Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

TO THE FAMILY OF JOHN, 155, I WANT TO SAY THAT I WISH I KNEW JOHN BETTER. I DO KNOW THAT IN THE SHORT TIME I'VE BEEN HERE, HE WAS A VERY POSITIVE, UPLIFTING PERSON. HE WAS ALWAYS PREPARED TO DO WHAT NEEDED TO BE DONE. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU.
TO THE HARNETT CO SO, I WISH YOU ALL THE MOST COMFORT IN KNOWING HE'S STILL PROTECTING & SERVING US FROM GOD'S SIDE AND I'M PROUD TO SAY I'M A PART OF THIS FAMILY WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO KNOW JOHN F. STRICKLAND.

TC22
HARNETT CO SO

October 12, 2003

My heart goes out to the family. Be strong, you can always find strength, comfort and peace in Jesus Christ. God Bless

Deputy D.N. Harper, B712
WCSO

October 9, 2003

Once again I am very saddened to learn that another family has lost a loved one. Keep in mind that John gave the ultimate sacrifice for everyone and will be walking the rest of his beat in heaven, always looking down upon us all. I am so sorry for your loss.

T.G. Vincent,Patrol Officer

T.G. VINCENT Patrol Officer
ASHEBORO POLICE DEPT.

October 8, 2003

May God bring comfort to all today and always. With all the sadness that your heart feels may each day you remember a funny something, a special moment that was shared with John. Remember when you are having the hardest of days try to smile once a day for him. John sees us from heaven ---send him that smile.

God provides assistance in his word for the meaning of life in the book of Ecclesiates may this help guide us .

Roger and Anne Elrod
Friends of family

October 8, 2003

Hey John, this is Bigworm! I wish I could hear you call me that just one more time. I miss you so much! I don't understand why this happened to you, your such a great person! I'm having a very tough time with this. I have to believe that God needed a strong man for his Army, and a strong man he has received. I visit the tree quite often, it's the last place you took your last breath and I feel your presence there. Doc and I will always be here for your family, they will never be forgotten. You will never be forgotten. Your my angel John, and I miss you and love you very much. I'll see you in heaven one day!!

Your Little Sister,
Candee (Bigworm)

October 7, 2003

The night before
you were called by your Dad
to come in the morn
For your mom had cooked corn chowder
your favorite of them all
You came at 7:30 and talked for a spell
You didn't stay long before you had a call
You lifed your Dad up off the floor
and told him you loved him like many times before
A special second kiss you placed on your mother's lips
like many times before
Ten minutes later we heard sirens all over
and wondered if they were also responding to your call
While washing the dishes a heavy knock on the door
3 fellow officers appeared and stared at the floor
"Please sit down", They said to my husband and I
The grim news came with tears in their eyes
"A fatal accident", they said. Where sorry to say that your son John is dead.
So please remember to love, kiss and hug them Oh so frequently
Because one never knows when we will be in eternity

In loving memory of our beloved son, John
Sylvia and Bill Strickland
John's Mom and Dad

William and Sylvia Strickland

October 6, 2003

God Bless the Family, Friends and co-workers of Deputy John Strickland. To John's family thank-you for sharing him with us as he stood on the thin blue line. Know that he is in a better place serving God and patroling a new heavenly beat. You are in our prayers. To his friends and co-workers, our thoughts are with you as you press on. For John, rest easy brother, we'll take it from here. God Bless!

Detective Chuck Haley
Spokane (WA) County S.O.

October 6, 2003

Dear Brother; Days are longer now filled with tears knowing that my brother is gone from here. You were well respected and loved by all. I've been to the scene and went through the debri, asking the question why not me? We stood out by the road wondering what went wrong, realizing that you were really gone. We were'nt tight like brothers are supposed to be, but we had a love for each other that no one else had seen. I know in my torn heart that you went to a better place, and started protecting at a furious pace. That was you, come in, take charge and organize. You died responding to a call, loving what you did for all. We will heal just like the tree on side of the road, our tears are just like that of the tree, a process that will take a long time. We know you will still be on call responding to all. I have learned alot from the ordeal thanks to you. Love your family, hug and kiss them, let them know that they are very important to your life. You touched alot of people and I am sure you are now. I hope that when my time comes, I will have followed in my big brothers foot steps, with family and friends. And when that day comes I hope you will direct me, I know you will that was your pace Love You Bro : David

David Fitzgerald Strickland

October 6, 2003

I am the surviving spouse of Deputy John F. Strickland. Myself and our 3 children would like to express our deepest and sincere thanks to all of you who have responded to this tragedy. John was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, deputy, soldier and friend. He will be TRULY missed and we will continue to honor and respect him and his memory. Remember to always let the little things go by and make the most of every moment God has given to you. Life is very short and our loved ones as well as ourselves can be taken in the blink of an eye. Live life to the fullest with a smile on your face as well as in your heart. Thank you for being you John. We will love you and miss you FOREVER!!!!

Rebecca Strickland

October 3, 2003

My prayers and deepest condolences are with
your Department, and especially with the friends
and family of your fallen hero. Stay strong,
stay focused, and know that Deputy John Strickland will never be forgotten.
Mike Bradford; Tallahassee Police Dept., Ret.

Invest. Mike Bradford
Tallahassee Police Dept

October 1, 2003

JOHN I WAS GLAD I GOT TO MEET YOU. YOU WILL BE MISSED. MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY.

Anonymous

October 1, 2003

Rest in peace my brother.You will not be forgotten.Look over all of us that continue your joy.

Deputy D.K.Kearns
Randolph County Sheriffs Office

September 30, 2003

Rest well Brother.........We have the shift

Trooper
NCSHP

September 30, 2003

John Strickland was one of the best officers I have ever had a opportunity to work with. John Go Rest High On That Mountain.

Tears of sadness and of sorrow,
Our hearts know time we cannot borrow.
We never got to say our good byes
All that's left now are memories and tears in our eyes.

A father, husband, partner, and friend,
we never wanted your life to end.
You gave your all in everything you did,
but still had time to act like a kid.

As you put on that uniform with all the pride,
your love for the job you could not hide.
On September 24, 2003 we lost a great officer and a friend,
you will be in our hearts until the end.

A officer like you is hard to find,
you were hard working, loving but most of all kind.
You touched our lives everyday,
to be a officer like you one would only pray.

Thank you John F. Strickland for all you did and said. My life was touched because of you. You will be missed more than words can say. My prayers is with the family!! Only God can fill the void we will all have.

Detective Christina McMurray
Harnett County Sheriff's Office

September 30, 2003

Brother, may you Rest In Peace. We all know that you will guide us and protect us from above. Your memory will live on forever. My prayers goes out to you and your family.

Special Agent
Department of Homeland Security

September 30, 2003

We are truly saddened at John'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 30, 2003

My Prayers go out to the Family& Friends of Deputy Strickland.
You will never be forgotten. You will be in our hearts & minds forever. God Speed.

Laura Tabbert
Harnett County School Cafeteria

September 29, 2003

To the Family, Friends and Co-Workers of Deputy Strickland,
My God bless you in this time of loss. Deputy Strickland is on duty with the Lord now, doing his work and protecting us from above. Look to him for comfort and he will pull you through the dark days, till you meet again.

Christy Quarles-Jacobs
Cousin of Deputy Scott Quarles Laurens SC EOW 6-11-03

September 29, 2003

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Strickland. My prayers are with those who knew you.

GOD BLESS!!!!

Tonya Stephenson
Private Citizen, Pennsylvania

September 29, 2003

On behalf of the men and women who serve and work for the University of North Carolina at Asheville Campus Police and Public Safety Department, our thoughts and prayers go with Deputy Sheriff John F. Strickland's family, friends, and co-workers, as well as our brothers and sisters of the Harnett County Sheriff's Office, God Bless.


Go walk the beat of heaven’s street
Walk with the fallen “angels of blue”,
Honored to keep watch with St. Michael at wing
protecting our "love, and faith, and truth."

vh#106

V.Harris, Investigator
UNCA Police and Public Safety Dept.

September 29, 2003

Deputy Strickland, 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

September 29, 2003

Rest in Peace Brother...you will never be forgotten

CPD

September 28, 2003

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, I guess I ain't because those of us who carry a badge can't always be a Saint."
I've had to work most Sundays
and at times my talk is 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 to 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 a 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 you burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets.
You've done your time in Hell"

G. Houston
South Carolina

September 28, 2003

Rest in Peace Brother in Blue!

Ofc. Meshia Thomas
UTPD- Knoxville, Tn

September 28, 2003

May you rest in peace blue angel.

Shannon

September 27, 2003