Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Chris,
You had a beautiful service today, you would have been so proud. You were honored as a Father, Hero, Officer and Friend.
The Marine Corps did an outstanding job on the gun salute and the folding of the flag. Jeneen looked proud to receive the flag that you fought so bravely to defend and Michael received your Marine Corps sword.
You will be missed by alot!!
We love you Chris....your just 10-6 at this moment!!

Brother in Blue
GA Law Enforcement

January 4, 2005

It saddens me to see the loss of another officer. I lost my husband in Aug 03. My prayers go out to the family, you have a long rode ahead but there are a lot of wonderful people out there to help. Don't be afraid to ask. Always remember the good. God Bless you.
Thank you officer Ruse for your sacrific.
Missy Woodard

Missy Woodard-widow of Deputy Wayne Wood

January 4, 2005

I WAS WATCHING THE NEWS THE OTHER EVENING WHEN THEY REPORTED AN OFFICER HAD FALLEN IN THE LINE OF DUTY.I WAS SPEECHLESS WHEN YOUR PICTURE APPEARED ON THE TELEVISION SCREEN.IT SEEMS LIKE ONLY YESTERDAY WE WORKED THE BEAT IN WINDER TOGETHER.SEMPER FI MY FRIEND

CORPORAL ERIC SILVEUS
FORSYTH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

January 4, 2005

My heart and prayers go out to Patrolman Chris Ruse Family And Co -workers at Pendergrass police Department.I pray for the Lord Our God To comfort you in your time of Lose.

Captain Charles Maxwell
Spartan Security

January 4, 2005

He heals the brokenhearted
And binds up their wounds.
PSALM 147:3

Sgt.
Frankfort Police

January 4, 2005

My prayer and thoughts are with the family,friends,and co-workers of Officer Ruse.

Trooper II C.E. Johnson Jr.
Virginia State Police

January 3, 2005

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

Deputy Sheriff
Butte County Sheriff's Office

January 3, 2005

May our Father bless you for the work you have done. As you have now left your brothers and sisters behind - I know that the Eternal rewards are awaiting you and you have endured to the end here on Earth. I pray you will continue the work and pray the Father will comfort your family and your family will be with you again in Eternity.

Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.
3 Nephi 9:14

Chief Larry Kirk
New Athens (Illinois) PD

January 3, 2005

“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

January 3, 2005

You are in my prayers during this difficult time.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

January 3, 2005

Words cannot express the void that has fallen upon our night shift at the communications center. Chris, you were as unique as you were kind. D shift is honored to call you our friend. Your sense of humor and personality will be truely missed by us all. I hope you knew how much the silly faxes and jokes helped lighten out spirits. You most certainly kept us all on our toes, not ever knowing what was coming across the radio when you keyed up. From "The People's Republic of Arcade" to the "Metropolis of Pendergrass", as you would say, your memory will always be. We know you would want us to smile through our tears, and remember the laughs you gave us. Thanks for the memories, "785 degrees". Godspeed, our friend.

C/O's Stacy, Frank and Justina
Jackson Co 911 D-shift

January 3, 2005

Ofc. Ruse,

I never had the pleasure of meeting you, but from reading the reflections of those who did I feel like I know you. Your loss is a senseless tragedy, but for those of us who believe (as you did), we are comforted by the thought of all being together again one day. One day...I WILL have the priviledge of meeting you my brother. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

SPO M. Jay Ragsdale #2483
ACCPD

M. Jay Ragsdale
Athens-Clarke Co. P.D.

January 3, 2005

How do I sum up in words what you ment to me and what a great person you were. You always brightened our night shift, we never knew what silly thing you were going to do next. What fax you were going to send to make us laugh, and laugh we did at all of them. It is the little things that matter and you made coming to work fun. I can still hear you say 108 degrees to radio - I always wanted to say 1082 go ahead. I called you one time and told you that my daughter had a Dare project and asked your advice, within hours you came to the center with a bag full of supplies to do her project. Chris, you cared so much about others and would do anything you could for anyone. We lost one of the best and you will be so greatly missed. You will never be forgotten and you will always be in our hearts.

CO Jessica Hoyt
Jackson County E 911

January 3, 2005

Officer Ruse, You and your family are in our prayers. Your dedication to serving the people of your community will not be forgotten. Rest Easy Brother!

Dep. P. Sperandeo, Officer A. Sperandeo
Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office, Gretna Police Dept.. LA

January 3, 2005

CHIRS YOU WERE OUR FRIEND YOU WERE ONE OF US.WITHOUT YOU,IT WON'T BE THE SAME.YOUR LOVE AND YOUR RESPECT FOR YOUR FELLOW OFFICERS WILL ALWAYS REMAIN FOREMOST IN OUR HEARTS AND OUR MINDS.YOUR SMILING FACE AND JOYFUL PERSONALITY WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN ESPECIALLY HERE AT DISPATCH.YOU BROUGHT A LOT OF JOY TO ALL OF US WHO HAD THE PLEASURE TO WORK WITH YOU AND WE WILL FOREVER HAVE YOU IN OUR HEARTS.YOU WERE ONE OF A KIND CHRIS RUSE AND NO ONE CAN EVER FILL YOU SHOES.

LT. KATHY BROGAN
JACKSON COUNTY E911

January 3, 2005

Chris, you were a very special person. I will miss you alot. There will be a void in my heart that will never be filled. I will always remember you going 10-42 when you were with Arcade. Forever in my mind I'll always hear 10-42 110 has the helm. Well Chris, from now and forever, you have the helm. My you rest in peace and watch over us forever..May your family find peace and the courage to live without you.

Sandra Bates
Jackson Co 911

January 3, 2005

Chris, thank you for an outstanding job and your dedication to everything you had set out to do. You have worked hard and now comes the time to rest eternally by God's side.
I know you walk the streets of Heaven with our other fallen comrades, and that when we (Officers') get that "something's not right" feeling and the hair stands up on the back of our necks....it's the heros'who have fallen before us telling us to becareful!!
Chris I have known you for awhile now, you were many things, you were also a fellow Mason, father, mentor, teacher, son, brother, friend and HERO.
Now I know that you are the sunshine that beats down upon my browe as I walk my beat and that you're that beautiful Angel in Blue incasing us with your wings of glory shielding us from the evil that lurks just on the other side of your glorious wings.
Thank You Chris so much for everything, God needed you to come back home he felt you were done with your 10-84 down here on Earth, you were here for only a minute, but your memory and love is etched into our hearts for all of eternity!
Until we meet again, take care buddy!!
You will always be 10-8, 10-41 with me.
I love You!!

Brother In Blue-Barrow County

January 3, 2005

Rest in peace my brother.

Police Officer
Burlington Township PD NJ

January 2, 2005

Rest in Peace Patrolman, your service will not be forgotten.

Auxiliary Police Officer Charles Smith
New York City Police Department - Auxiliary Police Section

January 2, 2005

Rest in peace Brother Chris you are a true hero and will never be forgotten for your service and courage.

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham Retired
Sand Springs Okla Police Department

January 2, 2005

WHAT IS A COP?

Cops are human (believe it or not) just like the rest of us. They come in both sexes but mostly male. They also come in various sizes. This sometimes depends on whether you are looking for one or trying to hide something. However, they are mostly big.

Cops are found everywhere-on land, on the sea, in the air, on horses, in cars, sometimes in your hair. In spite of the fact that " you can't find one when you want one", they are usually there when it counts most. The best way to get one is to pick up the phone.

Cops deliver lectures, babies, and bad news. They are required to have the wisdom of Solomon, the disposition of a lamb and muscles of steel and are often accused of having a heart to match. He's the one who rings the door-bell, swallows hard and announces the passing of a loved one; then spends the rest of the day wondering why he ever took such a "crummy" job.

On TV, a cop is an oaf who couldn't find a bull fiddle in a telephone booth. In real life he's expected to find a little blond boy " about so high" in a crowd of a half million people. In fiction, he gets help from private eyes, reporters, and who-dun-it fans." In real life, mostly all he gets from the public is " I didn't see nuttin'."

When he serves a summons, he's a monster. If he lets you go, he's a doll. To little kids, he's either a friend or a bogeyman, depending on how the parents feel about it. He works " around the clock", split shifts, Sundays and holidays, and it always kills him when a joker says. " Hey tomorrow is Election Day, I'm off, let's go fishing" ( that's the day he works 20 hours).

A cop is like the little girl, who, when she was good, was very, very good, but, when she was bad, was horrid. When a cop is good, " he's getting paid for it." When he makes a mistake, " he's a grafter, and that goes for the rest of them too." When he shoots a stick-up man he's a hero, except when the stick-up man is " only a kid, anybody coulda seen that."

Lots of them have homes, some of them covered with ivy, but most of them covered with mortgages. If he drives a big car, he's a chiseler; a little car, "who's he kidding?" His credit is good; this is very helpful, because his salary isn't. Cops raise lots of kids; most of them belong to other people.

A cop sees more misery, bloodshed, trouble, and sunrises than the average person. Like the postman, cops must also be out in all kinds of weather. His uniform changes with the climate, but his outlook on life remains about the same: mostly a blank, but hoping for a better world.

Cops like days off, vacations, and coffee. They don't like auto horns, family fights, and anonymous letter writers. They have unions, but they can't strike. They must be impartial, courteous, and always remember the slogan " At your service." This is sometimes hard, especially when a character reminds him, " I'm a taxpayer, I pay your salary."

Cops get medals for saving lives, stopping runaway horses, and shooting it out with the bandits ( once in a while his widow gets the medal). But sometimes, the most rewarding moment comes when, after some small kindness to an older person, he feels the warm hand clasp, looks into grateful eyes and hears, " Thank you and God bless you, son."

Officer David Carroll
Choctaw Oklahoma

January 2, 2005

God bless you and your family.

DE
St. Louis City Police

January 2, 2005

My thoughts and prayers to the family and the Pendergrass P.D.

Fallen but never forgotten.

Bryan Laurie son of fallen officer
Nathan Laurie EOW 7-29-04

January 2, 2005

I remeber your zeal for life and your dedication to the job. I remember your dedication to the officers you supervised at the Winder PD.You were a fearless leader willing to lead where others would trimble. I talked with often you but mostly I've laughed with you. Your humor was unmatched and your smile was priceless. You made the difference in many people's lives including my own. The first time I met you I remember saying I hope I dont mess up in this new career of law enforcement and you explained to me that you had many in your day and not to worry.My heart goes out to your family and my prayers are with them through this tragic time. You will always be a hero to all that have served and laughed with you. God Bless You and keep watch over us from above.
Ofc. Evans D#148
Winder PD

Ofc. Evans D#148
Winder PD

January 2, 2005

St. Michael's Prayer for Police
Officers

Saint Michael, heaven's glorious commissioner of police, who once so neatly and successfully cleared God's premises of all its undesirables, look with kindly and professional eyes on your earthly force.

Give us cool heads, stout hearts, and uncanny flair for investigation and wise judgment.

Make us the terror of burglars, the friend of children and law-abiding citizens, kind to strangers, polite to bores, strict with law-breakers and impervious to temptations.

You know, Saint Michael, from your own experiences with the devil, that the police officer's lot on earth is not always a happy one; but your sense of duty that so pleased God, your hard knocks that so surprised the devil, and your angelic self-control give us inspiration.

And when we lay down our night sticks, enroll us in your heavenly force, where we will be as proud to guard the throne of God as we have been to guard the city of all the people.

Amen.

Chris, You served us all, but now its time to serve our god. Go stand tall at the right hand of our father and watch down on us all. You may be gone, but not forgotten!

Deputy M. Steffman
Hall County Sheriff's Office

January 2, 2005