Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To Officer Dedman's family & friends,
I have tried to send a message twice before but it never went through...hope this does. My heart breaks for you because I know the pain you are feeling. My first husband was also killed in the line of duty when he was hit by a tractor trailer on the side of I-40 in N.C. My pain is still vivid but I try to concentrate more now on the happy memories of Calvin and thank the Lord that he gave me about 10 years of my life to spend with him. The driver (like most of them) that killed Calvin didn't get much of a sentance compared to the life that he took but at least I know Calvin is in heaven now. I've been praying for you and will continue to keep you in my prayers. May God wrap his loving arms around you and help you through this long journey of living without Christy. God bless you.

Denise
Survivor of Trooper Calvin E. Taylor NCSHP EOW 10-3-01

August 2, 2004

BUFFALO, NEW YORK

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE
OFFICERS WISH TO SEND OUR CONDOLENCES.
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS WITH OFFICERS
DEDMAN, HER FAMILY AND CO-WORKERS.

GOD BLESS...

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE

August 1, 2004

My thoughts and prayers to Officer Christy Dedman, her family and to the Metro Nashville Police Department.

You will never be forgotten!!

Sergeant Damon Cole
Double Oak Police Department, Texas

August 1, 2004

The family of Officer Candace Ripp would like to extend to you our deepest sympothies for your loss. We understand all to well the hurt and pain that you must feel. We remember all to well how it feels to get that phone call and to hear the words that you never want to hear. But we also remember the love and support that Metro Nashville and the entire state of Tennessee showed to us during our loss and we know that they will extend to you their hearts and hands too.
We will forever be bonded by the loss by the fall of our Sister in Blue. They are truly of a higher standard than all others and as Christy passed through the Gates, Candace was there with open arms to embrace Christy when she arrived. I hope you find some comfort in knowing that Christy is in the arms of all of her brothers and sisters in blue but especially her Metro Sister Candace.
You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.

Kathy Ripp
Sister In Law

July 30, 2004

DAY IS DONE,
GONE THE SUN,
FROM THE HILLS, FROM THE LAKE, FROM THE SKIES.
ALL IS WELL, SAFELY REST,
GOD IS NIGH.

GO TO SLEEP, PEACEFUL SLEEP,
MAY THE SOLDIER OR SAILOR, GOD KEEP.
ON THE LAND OR THE DEEP,
SAFE IN SLEEP.

LOVE, GOOD NIGHT,
MUST THOU GO,
WHEN THE DAY, AND THE NIGHT NEED THEE SO?
ALL IS WELL. SPEEDETH ALL
TO THEIR REST.

FADES THE LIGHT;
AND AFAR
GOETH DAY, AND THE STARS SHINETH BRIGHT,
FARE THEE WELL; DAY IS GONE,
NIGHT IS ON.

THANKS AND PRAISE,
FOR OUR DAYS,
'NEATH THE SUN, 'NEATH THE STARS, 'NEATH THE SKY,
AS WE GO, THIS WE KNOW,
GOD IS NIGH.

A Brother In Blue

Anonymous

11 months or 40 years, you served with Honor.

Detective Troy S. Pilivi
Box Elder Narcotics Strike Force

July 30, 2004

DAY IS DONE,
GONE THE SUN,
FROM THE HILLS, FROM THE LAKE, FROM THE SKIES.
ALL IS WELL, SAFELY REST,
GOD IS NIGH.

GO TO SLEEP, PEACEFUL SLEEP,
MAY THE SOLDIER OR SAILOR, GOD KEEP.
ON THE LAND OR THE DEEP,
SAFE IN SLEEP.

LOVE, GOOD NIGHT,
MUST THOU GO,
WHEN THE DAY, AND THE NIGHT NEED THEE SO?
ALL IS WELL. SPEEDETH ALL
TO THEIR REST.

FADES THE LIGHT;
AND AFAR
GOETH DAY, AND THE STARS SHINETH BRIGHT,
FARE THEE WELL; DAY IS GONE,
NIGHT IS ON.

THANKS AND PRAISE,
FOR OUR DAYS,
'NEATH THE SUN, 'NEATH THE STARS, 'NEATH THE SKY,
AS WE GO, THIS WE KNOW,
GOD IS NIGH.

A Brother In Blue

Anonymous

11 months or 40 years, you served with honor.

D

July 30, 2004

Every day when my shift was coming to a close, I would see a tall, lanky redhead enter the station. Officer Dedman would pass me and quietly acknowledge me as "maam". She was always at the station thirty minutes before her shift. And she would always have a slight smile on her face. This department lost a part of our future. Officer Christy Dedman will be missed.

Sgt. Karen Kinnard
Metro Nashville Police Department

July 30, 2004

From the moment I met Christy, I felt like I had known her for years. I spent a couple hours with her the day before we lost her. I will always remember her playing with a pit bull puppy and talking about her Dalmation. Christy was a good friend. She was my buddy. I'll miss her.

Detective Troy Smith
Metro Nashville PD

July 29, 2004

I worked with Christy on the B detail. She was truely one of the best we had. She was for sure a hard charger who loved her job. I would rest easy knowing that she would go on a call with me or back me up on something. She will be sorely missed and never forgotten. Until we talk again, see ya later sister....

Kurt J. Knapp-Hermitage B
Metro Nashville Police Department

July 29, 2004

To the family of Officer Dedman and fellow officers.
Please know that that their are others that know your pain and hold you close in our hearts.

Richie Grant
Surviving spouse of Dave Grant, Tuolumne Co. Sheriff's Dept. EOW 5/31/

July 28, 2004

Our sincere condolences to the family and all of our neighbor Brothers and Sisters of the M.N.P.D. Rest well my Sister and God Bless you for your efforts.

Det. J.D. Coarsey
Hendersonville Police Department

July 28, 2004

We are truly saddened at Christy'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.

July 27, 2004

Christy was assigned to the Hermitage B Detail where I am the Lt. She was the 2nd officer we tragicly lost within a week off the detail. The other Officer Scott Baswell who died in a scuba accident on vacation. The other 38 officers and 7 Sgts. on the detail will always have a special place in their hearts for both officers. We dedicate our detail the rest of 2004 to their memory.

Lt. D. Williamson
Metro Nashville P.D.

July 26, 2004

I am saddened by our loss. May your family and friends find peace in these heart felt reflection from your extended family. Go rest high on the mountain, god bless you sister!

D/Sgt. Vencent Woods
State of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

July 26, 2004

I pray that our Heavenly Father
may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours,
to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of Freedom.
-- Abraham Lincoln, November 1864

May Christy rest in peace knowing that her brothers and sisters carry on and we have the watch. Until the last day when we will all be raised up for the final roll call.

Lt. Stephen Jackson
Baton Rouge Police Dept.

July 26, 2004

The members of the Royal Palm Beach Police Department wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family, coworkers, and friends of Officer Christy Dedman. She has fought the good fight and has now gone to her reward. Many of our brothers and sisters are gone, but none are ever forgotten.

Sergeant T. E. Murphy
Royal Palm Beach, Fl. P. D.

July 26, 2004

Go rest in peace and we will finish the job down here.

Police Officer Shane Schapiro
Maryland Transportation Authority Police

July 25, 2004

To the family, friends, and co-workers of P.O. Dedman, My prayers are with you at this sad time, and you will have lots of sad times to come. I know that Officer Christy loved her job and what she was doing, as my son did. I bet neither one would have choosen another occupation if given a choice.
We will never forget you Officer Dedman and the sacricfice that you and so many officers have given before and those to follow. To your family, we are praying for you to make it through each difficult day. Thank you for protecting us while you were here on earth and now for watching over us from above..

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

July 25, 2004

Officer Dedman, your sacrifice will never be forgotten. You are in my prayers, rest easy.

Dep. Paul Sperandeo
Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office, La.

July 25, 2004

Dear Christy-Thank-you for dedicating your life to making a difference. You are a hero. We heard that you wanted to participate in the Police Unity Tour this past year, but other obligations would not permit. Watch down on us and keep us safe as "We Ride For Those That Died". You are in are memories...

Sgt. John Leonard
Coconut Creek, FL PD

July 25, 2004

Being assigned to the same shift as Christy, I saw her daily at roll call. Her smiling face, her positive outlook, her energetic work ethic, and her friendly spirit made her a valued member of the team. She was one of the few people who entered law enforcement with the true desire to help people and serve her community. She was also one of those rare individuals that no matter how much time you spent around her, it was never quite enough. She was loved by her co-workers and will be deeply missed. As tragic as her death is and as much she is already missed, for her to be taken home while in the service of her community is almost appropriate. The rest of us can only hope that we are taken home doing the one thing we absolutely love doing. Thank you, Christy. We've got your back.

Officer Eric Meihls
Metro Nashville Police Department

July 25, 2004

I would like to extend my condolences to Officer Dedman's family and friends, and to the men and women of the Metro Nashville Police Department. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of tragedy. Rest in peace Officer Dedman, your duty here is done.

Deputy Sheriff
Butte County Sheriff's Office

July 25, 2004

Some times when we hear our call, we are not ready to answer;But when the time arrives we know that He has sent for us.
So many things we may leave unnatended, yet through eternity our memory is carried on through our loved ones blessings.
We may never know the plan our Father has, but once we get to those gates we know we are at home at last.
People seem not to understand when life is cut short nor why it hurts so bad when your presence has moved beyond our touch. Yes life has a way of tearing you down.We cannot know why things happens the way it does. Know that love and beautiful memories outlast the pain of grief. And we can know that there is a place inside the heart where love lives always and forever.
Officer Dedman, you will never be forgotten, May you rest in eternal peace.

Teresa Goss
ShaDco, Jacksonville, Fl

July 25, 2004

I was saddened to hear of what happened to our sister. I was out of town when I got the news of your passing Christy and wanted to be there so badly. I wish I had gotten to know you better. I remember seeing you on calls I responded to and talking to you before you departed on patrols with Jason. You seemed to me to be a wonderful person. I know you will be watching over us all from you new patrol zone above. We will all miss you very much Christy.

Officer Geoff Odom
Metro Nashville Police Department

July 24, 2004

We mourn the sensless loss of a sister. She was loved as much as she loved the MNPD. Christy will be missed but NEVER forgotten. May she rest in peace. I know I will never forget her. Thanks for given us your time and dedication sister.

Police Officer/Chris Upchurch
Metro Nashville Police Department

July 24, 2004