Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

“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 wishes 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

Senior Instructor
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center

April 27, 2004

May God bless you and your family.

Officer M. Cooper
Newport News

April 27, 2004

John and Family,

I had the wonderful opportunity to work with John from 11/97 to 12/01 while I worked in dispatch for the Solano Co. Sheriff's Office. Even though I am now at another agency in Arizona, I remember John fondly and can remember his huge smile and his kind words. When I heard of his passing, it made me very sad. He was a wonderful man and deputy who would have done even the littlest thing to make someone smile. He was very proud of what he did, and everyone who worked with him was proud to have him as part of the team. He will always be remebered and be greatly missed!!! God Bless his family...
Liz // Dispatcher 1D5 11/97-12/01

Liz / Dispatcher
Oro Valley Police Dept

April 26, 2004

On behalf of the Pittsfield Police Dept., we extend our condolences to the family and friends of Dpty. Sandlin. God Bless.

Officer Rodney Minoty
Pittsfield Police Dept. ME

April 26, 2004

May God Bless You

Deputy Constable LC Downing
Pct 2 Constable Wharton County Texas

April 26, 2004

To the Gentlemen and women that I had worked with, it saddens me to hear the loss of another Deputy in the line of duty. Please accept the condolences of the West Sacramento Police Department. this month alone has been hard for California Officers. Our prayers are with each and everyone of you. Walt

Motor Ofc. Walt Abel
West Sacramento PD/Former Solano Deputy

April 26, 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 Sergeant Miller'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 (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Deputy Sheriff Dennis McElderry's fiancee - EOW (01/03/03)

April 26, 2004

There are but two persons who protect the sinful human race from destroying itself. One is God's Holy Spirit. The other is the Peace Officer. Without them, we would all perish at each other's hands.

You were called into this profession and our Lord and Savior has blessed you because:
According to Romans 13.1-5...
God ordains the Peace Officer’s profession.
The Peace Officer is sent by God.
The Peace Officer is vested with God's authority to enforce the law.
A Peace Officer's badge is to be honored by us, because it is honored by God.

To the family of Reserve Deputy John Sandlin and the Solano County Sheriff's Department, your extended family of Law Enforcement Officers grieves with you during this time. I pray that God will wrap his loving arms around each of you and comfort you during this most difficult time.

To all my brothers and sisters, 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. Please pray for this officer's family, agency, and friends as they struggle with this tragedy.
May God be with you every day, please remember, we are a part of the largest family in the world and when one hurts we all hurt.

You gave the ultimate sacrifice for your fellow man, your life, while serving, defending, and protecting others in your community.
Rest easy with our other fallen Brothers and Sisters, we have the watch now. Though our badges and uniforms may be different, our mission is the same. We will continue the fight in your honor.

Florida Deputy Sheriff

April 26, 2004

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit goes belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." Deputy Sanlin, yours is the fourth L.E. funeral I will attend this year. It will be an especially heartfelt occassion in that you patrolled my neighborhood. We will be proud to Present Arms and fly the colors in your honor. God Bless you and your family.

Special Agent Carlos Ruiz
California Department of Justice, State Honor Guard Detail

April 26, 2004

TO:The family;loved ones;friends and department members: A POLICE OFFICER'S PRAYER:--- O, gentle Lord! Keep the day/night watch with me. As I begin my tour of duty,I ask your protection from all mental,physical and spiritual harm. Sustain me with the knowledge that I am doing your work,endeavoring to keep peace among your people. Help me to be just as I enforce the law without prejudice or favor to anyone. May I be courageous but not reckless in carrying out my duties. Let me respond to all calls with haste realizing that so many are dependent on me for life and safety.Support me with your consoling power when I am tempted to think that no one really cares and that I am taken for granted. Sustain in me the conviction that so many thousands do care and are grateful for my presence. Grant that I may be loyal to my partner and my fellow officers,and that I may back them up effrectively when called upon for assistance. Lord ,I ask that I may return safely ,after my tour of duty,to my loved ones and those who love me. I pray that I may be a good and honorable police officer;and after my tour of duty is over here on earth,may I enjoy the peace and happiness of heaven that you have promised to those that serve you well. AMEN .*** REST IN PEACE*** Sent to you by the father of First class Officer J.D.Koeppen, Capital City Raleigh NC and Trooper D.C.Koeppen,NJ State Police

Chief (retired) Douglas A. Koeppen
Washington New Jersey

April 26, 2004

So sorry to hear of your loss. Your years of service do not go without notice. Your family, friends, and department are in my prayers during this difficult time.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

April 26, 2004

Dep. Sandlin,

You truly are a hero. Your brothers in blue could only wish to be as strong as you. My prayers are with you and your family and all the members of the Solano County Sheriff's Department. RIP.

Ofc. BM Damon
T/ Manlius PD, NY

April 26, 2004

Your service to your community is appreciated by all of us. May God bless you and the survivors of your family. Rest in peace brother.......

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

April 26, 2004

My condolences to the family of Reserve Deputy Sandlin. May God bless them with His love, mercy, grace and peace.

Deputy Sandlin, rest in peace.

"Well done, good and faithful servant!... Come and share your master's happiness." MATTHEW 25:21

Rosa Waters
Mother of Michael Waters
EOW: September 11, 2003

April 26, 2004

Rest in peace Brother John, you are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Anonymous

April 26, 2004

God bless the blue angels.
Those willing to go, everyday into the valley of the shadow.
and those who now find peaceful shelter on the other side.
You are forever in our hearts and prayers.

ACooper
Emt

April 26, 2004

My family would like to extend our condolences to the family, friends, & fellow co-workers of Reserve Deputy John Sandlin may God watch over all of you.

Gail M Pabst
aunt of a fallen officer

April 26, 2004

Rest in peace brother, we have the watch. Your sacrifice will NEVER be forgotten.

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because tough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
- Steve Robinson, Seal Team One, 1971-1973

Sergeant J.L. Slaughter
Radford City Department of Police

April 26, 2004

Rest well, and watch over us Brother the beat is ours now.

Officer M. Rook
RPD

April 26, 2004

Thank you for your service. You will never be forgotten and our prayers are with you family and friends.

April 26, 2004

I NEVER DREAMED IT WOULD BE ME,
MY NAME FOR ALL ETERNITY.
RECORDED HERE AT THIS HALLOWED PLACE,
ALAS, MY NAME, NO MORE MY FACE.
"IN THE LINE OF DUTY" I HEAR THEM SAY.
MY FAMILY NOW THE PRICE TO PAY.
MY FOLDED FLAG STAINED WITH THEIR TEARS,
WE ONLY HAD THOSE FEW SHORT YEARS.
THE BADGE NO LONGER ON MY CHEST,
I SLEEP NOW IN ETERNAL REST.
MY SWORD I PASS TO THOSE BEHIND,
AND PRAY THEY KEEP THIS THOUGHT IN MIND.
I NEVER DREAMED IT WOULD BE ME,
AND WITH A HEAVY HEART AND BENDED KNEE,
I ASK FOR ALL HERE FROM THE PAST...

DEAR GOD LET MY NAME BE THE LAST.

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

April 25, 2004

AMERICA LOST ANOTHER HERO, DEPUTY SANDLIN WAS DOING A JOB THAT HE LOVED WHEN HE WAS TAKEN TO A BETTER PLACE, HE IS NOW PATROLING THE STREETS OF HEAVEN. TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF DEPUTY SANDLIN, PLEASE TURN TO GOD, HE WILL HELP YOU GET THROUGH YOUR LOSS.

Sgt. W. M. Riley
Aragon Ga Police Dept

April 25, 2004

Rest in Peace...

Police Officer
Syracuse Police Dept,NY

April 25, 2004

I want to express my deepest sympathy to the Sandlin family and the members of the Solano County Sheriff's Department over the tragic loss of Reserve Deputy Sheriff John Sandlin. Our brother John will now patrol the streets of Heaven with St. Michael and his angels. God bless the Sandlin family and the members of the Solano County Sheriff's Department. May our brother John rest in peace. Never forget the fallen hero!

Ofcr. Dan Winger
LBCCPD, Ret.

April 25, 2004

Brother, you made the supreme sacrifice and will never be forgotten.
May you rest in eternal peace.

Corporal John Halligan #8020
Philadelphia Police Dept.

April 25, 2004