Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

John-John, I will never forget the laughs we had in Memphis when working for Fargo... I always counted you a good friend and a brother... and though we fell out of touch over the years I always thought fondly of you... my heart fell out the day you went 10-7 but I know that you now have my back in heaven... God bless you and the loved ones you left behind...

Deputy Sam Harvey
Roane County Sheriffs Dept

November 23, 2004

I am related to john john becasue he was my uncle i am sad that he was killing in freindly fire

September 28, 2004

What a tragic loss for everyone! This fine man died a hero ruching to aid a feloow officer he felt was in need of help. I pray especially for the other officer who is surely haunted by this tragic mistake. Please forgive yourself and dedicate the rest of your career to honor this fine man. My sincere condolences to the family of this hero-God Bless you all!

Annonymous
Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department

September 19, 2004

Our Fallen Hero

A community in shock,
This news we did not want to receive,
How could it happen here,
No one wanted to believe.

Parents left without a son,
Sisters without a brother,
A wife without her husband,
Sons without a father.

For those of us left behind,
Drugs; our tolerance must be zero,
Show honor to the one who has left us,
Give respect to our fallen hero.

ERL

March 25, 2004

When God Made Police Officers . . .

When the Lord was creating Police Officers, He was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said,
"You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one."

And the Lord said, "Have you read the requirements on this
order? A Police Officer has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn't touch, and not wrinkle their uniform."

"They have to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvass the neighborhood for witnesses, and testify in court the next day."

"They have to be in top physical condition at all times,
running on black coffee and half-eaten meals, and they have to have six pairs of hands."

The angel shook her head slowly and said, "Six pairs of hands . . . no way!!"

"It's not the hands that are causing me problems," said the Lord, "it's the three pairs of eyes an officer has to have."

"That's on the standard model?" asked the angel.

The Lord nodded. "One pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket before they ask, 'May I see what's in there, sir?'"
(when they already know and wish they'd taken that accounting job) "Another pair here in the side of their head for their partner's safety, and another pair of eyes here in front so they can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say, 'You'll be alright, ma'am,' when they know it isn't so."

"Lord," said the angel, touching His sleeve, "rest and work on this tomorrow."

"I can't," said the Lord, "I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident and feed a family of five on a civil service paycheck."

The angel circled the model of the Police Officer very slowly. "Can it think?" she asked.

"You bet," said the Lord, "it can tell you the elements of a hundred crimes, recite Miranda warnings in its sleep, detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five learned judges to debate the legality of the stop . . . and still it keeps its sense of humor. This officer also has phenomenal personal control. They can deal with crime scenes painted in hell, coax a confession from a child abuser, comfort a murder victim's family, and then read in the daily paper how law enforcement isn't sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects."

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the Police Officer. "There's a leak," she pronounced, "I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model."

"That's not a leak," said the Lord. "It's a tear."

"What's the tear for?" asked the angel.

"It's for bottled-up emotions, for fallen comrades, for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American flag, for justice."

"You're a genius," said the angel.

The Lord looked somber. "I didn't put it there," He said.

Rest Easy Brother, the Watch is Ours Now and Yours was with Honor. Our Thoughts and Prayers are
with your Family, Friends and Co-Workers.

Detective Donna Greer
Hamblen County Sheriff Department

March 16, 2004

Just back to leave more in Memory of S/D Hubert (John-John) Yancey. He was my hero and I'll never forget how much he did for me and my family. If you needed anyone, no matter what time or where you was, you could count on John-John. He'd be there no matter what he had to do or was doing at the time. I'm really glad to say I knew this fallen HERO. A definate HERO here in Scott County. So many officers at the SCSD talks about how much they looked up to him and how much he taught them. To Lori, Logan, Blake, & Chase: Your husband and daddy was a HERO that will never be forgotten!
To John-John: I'll see you at Heavens Pearly Gates.
I LOVE YOU JOHN-JOHN!

Ashley Bee
Scott County

January 18, 2004

John-John is my hero! I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!! Its a wonderful feeling to know that I will meet you again in a much better place.
II Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteious judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
*In Loving Memory Of: Hubert "John-John" Yancey

Ashley
Scott County

January 12, 2004

Rest in peace

Shannnon

January 6, 2004

most people would tell you that law enforcement is a dangerous job. i never listened. I was always afriad when there was a domestic call or when i heard dispatch say use caution with someone. My husband was a little man but his size never mattered to him. He wanted to be a policeman, he wanted to make the small town we lived in a safe place for everyone. i never thought that directing traffic would be the worst thing that he could do. I just want to say to all the officers that read this "To be careful out there and watch out for other drivers and be careful so you can go home to your family" GOD BLESS

Wife of Officer Toby Dirickson
EOW 11-2-03

January 2, 2004

Rest in peace.You will never be forgotten.You,your family and your department will be in our prayers.God bless. Sergeant Jason Henegar Campbell County TN Sheriffs Department Trooper Stacey Wood-Day Tennessee Highway Patrol

Sergeant Jason Henegar
Campbell County TN Sheriffs Department

December 27, 2003

Merry Christmas John. Our dept has Back-up in heaven.

Jeremy
SCSD

December 24, 2003

Merry Christmas, John John. We love and miss you, see you in Heaven one Day

Anonymous

December 21, 2003

Rest in peace my brother—You will not be forgotten. You have done your duty.

You, your family, and all those that have been affected by your passing are in my family’s prayers.

See you some day my brother.

CPL Jodie L. Warren
Prince George County Police Department, Virginia

December 13, 2003

Sgt. Yancey, thanks for a job well done. This was trully a tragedy that many are suffering from. My thoughts go out to all the families involved. You died a Hero.

Officer Julie Schmidt
Louisville Metro Police Dept. Louisville, KY

December 12, 2003

The Dash


I read of a preacher who stood to speak
at the funeral of his friend.
He referred to the dates on his tombstone
from the beginning...to the end.


He noted that first came the date of his birth
and spoke of the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.


For that dash represents all the time
that he spent alive on earth
and now only those who loved him
know what that little line is worth.


For it matters not, how much we own;
the cars, the house, the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.


So think about this long and hard.
Are these things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left.
(You could be at "dash mid-range.")


If we could just slow down enough
to consider what's true and real,
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.


And be less quick to anger,
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we've never loved before.


If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.


So, when your eulogy's being read
with your life's actions to rehash,
would you be proud of the things they say
about how you spent your dash?

Based on the comments and reflections left on this site, Sgt. Yancey's "dash" was one that his family, friends and co-workers can be proud of. Sgt. Yancey had just recently attended training here at the MTSU PD Training Center and we are honored to have known him for even such a short time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who were touched by this tragic loss.

Sgt. Steve Scott
Middle TN State University Police Dept.

December 12, 2003

John John was a wonderful deputy, father, husband and friend. He was a role model and the kind of deputy that all members of law enforcement should be like. It was an honor to know him and I know that he walks with the Father now.

We may never really know all the details of what happened the night he was killed, but we do know that he was doing what he loved and what he did was the right think.

God bless his wife, Lori and his three sons and may he watch over them and comfort and protect them always.

Anonymous

December 9, 2003

John John was a very very good man, he will be missed by all that ever worked with him, from looking for marijuana, fighting house fires, working wrecks. John John was a great man. Truely missed by all. All of us in Scott County need to place a blue light in the windows, not only for John John but to show are other deputies we care for them, and know they are out there.
To the other deputies still on the road, you are all very well respected, and folks do care for you. All of you have my upmost respect. Don't let this make you stumble, but only stronger. I personally believe that we have the best Sheriff's Department in the State. Coffee and soda @ my house anytime guys!

Capt. Marc Lackey
South Scott County VFD

December 8, 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 John John did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and John John be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Sergeant Yancey'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 John John 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 John John 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 say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Drakesville, IA)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

December 7, 2003

Police Officer's Prayer to Saint Michael

Saint Michael, heaven's glorious commissioner of police,who once so neatly and successfully cleared God's premises of all its undesirables, look with kindly and professional eyes on your earthly force.

Give us cool heads, stout hearts, and uncanny flair for investigation and wise judgment.

Make us the terror of burglars, the friend of children and law-abiding citizens, kind to strangers, polite to bores, strict with law-breakers and impervious to temptations.

You know, Saint Michael, from your own experiences with the devil, that the police officer's lot on earth is not always a happy one; but your sense of duty that so pleased God, your hard knocks that so surprised the devil, and your angelic self-control give us inspiration.

And when we lay down our night sticks, enroll us in your heavenly force, where we will be as proud to guard the throne of God as we have been to guard the city of all the people. Amen.

Your nobleness continues....

Officer Karla Mann
Knox Co. Sheriff's Office

December 7, 2003

I have been a Police Officer with the Oak Ridge Police Department for 2.5 years. In that short time, I have seen many a name appear on this wonderful page. However, it never really hit home until this past week, when a name familiar to me was added.

Recently, I married a fellow Officer at Oak Ridge Police Department, Officer Joshua L. West. It was then that I realized what an important and dangerous profession this really is. Nothing had ever happened to me in 2.5 years on the road and for some reason, I had developed this mindset that it never would.

Josh is from Scott County and has two cousins there at the Sheriff's Department, John John and Chris Yancey.

I was honored to attend this HERO's funeral, the first Police Officer's funeral I had ever seen. I was truly weak with grief for the beautiful family he left behind. I was filled with such admiration as I watched his brother's in Law Enforcement honor him. I had never seen, or felt, anything like it in my life.

The tragedy has truly devastated my new husband's family, but even though Deputy Yancey is no longer with us, his death was not in vain. It made me a different officer over night. It made me open my eyes to the reality that any one of us might not get to come home at the end of the shift and that every time I was told by a loved one to "be careful", I would no longer roll my eyes and tell them they worried too much.

I listened to all the people who knew Deputy Yancey and loved him, speak of how much he taught them in life and although I had never met him, he taught me something so important in his death.

He was a brave man, who served with the finest men and women in Scott County, Tennessee. I hope that everyone who reads these comments will let their loved ones know how much they love them, not just today...but every day they leave for duty. It is so important. I am no longer of the idea that "it won't happen to us."

I wanted the men and women in Scott County Sheriff's Department to know that the entire Oak Ridge Police Department send their thoughts and prayers. Especially to Marty and his family because we know he suffers.

I was deeply honored to meet everyone at that funeral. And as I watched and listened to those officers, it made me want to be a better person. That is just how the dear people of that community affect you.

Deputy Yancey, you will never be forgotten.
God Bless all of you.
Officer Candace West
Officer Joshua West

Patrol Officer Candace D. West
Oak Ridge Police Department, Tn

December 7, 2003

The funeral line was long,
There's an awful lot of cars,
Folks came out of the restaraunts,
They came out of the bars.
The workers at the construction sites
All let their hammers drop.
Someone asked,"what is this all for?"
And they said,"Aw, just a cop."
Some chuckled at the passing cars.
Some shed a silent tear
Some people said,"It's stupid.
All these policemen are here."
"How come they are not out fighting crime?"
"Or in the doughnut shop?"
"Sure is a lot of trouble,
For someone who's just a cop."
They blocked the intersections,
They blocked the interstate.
People yelled and cursed,
"Damn, it's gonna make me late!"
"This is really ridiculous!"
"They're makin' us all stop!"
"It seems they are sure wastin' time,
On someone who's just a cop."
Into the cemetery now,
The slow procession comes,
The woeful Taps are slowly played.
There's loud salutes from guns.
The graveyard workers shake their heads
"This service is a flop."
"There's lots of good words wasted,
On someone who's just a cop."
Yeah, just a cop to most folks.
Did his duty every day.
Trying to protect us,
Till they took his life away.
And when he got to heaven,
St. Peter put him at the top.
An Angel asked him,
"Who was that?"
And he said,"Aw, just a cop."


On behalf for my self, and the Scott County Sheriffs Dept. Thanks for your comments, and prayers

Deputy Jeremy S. Cross
Scott County Sheriffs Dept

December 6, 2003

I did not know you Sgt. Yancey, but it sounds like you were truely a fine officer. Working on a problem that was forced on all of us in rural TN. Thank you for your service,and gods speed brother. Prayer for all the family and SCSO.

Res. Dep. Jeff Hedgecoth
Cumberland Co. Sheriffs Dept.

December 5, 2003

My mom died 2 years ago, it still hurts, so I'll keep John John's family in my prayers.God will see you through. As for John John I'll see you and mom in heaven. God bless and be with you all that are hurting.

Ericka Pike

December 4, 2003

The officers and staff of the Valley Nebraska Police Department offer our thoughts and prayers to the family and agency of Sgt. Hubert Yancey. May you all know that his loss is felt by all of us. Rest in peace brother.

Valley Police Staff
Valley Nebraska Police Dept.

December 4, 2003

God saw you getting tired,
And relief was not to be.
So he put his arms around you,
And whisperd, "Come with me."
With tearful eyes we watched you suffer,
and saw you fade away.
Though we couldnt bear to lose you,
We couldnt ask you to stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
Hard working hands laid to rest,
God broke our hearts to prove us,
he only takes the best.

John John Yancey was the kind of officer that gave his life for what he believed. I had the privilage to work with John John at the sheriff's department as his partner, and he was always there for me as an officer and a friend. The only consolation is that I know that I will see John John again. He will be there guarding the gates of heaven.

To John John, I will be honored to be your partner once again in heaven, and help you guard those pearly gates.Please know that we will all do our best (with guidance from you and God), to take care of you little boys. We will always let them know what a hero you are, and that you died doing what you loved to do, helping others.

To the friends and families of John John, just know that John John did not lose his life, John John gave his life for what he believed .

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9

Love, Kris Lewallen

Kris Lewallen

December 4, 2003