Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Chris, you touched the lives of many students here at Winder-Barrow High School as their DARE instructor and as a patrolman. Your caring heart and warm smile endeared you to so many people. But there is comfort in the fact that you will continue to live in the hearts and minds of our students and faculty.

Rob Johnson, Principal
Winder-Barrow High School

January 7, 2005

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis was a Deputy Sheriff with the Davis County Sheriff's Office in southeast Iowa. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Chris did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Chris be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Patrolman Ruse'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 Chris 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 Chris was well respected and well loved.

Thank you Patrolman Ruse 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)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

January 7, 2005

THIS IS THE WAY I SAW YOU CHRIS.....WHEN YOU CAME INTO OUR 911 CENTER YOU ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON YOUR FACE AND A TWINKLE IN YOUR EYE, YOU ALWAYS HAD A LITTLE GIGGLE WHEN YOU TALKED OR JOKED WITH US. WHEN WE HEARD YOUR VOICE ON THE RADIO IT WAS ALWAYS CHEERFUL AND POLITE. WE RESPECTED YOU SO MUCH, AND NOW YOU ARE AT HOME WITH JESUS. I CAN TELL YOU NOW, MY NICKNAME FOR YOU WAS: "THE MAYOR OF THE WIZARD OF OZ." I'LL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU THAT WAY. SO CHEERFUL AND HAPPY ALL THE TIME, I KNOW YOU MUST BE A JOY TO ALL THE OTHER "ANGELS" IN HEAVEN.
GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY,
CAROL LOONEY--JACKSON CO 911
JEFFERSON, GEORGIA

Communication Officer Carol Looney
Jackson County 911

January 7, 2005

Chris it's hard to believe you are gone but, in our hearts you will always be with us. I know you are smliling down on us all right now. I wish I would have been able to thank you one more time for all you did for my children and,the children of our community. I can't in person but you can feel the thanks as I write this for you and yours. Thank you Chris, you will truly be missed.

Karen
Barrow County Schools

January 7, 2005

I pray that your family and friends find peace and comfort from the heart felt reflections left by your extended Law Enforcement Family. May your spirit have a joyous homecoming and may you “Rest high on the Mountain”.

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

January 7, 2005

Chris,

I just don't know where to start. I can remember the first day I met you. You were so friendly and I could tell that you were sincere.

I was new to this department and you were one of the ones who made me feel so comfortable and welcomed here. You were that way with everyone you definitely did not know any strangers.

The 2 1/2 - 3 years that I have known you I have never saw your face without a smile not matter what was going on around you good or bad. You were a very funny man and always full of energy.

You were a good man, Chris Ruse. You were a dedicated father, husband, officer, and friend. You always put your all into everything that you did.

You have always put others needs before your self. Lieutenant you will will be missed and never forgotten. Rest in peace.

Officer Teria Russell
Winder Police Department

January 7, 2005

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Patrolman Christopher Lee (Chris) Ruse and the Pendergrass Police Department...our hearts and prayers are with you all...... Thank you for a job well done Chris... rest in peace as you continue your watch from the heavens......your memory will never be forgotten...

God Bless....Be Safe..... and wear your vests...

Vin, Pook and all of us at beyond-the-blue

Vinman and Pooky -Site Owners
beyond-the-blue

January 7, 2005

Thank you to this officer for the security and support he offered to us citizens of Winder and other cities where we were granted this brave soul's services. It's not often these days that someone is quick to thank someone of the law, but it is quick that we force judgment and make donut jokes or call them names. We are forever grateful to not only this gentleman for risking his safety and giving his life to protect ours, but the many other officers that work along side him in many other departments all over our great nation. He will be missed dearly and I ask God to hear our prayers for his family and children in their time of loss. May God bless and keep those members in the Ruse family.

Winder Citizen
Grateful Barrow County Resident

January 7, 2005

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. Thank you Patrolman Ruse for a job well done. Please continue to watch over us and protect us as only you can. You will forever be at our side and in our hearts.

For those of you who still have loved ones with us please take the time to tell them how much you appreciate and care about them.

IF I KNEW

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

January 6, 2005

Rest in peace sir. Thank you for your service

Shannon
concerned citizen

January 6, 2005

Although I only met you a handful of times I considered you a friend and always a brother in blue. I can remember working at the county and responding to Arcade to assist you with two who fled on foot. I can remember that even in the situation you wore a smile. You were one of the few that can always find humor no matter how bad the situation. I know you are now in a better place and that you are walking a beat on a golden street. Rest in peace brother with no worries, we will take it from here.

Ptl. Cameron Boswell
Arcade Police Dept.

January 6, 2005

Upon the markers of their graves
Our heroes etched in names we save
For all the life they gave with pride
To keep the peace within life's stride

To honor serve and do their best
To keep us safe through any quest
They gave up what was theirs to share
Their spirits shall be always near

No fear within the hearts and minds
To keep us safe within our times
The glory that is ours to see
Those special hearts of bravery

They have walked where no man dare
Their lives in danger with no care
For they have given all they could
For their courage we have stood

In awe of every one who gave
His life for others who they saved
So we will know their contribution
Their firm resolve and resolution

For those they left with hearts so broken
In every whispered word that's spoken
We bow our heads in confirmation
In every word life's revelation

Those who stand within their shoes
Will follow courage as they choose
And give to all the best they had
They carry on with spirits glad

We will know that they walked through
With colors bright and hearts so true
No Island stands alone they say
For heroes they are born this way

Protecting those with loyalty
A glimpse of so much royalty
Within the years of courage bound
These officers have earned their crown

Upon the earth we shall remember
The special goals and all their thunder
That proves a hero came our way
Who left their hearts on earth to stay.

~ Francine Pucillo ~
(c)Copyright November 16, 2004
In Memory of all those lost in the line
of fire with courage, strength and love.

Chief Billy Cureington
Wisner Louisiana Police Dept.

January 6, 2005

May the memory of your service, heroism and sacrifice remain forever. May God bless you, your family and brother/sister officers in the Pendergrass Police Department.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

January 6, 2005

On behalf of the men and women who serve for the City Of Lake Saint Louis Police Department, our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Ruse's family, friends and co-workers. Rest in peace brother.

Patrolman
Lake Saint Louis Police Department

January 6, 2005

I was working the night I heard, "officer down, shots fired" blare over the radio. It was the worst thing that I have ever heard come across the radio and a feeling that words cannot describe. As the night passed I found out it was you, Officer Chris Ruse. Many years have passed since we last spoke. You were working with the Winder Police Dept. and I was working with the Auburn Ga. Police Dept. When I found out it was you the first thing that came to my mind was that friendly smile that you always wore. I never saw you without that smile and you always made me laugh when we talked. I know I did not know you as well as others, but I do know that you were a great person with a big heart who touched many lives. Your time on earth may be over, but your memory will last forever.

To the Ruse Family and Friends: I pray that God will comfort you during this time and give you peace of mind knowing that Chris is now in a much better place. God Bless!

Lt. S. Kimbel
Madison Co. Sheriff's Office (Georgia)

January 6, 2005

I want to express my deepest condolences to Chris' family during this tragic time. I worked with you for many years at Winder Police Department, and I have so many memories. During the time I worked with you, you would always walk into work with a smile on your face. No matter what the challenge or how bad your day was going, you were always smiling. You never met a stranger and always treated everyone equally. This is what I will always remember about you. I remember the way you would always sing "Ava Maria" to me every morning I saw you. The funny way you would answer your radio, and chase down vehicles while on bicycle patrol. You were always so happy when you "beat" a patrol car to a call.
You will truly be missed, and I will treasure all those memories. It was a blessing being your friend and co worker. I continue to remember all the things you taught me about my job, and life. I will hold your memory close to my heart always.
Also, thanks to Chris' family for sharing such a wonderful man with me and so many others throughout this community.

Communication Officer Marie Wall
Lawrenceville Police Department

January 6, 2005

Officer Ruse may you rest in peace, my brother and look down upon all of your brother law enforcement officers. You will not be forgotten, you gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be remembered as a hero! My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends.

Patrolman
Middletown PD

January 5, 2005

God bless our Chris! You had a big heart! And for knowing you, I am thankful.
You were so funny and I still laugh thinking of all of your silliness. Thanks for making me smile - even now. :)

Lt. Kristi Schmitt
Winder Police Department, Winder, GA

January 5, 2005

Chris you will always be remembered in our hearts- may you rest in peace knowing there are people who cared about you and the job you did for all of us.

probation officer-jean turner
probation/department of corrections

January 5, 2005

My heart goes out to everyone who knew this officer. Your lives have been permanently changed, as you have already unfortunately found out. The road ahead is long and torturous, but your fallen hero will remain alive in your thoughts and hearts every single day. The pain and anguish you will face will seem unbearable, but you will make it through. Know that you belong to a family of survivors now. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. I lost my fiancee, Officer Cole Martin, to a senseless tragedy on April 25, 2003 and my life has not been the same since. Take comfort in prayer knowing that the Lord will ease your pain in His time. While that is hard to see and grasp at this point, you will be able to smile at your loved one's memory once more. God bless you all.

Jessi Garger - fiancee of Officer Cole M

January 5, 2005

Chris: I already miss our occasional lunch get togethers. I look forward to spending time with you in the eternities, as we continue the Lord's work.
I know that you are anxiously engaged in the work as I write this message. We will try to do our part in this life, as we hopefully progress toward the eternal reunion.
I know that you know your family will endure, to be rejoined with you.
The worst for us is missing your presence, while we know you are still hearing our thoughts and love for you.

CDR, USNR(ret) Bob Prichard

January 5, 2005

Rest In Peace my Brother.

Ofc. Terry
Sterling Heights. MI

January 5, 2005

MAY YOU REST IN PEACE, BROTHER

PATROLMAN
JACKSONVILLE, FL SHERIFF'S OFFICE

January 4, 2005

I was at your funeral today. What a sight it was. I'm sure you were looking down and smiling that smile of yours. You were so loved Chris. Such an inspiration to so many people. I wonder if you realize how many lives you touched during your time here. You will be greatly missed. However, your memory will live on in thoes who had the pleasure to know you. You would have been proud to see all of the children lined up paying their respects you, their "fallen hero" as they wrote on their signs.

We love you Chris, Thank You for giving so unselfishly of yourself. You were truly an angel of God.

January 4, 2005

Thank you Officer Ruse. You were a good D.A.R.E. teacher and cop and you had alot of good jokes.
You were always smiling when ever we would see you. Thank you for serving us so good and proud.

Former Winder citizen

January 4, 2005