Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

Hey dad god its been awhile since i've been here i guess i dont come here cause i just dont want to get stressed. Im sitting in class right now. yes sir i know i should'nt be on any computer right now but screw it i wanted to leave my thoughts to you before i forget and also so everyone can see what i think what i feel and how your passing has been such a struggle to my child life. But soon i will be a man another step in life but before i finish my step i gotta pass highschool ugh... hopefully you can help me on that one........ Love Josh

p.s. Keep sienna out of trouble and uncle mike hopefully stopped smoking

Josh Strickland
SON

January 22, 2007

Fallen but NEVER forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEO's

September 24, 2006

Baby,
It's been a while since I've been here. I just finished reading Josh and Danielle's reflections to you. They sure have grown up in the last 3 years. I still find it hard to believe that we haven't heard your voice or seen your face in 3 years. As you know, Christopher has become a handsome, young man with a lifetime of opportunities ahead of him. He graduates from A.I.T. Dec. 14th and I know he is ready. Josh is doing better in school this year (it helps that Danielle is there with him). They are in a great college prep school and Danielle is really handling high school well. Thank you for being here the week before Uncle Mike died and preparing me as well as being in the room with us and helping him cross over. I know that you and my dad were there with him and that made the transition for him easier. It sure gets lonely around here (4 important men in my life are gone). Josh does his best to step up, but he hasn't quite figured out yet how to be the man. As you know, everyone is doing fine (Aunt Ardis is a strong woman)just getting by day to day. Continue to keep your hands upon Christopher and B.J., keep them both safe in today Army. We love you and we miss you, but we'll see you all one day in God's Kingdom. I love you!
Peanut

Becky Strickland

September 18, 2006

hey dad its me your son just stopping bye before i go to school to tell you i love you and well things get rough around here since chris has left. But as long as your here with me im sure i can take care of the family like you always said to..

joshua strickland
son

September 12, 2006

Dear dad it has been so long since ive seen your face i cant wait to see you .Love you tons you are forever in my heart.

love you always,
your daughter danielle s:]

your little girl
my dad

September 5, 2006

Dear John,
I sure doesn't seem like it's been almost three years but yet sometimes it seems like a life time. I really do miss you, and I believe that you are aware of what has been taking place and is taking place in your families life in your absent and that you are very proud of your son Chris. For him to follow in your foot steps is truly an honor that only a father can be proud of and know that you helped make him grow into the man he is becoming, and I thank you for that, please keep and hand on him as he follows the road in life and starts to make his own paths and help him when he should take a wrong turn and get back on the right path, keep him strong and brave as he gradrates in the next week and takes the next steps. Truly you have seen the beautiful women your daughter is growing into and how well she handles her horse, when she is on her horse you can't help but look at her with pride and know that she belongs to you and her mom, and Josh will he just a chip off the old block he looks and acts just like you, when God created him I think he used your mold and only used and little of peanut, Josh would make a great actor or maybe then again he would fit into the Blue Collar Comedy Act. Your in my thought and I miss you.
Love, Melissa

Melissa Wilkerson
Sister-in-law

July 30, 2006

John,

Yesterday was your 41st birthday. The kids and I spent it together in memory of you. We watched movies and ate your favorite meal from McDonald's. You are missed and loved!! You are in our minds and our hearts! We wish we could have spent your birthday with you, but we know that one day, we will see you again and spend all the rest of your birthdays with you. We love you forever and for always.
Love your wife and children.
R.I.P

Becky Strickland

November 12, 2005

dear John,
Today as you know would have been your 40th birthday here on earth and I can see you and Becky and the kids going to Mcdonalds for dinner and then catching a movie. Then tommorrow if you didn't have to work you and Becky would have taken your motorcycles out for a spin. Danielle would have drawn you a picture of the dogs eating your birthday cake and Josh would have played you a song on the guitar or told you a joke, Chris would have given you a card that he a Jacob had went and pick-up from Wal-mart. Becky would have went and picked you up something for you motorcycle or your career. (k-9 unit). But we all know that you are in wilt our heavenly Pappa and are propably having a grand time and in your own way missing your wife and children. But please know this that they are being well look after by Mom, Aunt Ardis, and Uncle Mike and that there is not a day that does not go by that we don't think about you or thank God for blessing Becky with you. Your stories of growing up and being in the services are truely missed, are so are you my brother, along with your wife and children if I could change yesterday we would all be getting together and celebrating you BIRTH together with you and not in memory.
Miss you and love you John.
Love Melissa
P.S.
When ever you get a change send peanut a sign, and tell Dad Hi.

Melissa Wilkerson
Sister-in-law

November 11, 2005

Your passing has been heavy on my mind lately and though we never met, cousin, I still feel the pain. My condolences to you Uncle Bill, Auntie Sylvia, Cousin Candy and all of the family I haven't had the pleasure of meeting. Miss y'all.

Robert Neil Simmons Jr.

November 11, 2005

Happy Birthday !! Bro Still thinking of you. Love David

David F. Strickland
BROTHER

November 11, 2005

Mr Strickland
You don't know it but a week or so before you died you investigated a robbery at my house. The angry that I felt towards the perpetrator was uncalmable, but you calmed it. Thank you for the job you did and the inspiration that you filled me with. Since that date I enlisted in a BLET program and graduated third in my class. I am currently awaiting my 21 birthday to join the force. Thank you for showing me how worse it could have been had somebody been home and inspiring me to help others the way your helped me. Rest in peace brother and god speed. My sorrow goes out to your family and may god guide them in their loss and keep them. Thank you again you changed me life.

George Miller
none

October 1, 2005

Deputy Sheriff Strickland,
On today, the 2nd anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice, not just to your community, but to our Country as well when you served in the U.S. Army.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

September 24, 2005

Remembering you and thinking of you on the two year anniversary of your death. My prayers are with your family who misses you so very much. I also hope that your dad, wife, kids - all of them know that your spirit has never left their side. You are there with them, giving the guidance and strength to get through each day. You must have been one heck of a person - the reflections left for you are beautiful tributes to your life, and strong indications that you are loved by many people. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Rest peacefully. A special hug is being sent to your dad.....

Michigan

September 24, 2005

Hey Bro, another year has passed since you left us. You are remembered on a regular basis in my mind and heart. I still think of our childhood and times we actually got to hang out as adults. You may have left us, but those memories will stay with me forever. Dad and I speak of you often in our long distance contacts, I often find myself speaking of you as a reminder that I had a brother and we had special times throughout the times we were together. You will always be thought of, all the time, Today is a day of sorrow for us left behind by you. You will never be forgotten as the person that touched so many people throughout your time here with us, or as the brother of mine:::: Love David

David F Strickland
Brother

September 24, 2005

John ,
I can't believe that it will be 2 long years tomorrow. It seems like just yesterday you were leaving in your patrol car. I check this sight everyday and I just read the one from the lady in Ca. It is very comforting to know that you will never be forgotten even by those people who never knew you. I miss you! Our children miss you!! You were a great soldier, officer, husband, father and christian. I know that you are wearing angel's wings with your double uniform. You provided this country with a great service and your state. I love you and wish you were still here by my side. I pray that you have found a sense of peace and freedom that you never had in life. I will see you again and we will be together again. Be with us and help us be strong. You know what difficult decisions Chris is trying to make and I pray that you guide him on the correct and chosen path. I know that you are watching over my nephew in Iraq and keeping him safe. Continue to visit us and to always let your presence be know. Sometimes we all need a wake up call! You are in my mind, my heart, my daily thoughts and my prayers. Your life is celebrated everday, but more so tomorrow. I know that you did not die in vain. God gave you to us for a short time, for he had other plans for you. Continue to do what you are doing now and rememember, your children and I love you!!!!!
Your loving wife and children

Becky Strickland

September 23, 2005

To the family and friends of Deputy John Strickland and his fellow deputies with the Harnett County Sheriff's Dept:

I was so saddened to read about the tragic circumstances in which John lost his life. On behalf of our entire family, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences for the grievous loss you have suffered.

In reading the reflections about John, it is obvious he was well respected by his peers and loved by many. John's dedication to his job will never be forgotten, nor will his military service to our country.

I am glad that his wife and children have been comforted by the law enforcement community and other police survivors. To his parents, especially his father whose recent reflection I just read, I so feel your pain and grief. The overwhelming sense of loss when your child is taken from you is truly indescribable, and a horror that no parent should have to suffer. It feels like a big chunk of your heart is missing.

Our family grieves with you and for you. We share your anquish as we lost our beloved Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg Police Dept. when he was fatally shot this April during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers.

Larry and I were both born in Durham, North Carolina and still have so much family there. Those losses in the Carolina law enforcement community hit me hard just like the ones here. No matter how many miles are between us, there is no distance between our hearts.
During this anniversary week of John's death, a blue candle is being lit for him here and he is being remembered and revered in California.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of service your John gave to man, community, and country, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 24 2003.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg, CA PD
eow 4/24/05

September 22, 2005

Hey Uncle John,
I just wanted to say that I love you and miss you very much. I think of you everyday. I'll see you again one day, you are my angel on Earth.
Love your neice,
Nichole

August 8, 2005

John,
We miss you and we love you. You are thought of everyday and remembered in our prayers. Rest in peace.
Your wife and children

Becky Strickland
wife

August 3, 2005

My loving son,you have been heavy on my mind today,I have cryed so much today that my eyes look like frog eyes,I know you are smiling at that.It was so great to see Becky and the kids the other day at the nameing of the road in your name,they have growen so much,Danile is so pretty,and the boys are so good looking, of course they came from a good looking family, right.I know your are proud of them, I wished I could have had more time with them while they were here,but I was admitted to the Hosp the very next day with chest pains, seeing Becky and the kids was just to much for me. the old heart has just been hurt so much, thers not much left of it, Im ready to come see my son , one of your buddis from Blitz crew has passed on too. Freda,left us last week, of course it set me backmore, I don't know what the good Lord has in store for me, but I wish he would please seen me a little sunshine.John I want you to say a little pray me and mom, she has had it hard since you left us, she cryis more then I do, you were our first, we miss you so much, and I know your family does also,John I want to say a few words that I put together just for you son, please bear with my spelling becouse I don't write as much as I use to, my statement goes like this.My dear beloved son,I miss you so much. but I know you have gone to a better place,where there is no more pain, no 911 calls where ther is peace and joy. John boy,John,Sfc JohnStrickland.Deputy John Strickland, All the titles you had, but the one Im most proud of is OUR SON JOHN. and how I remmber that dart day in Sept,2003, when 2 offices of law knoxed at my door with tears in thier eyes and said sir,Im so sorry to enform you that your son John has just died. The sorry , pain.and hurt I can't begin to describe only my heart felt like it was busting inside,Now some endeing long about 9 I take old Blitz and we walk on down the road to that old Pine where my son died. We sit ,cry,and Pray some too, why him Lord and not me , why Master,why. so please take this note of advise ,never put off for tomorro to say I love you, becouse you might find your self doing as me and my dog Blits, setting beside some old Pine tree at night crying and Praying to God and the one you love so very much. this is from my old heart John, Love Dad

Cpt. William Strickland
Harnett county Sheriffs Dept ,Ret

June 28, 2005

John,

Today is fathers day and you are thought of fondly. Danielle asked me yesterday, What are we going to do for dad tomorrow? What are we going to do? We miss you and love you! I hope you have finally found the peace that eluded you in life. We will see you again one day!

Rebecca Strickland

June 19, 2005

Dear John - Today is the day a highway is being dedicated to you. It is a difficult time for those who loved you, even though they are so very proud. Please look down upon them all and give them some of your strength to carry on. I am a good, old friend of your parents and have witnessed their pain firsthand. They are very lonely in this life without you, as I am sure all others who loved you are. Please help them get though this - especially your Mom who I love so very much, ever since childhood.

Vivian Gionti DiCenso

April 18, 2005

A loving son,brother,husband, father and a friend.Born on Veteran's Day, named after a powerful disciple of Christ and a president that the whole world loved.You truly loved and respected your parents and followed in your father's footsteps.You served your country in the miliary for 20 years.Upon retirement you entered law enforcement training where you graduated with honors.And then joined the Harnett County Sheriff's Department where your father faithfully served for 20 years.You were loved and respected by all who met and knew you. On this special day, April 18, 2005, looking down on the people that love and miss you every day. We know you are smiling and are so very proud.We honor you,John,in this special dedication ceremony of The Deputy John Strickland Memorial Highway for every one to see. Love you,Mom and Dad

April 15, 2005

Dear John

I don't realy know how to start,Me and my Husband Thomas are Friends of you Parents "God bless them"

I met you only once, when your Dad and you stopt at the House,talking to Tom over the Fence.He proudly said "this is my Son John and he is joining the Sheriffsdepartment" You could tell it filled his Heart with so much Joy.
It is funny how things work in Life,because then we din't knew you Family that well,my Husband knew your Dad.Even though your Dad allways stopt to say Hello or to see our German Shepherds that we had at the time,when we still trained Dog's.And I only met your Mom once before. Now after they lost you,we came toghether once more and became clother Friends. We go and do Karaoke together whenever we can or take the Dogs (of your Parents) for a strole through the Woods.And I just love your Mom she is so easy to talk to and her Peorsonallity is like I would amagin an Engel,chearfull like a Bird with so much love in her Eye's for you and the Memories she carries,only the whisper of the Wind could tell.
Through your Mom and Dad's tellings about you,I feel like I know you.It is a great loss to the Human Race that you had to part so soon,as so many others before you.But you are in Heaven now and with al the good and nice things said about you,I know that God has giving you the bigges reward of all, "Angelwings" so that you can help him do his Work.
And I know when you see your Parents cry that you will spred your Wings around them and fill their Hearts with warmth,love and joy.
When we see the Birds in the Sky we know it's the Angels of Heaven that there fly.


With Thoughs and Prayers to al you left behind,

Tom and Tina Wilkerson

Tina Wilkerson

December 30, 2004

John you are missed throughout the year, but during these holiday times the most.
Love David

David F. Strickland

December 26, 2004