR COMMITMENT TO PROTECT AND TO SERVE. HIS COMMITMENT AND HIS ABILITIES WILL TRULY BE MISSED BY MANY. DURING THIS TIME OF SORROW THE COMMUNITY HAS LOST SUCH A GREAT SERVANT. I THINK OF DENNIS’ FAMILY WITH HIS 3 WONDERFUL CHILDREN, FIANCÉ, PARENTS, AND SISTERS. THEY ALL HAVE LOST THE MOST. HIS PARENTS ARE TO BE COMMENDED FOR RAISING SUCH A WONDERFUL MAN. I KNOW THAT THEY ARE PROUD OF THEIR SON AND THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS HE HAS MADE.
I WOULD LIKE EVERYONE TO KNOW HOW MUCH WE AS LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS IN DAVIS COUNTY APPRECIATE THE COMMUNITIES SUPPORT. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK THE MANY AGENCIES ACROSS THE NATION FOR THEIR SUPPORT. THE EMOTIONS HAVE RAN THROUGH ME NOT ONLY SORROW, BUT EXTREME PRIDE. I CAN TELL YOU THAT DENNIS WAS PART OF A BROTHERHOOD THAT EXTENDS WELL BEYOND OUR COMMUNITY. IF YOU SEEN THE SERVICES HELD FOR DENNIS, WITH THE 300 PLUS OFFICERS, CARS, AND COLOR GAURD, YOU WOULD KNOW WHAT I MEAN. THE FEELING I HAVE IS THAT IT WAS ONE OF THE MOST IMPRESSIVE TRIBUTES THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN FOR ONE OF THE BEST OFFICERS I’VE EVER BEEN AROUND. I CAN CERTAINLY TELL YOU THAT I DON’T WANT TO SEE IT AGAIN. GOD BLESS DENNIS, HIS FAMILY, AND FRIENDS.


DAVIS COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF
DAVE DAVIS 26-4

Deputy Dave Davis
Davis County Sheriff's Office

To the Family, Friends and The Davis County Sheriff's Department:

It brings great sadness when one of our Brothers or Sisters are taken from us so unexpectedly. With this great love that we hold to one another, keep that closeness amongst yourselves. The death of Deputy McElderry will leave a void in your hearts but know that I truly believe that he is sitting up in Heaven, proud of the love that has poured throughout the United States in his Memory.

Deputy McElberry lived and died a "TRUE HERO". Rest in Peace Brother.

Belia Fessenden
Retired, Pinal County So. AZ

My dad was a wonderful man, now looking back on the times i really do wish things could have came out diffrent. He loved working as a Deputy Sheriff, his boss being one of his close friends, Monte im not sure what he'd do with out you. Work was everything to him he loved the people he worked with and helping the community. He may have been busy and not had much time, but he always found time for us kids and that really does mean a lot to me. There are so many things that i now wish i could have told him. I love you with all my heart dad, and i miss you so much. We had our diffrences but that doesnt change anything. Going fishing with you, camping, gathering eggs at Dean's, feeding the cows, our pet turkey and most importantly the mushy macroni that i made!! we had some great times and i wish things didnt have to end like this. Jocelyne you have been awesome, i know it must be tough but we'll all get through it. I want to thank everyone for all the support, the nice comments that are wrote in here, cards and flowers. They really do mean a lot!!! This has been the hardest time in my life, but one thing is for sure dad died doing what he lived for.
I love you very much dad and miss you tons already!!!

Jennifer Leigh McElderry
Oldest Daughter of Dennis

Dennis: I am glad I got to work the past six months with you. I will miss you greatly! It wont be the same with you not around; who will the night shift pull pranks on now? Rest in peace and watch over us from heaven.

Dispatcher/Jailer
Davis County, Iowa

I had spent many late nights metting with Dennis at the county line. Whether it be just ot talk or to pass on information to each other. It was always a fun meeting, no matter the content.

I was out of town with my wife when I learned of Dennis' passing, and I was left speechless. To me Dennis was a true friend.

I attended the services on Wednesday in Bloomfield, IA, where I was a police officer for 4.5 years, and was overwhelmed with the response not only from Law Enforcement across the U.S., but from the citizens of Bloomfield. Dennis really did touch the hearts of many people.

God bless Dennis and family.

Deputy Wes Schwanke
Van Buren County Sheriff's Office

I had to the privilege to know you and work with you on different occassions. You'll be missed in many ways brother! Please watch over us.

Chief Dep. M.H. Miller
Wapello Co. S.O.

Rest Well amigo...we already miss you

911 Dispatcher
Van Buren County Sheriff's Office

Dennis,

I'm so honoured to have had the opportunity to share my life with you. You were not only my fiance, but my best friend, and soul mate. I'm going to miss snuggling up at night and hearing all that had happened to you during the day. I'm going to miss your corny sense of humour. I'm going to miss your smile. Most of all, I'm going to miss you. Rest in peace Dennis. You will not be forgotten.

I love you,

Jocelyne

Jocelyne Brar, fiancee

My thoughts and prayers are with the family & friends of Deputy McElderry. I didn't know Deputy McElderry personally, but did attend the academy with several people who did. I called one of them the other night to ask how they were doing. Let me tell you, after speaking with them, it was very obvious that Deputy McElderry was the officer, father, and friend, all of us wish to be.

Deputy McElderry, you have left an impression with my friend. One that will last a lifetime.

Deputy McElderry, though I never had the honor of meeting you, you have left an impression with me. One that will last my lifetime.

Officer Dallas Morrison
Red Oak Police Department

When Dennis interviewed for the position of Deputy Sheriff I asked him why he wanted to be a Deputy Sheriff. Dennis told me that he wanted to make a difference.

I hired Dennis in May of 1999 and he attended Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (Class of 1999) – LEIN School - Clandestine Lab School and Dennis was a member of the Clandestine Lab Team.

In the years that Dennis worked for the Sheriff’s Office, he had an effect on everyone he worked with.

He was always smiling, he was kind, compassionate and fair. Dennis never complained or had a bad word to say about anybody. Dennis just loved law enforcement.

He knew what was going on in the community and was a volunteer for several community organizations.

Dennis was always available and he helped me with numerous special projects. Dennis was a great asset to this community; he worked many extra hours on the Sheriff’s Office without compensation.

Dennis had so much initiative; he solved arsons, drug cases and burglaries. Dennis’ hard work benefited the entire community. Dennis brought to the Sheriff’s Office an ability to track suspects that amazed everyone.

Many times he surprised Officers and Criminals alike with his ability to link footprints and tire tracks to their source.

Dennis was a good friend of mine; I admired his good moral character, honesty and his faithfulness to his family and friends. Dennis lifted the sprits of those that he was around. Words do not exist to describe how much I will miss him. Dennis said he wanted to make a difference in the community, Dennis succeeded.

Sheriff Monte Harsch
Davis County Sheriff's Office