Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

John,
I regret the fact I didn't know you better than I did. But let it be known I miss you just like a best friend. John, Kathy, and the members of the Kenai Police Department, please know that the loss of you was felt deeply by myself and the members of the USAF 3rd Security Forces Squadron. Keep riding John, keep riding!

Staff Sgt Dennis L. Rivers
Security Forces Investigations, Elmendorf AFB, AK

March 13, 2004

“When God made Peace Officers….”

When the lord was creating Peace 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 spec on this order? A Peace 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 the 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 he asks, “May I see what’s in there, sir?” (When they already know and wished they had taken that accounting job.) Another pair, here, in the side of their head for their partners’ safety. And another pair of eyes here in front that 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 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 civil service paycheck.”

The angel circled the model of the Peace Officer very slowly, “Can it think?” she asked.

“You bet,” said the Lord. “It can tell you elements of a hundred crimes, recite Miranda warnings in it’s sleep; detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five judges to debate the legality of the stop, and, still it keeps it’s 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 Peace 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, and for justice.”

“You’re a genius,” said the angel.

The Lord looked sober. “I didn’t put it there,” he said.

Anonymous

John, My soul mate, my friend, my Husband, I Love and miss you so very much.

Please keep a spot in heaven for me.

Kathy Watson
Wife of John Patrick Watson E.O.W. 12/25/2003

Kathy Watson
Wife of John Patrick Watson E.O.W. 12/25/2003

February 29, 2004

John,
We are all proud of the way you lived your life. So willing to serve and committed to helping others. The number of friends you made and the impact your work made on the people of Kenai will always be a living testament to your calling here on Earth. Please keep Dad company in heaven until we all meet again.
Your brother,
Alfred

Al Watson, John's eldest brother

January 26, 2004

Dear John,
Thanks for being such a wonderful big brother....I've learned so much from you all these years.
I love you and miss you
Your lil sis
Mary

Your sister, Mary

January 19, 2004

I was heartbroken to hear of the tragic event that took place on Christmas Day. John was was a good man, and a good friend to all who knew him. To his family, I can only offer my heartfelt sympathy, to his his fellow officers my admiration and respect to persevere and to John my sincere and unwaivering dedication to continue the watch.

Rest easy my friend..................

Donald D Gibbs

January 15, 2004

To the family of Officer John Watson I offer my deepest sympathy. Officer John Watson Was the very best of what a Police Officer represents. He will be missed very much.

Anonymous

January 10, 2004

I was sickened when I heard the news on Dec. 26th. I send my deepest felt condolences to Officer Watson's wife and children, all his family, his leo family and the wonderful community of Kenai that he leaves behind. Thank you for your years of selfless service; you will be missed.

Cheri Chavers
Officer's Wife - Anchorage P.D.

January 9, 2004

My Friend John;
Thank-You for being a friend!!! You were always there,thick or thin,Serving and Protecting our town!! I will ''Never'' forget some of our talks we had in a couple of difficult situations.You cared!! I will miss your face....I will miss your friendship...but I will ''NEVER'' forget You!!! You will be a great loss to our town,one that can't be replaced!! Watch over your brothers in Blue...rest easy my friend.....
Brian Templeton

Brian Templeton

January 9, 2004

Rest in peace brother in blue.
The watch is ours now.

God bless your family and your department.
Thanks for your dedication and service.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

January 7, 2004

Rest in peace

Shannon

January 6, 2004

dear john -- "big bad john" we used to call you long ago. never because you were "bad," but because you were "big," and because you liked that popular song of the same name. and as you grew and went off to the military, and settled finally in kenai, my old home base, i was thrilled. i've bragged you up and down to friends and bystanders. you've been my hero. we were so looking forward to another visit with you in 2004 to tour your great state.

we miss you so.

uncle bill

bill switzer

January 5, 2004

Day is done,
gone the sun.
From the hills,
from the lake,
From the skies.
All is well,
safely rest,
God is nigh.

Godspeed to you and your family

LT. JAMES A. WILLIAMS
N.Y.P.D.

January 4, 2004

Although I did not know you well, I learned a lot about you at the visitation. I feel honored to have been in your honor guard and know the love that your community, co workers, and family feel for you. You will be missed by all. Rest well brother.

Investigator Tom Boor
Seward Police Department

January 4, 2004

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 did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and 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 Officer Watson'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 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 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)

January 4, 2004

Please remember the fallen officers we have lost. Remember the men and women who died trying to make this world a safer and better place for us all to live in. Thank you Officer Watson for a job well done. Please continue to watch over us and protect us as only you can. You will forever be at our side and in our hearts.

For those of you who still have loved ones with us please take the time to tell them how much you appreciate and care about them.

IF I KNEW

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

Anonymous

January 4, 2004

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) P.D.

January 3, 2004

On behalf of the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office in Paw Paw, Michigan, I extend my sincere condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Kenai AK Officer John Watson. I knew John from his youth in South Haven, Michigan, when he attended high school there.

Officer Watson, your duty is done. You have served well. We'll take it from here, sir. Dismissed!

Deputy Charles Loughrin
Van Buren County Sheriff (MI)

January 2, 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

God be with you Blue Angel...You will not be alone up there in heaven for my blue angels, Ofc. Jeremy Carruth and Ofc. David Ezernack will be with you to lead you down the streets of Gold.

To the family of Ofc. Watson,

Please know that you are not alone...The family of "Blue" will always be with you. I am greatly sorry for your loss.

Cpl. Whitstine
ALexandria P.D., LA

January 2, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with the family,friends,and co-workers of Officer Watson.

Trooper C.E. Johnson Jr.
Virginia State Police

January 1, 2004

Although we never met, I feel your loss as though we had. I pray God will give your family peace in knowing that although you are gone, you are in a better place, and that they will see you again some day. Watch over us as we set out each day to do the job that you did so well.

#5817
Phoenix Police Department

January 1, 2004

My heart is full of sadness, and at the same time, it is full of gratitude that I had the privilege and honor to be associated with Officer John Watson in the work to which he had dedicated his life.

John was not only a devoted and loyal public servant he was much more. He was a great person, a person of integrity and deep sincerity. John shared our ideas, our thoughts, our principles, our desires, and our dedication to serve the community in which we live.

We layed John Watson to rest today. It was with sad heart and tearful eye that we prepared for the final farewell. I am sure if anyone deserves a reward beyond this world; Officer John Watson deserves it fully.

Richard E. Dominick Shift Supervisor
Wildwood Correctional Complex

December 31, 2003

May God bless you and your family my fallen brother.

Anonymous

December 31, 2003

John:

As your friend and fellow officer, I sit here with a heavy heart. You were always there with a ready smile and happy with your life, whether you were doing your job or motorcycling. I'm going miss those rides with you, and I am saddened that you left a family behind. But you are in a better place and I know that you will watch over me and our fellow officers.

I want to thank you, because I believe that you sacrificed your life for me. It was after all that I went toe to toe with your killer just weeks ago and God must have decided that it was not my turn.

John, it's going to be difficult not seeing you out there serving and protecting your community, but I will pick up your torch and carry it forward.

Trooper Vic Aye
Alaska State Troopers

December 31, 2003

My prayers and deepest condolences are with
your Department, and especially with the friends
and family of your fallen friend. GOD BLESS this HERO.
Stay strong, stay focused, and make SURE that Officer John Watson will never be forgotten.
Mike Bradford; Tallahassee Police Dept., Ret.

Invest. Mike Bradford-Ret
Tallahassee Police Dept.

December 31, 2003