Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear Chris,
Growing up it seems like you were always there. I'll never forget when you taught me how to snow ski. I was so horrible, but you wouldn't let me quit. I would fall down and you would tell me to get back up and try again. Later you gave me a button that said "snow bunny". I now have it pinned on the visor in my car. You taught me so many lessons during my life. Thank you so much for everything you did for me, the boy scouts, and the entire community. You will always be loved and missed!!

Kellie King

August 24, 2005

Mrs.Ruse, I'm sorry to say even though I've thought of you, Chris and entire family, and prayed along with my husband since the night my husband got the call of the accident and to come in to help search for the suspects, I'd never looked at this website before 07/29/05. I knew the website was here, but it was a horrible fear for me. But now this website and the messages console me sometimes. You see my husband, my soulmate, my EVERYTHING is Todd Helcher...the officer from Braselton. It's still hard to even think or speak...I know you know that feeling well. Even though thinking and speaking are difficult, I would like to speak with you when you have the time. Please contact the Major or Lt. at Braselton PD for my number/address. I pray most of the 24 hours of each day for me, our children, our friends/co-workers, and for others like you and I. Always remember as I continue to remind myself, Life is Eternal, Love is immortal and death is only a horizon.

Amy Helcher
wife of Sgt.Todd Helcher/Braselton pd eow 07/25/05

August 15, 2005

Good morning Chris, I was at your grave site the other day. We had a pretty long talk about different things.
I just wanted to tell you I love You and Miss You So Much!!

August 7, 2005

Whats goin on Chris? I know you are doing fine and making people laugh 24/7. I was thinking about you tonight, and I wanted to say hello to my buddy. I want you to know that you are greatly missed. Take care by brother, and I will check in again and again. You will never be forgotten!

August 4, 2005

Mom and I saw Offc. Helcher driving down the road a week prior to his accident. I was in aww over the vehicle. Last night my mother told me what happened to the truck and the officer inside. And unfortunately when a police officer dies, my thoughts instantly turn to you. Last night was no different. I remembered my car wreck leaving the PD one night. You were the first one to arrive. You gave me a smile and a hug, and assured me that everything was alright. I remember my sister's wreck on her way to school and how you were the first one to arrive. You are our hero and I know you were the first to arrive on July 25th, 2005. And I know you showed up with a smile, and some comfort for a soul in need of a friend.

Jessie Banford

August 1, 2005

Officer Ruse
I never met you in life. The first time I saw you was as they laid you to rest . you may not remember seeing me I was the Lcpl on the end of the rifle squad that gave you one last hero's salute. I'm glad nobdy was around me as I fired off my rounds. because if anyone would have looked closely they would have seen a tear. Cause even though that I represented the USMC that sad day. I could help but shed a tear along with my other fellow officers. But I know one day I'll see you again First as the Marine Sentry Guarding the gates of Heaven and the as the officer walking heavens beat.
Semper Fi and please watch over us

LCPL USMC/Police Officer

July 29, 2005

It has now been 7 months since that dark evening back in December when the Barrow Co. Sherrifs Dept came to my door to take me to the hospital and that night will forever stay in my mind. I just want to say at this time as we morn Officer Todd Helcher of the Braselton PD and we try to comfort those still here. We have greatly missed Chris and thank everyone here who have extended there love to our family. The loss that we have felt with him not here sometimes is over whelming. The children miss their daddy so much.....and I miss my lover, my soulmate and best friend. We are given challanges in our lives and it is up to each of us to do what we can with them. We move on and take the beauty of what life has been given to each and everyone of us. We knew each other all our lives but where joined eternally in our love for the last 20 years. It is the knowledge I gained by being with you and our children that makes me move on and go forward.

Wife & Widow

July 27, 2005

HEY CHRIS JUST SITTING HERE AT WORK AND STARTED THINKING ABOUT YOU AGAIN. WE LOST ANOTHER GOOD OFFICER TODAY FROM BRASELTON. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS IS HAPPENING SO OFTEN. AND IT ALWAYS SEEMS THE ONES YOU SINGLE OUT AS THE BEST OF THE BEST. YOUR STILL MISSED SO MUCH AND YES WE STILL SIT HERE AND TELL THE NEW HIRES ALL ABOUT YOU. FROM YOUR FUNNY SAYINGS TO YOUR SILLY FAXES. I MISS MY FRIEND THAT I COULD LAUGH AND CUT UP WITH. WE ALL MISS YOU AND WILL NEVER LET YOUR MEMORY GO! REST IN PEACE AND I WRITE AGAIN SOON!

TAMMY HAWKINS C/O
JACKSON CO 911

July 26, 2005

I started to say hello to you today until I remembered it could not be you. You are missed. Thank you for the work you did here.

July 24, 2005

Chris,
Just thinking about you today. We still miss and think about you daily at Winder PD. Your picture is up throughout the building. We love you.

June 19, 2005

Chris,
I watched TV the other day and saw where your named was called and placed in history at the memorial in Washington D.C. I cried and could not believe it. It is real and this has happened. I truly miss you and want the whole world to know how much of a loss this has been. I hope you are not working too hard in heaven, you always said " there is no overtime in heaven because to many cops are up there, I just hope I can cover a shift" we all laughed and said "I hear ya!" we never thought of the reality that we might have to cover a shift up there. I miss you and know that heaven is safe if you are on the watch, I just hope saint peter does not get mad at you arresting folks in heaven, Im sure even you can find enough PC up there to make a case!! lol

rest in peace my friend!

Andrew Fazekas

May 28, 2005

To-day is your Birthday Chris, and we haven't forgotten you, and never will. Just to let others know you would have been only 46 years old to-day.
Good memories and lots of love from,
Your Mom and Dad

Mom and Dad
Retired

May 19, 2005

What do i say brother, I've missed you alot man. From the nights Josh and I spent in Arcade to hear to you stories of life, war, and future. Man i can't believe your gone. Not a day goes by that i don't wake up and think of you or something you said. You were always happy never mad, I admired you for you work. Even though your gone and even though we weren't related you were my brother and a very great friend. Chris you werea great friend, policeman, fireman, husband, and dad. Rest in peace brother.

Firefighter Andrew Norris
Jefferson Rescue, NJFD

April 27, 2005

Chris it's coming up on four months that you have been gone. I still think about you all of the time, I seen Jeneane and Katie Ann today, they are doing well.
I just wanted to write you and tell you I love you!!

Jeff

April 18, 2005

I have not lived in Winder for some years now, I want to express my condolences for the Ruse family and all of his co-workers and that everyone he had had ever helped and made a profound inmpact on.
Rest in Peace Chris

April 5, 2005

I just recently learned of this huge loss, the loss of Chris Ruse. My family has been gone from GA for several years, but it doesn't make my sadness any less. Chris was truly a hero among men, one of the most genuinely beautiful people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. My world is truly a better place for having known him. May God bless Chris's family and keep them safe as, he would have.

Melanie Schoonover Worton

April 4, 2005

It still feels like a dream, seeing your picture on the website of an Officer down....it it unreal.
It brings back memories, hearing the news about one of the men pleading out and flipping on the other dirtbag just makes me relive that horrible night.
I love You Chris, See You In Heaven!!!!!!!!!!!!!

March 31, 2005

HAPPY EASTER CHRIS

March 27, 2005

Thank You for your dedication and service Officer Ruse, you are a hero and will never be forgotten!!

March 26, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ruse family, friends and his co-workers as they begin to rebuild their shattered lives. His community, state and our nation has lost a fine servant of the law enforcement community.

Roger Parker
Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. - Georgia Chapter

March 25, 2005

There are many days that I tell stories to new officers and friends about things I experienced at Winder PD. I am sorry things turned bad so fast. I have just returned for a visit and was told of your death. Chris I will never forget you, for you taught me the power of the law book. I learned many things from you and others I rode with and worked with. I will see you again and I know you are smiling down on us. We ran together many times. Semper FI brother.

TTPD
Senior Patrol Officer
Scott Worton (old 124)

Senior Patrol Officer
Temple Terrace

March 25, 2005

Officer Ruse, may you rest easy for eternity in the arms of Jesus.
God Bless You, your family and friends!!

March 22, 2005

Chris, we had lost more Officer's since your sinceless death. I just want to thank you and the other Officers who have given the ultimate sacrfice to prepare a place for us in Heaven.
Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

March 13, 2005

Todd said that knowing you made him a better person, and Captain said that knowing you meant we had a real friend. They're both right. I still don't believe it, and part of me expects to run into you at Wal-mart again. I remember so much about you, your laugh, your smile, but most importantly your stories. Like Jeff said, he couldn't believe that you could die, afterall you survived everything...gangsters, fires, war. You were my hero and you will never be forgotten. I think about you daily, and I pray for your family constantly. I love you and I miss you.

Jessie Banford-a friend

March 8, 2005

Rest in Peace now sir, the watch is ours now.

March 7, 2005