Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The loss of such a vibrant young man as Josh, along with losing Erik and Dennis in the last 21 months, these are all tragedies that are just so hard to accept.
These deputies raised the standard for all to aspire to... doing what they loved to do, being fine men, great deputies, and good friends. All are sorely missed.
Many prayers go to Heather and Josh's family, friends, and Josh's extended family at the Fresno County Sheriff's Department. Never, Ever, Forget.

Anonymous

Rest in peace brother! You watch is covered.

Billings Police

Dear family and friends,
There are no words that we can say that can express to you our saddness as you have to go through this storm. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Cathy Hill
surviving spouse Deputy Barrett Hill
e.o.w. 12/4/00
He died protecting those he didn't even know.

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOUR SACRIFICE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.

POLICE OFFICER
NYPD

Another hero gone. Rest in peace brother we will continue the fight.

CPD, NY

Josh, you were a great deputy to work with but most of all you were a great friend. Michelle and the girls and I are grateful for the times we got to spend with you and Heather. I’m going miss the nights out with our wives and riding our Harleys together. We all love you and will miss you so much but we will never forget you. Heather and your family will be in our prayers. God bless you and may you rest in peace.

Deputy Juan Reyes
Fresno County Sheriff's Department

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Joshua be the be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Deputy Lancaster's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Joshua is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Joshua was well respected and well loved. Thank you for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please take care of my fiance Dennis.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

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

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


"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13

"Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

"God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them."
Hebrews 6:10

Virginia State University Police Department

I am so saddened to hear of yet another officer being killed in a traffic incident. Though gunfire gets the media sensationalism, vehicles and heart attacks by far claim more officers. This underscores the fact that no law enforcement duty is "routine".

I pray for this fine young officer's wife, family, friends and colleagues.

He now patrols the streets of Heaven with St. Michael.

God Bless and be safe out there.

Chief JA Millan

Chief JA Millan
NC Public Schools, Avery Dist. SP

Deputy Lancaster thank you for your dedication and service you will not be forgotten. To the family and co-workers of Deputy Lancaster our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Officer Burcham
Decatur Police Dept(AL)

My deepest sympathy goes out to those Sheriff Lancaster has left behind. You are all in my heart and prayers.
God Bless

LEO Wife
NJ

Deepest sympathy to the family of DS Joshua Clyde Lancaster.

Anonymous

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K. Murphy
Union PD, NJ

May God bless Deputy Lancaster's family and friends. Rest easy brother.

Sgt. Justin Larsen
South Jordan Police Department

This job that we do is inherently dangerous, and all of us that take the oath to protect and serve know that, however every time we lose one of our own it comes as such a devastating shock. This is our third loss in less than two years and the other wounds haven't healed yet. Now we have to deal with another tragic loss, Deputy Josh Lancaster. Josh, you road with me for four weeks, and I thank God I had the opportunity to train you. You were full of energy and it was a pleasure to work with you. You were successful as a patrol deputy and were proving yourself as a new detective. You left us doing what you loved, and now you can do it from the heavens above. I thank you, our department thanks you, and our community thanks you. May God watch over your wife Heather and family during this tragic time. We will all miss you very much. God bless you my friend and may you rest in peace.

Deputy Doug Sullivan
Fresno County Sheriff's Department

God Bless you brother and may you find peace with God
10-42

Deputy
Salt Lake Co Sheriff

Watch over your family and your department from heaven. Your time with us was too short but you've earned a special place among the pantheon of law enforcement heroes.
Rest in Peace.

Corr. Off. IV Paul Sullivan
Fresno County Sheriff's Department

Another hero has had his life taken too soon. Please know that your "extended family" feels & grieves both with you and for you. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Lancaster. May the Lord give you strength and bless each of you during this time.

Chesapeake PD V.A.

Rest in peace brother. This is a very sad time. I check the ODMP daily and we are losing brothers and sisters like you everyday. It makes you wonder if "you're next"? No call is routine and you never know in this line of work.
You will be missed, but remembered. God bless.

Ptlm
CPD, NY

Rest in peace Deputy Lancaster. May God give your family strength to carry on. God Bless.

S/TRP
South Carolina Highway Patrol

MAY GOD BLESS DEPUTY LANCASTERS FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COWORKERS. WHAT A SENSELESS DEATH. REST IN PEACE MY DEAR BROTHER IN BLUE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

May you rest in peace blue angel

Shannon
concerned citizen

BUFFALO, NEW YORK

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE OFFICERS
WISH SEND OUR CONDOLENCES. OUR THOUGHTS AND
PRAYERS ARE WITH DEPUTY LANCASTER, HIS FAMILY
AND CO-WORKERS.

GOD BLESS....

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE

Another loss for those that protect us, making sure that no harm comes our way. As a former dispatcher of a dept that has lost 2 officers in the last 4 years, one just a day ago, I can certainly feel your departments loss and pain, and to the family of Deputy Lancaster, please know that your "extended family" in law enforcement feels & grieves both for and with you. Please know that he will be there to look out for all of us now.. Rest in peace..

Michael Anne Claytor
frmr 911 Dispatcher/Chesterfield Co, VA

Please accept my condolances for your loss of Deputy Lancaster. My heart goes out to you during this time of grief.

Senior Trooper
Oregon State Police