Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

One day Gabriel saw Jesus standing on the bank of a river in Heaven.
Jesus had a sad look on His face as he watched the water flowing by.
Gabriel asked Jesus about the history of the river and why He had such a look
on His face?
Jesus told Gabriel that the river ran from the foot of God's throne and that
the water was the tears God shed each time a Police Officer was laid to rest.
Jesus said, "Each year the river grows larger and flows more rapid."
As Gabriel and Jesus stood gazing across the waters Gabriel asked, "When can
we bring them home?"
Jesus replied, "The great waking up morning will soon come."
Gabriel then asked, "What will happen to the river?"
Jesus answered, "God will bring them to the banks of the river and let them
see the tears He shed for them and then the river will run dry, never again
to flow."
"Each of His Peacemakers will be called forward one by one to lay their
badges at the foot of the throne and there they will receive their crowns of
gold."
Gabriel looked into the eyes of Jesus with a questioning look about his face.
Jesus simply whispered.... Soon Gabriel.... Soon.


You are greatly missed my brother

Deputy Karl Gusentine
Williamson County Sheriff's Department

September 29, 2004

Your family and department are in my thoughts and prayers.

TC DONNA WHITE
JACKSON COUNTY IL SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

August 21, 2004

YOU will be missed, my friend:


Deputy Sheriff Dane Johns
Williamson County Sheriff's Department
Illinois
Monday, July 26, 2004

Leave a Reflection
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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 effectively 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 who serve you well. AMEN. ** REST IN PEACE** Sent to you by the father of Master Officer J.D.Koeppen, Capital City Raleigh NC; Trooper D.C. Koeppen, NJ State Police and Cadet Officer A.M. Koeppen Wilmington N.C.

Chief (retired) Douglas A. Koeppen
Washington New Jersey
2004-08-17


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. MAY HE GRANT YOU THE STRENGTH TO CARRY ON HIS MEMORIES FOR ALL TO KNOW AND REMEMBER.

911 DISPATCHER, ERICA TOLSON
LANCASTER/GARRARD 911
2004-08-16


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alot of years given to duty, sir you will long be missed. Peace brother

Police Officer Scott Parker
Pelican bay Police Dept. Tarrant County Texas
2004-08-09


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

>THOSE WHO GAVE THERE LIVES
>
>Those who gave there lives for America will always be remembered.
>Those who gave there live in the line of duty will always have a place in everyone's heart.

>They worked hard to save lives and in return gave their own.
>The courage that they showed filled the guff of souls.
>It is tragic that so many had to give their lives and parish in this way
>to fill the guff, but in return they all have a place in heaven.
>They will always be remembered in our hearts, for we can never forget
>what they have done to save our lives.
>
>
>Lora woolard
>Williamson county ambulance service



Lora Woolard EMT
Williamson County Ambulance Service
2004-08-08


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When the news of Danes passing was made known to our department it shook everyone to the core. I am fairly new to this department so I did not know Dane as well as some of my co-workers. However when Dane responded to assist me on occasion it was like we had known eachother for years. It was eveident to me after our first meeting when you needed anything and Dane was there you had no doubt he would do everything in his power to make things right.

Dane is a true inspiration and the finest of example to any law enforcement officer. The law enforcement community as a whole is lesser for the loss of Deputy Dane Johns. God speed my brother, you will be missed but never forgotten.

We at the U.S. Veterans Affiars Police Division (Marion VAMC), send our sincere condolences to the Johns family, friends and co-workers at the Williamson County Sheriff Department. You are in our hearts and prayers.

Sergeant William Griffith
U.S. VA Police Division
Marion, Illinois

Sergeant
United States Veterans Affairs Police Division (Marion VAMC)
2004-08-08


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Deputy Johns,

Thank you for your many years of service, Rest in Peace my Brother...You will never be forgotten....



Officer
NC
2004-08-07


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My friend,
I've waited this long to leave you this reflection. I've tried times before to do so, but couldn't find the words. You will not be forgotten, both you and your family are and will be in my families prayers and mine.

The morning after this tragedy, I pulled on the lot just like every morning. There sat your car. I went in sat at the same desk that I always do. It took sometime to sink in you wouldn't be in to tell me what your kids and wife did the night before. I kept turning looking at the desk you sat at trying to catch up on your paperwork.

I'll miss our talks about our wifes, our kids, your military trucks, the latest weapon that came out, S.O. gossip and our German Shepherds. I didn't realize how many times each day we spoke, until your weren't there.

You were always there to back me up, no matter what the call. We did get into some deep stuff from time to time. I'm glad I was there on our final call together, just minutes before.

I find I still can't find the right words.

Sleep in peace my friend, my buddy. You are missed.



William Ward, Deputy Sheriff
Williamson County Sheriff's Office
2004-08-07


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We lost a brother, a good friend, six months ago, and we share your grief and loss. Our prayers are with your agency and Deputy Johns' family. "Rest Easy, Brother...We have the watch now...."

Deputy Sheriff
Marion County Sheriff's Office
2004-08-06


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We are truly saddened at Dane'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.
2004-08-04


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Farewell & rest in Peace my Brother. You have served well and with honor. We are proud to call you Brother. Be assured your loved ones will never be alone for we are but a phone call away.

Bob Johnson VA-VI

Bob Johnson U.S. Marshal's (Ret'd)
Blue Knights International Police Assn.
2004-08-04


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

May god be with all of you.
The family and friends of James J Mulay
09/21/2003.
Peoria County Sheriff's Department



2004-08-04


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers. Rest in peace.

Teresa Goss
ShaDco, Jacksonville, Fl
2004-08-04


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

May you rest in peace and your family find comfort. You gave the ultimate price for doing your job. Thank you.

TCO DEBBIE MORGAN
Md Transportation Authority
2004-08-04


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“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
2004-08-04


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am proud to say that I knew Dane for the last 11 years. He knew his job and he did it well. He touched a lot of people's hearts both on the job and off.
To his family, fellow officers and other friends, there are not enough words to ease our pain of the great loss we have experienced recently. May we all remember Dane as the good husband, father, friend and fellow officer he was. I read a sign on the side of a road the other day and I just want to repeat it. "Thanks for the memories, Dane Johns." Dane you did make a difference!

Vicki



2004-08-03


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My thoughts and prayers are with your family and the men and women of the WCSO. Thank you for your service and dedication. You will be missed.

Officer Robert McCall
Dallas Police dept.
2004-08-03


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The members of the Rhode Island State Police Wickford Barracks send thier condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sgt. James M. Manni
Rhode Island State Police
2004-08-03


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To the family of Dane Johns...Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Friends
Doug and Lee Jackson



2004-08-03


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPUTY'S LAST ROLL CALL

The deputy stood and faced his god,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his boots were shining,
just as brightly as his badge.
“Step forward now, deputy.
How shall I deal with you?”
“Have you always turned the other cheek,
to my church have you been true?”
The deputy squared his shoulders
and said, “No Lord, I guess I ain’t,
because all of those who wear 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 tough.
But I never took a penny
that was not mine to keep,
Though I worked a lot of overtime
when the bills just got to steep.
I never passed a cry for help,
though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I wept unmanly tears
I know I don’t deserve a place
amongst all the people here.
They never wanted me around,
except to calm their fear.
But, if you have a place for me here,
Lord it needn’t be so grand.
I never expected or had to much,
if you don’t… I’ll understand.
There was silence all around the throne,
where the saints had often trod.
As the deputy waited quietly
for the judgement of his God.
“Step forward now, deputy
You have borne your burdens well.
Come work a shift on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in HELL.”
Author Unknown

Secretary
Medical

August 20, 2004

Dane, you were the ONLY one who treated me the same after I left my husband. You ARE missed by everyone who knew you. Your wife and children will be taken care of...GodSpeeh, my friend. Jo

Avg.
USA

August 20, 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 effectively 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 who serve you well. AMEN. ** REST IN PEACE** Sent to you by the father of Master Officer J.D.Koeppen, Capital City Raleigh NC; Trooper D.C. Koeppen, NJ State Police and Cadet Officer A.M. Koeppen Wilmington N.C.

Chief (retired) Douglas A. Koeppen
Washington New Jersey

August 17, 2004

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. MAY HE GRANT YOU THE STRENGTH TO CARRY ON HIS MEMORIES FOR ALL TO KNOW AND REMEMBER.

911 DISPATCHER, ERICA TOLSON
LANCASTER/GARRARD 911

August 16, 2004

Alot of years given to duty, sir you will long be missed. Peace brother

Police Officer Scott Parker
Pelican bay Police Dept. Tarrant County Texas

August 9, 2004

>THOSE WHO GAVE THERE LIVES
>
>Those who gave there lives for America will always be remembered.
>Those who gave there live in the line of duty will always have a place in everyone's heart.

>They worked hard to save lives and in return gave their own.
>The courage that they showed filled the guff of souls.
>It is tragic that so many had to give their lives and parish in this way
>to fill the guff, but in return they all have a place in heaven.
>They will always be remembered in our hearts, for we can never forget
>what they have done to save our lives.
>
>
>Lora woolard
>Williamson county ambulance service

Lora Woolard EMT
Williamson County Ambulance Service

August 8, 2004

When the news of Danes passing was made known to our department it shook everyone to the core. I am fairly new to this department so I did not know Dane as well as some of my co-workers. However when Dane responded to assist me on occasion it was like we had known eachother for years. It was eveident to me after our first meeting when you needed anything and Dane was there you had no doubt he would do everything in his power to make things right.

Dane is a true inspiration and the finest of example to any law enforcement officer. The law enforcement community as a whole is lesser for the loss of Deputy Dane Johns. God speed my brother, you will be missed but never forgotten.

We at the U.S. Veterans Affiars Police Division (Marion VAMC), send our sincere condolences to the Johns family, friends and co-workers at the Williamson County Sheriff Department. You are in our hearts and prayers.

Sergeant William Griffith
U.S. VA Police Division
Marion, Illinois

Sergeant
United States Veterans Affairs Police Division (Marion VAMC)

August 8, 2004

Deputy Johns,

Thank you for your many years of service, Rest in Peace my Brother...You will never be forgotten....

Officer
NC

August 7, 2004

My friend,
I've waited this long to leave you this reflection. I've tried times before to do so, but couldn't find the words. You will not be forgotten, both you and your family are and will be in my families prayers and mine.

The morning after this tragedy, I pulled on the lot just like every morning. There sat your car. I went in sat at the same desk that I always do. It took sometime to sink in you wouldn't be in to tell me what your kids and wife did the night before. I kept turning looking at the desk you sat at trying to catch up on your paperwork.

I'll miss our talks about our wifes, our kids, your military trucks, the latest weapon that came out, S.O. gossip and our German Shepherds. I didn't realize how many times each day we spoke, until your weren't there.

You were always there to back me up, no matter what the call. We did get into some deep stuff from time to time. I'm glad I was there on our final call together, just minutes before.

I find I still can't find the right words.

Sleep in peace my friend, my buddy. You are missed.

William Ward, Deputy Sheriff
Williamson County Sheriff's Office

August 7, 2004

We lost a brother, a good friend, six months ago, and we share your grief and loss. Our prayers are with your agency and Deputy Johns' family. "Rest Easy, Brother...We have the watch now...."

Deputy Sheriff
Marion County Sheriff's Office

August 6, 2004

We are truly saddened at Dane'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.

August 4, 2004

Farewell & rest in Peace my Brother. You have served well and with honor. We are proud to call you Brother. Be assured your loved ones will never be alone for we are but a phone call away.

Bob Johnson VA-VI

Bob Johnson U.S. Marshal's (Ret'd)
Blue Knights International Police Assn.

August 4, 2004

May god be with all of you.
The family and friends of James J Mulay
09/21/2003.
Peoria County Sheriff's Department

August 4, 2004

My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers. Rest in peace.

Teresa Goss
ShaDco, Jacksonville, Fl

August 4, 2004

May you rest in peace and your family find comfort. You gave the ultimate price for doing your job. Thank you.

TCO DEBBIE MORGAN
Md Transportation Authority

August 4, 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 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

August 4, 2004

I am proud to say that I knew Dane for the last 11 years. He knew his job and he did it well. He touched a lot of people's hearts both on the job and off.
To his family, fellow officers and other friends, there are not enough words to ease our pain of the great loss we have experienced recently. May we all remember Dane as the good husband, father, friend and fellow officer he was. I read a sign on the side of a road the other day and I just want to repeat it. "Thanks for the memories, Dane Johns." Dane you did make a difference!

Vicki

August 3, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with your family and the men and women of the WCSO. Thank you for your service and dedication. You will be missed.

Officer Robert McCall
Dallas Police dept.

August 3, 2004

The members of the Rhode Island State Police Wickford Barracks send thier condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sgt. James M. Manni
Rhode Island State Police

August 3, 2004

To the family of Dane Johns...Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Friends
Doug and Lee Jackson

August 3, 2004

DEPUTY'S LAST ROLL CALL

The deputy stood and faced his god,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his boots were shining,
just as brightly as his badge.
“Step forward now, deputy.
How shall I deal with you?”
“Have you always turned the other cheek,
to my church have you been true?”
The deputy squared his shoulders
and said, “No Lord, I guess I ain’t,
because all of those who wear 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 tough.
But I never took a penny
that was not mine to keep,
Though I worked a lot of overtime
when the bills just got to steep.
I never passed a cry for help,
though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I wept unmanly tears
I know I don’t deserve a place
amongst all the people here.
They never wanted me around,
except to calm their fear.
But, if you have a place for me here,
Lord it needn’t be so grand.
I never expected or had to much,
if you don’t… I’ll understand.
There was silence all around the throne,
where the saints had often trod.
As the deputy waited quietly
for the judgement of his God.
“Step forward now, deputy
You have borne your burdens well.
Come work a shift on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in HELL.”
Author Unknown

Aux. Sgt. Lori Ward
Williamson County Sheriff's Auxiliary Unit

August 2, 2004

The men and women of the Franklin County Sheriff's Office offer our condolences to the family of Deputy Johns and the Williamson County Sheriff's Office.

Franklin County Sheriff's Office (IL)

August 2, 2004

God speed, warrior. Please watch out for the rest of us.

PTLM
New Castle County Police - Delaware

August 2, 2004