Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear Frank, As I sit here reading all the messages left for you, I can't hold back the tears. We always hear of these things happening in other places and never really think that it will happen so close to home. Why you had to leave us, we will never know. But only the good die young. And you were one of the best. May God bless your family. We know that you are up there in Heaven now watching over us all. You will never be forgotten.

Until we meet again.

Deputy M. Vogel
Wake County Sheriff's Office

Deputy M. Vogel
Wake County Sheriff's Office

September 26, 2003

Deputy James, your brothers and sisters at the Omaha Police Department are praying for you, your family, and the Wake County Sheriff's Office. You are a true hero!

Officer Mike Davis
Omaha Police Department

September 24, 2003

My thoughts and prayers go out to the deputy's family and friends and co-workers. I have family in Wake County and I love the area very much. Makes me very sad to think of one less hero protecting my family on the streets. Your in our prayers down here in Florida.

Wendy Srtodder/Dispatcher
Polk County Sheriff's Office,Bartow Florida

September 22, 2003

I was deeply saddened by the news. The senseless passing of another hero. This one closer to home than most. Unknown to me but no less important. Each one we lose is one more too many regardless of the circumstances. Few are brave enough to fill our shoes so any loss is too great for the "family" to withstand. I pray that Deputy James personal family will be blessed with the strength to recover. We have lost another hero, gaurdian, friend, and brother, but they lost a husband, dad, and son.
Pray for them, for it may be one of our families that needs the support and comfort next.
Rest in peace brother.

Member of the
Wake Forest Police Department

September 22, 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 19, 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 William did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and William 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 James' 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 William 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 William 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 17, 2003

I RECENTLY ATTENDED OFFICER SURVIVAL CLASS WITH FRANK JAMES FROM AUG.25-29. THE MOMENT I SPOKE TO FRANK I INSTANTLY LIKED HIM. HE SAT IN FRONT OF ME IN CLASS AND WE TEAMED UP ON ALMOST EVERY PRACTICAL EXERCISE WE DID. BEFORE THE END OF THE WEEK, WE HAD EXCHANGED NEXTEL NUMBERS TO STAY IN CONTACT. WHEN I HEARD OF FRANKS DEATH I WAS SHOCKED AND SADDENED. FRANK WAS ONE OF THE FRIENDLIEST PEOPLE I'VE EVER MET. I WILL ALWAYS KEEP FRANK IN MY MIND AND IN MY HEART. HE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.

OFFICER STEVEN ABBACCHI
SMITHFIELD POLICE DEPT.

September 17, 2003

"The Final Inspection"

The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.

There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

Author Unknown

Raleigh Officer

September 17, 2003

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow officers of Deputy James.

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

Anonymous

September 16, 2003

REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND, AND MAY GOD BLESS THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

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

DV DEPUTY S GRANTHAM
SAMPSON CO SHERIFFS OFFICE

September 15, 2003

We are truly saddened at Bill's loss.
--------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------
Our prayers will be with you, your family, and co-workers!

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

September 15, 2003

Although I only new you for a short time, you were always there to hold down the Southside. I was there that night from begining to end with our brothers. You can rest now, we will take it from here.

C.M. Roche D923
WCSO

September 14, 2003

To the family, friends, and co-workers of Deputy James,
I am so sorry to read about the loss of your loved one. It breaks my heart to see another name of the list of SO many heros. I know the pain you are feeling, I have been there. Just wish there was something I can do to ease your pain. You are ALL on my mind and in my prayers. May God take your broken hearts and hold them in His gentle, loving hands and comfort you. I wish you peace.
Another angel got his wings! God only takes the best!!
Thank you Deputy James for your sacrafice. You are a hero.
Kristi Robinson
Girlfriend of Officer Steve Linen, CA Highway Patrol
EOW 8/12/01

Kristi Robinson
Survivor 2001

September 14, 2003

Deputy James;

Having joining this agency in April of this year. I had the opportunity to have met you briefly during an In-Service Training exercise. And during that short period of time while teamed up with you, you brought several smiles my way..........an I THANK YOU!.
Rest in peace my BROTHER for you have served the citizens of this county well.
As I close but not the short memories we shared togther, I say to you," may God bless you and your family..............SAVE A SEAT FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Deputy G. Street B-722
Wake County Sheriff's Off.

September 13, 2003

Hello. Mr. Frank meant alot to everyone. His friends, family, and co-workers. It has been a sad week for all of us. I just hope that it makes everyone think twice every time they go somewhere, to make sure that they tell everyone they love them. This experiance has drawn everyone closer to there loved ones. I just hate that this is what it took to do that.
Parents, always tell your kids you love them. And count you blessings.
Kids, always tell your parents you love them. And mean it. Mr. Frank was a wonderful man, and now, he is in a wonderful place.
~Whitney Langdon~

Whitney Langdon
Church

September 13, 2003

GOD bless D/S James and his family. We'll see our loved ones again one day when we too go home. It is left to us to live good and productive lives to honor those that have gone before us and to carry on the work. Have faith in the Lord and he'll carry you through.

Deputy Sheriff
Polk County Sheriff's Office, Florida

September 12, 2003

Dink,
I love you my brother. I was floored to hear of your passing. You will always have a place in my heart. I don't think you ever knew how many lives you touched. Until we meet again my friend.

Anonymous

September 12, 2003

Deputy James D913

When I was duty working days on nights I could always rely on you to back me up. On traffic stops in the middle of the night when I saw that Wake County Crown Vic stop by, and you checking on me will be missed. I am glad that we had meet and worked together for your 3 yrs here in Wake County. Rest in peace Brother James, Wake S.O. lost a "Great" Deputy.

Officer Greg W. Bailey
Apex Police Dept. NC.

September 12, 2003

Mr. Frank
you would always be there if there was a problem! I will miss every thing about you i will pray for you and your family for a long time you where there if i had a secret i could tell you and you would not tell any one! When i herd what happnd i was in me room doing a puzzle with my best friend and i just startd to cry in front of her we went and looked on TV and you where all over the news i just cryed for the longest time . I WILL NEVER FORGET MR. FRANK OR HIS FAMILY
OLIVIA KRAHWINKEL

Olivia Krahwinkel
Church Family

September 12, 2003

i lost my dad in line of duty on 02/20/03 i will be praying for your family and his department

deputy john hicks
avery county sheriffs office newland nc

September 11, 2003

I never knew deputy franklin ..but his loss hit home for me, with my best friend also being a police officer from north carolina. i wrote this poem for your angel. may you all find comfort in the many happy memories of this special man,and may god surround you with love in the days to follow.with much love and thoughts from across the ocean...

Brothers In Blue

Like any other night
Like any other call..
But never to know,would be his last
and he'd fall...

His brothers in blue
hang their heads and they cry
at the senseless loss..
and for their friend who has died..

But his badge will shine on
Within hearts that he knew
And his soul will be lifted
by his brothers in blue..

Straight to the heavens
and the Father above
Where his courage will carry down to them
On the wings of a dove

So sadly they wipe away their tears
and give thanks for his friendship
they had through the years..
another cop today gave his life for you
forever in heaven
an angel in blue.

dedicated to..
Deputy William Franklin James
Wake County
NC USA

Rosie
Sydney Australia

September 11, 2003

Frank James was called many different names by those who knew and loved him. He was a son, a husband, a father, a brother, a Deputy and a friend. Today I must say good-bye to a friend. I will always cherish the times spent with Frank. His memory will forever live in my heart. I am a better man for knowing him. God Bless and Rest in Peace Brother!

For those of us who believe His word: "Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

-Mathew 5:9

PO II Joey Best
Apex Police Department

September 11, 2003

Frank,
We Miss You!
We miss your kind, considerate, compassionate and fun loving ways.
And yes that, sheepish grin. Although we only knew you for a short
period of your 33 years you have made a huge impact in our lives. You
watched over us here in the Vill. of Sunset which was always a comfort
to us. Especially for a single Mom knowing that you (or someone like
you-fellow officer) are there, helps us rest a little easier. As Myranda
said, “It’s O.K. Mama, he watched over us here on earth, now he will
watch over us from haven.”

April and Travis,
You are family to us and our hearts go out to you and the rest of your
family. We share you sadness but we also find comfort in the knowledge
that Frank is truly in the arms of an angel. We will miss him, remember
him and see him again in haven. You will be in our prayers. May God
bless you and bestow his blessings upon you.

To all the law enforcement officers,
Thank you! Thank you for watching over us, protecting us and making
this a better, safer place to be and for being willing to make the ultimate
sacrifice if need be.

Frank, you are an inspiration to us all
God Speed,

Melinda, Myranda, Kaila Blankenship
Church Family

Church Family

September 11, 2003

To Frank's mother, wife, son, family and obviously so many friends that Frank had, I send my deepest sympathys.

This type of tragedy is always difficult to bear and we all always pray it is not one of our own. However; this time, we face it with saddness and despair. Wondering why, and for what, wishing we could go back and change it?
I saw an entry on this site from a deputy in Orlando, FL who was from the class of 1988 (CHS). I too am a member of Frank's graduating class and feel compelled to leave a message.

I have been reading the entries from so many, and it appears that he was the same Frank we have always known him to be.
You see, when he and his family lived in Inverness not so many years ago he was exactly the way you described him as being just last week. Funny, goofy, having an energy that made everyone take notice. He loved to laugh and that "grin" he always had made you wonder what he was up to. Even then he was a young man with a vision knowing he would go into the military and then become a law enforcement officer.
Bravo to you Frank for living your life as you had visioned. Though his life was cut short so many of us can learn from what he left behind.....Be positive, find your smiles again, let this tragedy help make sure you live life with that energy and with the optimism that he had. If one person is turned around by this event, I know, the Frank I remember, would be honored and proud. Things are all different now but he will be with you always in your hearts and memories.
God Bless You All
Heather Kelly (Tyler in school)

September 11, 2003

April and Travis,

Frank will be missed by everyone that knew him. I just want you to know what an influence that he was to my two children's lives. Daniel and Whitney thought the world of Frank. They enjoyed being around him and talking with him. He always made them laugh as he did a lot of people, We will miss Frand and will always remember him. This is a sad time for everyone. April and Travis you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Virginia Langdon
Church Family

September 11, 2003