Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

March 18, 2005
To the family of David Wilhelm, I am truly sorry for your loss. I have thought about David all week, especially our first introduction to each other. I met David in 1999, I believe when the Office of Investigations had their yearly conference in Charlotte. Upon arrival at the RAIC Office, we were told that David would help us during the Conference. David was the type of person that within 15 minutes of meeting him, you knew that he was a great person to know. During the week of the conference, I also had the pleasure of meeting his wife. While working to set up the Conference, we discovered that we needed something and the only place to get it was in South Carolina. David volunteered to take me in his personal vehicle and then would not let me pay for his gas. I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time with David during that week and I will treasure the memories. Over the years David and I were able to work with each other on more projects. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lost a tremendously talented agent and we have lost a friend.
   Jerry Mullins (Corpus Christi, TX )

March 19, 2005

god speed brother may god be with you and your family

patrolman
hamilton county sheriffs dept.

March 19, 2005

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   March 19, 2005
My heart pours out to Candee, and David’s family and friends. I cannot find words to express the grief I am experiencing and I cannot calculate how great a loss David’s passing is to me…but I know I am not alone in this grief…I only wish there was something I could do to ease this pain…I can try to tell you the kind of person David was and what he meant to me…maybe that would help…but I fear what I’m about to say could never fully describe David or what he meant to me…but in my heart I know I must try.

I first met David in 1987 when he transferred to the Charlotte office. He was only 23 or 24 years old…just a kid. We only had 4 agents then, John Fry, Larry Harrell, Ben DeVane and me…we all had at least 15 years on the job…David was the only rookie. I’ll never forget his first day on the job…he showed up late!!!! He showed up with a buzz-cut haircut with a rat-tail braid in the back…had his shirt unbuttoned down his bare chest to show off his gold necklaces…he was really trying to look like “the undercover agent.” He was a little wet behind the ears and I took it upon myself to take him under my wing. I began to train David and I rode him hard…too hard sometimes…you see, I liked to “rag” David…poke fun at him…and at first he didn’t know how to take it. Well, I made him mad a few times and he wanted to know why I rode him so hard…I told him this was a tough, stressful job and I was just trying to thicken his thin skin. He soon caught on, his skin thickened and he learned how to “play the game”…in other words, he became the master at ragging me. So, that’s what we did to each other…we ragged each other…every day…it was a blast…we became the office buffoons and I had so much fun with David that I couldn’t wait to come to work the next day…he made a very stressful, difficult job fun.

As David matured…he developed tremendous moral and ethical strength…as an agent his integrity and reputation were beyond reproach and he earned the respect of everyone in law enforcement, the defense bar and yes, even the defendants he arrested.

David had “heart”…he had a tremendous capacity for compassion and generosity. He had tremendous fortitude, resolution, courage and a firmness of will.

David had good looks, charm, a sense of humor…and he was smart and talented. He could have used all of these gifts to his own advantage…but he didn’t…he chose to use these gifts to help others…it was never about David…he never came first…it was always about others…his wife, his family, his job, his friends…these all came first and all of us who knew and loved David were blessed because we were allowed to be a part of his life. David had many gifts…but in reality, he was a gift to me…you see, David was my best friend and I will cherish that for the rest of my life. He let me into his heart and soul and he entered mine…you don’t get that close to many people in your life and I thank God everyday for David…I loved David…I loved David like a brother…we were soul mates. We told each other our innermost secrets and discussed, at length, the important things about life…we tried to answer that question…what is the meaning and purpose of life? David believed in and practiced the two most important principals of life… love and forgiveness…that’s the kind of man David was…he practiced what he preached.

I read that Ashley Smith, the lady who was kidnapped, read from the book "The Purpose Driven Life." I found that to be so ironic…you see, David was the one man I knew who truly lived “The Purpose Driven Life.”

One of David’s passions was building houses…we were such close friends that whenever he built a new house he would always build a room for me…it was “Ronnie’s Room.” It was a great loss to me when David moved to Virginia, but he built a room for me in the new house he and Candee built there. When they moved to Atlanta, David told me he had a room in his apartment, just for me, and was building me a very special room in his new house…I can only imagine that David is now helping God build his house…God’s Mansion…well, ole friend, build a room for me…

God Bless you my friend…you brought so much joy and happiness to my life…I only wish I could repay you for all you have done for me…I love you and I will miss you forever…
   Ron Taylor, Special Agent (Retired) (Charlotte, NC )

March 19, 2005

SALISBURY, N.C. — The police officers, sheriffs' deputies and federal agents rolled over these Piedmont hills Thursday and into the Rowan Memorial Park where they doffed formal-dress caps, saluted with white-gloved hands and bade silent farewell to a fallen comrade many of them never met.

Yet they ventured from Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Minnesota, Pennsylvania on this raw, damp afternoon to pay their respects to David Gray Wilhelm, a "super-cop" whose meteoric rise as a drug-busting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent inspired tales of bravery and respect.
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• Photos from the funeral

He was only 40 and was off-duty when he was gunned down six days ago at the Buckhead home he was building for himself and his wife, Candee, authorities say. His death was random, unnecessary and, according to colleagues assembled along the cemetery's rain- and snow-bogged expanse, pitifully ironic for such a dedicated and decorated agent.

"We could probably deal with this much better if he had died in the line of duty," said Ben DeVane, Wilhelm's ex-boss and longtime friend. "In a 30- or 40-year career, you're fortunate to come across a handful of people who are superstars. That was Dave. Most of the world won't ever know what was lost here."

But the folks in Salisbury, an old textile and railroad town halfway between Atlanta and Washington, D.C., will. One Dwight and Betty Wilhelm's four boys, David's young life, like his adult life, was marked by a seriousness of purpose and a quiet burning to get ahead by doing the right thing.

At 6, he kept drawing and re-drawing Santa Claus's face to make sure the smile was just right. Later, Wilhelm milked cows, rising at 4 a.m. to earn some schoolboy pocket money. The reticence disappeared between his sophomore and junior years at West Rowan High School.

"He was very quiet and reserved and then he started lifting weights," said a friend, Teresa Lanning. "David had it together. He was a real deep thinker. He knew what he wanted to do in life."

Newly muscled, Wilhelm played stellar defensive end for the Falcons football team. He ran for class president in 1981 and lost — to Lanning in a run-off. ("He congratulated me and acted no different at all," said Lanning, a nurse in Salisbury.)

He was an Honors Student, earning straight A's in Terry Osborne's history and political science classes.

Most of his collegiate years were spent at the nearby University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he spent off-hours working as a security guard, tiling floors, cleaning carpets or repossessing cars.

"He was kind of adventuresome," explained Col. John Edward Gray, Wilhelm's uncle and a retired U.S. Marine. "You can't have much fear if you repo cars. You go poking around in peoples' back yards, you're asking for trouble. He always seemed to be somewhat fearless."

It may have cost him his life.

Details of Wilhelm's final confrontation remain sketchy and largely depend on statements made by his killer to Atlanta authorities. After shooting Wilhelm, his killer said he took the agent's 1994 Chevy pickup, his badge and his gun. Wilhelm was found dead in the five-bedroom home he was building near Lenox Place Mall.

The Rev. Thomas L. Griffis, who delivered Thursday's sermon at Wilhelm's memorial service at Catawba College, spoke of the "the senseless act by a desperate man."

"Some sinister face of evil stole silently into Candee and David's home and ended a life," Griffis said.

The sorrow, and anger, was palpable in the statuesque red-brick chapel where 1,000 mourners filled every pew and stood three-deep along the sides. Candee Wilhelm, who'd been married to David for six years, offered a sad, yet uplifting eulogy for the man she loves.

"Often he would make eye contact with the homeless, broken or needy individual on the corner, roll down the window and offer an encouraging word and a few dollars from his pocket," she said, slowly, while standing within whispering distance of Wilhelm's white rose-covered casket.

Wilhelm began his career in Beaufort, S.C., in 1987, where Ron Taylor, his boss, taught the "wet-behind-the-ears" rookie how to cobble together drug deals.

Wiretaps — an intricate, high-risk crime-busting tool — proved Wilhelm's forte.

Taylor credits Wilhelm with taking down a large marijuana smuggling ring by supervising wired informants, surveillance teams and an assortment of local, state and federal authorities.

"He took down huge operations from top to bottom. That's extremely difficult," said Taylor, who retired from the Charlotte office in 2002. "Very few agents bring those kind of cases to court. He was head and shoulders above the rest."

In 2001, after dismantling another drug-smuggling ring and seizing two tons of pot near his childhood home, Wilhelm was awarded the agency's prestigious Blue Eagle Award. He spent 18 years busting drug traffickers and other miscreants, the last five months in Atlanta as one of the top special agents in charge of ICE's Southeast region.

He almost washed out, though.

In 1989, in charge of his first major investigation, Wilhelm was ordered to debrief agents at 2 a.m. one morning. He overslept. Bad weather postponed the bust — much to Wilhelm's relief. The next night he slept in the Charlotte, N.C., office and the Anson County sting proved highly successful, DeVane said.

DeVane, Taylor and other agents said they'll miss Wilhelm's sense of humor and his dead-on imitations of informants, prisoners, judges and New York detectives.

Before Wilhelm was laid to rest, alongside a pond and a stand of pine trees a few short miles from his parents' home, his friends and newfound admirers paused to remember the special special agent.

The bagpipes' Amazing Grace disappeared into the cold wind. Candee, stoic, accepted the folded American flag that graced Wilhelm's casket.

A 21-gun salute followed. A bugler played Taps. Police radios announced that Wilhelm was no longer in service. Three planes flew low over the cemetery, one peeling off in a lone-man formation.

Those who'd never met Wilhelm will long remember him now.

March 19, 2005

Such an unnecessary tragidy. My heart goes out to you, your family and friends. Thanks for you unwavering dedication to our country. May God Bless You all.

Deputy Jason Teems
Osceola County Sheriffs Office

March 19, 2005

May your sacrifice never be forgotton.You paid the ultimate price.Thank you for making a difference in our country. You will never be forgotton by me. Rest in Peace.

Ryan

March 19, 2005

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE
OFFICERS SEND OUR CONDOLENCES. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH SAC
WILHELM, HIS FAMILY AND CO-WORKERS.

GOD BLESS...

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE - BUFFALO, NEW YORK

March 19, 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

ASST.CHIEF BILL(PUTT)LINDER
E.O.W. 10/10/04

CHIEF BILLY CUREINGTON
WISNER POLICE DEPT. WISNER,LOUISIANA

March 19, 2005

My fiancé, 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 David did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and David be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Assistant SAC Wilhelm'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 David 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 David was well respected and well loved. You were blessed to have had him in your life, even for a short time.

Thank you Assistant SAC Wilhelm for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiancé Dennis for me.

Wishing you brighter and better days,

Jocelyne :)

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

March 18, 2005

You will be missed - brother!

John G. Shirley
USCS - retired

March 18, 2005

This was a tragic day for all in Law Enforcement. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and fellow agents of Agent Wilhelm. Rest in peace sir.

Captain Robert W. Cannon; Retired
Vermilion County Illinois Sheriff's Department

March 18, 2005

TO ALL OF DAVID WILHELM'S FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COWORKERS, OUR HEART FELT THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL. THANKS TO DAVID AND ALL THE FALLEN HERO'S FOR THERE GREAT SACRIFICE THEY HAVE MADE FOR OUR FREEDOM. GOD BLESS YOU THEM ALL.

BETTY
SISTEROF FALLEN OFFICER GLENN H. HICKS EOW 2-20-2003

March 18, 2005

Our support and prayers are with Special Agent Wilhelm and his family. You are not alone in your time of sorrow and you will not be forgotten.

Sergeant
New York State Police

March 18, 2005

A Brother Warrior has fell and died today in battle.

This Brother Warrior has made the ultimate sacrifice.

He has given his life for his Fellow Warriors, his family and friends too.

Brother Warrior, pass your sword to us, so we can keep your spirit alive.

You, my Brother Warrior will not be forgotten.

God Bless you, your family and your friends.

We honor and respect all of the Fallen Warriors who have gone before us.

We ask you, Brother Warriors to guide us, protect us and pray for us.

We will meet again my Brother Warriors.

For this time not to fight another battle, but to live in eternal peace.

God bless all of the Warriors, past, present and future.

Sgt. Chad McDaniel
Seminole County Sheriff's Office (FL)

March 18, 2005

May you rest in peace. God Bless You and God Speed.

PO Adam Borkowski
Detroit Police Dept.

March 18, 2005

My heart is with you in this time of need. I know how hard it is too lose someone in such a senseless act. My heart goes out to you and you will be in my thoughts.

Sonia
Daughter or Fallen Officer and Niece of a fallen officer

March 17, 2005

May GOD bless your family and friends at this terrible time. Thank you for serving and protecting. Rest in peace, Sir.

Shirley Roberts
Aunt of Fallen Officer John Logan EOW-March 14, 2004

March 17, 2005

May you rest in peace.
You will not be forgotten.

Special Agent
ICE - Investigations - Fort Lauderdale

March 17, 2005

I am saddened for your loss that was very unnecessary. My husband survived being shot in 2002. My heart goes out to the wife. You are in my thoughts.

Julie Gray wife of DCSO Deputy #575

March 17, 2005

Your a true hero. My prayers are with your family and co workers.
A Police Officers Prayer
Lord, I ask you to be with me
In a very special way
As I face the challenges
That I must face each day

Please give to me compassion
For the innocent I see
Help me to protect & serve
Those who depend on me

And when duty calls to danger
Walk closely by my side
Instill in me great courage
And be my strength,my guide

And whatever I am called to do
Always thankful I will be
That you have been the unseen guest
Walking next to me

officer lynn morris
villa rica pd

March 17, 2005

Rest in peace, you served this nation well. You can now look down on us in law enforcement as we seek out "the pursuit of justice". Thank you for a job well done!!!!!

Training Officer, W.E. Plotkowski
Customs and Border Protection-Detroit, MI(Airport)

March 17, 2005

You are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. It is one that is way to familiar to me and I wept for you and your loss. He was a brave man and he was doing the right thing. I think of you all often. I know there is little comfort that my words will bring you, but try to find comfort in knowing he is at peace. God bless.

Tomya Allen Cochran
Daughter of fallen officer

March 17, 2005

Agent David Wilhelm, Thank you for your service. Your family and co-workers will be in my prayers.

Trooper
Kentucky State Police

March 17, 2005

You are being laid to rest today in your hometown. I cannot be there to offer condolences to your wife. My prayers are with her on this dismal, dreary morning. Georgia, North Carolina, and the entire nation has lost a hero, a true public servant. May God bless your family as they travel this journey of grief.

Surviving Spouse of a Fallen Officer, Da
Atlanta Police Department

March 17, 2005

May god watch over the family and friends of Assistant SAC Wilhelm during this difficult time. God bless you for the job that you did and the people you served.

Deputy Doug Sullivan
Fresno County Sheriff's Dept.

March 17, 2005