Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The year that you were taken away from our department, I was still on patrol. I remember many times calling you, and you would always come to the rescue. The very next year, I was placed in CID, and I remember thinking, I can't do what Jim did. Four years later I still think about that. We(CID)will never be able to do what you did. You are still a very respected man, and we will always mss you!!!

Lt. Matt Rice
Co-Worker

July 16, 2007

I want to share a few things about one of the truly greatest men I have ever known. Next month will be 4 years since Detective Jim Wooley passed away and I have never really told anyone how I really feel. Not a day goes by that I do not think about him. I feel sad that he is gone and I feel regret that I couldn't help him. But lets just start at the beginning. When I first started at the sheriffs office, Jim worked in CID and he was always so nice to me. I worked in the jail and he must have thought I was such a dork because I would always ask these stupid questions when I didn't understand something but he kind of took me under his wing and went out of his way to help me. When I started dispatching he was the same way and was very supportive even though I was the worst dispatcher ever. When he became our Chief and was acting Sheriff for a short while, he still took his time and talked to me, he managed the postion he was thrust into while still managing the emergency squad and cid like the pro that he was. When we got a new Sheriff, Jim was so professional that I went to his office one day and asked him how I should act...I was really worried that I wouldn't have a job. Thats when he gave me this speech about loyalty to the county, honor in doing a good job, and integrity no matter what. I try to remember those words everyday when I feel weak. But probably my best memories of Jim Wooley were when I was torturing him...lol!!! Jim used to call in to dispatch from his office and when I saw that it was his extension, I would answer the phone saying "Thank you for calling Wal-Mart, may I help you?" He fell for it everytime!!!! I'm talking months!!! So after that he nick-named me "Wal-Mart" and to this day, I still pull it on Deputies that I like and when I do I remember Jim in a good way. Another fond memory was that he used to have this really cool Motorola phone that he wore on his belt and when he came to dispatch I was on a mission!!!! I was on a pretzel kick for awhile and when he wasn't looking I would snag a pretzel on the antena...I could get 3 or 4 on it and he would never know. The funny thing is, even after he caught me the first time, people would ask him for a pretzel and he would have no idea what they were talking about. He'd walk around all day with those dang pretzels on his belt before he figured it out. Damn I miss him. Maybe the saddest part of what I want to say about Jim is that I let him down. When he had his accident, I was working, but I had no idea where he was. Cid never told us where they were going or what they were working on, (they don't even do that now). I got a call from Conway Pd asking if I had someone named Jim on a call, because someone called and said they were hurt, I had no idea who they were talking about but I sent medical and while they were enroute I found out who it was. I was so mad!!!! He went to Conway Regional and then to Little Rock. At first everyone said he would be fine, that he was just scraped up, but after he went to Little Rock it became more serious. I think I told everyone I knew that when Jim was better, I would give him my speech about scaring me and I was so mad that he never told me where he was. I'm talking very mad. One of the first calls I got the next day at work was from an employee from the hospital saying Jim had passed away and things for me just tilted. I felt so guilty and still do that I was mad at him. He left us too early, none of us that knew him were ready. So at the end of the day, when I remember the things he told me, I keep him alive with me. And his son works for us now. I hope he is just like his Daddy, but also hope he makes his own way. I haven't tried the pretzels on Chad yet but I will!!!

I will alway miss you Jim,

Love, Wal-mart

Dispatch/Robin Young
Faulkner County Sheriffs Office

July 5, 2007

Detective Wooley, I just wanted to thank you for your service sir. It is obvious you were respected and a dedicated Officer. Keep watch from above as you patrol the golden roads of Heaven. To your wife, family, friends and co-workers you all are in my thoughts and prayers. You, sir, will not be forgotten.

NC LEO
Winston-Salem PD

March 19, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones as I know they think of you ever single day and will continue to do so and the silent tears still fall because of their broken hearts. Continue to keep watch over them, wrap your wings around them and protect them from harm. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

January 11, 2007

DEAR JIM, IT HAS BEEN OVER THREE YEARS NOW , AND I STILL MISS YOU SO MUCH. THERE IS SO MUCH I WOULD LIKE TO TELL YOU. WE HAVE TWO NEW GRANDBABIES. I KNOW YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEM. I TELL THEM ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME AND WHAT A GREAT MAN YOU WERE. YOU MAKE ME VERY PROUD OF YOU AND WHAT YOU DID FOR YOUR COMMUNITY. IN MY EYES YOU WERE THE GREATEST OFFICER,FATHER,HUSBAND AND GRANDFATHER. I LOVE YOU ,CLARA

YOUR WIFE CLARA WOOLEY

November 10, 2006

It's been over three years and I still can't believe Jim isn't with us anymore. I can still see him walking down the hallway of the sheriffs office with a big box of files under his arm (literally a cardboard box)...going about 90 miles an hour in those cowboy boots. He had more honesty and integrity of any officer that I have ever known and I miss him so much. To his family, I consider it an honor that I knew him. He was special, he was my friend, and he is still missed.

RYoung
Dispatch/FCSO

September 16, 2006

Dearest Family of Detective Wooley,

I read the story of Jimmy's accident and thought once again how the public just does not realize how every day, every call, over and over, our beautiful, precious loved ones put their lives on the line. Doing their job, that they love, never knowing when they go on duty if they will finish the shift. Never will we forget the sacrifice of all those that stand in the line for us between good and evil.

With honor, love, and gratitude,
Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom Forever

Linda Rittenhouse
Mother of Officer Matthew Rittenhouse E.O.W. 9/16/04

August 5, 2006

Thinking of you HERO! God Bless your family, friends, and co-workers today and everyday.

On this, the anniversary of your passing, I SALUTE you. Thank you for choosing to serve and protect.

Dispatcher
Michigan

August 5, 2006

JIMMY ITS WONDERFUL OFFICERS LIKE YOU THAT ARE WILLING TO RISK THEIR LIVES AND PAY THE PRICE THAT MAKE A LOT OF US WANT TO DO THIS JOB. I WORKED FOR FAULKNER COUNTY AND ENJOYED MY TIME THERE. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS MY BROTHER.

C/O TINA HOWELL
YELL COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE, AR

May 14, 2006

I just wanted to say that Jim was one of the most dedicated law enforcement officers in the nation. He is still sorely missed by his peers, family and friends. I try to mirror his dedication, but so often fall short. Jimmy Wooley was a true inspiration to new officers and if there was ever an officer to pattern yourself after, Jim was the one. To this day I wear a bracelet bearing his name, I do this to first of all honor him, and secondly when the job gets overwhelming I can look at his name on my wrist and know that if Jim was still here he would tell me to keep after it. Jimmy Wooley will never be forgotten.

Investigator Andy Shock
co worker

April 27, 2006

I just wanted to say that Jim was one of the most dedicated law enforcement officers in the nation. He is still sorely missed by his peers, family and friends. I try to mirror his dedication, but so often fall short. Jimmy Wooley was a true inspiration to new officers and if there was ever an officer to pattern yourself after, Jim was the one. To this day I wear a bracelet bearing his name, I do this to first of all honor him, and secondly when the job gets overwhelming I can look at his name on my wrist and know that if Jim was still here he would tell me to keep after it. Jimmy Wooley will never be forgotten.

Investigator Andy Shock
co worker

April 27, 2006

Thanksgiving is almost here, and this time of year is very hard. This man meant the world to me, to me he would never die. It is still hard to believe he is gone. His birtday usually fell on Thanksgiving, so it is twice as hard. I know he is watching over me, but i wish he was still here to correct me when i needed it.

There is a song "Daddy's Hands" that fits the kind of person he was.

I Love you Dad with all my heart, and i miss you very much, i cant wait until i see you again someday.

November 18, 2005

Rest in peace brother.

Police Officer
Denver Police Department

August 5, 2005

Every day someone mourns and greives the death of someone close to them. After losing 3 family members within a short period of time,I asked my dad, "How do you handle all this grief?" His response was, "I think of it this way. That person like my son has taken a trip and someday I will see him again." My brother's life will be remembered for by the impact his life had on others. I miss him terribly but at the same time I am proud to have been his sister.

Judy Wooley

August 5, 2005

I want to thank all the people who here who took time to wirte letters of sympathy , I still canit get thru the
list , It hurts too much still after all
this time.
Lyle Wooley (Older Brother}
Mr & Mrs Rayburn Wooley- Parents
Judy Tabor Wooley - Sister
Mike & Phyllis Wooley Brother & Sister in law

July 19, 2005

My fiancé, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis was a Deputy Sheriff with the Davis County Sheriff's Office in southeast Iowa. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Jim did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Jim be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Detective Wooley's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. Know that my thoughts are with you. If you ever need anything please do not hesistate to contact me. Dennis' department will always know how to reach me.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Jim 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 Jim was well respected and well loved. You were blessed to have had him in your life.

Thank you Detective Wooley for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiancé Dennis for me.

Wishing you brighter and better days,

Jocelyne :)

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

April 30, 2005

I can't say how much it saddened me to learn of your eternal departure. Your service to Faulkner County was greatly appreciated. Though I only met you on one occasion, other members of my family worked with you and have always thought highly of you.

My condolences go out to your family.

God Speed...

Deputy M. Doyle
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, AR

January 10, 2005

I just want to say Thank You. During an investigation, you had recovered stolen property from my city. I had the privilege of meeting you. I had just been placed in CID and was a little nervious about meeting with someone from a another department. You invited me in and made me feel welcomed, as thought I was an old friend who had came to visit.You gave your buisness card and said call anytime. During that time my Husband who worked at another department and I, did call many times. You always returned the call and it was as if that old friend was calling to say hi. You are always in our thoughts and your family is in our prayers.

THANK YOU !

Lieutenant CID Andolina
Ward Police Department Ar

July 14, 2004

My God Bless the family and friends.
Rest in peace my brother.

Lt. Michael E. Swaim
Crawford County Sheriff's Office, AR

October 5, 2003

The words "Thank You" seem so small when it comes to expressing our gratitude for all the comforting thoughts and prayers since the loss of our Father, Officer Jim Wooley.
Our Father was the kind of Officer everyone should try to be. His life was spent for others.
We did not realize what a close family the Law Enforcement Community really is, Thank you all.

The Family of Officer Jim Wooley

The Family of Officer Jim Wooley

August 28, 2003

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow officers of Detective Wooley.

While I did not the privilege to have known you, I am sure you have earned your place in heaven. Rest in Peace my friend, those of us who remain will cover your post on the thin blue line.

Anonymous

August 25, 2003

We are truly saddened at Jim's loss.
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We all recall you gave your best.
You did your job, now you can rest.
Your comrades now can cover your post
as you take your place with the Heavenly Host.

God Bless Our Fallen Brothers & Sisters.
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Our prayers will be with you, your family, and co-workers!

Ptlm. P.K. Harding
Binghamton (NY) PD

August 20, 2003

rest in peace Brother and thank you for your service. My condolences to your family and co workers

Off E. Kavanagh
Virginia Beach Police Department

August 19, 2003

May you the family,friends and members of Faulkner County Sheriff's Office be comforted in the memories of Detective Wooley and knowing that others across this land care. Thanks for your service and Rest in Peace Our Brother. God Bless You All.

Steve & Diane

Sgt.Steve Hunt
Amory PD (MS.)

Detective Wooley will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all those in Law Enforcement that had the opportunity and priviledge to work with him. KEEP HEAVEN SAFE WOOLEY!!!

M. Ross Parole Officer II
DCC