Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hello Chris,
Man it seems like only yesterday you were talking in my ear. Time is a funny thing. They say it heals all wounds but I'm not sure some things can be healed at all. We all learn to move forward and even return to something of a normal routine but it still stays in the back of your mind. Makes you a better listener that's for sure. You have to make sure you hear all the little things that really matter on a "routine traffic stop" that's for sure. Sometimes even the tone of voice is important. I still see your face and hear your voice as clear as if you were standing in front of me and I hope that never goes away. Thank You for touching my life and the lives of so many others.

Sandy

July 14, 2011

Was thinking of you and wishing like hell that I didn't know anyone on this site. Just thought I would say "hello" and "I miss you". You will never be forgotten. To me, you will always be my hero being the first to arrive after I wrecked my car for the first time as a 17 year old. I was so relieved to see your friendly face and to get a big hug. Exactly what I needed in that moment. Thank you for everything. Not just that night, but for all of the memories shared and lessons learned over the years.

Anonymous

May 6, 2011

Chris,

Tonight has been six years since you went to Heaven.
I wanted to say that you are still in my heart and mind all of the time. You have taught me a lot and was always there for me.
Thank You!!

Anonymous

December 29, 2010

Chris, it's been 6 years since so many lives were changed. I just want your family to know that you are thought of often. You changed the way I did my job.

Anonymous

December 29, 2010

Chris,
I can't believe I have waited so long to leave a message again, but life has thrown me a huge curve ball. That little one I told you about before has really had a struggle in life being born very early and I was told he would not make it. He is like his Uncle Chris though, he never lets anything get him down. He has your spirit and he keeps me going and gives me hope that I can do this alone.
He and I are on our own now and despite all that has happened we are so much happier. Please don't be angry or disappointed with me but I just could not do it any more. I had to make the change you and I had talked about so much. I know that you wanted me to keep trying but without you there I just did not have the backing to keep going on. I had to make a difference for the two of us. I am reminded of you so often because whenever some one comes over they see your picture and everyone seems to know you and wants to talk about you. They all talk about the good times,how much you meant to them and how you kept them laughing.
I came across the poem Neil wrote to you when you where shot and it made me miss you even more and now that I have a few minutes I just can't stay away.
I miss you and still need your support, even more now that there are so many more challenges every day with Gus (the little one. He reminds me of you with a certain devious look he gets when I now he is going to do something to make me laugh, just like you always did.
Neil is still having a hard time with you death and I feel like I can not help him any more. He has a daughter now and he tells her about you sometimes as do I. The 2 little ones who missed out on having you here will always know how dear you are to us. I reach for that strength you showed me every day.
Please watch over them, as I know you did when Gus was born. Please protect us as you always have.I am trying not to let you down.
I love you and miss you very much,
Your little sis, Tammy

Tammy

March 18, 2010

Hey, Chris - Sorry I missed the 5th anniversary of your murder. I wanted to let Janeen and the kids know we all are still thinking of them. It is still surreal that you are gone. But I'm glad you are in Heaven. No more pain; no more tears. God bless your family and may we all see you again in eternity.

Retired Lt Kristi (Schmitt) Bratcher
WPD

January 22, 2010

Chris,
Though it is has been five years today that you undeservingly lost your life I still wonder why it happened to you.
But I have come to learn not to question God's will, but to embrace it as part of his divine plan. He felt that your work here was done, your spirit was and is and will forever be strong and live on in all of the lives you have touched. You were always a devoted family man, a teacher, an inspiration to so many.....with that said my dear friend, I will always be grateful that I had the opportunity to call you my friend!!
I'll see you on the other side!

Jeff Whitmire
Friend Forever

December 29, 2009

Hello Sir. Its been 5 years now that you were taken away from us, but it seems so much shorter. I still think about you, but I know that you are in a better place. Always remember that your still 10-8 in our hearts. Miss you Sir.

Ricky

December 29, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the fifth anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for those who miss and love you for I know the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 29, 2009

5 years in heaven. Thank you officer Ruse for all you did. RIP never forgotten.

Anonymous

December 29, 2009

Hey Chris
I just wanted to stop by and say hi, I was thinking about you the other day. I came across a picture of me wearing your bike patrol jacket. it was taken after I got in that accident when I was still in FTO. A brand new car to boot. I thought that's it I'm finished but you and the rest of the shift had some fun with it and it was forgotten. (It helped that she ran a stop sign)

For the next few years we would try to beat each other to calls, you on your bike and me in a patrol car. Those were great times and yes you usually beat me. I still can't figure out how you got from Holy Hill to Capitol Ave. that fast when I was in a 10-80 with one of our regulars. I did not realize it at the time but all the funny stories were also life lessons. You are not only a great cop but a great teacher.

Thank you Chris, it was an honor and a privilege!

Sully

November 8, 2009

Chris,

You have been on my mind lately and was just talking about you to someone the other day.
Well, until we meet again!!
God Speed

Jeff Whitmire
Friend

July 27, 2009

Chris,

Just stopping by to say hello asnd to let you know that you are still in my heart!
Until then brother.....

-Jeff

Jeff Whitmire
Friend

April 20, 2009

Hey Chris. Tonight I was at home and I was thinking about you and how much fun we has in FTO. I was telling the story to a co-worker earlier today about the woman mooning us when we were leaving a noise compliant at her house and you told me to pull back in the driveway and 95'd the whole house including 3 of the neighbors. That was a night for sure and only third day on the job. I still think about you all the time, and I think about all the talks we use to have. You will be proud of me, I finally started using some of that advice you gave me and I am doing very well. Thank you for that.

I miss you sir!!

Ricky Dodd

January 29, 2009

Today marks 4 years that we lost an amazing person. I think about that day that your life was taken a lot. Especially when my guys now get into something or I can't raise them on the radio. I start to think about that day. I hear so many stories about you here at Winder and you were just as crazy here as you were at Jackson. Your spirits are truly missed and that up beat personality. You may be gone but I promise you will never be forgotten!

Alicia Thomas
Winder PD

December 29, 2008

Chris,

AS I sit here on Christmas morning I think about the fun times we had as friends.

Merry Christmas!

Jeff Whitmire
Friend

December 25, 2008

Chris,

The anniversary of that fateful night soon will be approaching, I still share the stories about you to other people. You are always in me heart!

Jeff Whitmire
Friend

December 12, 2008

Chris, Everytime I drive by the cemetery, I say hello to my mom, my father in law and my "Uncle Chris". Everyone thought we were related anyway because our last names were so close... you may as well have been my uncle as you were always able to make me laugh. I deal with officers everyday now and your picture is up on the wall so I see your smiling face everyday and that helps. I still remember watching the news that night and when they said a Pendergrass officer, my stomach turned because I knew it was you. I immediately started crying and called my dad to see if he had heard anything and he had just gotten off the phone with the hospital after confirming your death. I could not imagine what Janeen and the kids were feeling. I still miss you and your laugh so much...and your stories...RIP my friend. Until we meet again... keep my mom laughing!! You are loved and missed so much!!

Molly

November 21, 2008

You are not forgotten.RIP.

Anonymous

October 7, 2008

Officer Ruse your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 23, 2008

Hey Chris,
I am just dropping by to say hello. I am going to get a memorial tattoo of you.
You really had a profound inpact on my career as a cop.
You were the first I rode with when I moved to Georgia.
My very first day on FTO with you we went through Glenwood and saw one your "favorite people" standing on the hill near the precinct. Anyways, he had alot of dope on him and when he tried to run, you grabbed his pants that he was "sagging" and he fell.
He tried to bite you and you said he looked like he was being a guppie out of water. You asked me to get the dope to bag it and when we got him in the patrol car, you smiled at me and said "Welcome to Winder". Boy, how you loved to talk. My neck was hurting from looking at you for nearly 12 hours as I listened to your stories and training.
I learned alot from you working with you at two different agencies. You knew my ex-wife when we first moved here, you knew my kids. You knew Amy, you met my other kids and been to my house. You were there for me and wrote me a letter "friend to friend" when my ex-wife wouldn't let me see my other kids and you wrote, "My friend I will always be there for you" I still have that letter.
You always offered words of wisdom and inspiration to me.
Thanks for being there for me Chris, you were and still live on in my heart and thoughts.
I know I will see you again in Heaven one day.
-Jeff

Jeff Whitmire
A Friend Forever

April 30, 2008

Hey buddy, it's been a while. Just letting you know you and your family is in my heart and thoughts.
Until we meet again on God's celestial shore........
Semper Fi

Anonymous

January 13, 2008

Chris,

I just want to say Happy New Year, I know time does not matter much to you now because you are one of God's eternal angels and your legacy shall live on!!

Jeff Whitmire
Friend

January 1, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR POLICE AND MILITARY SERVICE.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 29, 2007

It has been 3 years now and I still think about you all the time. I miss you Chris!

Ricky Dodd

December 29, 2007