Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Harley Alfred Chisholm, III

Birmingham Police Department, Alabama

End of Watch Thursday, June 17, 2004

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Officer Harley Alfred Chisholm, III

Officer Chisholm,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

June 17, 2024

Hello Harley it's been awhile since I wrote on here, Ive been on your star page and legacy.com thanks to Brenda and the Tribbles. I can't believe it's 17 years already this pain in my heart will be etched there forever. I will forever keep your memory alive until my last breath. You are so loved and missed beyond measure. Through the years friends of yours have been reaching out and sharing wonderful memories of you, and sending pictures it makes my heart smile. You had the biggest heart of gold Harley, and always put everyone else first.You touched so many lives more then you could possibly know. I wanted to wish you a heavenly Happy Birthday next week and that I love you so much. Until I see you again you are forever in my heart.
Heroes Live Forever

Love Rhonda

Rhonda Chisholm Hembd
Sister

June 18, 2021

Harley, Troy Roberts contacted me today. The first thing we talked about was you. We were all last together in 1989, Kingston Jamaica on Embassy Duty. I hadn't spoken to Troy since he left Kingston to state-side to process out.

Anyway, Troy had photos of us in Jamaica I had never seen. As soon as I received them I forwarded them to your sister Rhonda.

Just know this brother. We remember you gave everything you had to protect your country and your neighbors. God remembers too.

Until Valhalla -

Tim Bedwell
Lieutenant (Ret) - North Las Vegas Police Department
Gunnery Sergeant (Ret) - United States Marine Corps

February 6, 2021

Officer chisholm , tonight your family has received justice

Mark Mottola

March 5, 2020

Harley I just found about this last night. I am at a loss for words. I can still remember us playing street football as kids with Ted Hogan. Eventually all of us worked together at Publix during high school and I can't believe they actually paid us to go to work and have fun.

The Final Inspection

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, 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 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 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 your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in hell.”

Master Deputy Philip Orrico
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Tampa, Florida

October 13, 2019

Hey Smoothe ,
Was just remembering the other day the last time we were at the range qualifying always an expert shot , me barely a sharp shooter . I knew had you gotten a shot off , you and Carlos would still be here , I just know it . Another ambush a few days ago in Tuscaloosa (Cousette) , brought back memories of June 17th standing in that alley waiting for them to wheel you out of that deathtrap . I know what Tuscaloosa P.D. is feeling . I remember the days after standing with Mary in front of your and Carlos cars after making the black wreaths and placing them on the hoods ..... I remember Taps x 3 ......
I guess some things I'll never forget .... I'll never forget you brother , I'll never forget Mary and I'll never forget that day..... I always had so much respect for you even though I was a senior officer ....never told you that . You were always so professional , can't say I was , you were always on point just like a Marine . You have a lot of company up there these days , the thin blue .... I still cry , I still cry.....
Thanks for all those days when you shared the thin blue with me . I remember a couple of times saying thank you , but now it doesn't seem I said it nearly enough....... Thank You Marine ...... Thank You Smoothe !

Val Pickens (retired ofcr )
Birmingham Police Dept.

September 19, 2019

Hey Smoothe ,
No way I can come to this site without visiting your page . I know you know why I'm here today . Sadly you and Mary , Rob, and Carlos are welcoming yet another of our brothers home . Sgt. Carter was at west precinct for a while too .... Miss you , you truly were an officer's officer......you're never forgotten , I know you're forever watching over Mal and Rhonda and of course the rest of the fam.....continue to rest easy..

Val Pickens
Bham pd (retired)

January 13, 2019

In memory and tribute to the last three officers to die in the line of duty in Birmingham, AL

PHILLIP L JOHNSON, SR, Retired Officer
B'ham Police

June 14, 2017

Officer Chisholm, I had the honor to meet your sister today 04-09-17 at a special event in FT. Lauderdale, Florida(Tortuga Music Festival 2017). We talked for a few minutes.
I wish had a chance to meet you.
If you have a chance to see a fellow U.S. Marine (CWO3) from VMF321 that was stationed at Andrews AFB, tell my dad I said hi...
Rest in peace.

Police Officer, E.O.D. K9
FT. Lauderdale Police

April 9, 2017

Hey , Marine..... hey "Smoothe "......I heard you say Semper Fi to Officer Ashley Guindon when she arrived there with you Saturday . I can just see you standing tall and telling her outstanding you may not have finished your tour today , but you finished the job , you made us proud , you'll never walk alone.......God , I remember those last words in the breezeway , I remember that laugh that day....... I remember you my brother......Rhonda he will never , ever be forgotten........

Val Pickens
B'ham PD , Al (retired)

February 29, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 17, 2015

What a tragic event 11 years ago. Rest in peace brothers.

Steve Van Slyke, retired officer
El Cajon Police Dept El Cajon, California

June 17, 2015

I have noted that on this date, in various years, multiple deaths occurred due to single events. How disturbing that so many can be taken at one time as often as seems the case on this date; 4 events, 6 different law enforcement agencies, 12 law enforcement officers.

On this anniversary of these events, I wish to acknowledge the heroism of each and thank them for their service.

May you, Officer Chisholm, forever Rest in Peace, and God Bless you, Brother.
May your murder never again see the light of day.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

June 17, 2015

Harley, I remember teaching you in the Police Academy and I knew you were going to be one tough officer. When I worked briefly as a replacement at West Precinct, I could not slow you down. I would tell you to take a break once in a while, but you were so hard charging, you could not stop. We will always miss you, my brother. RIP.

Officer Bruce Smith
Fultondale Police Dept. Retired Police Academy Sgt. Birmingham Police

November 22, 2013

Its impossible that nine years ago you were taken away from us and its not any easier today.We love and miss you so much words just cant express how I feel Harley.I cant believe you would be turning the big 50 on the 23rd its so unfair,Starr and I will be going to your favorite place and eat in honor of you and sending you your ballons.You will forever be our Hero and will always live in our hearts! Happy 50th Birthday Harley I love you!

Rhonda Chisholm Hembd
sister

June 17, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 8th anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 24, 2012

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

November 24, 2012

I thought about you all day today. Cried my eyes out a couple times. Even without you being here you got me through the hardest thing I've had to face yet. It's been a huge conflict with in myself after I chose not to follow through with the Marines and stayed in the Army. I couldn't find that sense of pride again, I couldn't put my heart back into like it was, I couldn't find a meaning to it like it used to have. I had lost that passion for my career like I had always had. Then today you were so prevalent in my mind and you made everything so clear. It's not what branch or what MOS or anything of that nature, it's the person in the uniform. Of course I couldn't feel the same about my job if I didn't have the same passion and tenacity for it. Just thinking of you and the utterly incredible person you were and what meaning you gave to whatever uniform you put on, Marine or Police Officer, you put your heart in it. You were a hero not for the uniform but, for the person you were. I love you so much Uncle Buddy and I can't thank you enough for your life, your sacrifice, and even helping me now with just your memory. I promise I will always put my uniform on with the same amount of heart you did and I will never lose touch with that feeling again. Your niece finally found her place Uncle Buddy and she hopes you're proud.

PFC Amelia Wicinski
Niece

January 27, 2012

I, like anyone who was working on June 17, 2004, will never forget the events that took place when that call went out over the radio. We had no idea that we would arrive there to find our friends and co-workers murdered. I wanted to just stop right there and say, "Ok, time out! Lets re-wind and start over, this has gone too far". I guess I was in shock because I never thought it could happen to one of us. Reality check!
I don't think anyone would disagree they were the three most aggressive, butt kicking, bad guy arresting officers in the West Precinct at that time. The bad guys knew it too. You three heros are greatly missed. Let's not forget the lone survivor of that tragic day, M.C. I hope you're doing well. God bless the families of all envolved...

Sergeant Terrance "Bo" Hardin
BPD Co-worker

July 26, 2011

Hey Officer Chisholm from the reflections it sounds like you were a guy who was loved.It would also seem you have a great family the type I would love to meet. Such a tragedy to loose three fine Officers in that way. But remember what they say my friend once a Marine always a Marine Semper Fi.

A psychology student and friend of all honest cops in our world, Birmingham United Kingdom.

Anonymous

August 12, 2010

Man you are still truelly missed by so many.I can still hear your voice on the radio "saying got one running" and then "10-24 got one in custody".They could never out run you.Your determination to get the criminal put you in elite statius.You motivated so many other officers by the way you did your job.That will forever be part of your legacy.Keeping pushing us on and watching over us from heaven.Thanks brother in blue.

Sgt. John Callahan
BPD(WEST FOREVER IN HEART)

June 20, 2010

Dear Harley,
I cant believe it's 6years people say it gets easier not for me.Words can never express enough of how much you are missed and loved by so many people.We still keep your memory alive in everyway possible.I love and miss you sooo very much and you will forever live in our hearts.

Rhonda Hembd
Sister

June 19, 2010

Dear Harley,
It's that time again 6years already people said it gets easier, not true it's harder each year I cant stand it.We still keep your memory alive anyway we can you will never be forgotten.I love and miss you more than words can ever say Harley,and you will forever live in my heart I love you always.
Love, Rhonda

Rhonda Hembd
Sister

June 18, 2010

Almost 5 years. I had to visit the site again. Never forgetting. You run through my mind at least once a day. I don't really believe everything happens for a reason, but I found what this experience has brought to me. It opened my eyes to a lot. In all the twisted disaster I realized a career for me. I now am majoring in law. Doing very well. I was elected to go to D.C this summer for a conference. We'll see if I go. Also this year I was recruited by the ARMY. They made me a money offer and what not, waved contracts around. But as you know I grew up in a Marine family, so I am considering my options. I am leaning towards enlisting next year. It'll interfere with school, but I feel like now is the time. I know now with all my heart I want to be an officer. Even though this all should have scared me and maybe even directed me away, I'm positive this is me. I'm very ready to start my career, whether as a soldier or officer. Stand by me through it all. I appreciate and need you now more then ever. I'll hold you close. Love your niece, Amelia

Amelia Wicinski
Niece

March 27, 2010

Just checking on you. Only met you a few times while you were working security in Five Points, backed you up on a fight one night. I lost a buddy a little while ago, and I visited this site for the first time to see him. It's been good seeing you guys. Richard came to visit me when me and some of my guys were standing guard over our man before the funeral. We talked about you some. You got an awesome family man. I know you're proud of your niece. She's a hoot. Anyway take care man. I don't know how it works, but if you guys see Philip in Heaven's roll-call, introduce yourself. He's hilarious. You guys take care.

Officer A. Schniper
Pelham P.D.

March 12, 2010

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