Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Daddy i miss you very much and so many things have changed without you in our lives and i wish you could be here with us because when we have bad days it's really hard and without you here with us it makes it really hard for all of us. I miss you and wish you could be here with us. Love Shan

Shanika

February 7, 2005

To the family of Sgt. Russell. I saw the article in the newspaper here(Huntsville) about the memorial service, that was given for your loved ones. I recognized the pain and sadness in the picture. Grief seems to be the hardest task that we could ever take on. I just wanted you to know that you are not alone, try to be strong(though it isn't easy sometimes), and that I'm praying for you.
Sincerely,
Shani Lake
fiance' of
Corporal James Crump
Fayette Police Department
Fayette, AL
E.O.W. June 7th, 2003

January 7, 2005

Deeply sorrowful, I leave another reflection about two brave soldiers killed by a cowardly enemy. I hope the community will show appreciation for the sacrifice Sgt. Russell and Officer Mims have made, and outrage for this violent attack. To the citizens in this community, I ask that you do your civic duty and punish this ruthless criminal for the brutal murders of these decent husbands and fathers. With swift justice, sentence this murderer to the most severe penalty. May the memory of your service, heroism and sacrifice remain forever. May God bless you, your family and fellow officers in the Athens Police Department.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

January 6, 2005

Michelle,
I want you to know I pray for your family daily. Continue to trust God and He will continue bless you and your family and give you the strength you need.

Christy Graves
Arab, AL

January 3, 2005

When I have come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me; I want no rights to a gloom filled room, why cry for a soul set free. Miss me a little...but not too long and not with your heads bowed low. Remember the love we once shared, miss me but let me go. For this is a journey we all must take and each must go alone. It's all a part of the Master's plan; a step on the road to home. So when you are feeling sick at heart, go to the friends we know, and bury your sorrow's in doing good deeds...Miss me but let me go.

January 2, 2005

You were a big part of Christmas and it took a while for me to be happy about the holidays but now that Christmas is over i guess it wasnt too bad after all. It wasnt the same or nowhere near bein the same but we have had alot of changes since u passed away. We all miss you very much but it doesnt seem like u have been gone a year..it seems like it was just yesterday but were being strong and making it throughthe bad days we all have sometimes.We miss you! LOVE YOU,Shan

December 28, 2004

My heart is with the family this being the first year. I am a mother of a police officer in Athens. I hurt for the family when this happened and I think of you daily. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. And I knew Officer Russell and he was a wonderful person. I hope it helps a little knowing that we all miss him and care so deeply for the ones he left behind

Mother of a Police Officer

Oma Harris

December 22, 2004

Larry, The Christmas season is here and the one year annversary is but a few days away. Yours and Tony's deaths have made so many positive changes in Athens, the state and all over the U.S.A. It is with great honor and admiration that I say how proud you have made the PD and the city. You would be proud of the way your family has carried themselves. The way that your death has made positive Christian changes in peoples lives are a testament to the way you lived yours. I thank God each day that He allowed our pasths to cross and that through this tragedy positive things can shine through. Your memory will carry on as your life's attempt to make the world a safer place carrys on. Thanks for being more than a friend, but a brother Christian also. With utmost respect and honor, Michael

Michael Chapman
Athens PD

December 20, 2004

Dear Russell family,
Again I read of the tragic loss of yet another fallen hero. I feel your pain as I too lost my brother to this type of incident. May you find comfort for your family, your children and your friends. I have no sure advice on how to ease your pain. I've been told to remember the good things and perhaps they will help you smile. These memories do that however they are more often accompanied by tears. They are inevitable and just something that we do. May God be with you. Prayers and sympathy from my family your.
Susan Hewitt

Susan Hewitt/sister SGT JEFF HEWITT
Resident of Waynesville NC

November 8, 2004

The members of the Troy Police Department pray for your strength.
God Bless the peace keepers.

P/O Jack McMahon
Troy P.D. NY

October 4, 2004

Dear Sergeant Russell,

I believe I was directed to this website for a reason. I am confined to our home because of failing health and was beginning to think I had no purpose left on this earth. And, in a strange way, God saw my depression and brought me to you. Now I collect angels in heaven who can pray for me as I pray for them. You see, our son recently lost his partner Deputy on a code call and this was our first experience loosing a hero while in the line of duty. Now I check this site daily and make sure to add all you special angels to my prayer list.

Thank you for your years of dedicated service. May your family find comfort and peace in God's mercy and grace. Rest well my son. We love you.

Grandma & Grandpa Hinkle
Parents of a Kern County Deputy Sheriff

September 29, 2004

We miss you very much and things will get better. Everyday we wake up and know that your not here and nothing in our life is the same anymore. It's hard enough to see Jacob grow up and you not here to teach him things like you taught all of us. All the stories you've told us about when you were younger and those crazy cop stories. Jacob won't remember things like that but im sure he will know how great a dad you were to all of us. I know that you showed me and lacey that you loved us and cared about us just as if we were you own kids. Luke is so much like you in somethings he does and that just makes me think of you all the time because all of us learned so much from you. I know mom has a hard time but she's doing so good and she's the strongest person from all this.I love you and miss you!

daughter,Shanika

September 22, 2004

We honor you today Larry,
today and every day. We
remember your humble laugh.
We remember what you stood
for and what is important.
We will never foget...TB.

We miss you..

September 22, 2004

The hardest part of letting go, it's not knowing when or how,
but let us go. how do we know he is not with us. Showing us the way.
May someday they share that communication, between me and you
My brother, love you

Faron

Randolph /Akins
911

August 20, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and co-workers of Sergeant Russell. I know to well what you are going through, my son was also killed in January, my life will never be the same. I know that Sergeant Russell and Officer Mims was waiting on Clint and welcomed him with open arms. They are all in heaven trying to outdo the other one on police stories.
I know that your familly will miss you dearly, but we will never for get you..

Connie Barker
Mother of P.O. Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04

July 30, 2004

Our hearts are heavy and our thoughts and prayers go out to your family,friends and co-workers.You are a true HERO!

Corporal David Hazlett
Berry Hill PD Nashville,TN.

July 22, 2004

to my fallen brother, and to your family, and extended law enforcement family: Our department wishes to thank you for walking the thin blue line with us. you will be in our heart's eternaly. Please watch over our fallen brothers and sisters. We will watch yours.

Police Officer
LAPD

July 14, 2004

Cop on the Take

First he takes the oath.
Then he takes...it in stride when people call him PIG.
He takes...time to talk to children.
He takes... your verbal abuse while giving you a ticket you really deserve.

He takes... on creeps you would be afraid to even look at.
He takes ... time away from his family to keep you and yours safe.
He takes ... your injured child to the hospital.
He takes ... the graveyard shift without complaint because it's his turn.
He takes ... his life into his hands daily.

He takes ... you home when your car breaks down.
He takes ... time to explain why BOTH your headlights have to work.
He takes ... the job no one wants--telling you someone you love has died.
He takes ... criminals to jail.
He takes ... in sights that would make you cry.

Sometimes he cries too, but he takes it away because someone has to.
If he's lucky, he takes retirement
He takes ... memories to bed each night that you couldn't bear even for a day.

Sometimes he takes a bullet.

And yes, occasionally he may take a free cup of coffee.

Then one day he pays for all he has taken...
and God takes him.

June 26, 2004

Daddy...today was hard not havin you here with us.We tryed to make the best of it but it was still very hard. Being at church and not seeing you walking in late and sitting on the last chair by mom with your little earpeice in is hard enough. Today was really hard not having you with us and i know that we will have times in the future that are just as hard as today was. Everything we do is just not the same anymore holidays, vacations, and just regular days.I love you and miss you very much!

Daughter,Shanika

June 21, 2004

We celebrated Fathers Day without you
today. I wiped their tears for the
father they no longer have. I listened
to a sermon about what father should
be and about the statistics of children
without a father. I have to wonder why
such a good father had to be taken. I wondered how I could rise our children
above those statistics. I smiled to our children and told them you were there with us as we tried to spend the day the way we would if you were here. We are all trying so hard...

Always with us

June 20, 2004

Yet another death of a true freedom fighter. I have never visited Alabama but in my eyes Sergeant Russell died for the safety and freedom of the United States. Thank you Sergeant Russell for your commitment and courage.

Brent
civilian - Josephine County, Oregon

June 20, 2004

I am so sorry for your loss. I share your pain. It is so hard to understand why things like this happen. We must however remember they are with God now, who will get us through this.
Shani Lake (Crump)
fiance' of James Crump
Fayette Police Department(Alabama)
E.O.W. 6-7-03(gunshot)

Shani Lake(former COI)

June 19, 2004

The policeman stood and faced 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 lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was 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 just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time 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 judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

June 16, 2004

There are no words to express how I felt about you! God sent you into our lives for a reason. When you blended your families together and became one, God was showering His love over all of you. He gave you six great years! I saw Michele, Lacey and Shanika blossom under your tender loving care. Your two fine sons will grow up to become fine men because of the love and guidance you provided. Rememberance of your love will be the strength that will help your family during these trying times. It will help them cope with the loneliness and realization that you have gone on to better things. You were loved as another son of ours and I'm sure you and our son, Larry, are both in Heaven looking down upon us. The love and respect that the citizens of Athens showed what a fine Christian man you were. It is so hard to realize that you will never call me "mom" again. You are missed so very, very much.

Francis Leet,
Mother-in-law ("mom")

Francis Leet

May 29, 2004

Rest in peace my brother in blue !

Worldwide we always remember our brothers who were taken away from us and this earth !

Kommissar
German Anti Roit Police

May 24, 2004