Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I see it's been 40 years since your department has lost a deputy. But here in WA state we have seen alot of sadness with the recent passing of
Deputy Gallegos of Chelan County and Federal Way Police Officer Patrick Maher a month ago. This month also marks the 2nd anniversary of the
death of our own Whatcom County Deputy Matt Herzog. My heart goes out to your family, your wife and daughters and your fellow leos. It is a
long road to healing that lies ahead, but I know that our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ will extend His mercy and comfort to all who reach out to Him. There is none greater than He. We don't get to Heaven based on what we do, but what He did for us!! AMEN! Thank you for your tremendous sacrifice in your few short years of service. There is now a huge void that cannot be filled. God be with all those who mourn and may His promises lift all those with heavy hearts for many years to
come.

Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

September 1, 2003

We feel your loss here in Florida. May God bless you and your family. May His angels protect your loved ones now and in the years to come. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice.

Virtute Et Armis

Inv. John Creamer
Tallahassee Police Department

September 1, 2003

SEMPER FI DEVIL DOG, YOUR TIME ON EARTH IS DONE. THANKS FOR YOUR SELFLESS SERVICE TO YOUR COUNTRY, CORPS, AND PROFESSION

SSGT USMC/POLICE OFFICER

sgt

September 1, 2003

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K. Murphy
Union PD, NJ

September 1, 2003

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 Slater 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

September 1, 2003

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure James did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and James 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 Slater'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. 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 James 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 James 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)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

September 1, 2003

On behalf of the men and women who serve and work for the Georgia Perimeter College Police Department, our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy James Slater's family, friends, and co-workers with the Spokane County Sheriff's Department.

God bless. Now you can walk Heaven's beat!

Officer Johns
Georgia Perimeter College Police Department

September 1, 2003

MAY GOD BLESS DEP SLATERS FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COWORKERS. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER.

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

August 31, 2003

On behalf of the entire membership of the FBI Agents Association's Detroit Chapter, I send condolences to the friends, family and coworkers of this fallen minister of God (Romans 13:4).

SA Darin L. Paul
FBI Detroit

August 31, 2003

From another retired Marine and current law enforcement officer. You served your country well and will not be forgotten! I'm sure you'll be guarding heaven's streets! Semper Fi Brother

Deputy Sheriff Jim Grindey
Palm Beach County, Fl S/O

August 31, 2003

From 1992-1995 I served with Jim at Fort Sill OK where we trained young Marines in Artillery. My family and I came to know Jim and his family very well, and he was a true professional. Last year I retired and was unaware that I and Jim were once again in the same line of work. Jim, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Semper Fidelis Brother, Guard those streets of gold no matter what uniform you decide to do it in

Tim

Officer
Colebrook, NH

August 31, 2003

The months preceding 9-11-01, I think that we all took for granted the hours upon hours that men and women make across this country to ensure our freedom and our safety. Following 9/11, I do not think we are going to do this. To the family of Deputy James J. Slater, I offer my condolences. To the Spokane County Sheriff's Office, May God the Almighty give you the health and strength to continue to serve the citizens of Spokane County. Keep up the great Work!!!

William Haeger
n/a

August 31, 2003

I am the 911 operator who fielded the call for Deputy Slater's unfortunate and untimely passing. I did not know Deputy Slater personally, but I cannot begin to describe the sadness I have experienced. I cannot fathom what those who closely knew him are feeling. To Deputy Slater and his family, God bless you all, you will forever be in my prayers. To all his co-workers and friends, my deepest condolences on the loss of your friend and fine confidante. To all those who have supported those in mourning, including myself, thank you from the depths of my heart. And to the caller who happened upon the accident and called for assistance, you are an angel. For you were calm in the face of horror. God Bless you all.

Communications Operator, Chris Fuchs
Spokane County 911

August 31, 2003

Thank you officer Slater for you service and protection. To your family, I pray for healing. I lost someone close to me EOW 08-02-03 Federal Way, Wa. I feel your pain and keep all of our fallen hero's families are in my prayers. For those Officers still doing their duties I thank you for your courage. For the Spokane Sheriffs, stay strong and safe.

Anonymous

August 31, 2003

May God bless you, your family and your co-workers. You have given the ultimate sacrifice that we will never forget.

Semper Fi-Marine

Trooper, Jason Reese
Oregon State Police

August 31, 2003

Deputy James Joseph Slater, You will not be forgotten. Rest In Peace Brother.

August 31, 2003

Deputy Slater, I'm sadened to know that we have lost another officer in the line of duty. But, you did what you do because you chose it. You walked the thin blue line between warrior and servant and your community is grateful for your sacrifice. May God provide your family with swift closure in their loss, and to yourself, fast winds to your next assignment in heaven, as you walk those streets under his command. A huge reward is awaiting you. In the meantime, please watch over us and the remaining peace officers that will continue the watch in your absence. Goodnight sir.

Concerned Military Member
USAF

August 31, 2003

Deputy Slater.....Everyone at Spokane County 911 wanted to thank you for your service to us as co-workers, our community, and our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and friends. God bless.

Spokane County 911

August 31, 2003

Family and Friends,
It is with such a heavy heart that we had to find out about your loss. We are so very sorry that you have to go through this storm but as you walk please know that you have a strong arm of those around you to hold you up and help you along the way. Our family will continue to pray for you.

Cathy Hill, Surviving Spouse
Deputy Barrett Hill, eow 12/4/00, Harris Co. S.O.

August 31, 2003

God Bless You Deputy Slater
Rest in Peace as your family is in God's hands.

Deputy Constable LC Downing
Wharton County Texas Pct 2

August 31, 2003

Mariam and Girls - we were all proud and honored to work with Jim. We will all miss him. He was a very special man.

Policeman's Prayer
Oh almighty God,
Whose great power and eternal
Wisdom embraces the universe,
Watch over all Policemen and
Law Enforcement Officers.
Protect them from harm
In the performance of their duty
To stop crime,robberies,
Riots and violence.
We pray, help them keep our streets
And homes safe day and night.
We recommend them to your loving care
Because their duty is dangerous.
Grant them your unending strength and
Courage in their daily assignments.
Dear God protect these brave
Men and Women,
Grant them your almighty protection,
Unite them safely with their
Families after duty has ended

Communications Supervisor Rae Anna Victo
Spokane County Sheriff

August 31, 2003

Our condolence and prayers go out to the wife, children, friends and co-workers of Deputy Sheriff James Slater. It breaks our hearts each time we go to the ODMP and see that another name has been added. May God grant you peace and understanding at this most difficult time.

Sincerely,

Lyndell & Elizabeth Taylor (Murrieta,Calif.)
Parents of Deputy Sheriff
Morris Lyn Taylor (Douglas County,Oregon)
EOW 9-14-02

August 31, 2003

Rest in peace Brother James, you are a true hero and will never be forgotten.


Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham
Sand Springs PD OK

August 31, 2003

I AM FROM THE CHAT ROOM CALLED THE SUPPORT OUR OFFICERS WOLFPACK FAMILY.
WE SEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHYS AND CONDOLENCES TO DEPUTY SLATER. WE ALWAYS TELL OUR CHATTERS AND ALL WHO COME TO VISIT OUR ROOM TO GO UP TO A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, PARAMEDIC, EMT, FIREFIGHTER AND ANY OTHERS WHO PROTECT US 24/7 AND SAY THANK YOU FOR KEEPING US SAFE SO WE CAN LAY OUR HEADS DOWN AT NIGHT AND SLEEP SAFELY.
WE HONOR ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND ALL WHO PROTECT US BECAUSE WE KNOW THAT DEATH IS THEIR CONSTANT COMPANION AND WE WANT TO LET THEM KNOW THAT OUR CHAT ROOM HAS ALL OF THE IN OUR PRAYERS SO THEY KNOW WE CALL ALL ANGELS TO WALK WITH THEM DURING THEIR TOUR OF DUTY DURING THEIR SHIFTS.
From: nowaybabe2 (Original Message) Sent: 8/17/2003 3:54 PM

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.

But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from Heaven. Here I dwell with God above.

Here, there's no more tears of sadness; Here is just enternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.

Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through

God picked me up and hugged me and he said,'I welcome you.

It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.

As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on.

I need you here badly, you're part of my plan.

There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.'

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.

And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.

And when you lie in bed at night the days chores put to flight.

God and I are closest to you....In the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.

Because you are only human they are bound to bring tears.

But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain.

Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.

If I were to tell you, you would not understand.

But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.

I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you, and many hills to climb;

But together we can do it by taking one step at a time.

It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you to;

That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain;

Then you can say to God at night...."My day was not in vain."

And now I am contented...that my life was worthwhile.

Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low:

Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.

When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind;

I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go...from that body to be free.

Remember you're not going...you're coming here to me.

I will always be with you!
GOD BLESS ALL OF OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT MEN AND WOMEN WHO PROTECT US WITHOUT A SECOND THOUGHT OF WHAT THEY MIGHT BE AGAINST. WE KNOW THEY DO THEIR JOBS WITH GREAT PRIDE AND THEY DO IT BECAUSE THE LOVE THEIR JOBS AND NOT BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO
GOD BLESS ALL
MARILYN ROBINSON
aka MAMAWOLF
SUPPORT OUR OFFICERS WOLFPACK FAMILY

Marilyn Robinson
Support our Officers WolfPackFamilyl

August 31, 2003

DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF DS JAMES JOSEPH SLATER.

Anonymous

August 31, 2003