Henry County Police Department, Georgia
End of Watch Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Reflections for Police Officer Charles Richard Thomas Haist
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and the Henry County P.D.
Fallen but never forgotten.
Bryan Laurie son of Fallen Officer
Nathan Laurie EOW 7-29-04
February 25, 2005
My children's father is an officer with the sheriff's dept and everyday he is at work, I worry about his safety. To Officer Haist's children, rest assured that he is in Jesus's arms and watching over you both. To all the officers with the HCPD, I am sorry for your loss, but know that this will make you a stronger unit. I am proud of all the work HCPD does.
Tracy Johnston Riley
Henry County Library System
February 25, 2005
Our hearts go out to the friends, family, co-workers and Henry County residents.
There is NOTHING that can be said that will ease the pain and hurt.... just know that you are NOT suffering alone - We all are hurting right along with you. God Bless and keep you... till one day you will see your loved one again. "Rest In Peace Officer Charles, you lead a good fight!"
Mr. & Mrs. C.M. Biggs,Jr.
spalding county residents
February 25, 2005
Officer Haist, Your dedicaion and sacrifice will not be forgotten. You and your family are in our prayers. Rest Easy Brother!
Dep. P. Sperandeo, Off Amy Sperandeo
Jefferson PArish Sheriffs Office, Gretna Police Dept, LA
February 25, 2005
Rest in peace Officer Haist. Your service and courage will not be forgotten.
Trooper
Ohio State Highway Patrol
February 25, 2005
Ride Along
So you don’t like the ticket I just gave you.
Well, come take a ride with me.
A trip to the scene of an accident.
Where a person now struggles for freedom, and for life.
All because someone was in a hurry, or late for work.
You say you didn’t call me and you don’t need my help.
That this is a family matter and none of my business.
Come take a ride with me.
Where a child now cowers in the nearest corner, or bedroom closet.
They cover their ears and ask god “ please make them stop”.
Still think no one needs my help.
You’ve said all we do is eat donuts and drink coffee.
Come take a ride with me.
On the countless days after taking four calls in an hour.
We think we have time to sit down for dinner.
Only to be call away again.
You think we’re cold and have no heart.
Well, come take a ride with me.
To a place where the pipes now lay to rest.
A brother or sister who gave their life, for someone like you.
A place where tears fall like rain for their family,
For our family, and yes even for you.
Yeah, come take a ride with me.
Rest in peace brother. For the family of Officer Haist, may god be with you during this difficult time.
MCPD - Missouri
February 25, 2005
My prayers and deepest condolences are with your Department, and especially with the friends and family of your fallen friend. GOD BLESS this HERO.
Stay strong, stay focused, and make SURE that Officer Chuck Haist
will never be forgotten.
Investigator Mike Bradford-Ret
Tallahassee Police Dept
February 24, 2005
May God bless and comfort Officer Haist's children, family, friends and co-workers. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Psalm 55:22
Denise Nichols - surviving spouse
Alabama State Trooper Brian Nichols EOW 2/17/2002
February 23, 2005
chuckie and his uncle tommy was a friend of the family.i knew him when we were kids but haven't had a chance to see him as an adult.but have heard good things about him from his cousin amanda.i am so sorry to his family for their loss and i will pray for you all to be able to bear living day to day without chuckie.i've lost a child myself and i know how hard it is to move on.the pain will never go away but you just learn to function as days go by.may god bless your family and thanks to henry county police department for all of the things you have done for chuckie's family.and thank ya'll for putting your lives on the line everyday to protect us.god bless.chuckie,you are deeply missed. barbara
barbara ratterree
fayetteville ga
February 23, 2005
Rest in Peace. May the arms of the Lord comfort your family.
A Cop's daughter
February 23, 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."
Officer David Carroll
Choctaw Oklahoma
February 22, 2005
My deepest sympathies go out to all who knew this officer.
To his family I can only hope that you find peace and comfort in Charles being your new guardian angel. God bless his daughters. Stay Strong.
Daughter of a Sgt
February 22, 2005
I am Chucky's 1st cousin, my dad was his uncle in which he followed his footsteps to become one of the greatest brothers in blue. Chucky was always there when you called him, no matter what was going on he would talk to you as if you were the only one there, he always smiled so big and hugged you so tight, you never wanted to let go. He was no stranger to anyone. My daughter is 6 yrs old and loved him so much, I just wish she could have grown up with him as I did. He is in the greatest place now, with no worries....he is with my dad his uncle following once again in his footsteps. I just wanted to say Thanks to all of you in Blue- You were so awesome through all of this. I live in Henry County and it felt so great to know Chucky was watching out for us, and it is good to know there are others like him watching out for us now. Thank you so much- you all were so wonderful. I love you Chucky-
Melissa
Melissa Haist Provau
February 22, 2005
Chuck,
"Pass the Ships Curve"... Brings back memories of those tireless days that turned into nights with you in Accident Investigation doesn't it? I remember your never quitting attitude and willingness to stay behind with others that were struggling to make sure our entire class passed the course, and remember our class was the first to have no failures! I wish I had the opportunity to get to know you better but I did have the honor to ride as an escort in your ceremony this past Saturday. May you rest in peace and God Bless your family and two daughters.
Motor Officer C. Newberry
Chamblee Police Dept, GA
February 22, 2005
I am another of "Chucky's" 1st cousins. I wrote and read this for his funeral and would like to post it here for others to be able to know what Chucky was like.
Chucky
C~ is for the way he always cared for everyone he came in contact with, he never met a stranger, and everyone was his friend.
H~ is for that incredibly HUGE HEART he had...it held enough love for everyone in this room plus some. Chucky was love!
U~ is for the way he was utterly commited to his family, friends, work and anything else he was involved in.
C~ this C is for "Chucky". He will always be just "Chucky". He changed what he was going to be called regularly as some of you already know, it was Chuck, Charles, C.R.T. and more I have heard, but he will always be our "Chucky".
K~ is for the kindness he showed to the lowliest one in his pressence. You were never to be alone, or pushed to the side...no matter how meek, humble or shy you were, he brought out the clown in everyone!
And finally "Y" is for the deep yearning he had to always succeed and do the right thing. He proved that to us all on the morning of Wednesday, February the 16th. His dedication to his work and fellow officers who were in need is why we are all here today. He died a HERO. He will always be alive in our hearts, minds, and memories...
I am so glad he touched so many lives, and if you did not know him, you really missed out on knowing a great person. I am very proud to say he was my cousin. Thanks to all those in Blue for doing what you do...we can't be grateful enough!
Amanda
Amanda Smith
February 22, 2005
chuckie,
your dad and i miss you beyond comprehension. we loved you very much and will think of you always. no words can express the hurt we feel. maybe someday we can make sense of it all but right now we want you back.
love dad and mom
suzan, chuckies step mother
February 22, 2005
A Fire I Can't Put Out
I'm finding out how hot an old flame can burn.
You're a feeling I haven't forgot, the love I can't unlearn.
You've become a memory I can't live without.
You'll always be a fire I can't put out.
I don't know how to handle the dream you left behind.
It's like a lighted candle burning up my mind.
At least I'm happy knowing what love is all about.
You'll always be a fire I can't put out.
Embers to ashes, that's how it should be.
You’d think by now my heart would know,
And it could set you free.
The things I've tried, the tears I've cried,
I guess there's no doubt
You'll always be a fire I can't put out.
I don't know how to handle the dream you left behind.
It's like a lighted candle burning up my mind.
At least I'm happy knowing what love is all about.
You'll always be a fire I can't put out.
You'll always be a fire I can't put out...
I Love You Snoops! See you in Heaven!
Hev
February 22, 2005
Chuck,
You have been and will continually be missed by your natural family and your brother and sisters in your Law Enforcement family. You were truly a bright spot on Evening Watch North no matter what the situation. You always found the proper humor to break the tension and brighten everyone’s day.
You rest now at your new duty assignment and keep the humor flowing. We will keep your family will be in our prayers.
LT M. Bishop 20 / 1202
Henry County Police Department
February 22, 2005
Chuck, Words alone cant say enough so, Thank You, you will be missed brother. David
Officer David Martinez
Henry County Bureau Of Police Services
February 21, 2005
I am Officer Haist first cousin, I just wanted to let all of the persons in law enforcement know how much Chuck loved his job and his brothers and sisters in blue. He would be so honored with all of the kind things that have been said about him. It is such a comfort to the family to be able to hear how much he touched others lives. Thank You to all of you who go out everyday and put your lives on the line for our protection. Remember Chuck, and his love for the job and carry that with you everyday. He is still on watch, just in a higher place. Take peace knowing he watching all of your backs. God Bless you all.
Brandy Mapp
February 21, 2005
My daughter, officer Haist's first cousin, found this site and sent me the link. How proud I was to read all the wonderful tributes from those who knew him and the kind and loving thoughts, prayers and words of comfort and encouragement to his family. I know when my brother, Chuck's mother and his sister and other family members are able to read this, it will be something they can keep and cherish forever. I have known and loved Chuck since the day he was born, but have learned so much about him that I never knew. He is now resting in peace beside his grandparents and one day I will be buried beside him. I know his grandparents hearts would be broken that he was taken at such a young age, but I know they would be proud that he is resting with us. My thanks go out to the Henry County Police Department for all the love they have shown to the family and for all their help. God Bless you all and keep you safe. I love you "Chuckie" and I'll see you in heaven.
Aunt Sonja
Flowery Branch, Georgia
February 21, 2005
Our sincere condolences go out to the family of Officer Haist and to all the personnel of the Henry County Police Department who worked with him.
While it is no consolation for your loss, remember that we, and many others in this country, appreciate the sacrifice that he made in his effort to ensure the safety of the public.
God bless.
Southwest Central Dispatch
Palos Heights, IL
February 21, 2005
God bless the family, friends and co-workers of Chuck Haist. May God watch over his 2 daughters and help them to deal with this tragedy. Chuck you served your duty well. Rest in peace. You will be deeply missed.
Tammy Hawkins C/O
Jackson Co 911
February 21, 2005
our thoughts and prayers go out to officer haist family and friends. keep us safe from above. god bless.
officer jack manuel
pocono twp p.d.
February 20, 2005
You Father was an American Hero. He did a job few want and even fewer have the guts to Do. My prayers with you always
State Trooper D Osborne K/9 Coco
Tennessee Highway Patrol
February 20, 2005
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