Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Strickland,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army-especially during the Persian Gulf War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 24, 2023

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 24, 2020

I'm so proud to see all those that still recognize the amazing man you were father, it's been awhile since I have left a reflection, but I still pray and talk to you as much as I can. I had a dream about you last night, you were laying in my bed watching t.v. while I ate banana pudding next to the bed on the floor, I Remember you told me to continue the oath I'm on and to always Remember to move forward and not backwards. Life has been a little rough lately but through your guidance and mom's love I still push forward everyday. I have begun to pursue photography and it's amazes me that in almost every picture your beauty shines through. I miss you so much dad, I wish you were here to meet Taylor my fiance we will be getting married in 2022 when she graduates college, we plan on kids later in the future but for now it's focus time. I just want you to know mom, Chris and Danielle are doing great, not one time can we sit down together without mentioning you and the impact you had on all of our lives. I know your still here in spirit, but sometimes I just wish I could talk to you and ask for your advice, but I know this is a lesson your teaching me while your gone that it is my duty to be strong and push forward like you always taught us. I love and miss you so much and will always keep you in my memories and in my heart. Just wanted to stop in and say hello, I'm planning on coming to Carolina soon and see you and introduce you to Taylor. Please continue to watch over us dad and bless us with your love and guidance. Rest easy father your heroic and humbling presence will never be forgotten. Miss you dad always and forever. Your son Joshua Strickland #155, save me some of that pudding for when I see you again. Godbless you dad.

Joshua Strickland
Your beloved son

May 16, 2017

I now have a face to go with the silent "thank you" that I send every morning as I'm going to work and pass your sign on Nursery Rd. Thank you very much for your service. Rest easy Officer Strickland.

. Tara .
.

March 18, 2015

Today you would have been 50, Happy Birthday, big brother. Still not forgotten, and still missed..

David Strickland
Little Brother

November 11, 2014

I still think about and miss you!

Dianne
Friend

September 24, 2014

Babe,
WOW! Our daughter's wedding was beautiful and she was stunning :) I thought back to the time after we lost you. She, Joshua, Christopher and I were sitting in Christopher's room in NC. She asked us who was gonna walk her down the aisle when she got married? I told her that her brothers' would. As you know, because you were there in the window :), ALL of her brothers were there for her! She felt so much love that day and she felt BEAUTIFUL :) She married a wonderful man who loves her and respects her. I know you approve of him, so I told him that. How awe inspiring and heartfelt it was yesterday to look at the picture of Danielle saying her vows to Tyler and there you were!!! We all knew you were there :) Mom and Erica heard you playing the guitar when there was no other noise. Thank you for using us to show yourself. You made our Baby Girl's night! :) I Love you and miss you and know we will touch again. Please continue to watch over our children and our grandchildren! Keep them all safe and protect them. Guide them in the ways of the world. Wrap Joshua in your embrace, so they may have safe travels to Joshua's new home. Continue to guide Christopher in the ways of the righteous and never leave our girl's side. You keep her positive. Until God calls us home, we remember you fondly and lovingly.

Rebecca Strickland
Deputy Strickand;' Wife

November 13, 2013

10 yrs, Still missed and remembered, Love to you brother .....

David F Strickland
Not little, just younger, Brother

September 24, 2013

I just stumbled on this site from Canada,, and read a few of the reflections and wow what a nice guy your husband and father must have been,, I know he hears you and I know he is always watching over all of you.

A friend from Canada

steve
Friend

November 23, 2011

My Love,
It's been too long! I think about you more and more everyday :) I wish you were here to enjoy this next chapter in my life. Sometimes it seems like only yesterday you were standing in the kitchen in your deputy uniform, even your BDU's (serving your country and county proud)! Other times, it seems like it's been forever since I've seen you, touched you, smelled you or been held by you :( I miss the sound of your voice, especially your laugh as well as the rest of your goodness. I know I've made a lot of mistakes since you've been gone and I hope you've forgiven me for them. The next time I see you, I want you to envelope me in your embrace and reassure me that all of the bad is behind us. How beautiful our grandson Noah John Speers is :) Next month we will have another beautiful grandson to cherish, Camden Jonathan Terrell :) I love them for the both of us daily and will continue to until God calls me to join you. Christopher is a wonderful husband and will be a wonderful father. You taught him well. He has your pride and work ethic. He is a WONDERFUL human being and a righteous man! I am soooo proud of him :) Joshua is the exact image of you. He is a wonderful soul and has much to teach us, as you did. He knows so much and sees so much before it even happens :) I know you are watching him and instructing him. I am sooo in awe of him :) Our beautiful Babygirl Danielle is a wonderful mommy. She loves her son more than anything in this world and puts him above all others, including herself! She is a beautiful, young, lady and a joy to be around. I am sooo proud of her :) Thank you for our children and our grandchildren! I Love you more and more everyday and wish you were here to enjoy these years! Forever and Ever, Amen

Becky Strickland
Wife

October 26, 2011

Dad,

If only you were here in these times today I wonder how you would react to all the drama going on in the country. At least in spirit i have you to guide me through these times. The world is changing as you said it would, and my eyes are open as you said they would be. Love you dad, Let your light shine on. We'll all see you soon In The Great Gig In The Sky :)


Love and Light, Joshua Neil Strickland Son of A prophet from God

Joshua Strickland
Son

October 18, 2011

i wish you were here dad..im so confused i dont know what to do..i wish you were here to see your grandson be born.I wish you could help me with my guy problems i feel like my boyfriend is worthless and worth my time :( i just dont know what to think or feel...

Danielle Strickland
Daughter

January 22, 2011

I find myself visiting this page every couple of months, cousin... I don't usually leave a reflection, but feel I should. My prayers are still with you and your family and I know that without fail you are still guiding your children and family from above as my father is still doing the same for me even though he has passed over 10 years ago. My love and prayers to your family, sir.

Robert N Simmons Jr
cousin

December 14, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 16th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service to my home state and the birthplace of my son. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Becky, my heart ached for you when I read your reflection on how difficult it is to parent alone. You, Danielle, Josh, and Chris are in my thoughts and prayers.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

September 25, 2009

John,
Someone reminded me today about you and it brought back all the memories of living across the street from you, David and Candee. You, David, Byron and I had some fun times. I miss those days.
Byron misses you, you never meet my kids, I am sorry for that. You seerved proud and followed in a good man's footprints.
Terri

Terri Fultz
Childhood Friend

September 23, 2009

hey dad its been awhile
im almost 18 im trying to be the lady you wanted me to be
but its hard when i dont have you hear
mom tries but its not easy for her
theirs so many things i want you to be here for like my 18th birthday,fathers day,when i walk down the aile with the man of my dreams...why did you have to go
why did god do this
i need my father in my life
to say to everyone im a daddys girl or thats my daddy
i wish i could have told you that morning before you left how much i love you and then give you a big hug and kiss
but i cant do that anymore...all i have are your memories but thats not enough for me
all i want to tell you is i love you and i hope that even though every mistake i have mad,your not mad at me
because it seems without your guidance or knowing that your around me gets me off track i never know my next step.
i love you daddy

danielle(daughter
daughter

June 20, 2009

Hi dad,

Seems like every time I come on this website i can't stay on it but for a couple seconds.And yes,sir i do apologize for that i should be on more often letting you know whats goin on here, how it is learning to become a man by myself, and most important how the family keeps up. One thing i can say is more and more everyday mom says looking at me is like staring into the past or seeing the spirit of you in me, lol sometimes she even said it scares her how much i remind her of you. I can tell you it does scare me sometimes but thats cause i know im you flesh and soul.

You don't know how much I think about you everyday. when i see families with their fathers. or sons playin ball with dad. and i think to myself what life would be like if you were still around.

But then i stop I pause for second. . . . only for a second to reassure myself that no matter in physical or spirit you'll always be around dad.


Your Son, Joshua

Joshua Strickland
Son

April 1, 2009

John,
When Ron and I talk he speaks very highly of you and says that you were surely one hell of a deputy. I never had the pleasure of knowing your aquaintance John but I'm sure Ron was right about you. Thank you so much for your service to the well being and safety of not only the nation but to your community as well.

C/Lt. J. M. McCarn
Southern Pines Police Department
Explorer Post 0899

John McCarn
Friend of former Harnett County Patrol Team Supervisor Ron Craven

June 20, 2008

hey dad
how are you?im great just trying to get through everyday without you.
life isnt easy at all,im trying to become a young lady
but its not easy
mom has changed so much,shes not the same mom,but i cant really say that much because im not the same daughter.
i have changed yes i know but i have also grown in many different ways through life.
The bad things i do usually teach me something so when i get older i dont make the same mistakes.
my life is full of greef and sorrow, but its also full of happiness and laughs.
i know people always tell me not to look into the past but i cant help but to look because the past was great but the future hold possibilities and new meanings.
i am growing,but im still trying to be kid and survive in this world. i love you dad,you may not have been here for my whole life but you have taught me to stand up for what i believe in and what i think is right. if your watching over me,help me or atleast push me into the direction of rightouness and truth..love you and i shall see you one day in the clouds were heaven lies and the angels sing to me as i enter.
:]

Danielle Strickland
daughter

March 26, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 26, 2007

I think of you everyday, and will never be able to understand why you were taken from me. You always had a way of lifting me up or guide me in the right direction. I keep the picture of you holding me up in the air (goofing around) on my mantle with a candle lit next to it. I look at it and laugh at times and then at times I cry, wishing you were still here to "goof around". You will always be in my heart and I love and miss you forever...... Candee your little sis

Candee Dockery
sister

July 24, 2007

John,
It sure has been a long time since I wrote to you. Sometimes (most days) I don't know whether I'm coming or going. I believe that God has plans for me and that is why I am still here, but there are days I don't want to be here. Life is too hard without you here. I'm not a good mom and I'm not sure why God took you and not me. You are a better parent then I will ever be and I have made so many mistakes that I don't know how to pick myself up and start over. I wish that I could go back to a time when you were here. I need you John. Our kids need you. I don't know how to get things back on track. I feel like I am constantly stepping on someones toes and they are usually mine. If you can, please let me know that you are here and that you are helping me. I want our kids to grow up proud of theirselves and I want us to be proud of them, but I think I'm doing everything wrong. Help me.
Love you forever!

Becky Strickland
wife

March 16, 2007

hey dad im right now on the computer at school guess what i have 3 A's and i C
i know i need to bring it up i will im thinking about trying out for softball or tennis what do you think i should do?well i have made alot of friends and some of them can be mean like shannon she hates then the next day she wants to hang out.i dont get that well anyways i love you and let me know how sienna and midnight are doing.ooh and what did you think about the superbowl.pretty cool huh.ooh and about the boy i like him and he likes me but why hasnt he texted me.maybe hes nervous i dont know but again i love and i when i see you i will be an angel.xoxoxo

danielle strickland
daughter

February 7, 2007

dad i love you and miss you i wish you were here right now so i can give you a big hug and a big kiss on the cheek.why did you go?well i think god said it was your time.well i know your watching over me.i love you and i know i will see you again someday i love you forever and always

love always,
your little girl danielle:)

danielle breann strickland
daughter

February 7, 2007

May you rest in peace. Thank you for your service to your community and country through the military and your local Sheriff's Dept.

Reading the tributes here, it's easy to see you were a son, husband, father, and coworker a person would be proud to know and love. May you rest in peace and may your family find peace in memories of the times shared with you before you were taken Home.
RIP Deputy Strickland.

Granddaughter of a deceased LEO

February 3, 2007