Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Lynch, I am sorry to say I did not know you. You were truly and inspiration to many people. In reading your memorial it is obvious you were a true HERO. No one will ever know how many lives you may have saved that terrible day but I imagine it was several. Thank you for your service, dedication and above all your courage.

To the family of Deputy Lynch, take comfort in knowing my thoughts and prayers are with you on this day and every day.

God bless you and may he keep you in his comfort.

NC LEO
Winston-Salem PD

June 2, 2007

This has been a really hard week for me. It was two years ago this week that I saw Roger for the last time alive. He and Debbie came to my house and spent a couple of nights. We had such a nice time. It was hard to tell them goodbye -it seemed like they had just got here. We all hugged goodbye and they were gone. I watched them drive away with a smile not even considering that this could be it- the last time I might see either of them again- but it was the last time for Roger and I. It is very hard, I can hear him laugh as he picked on different people or as he recalled some funny story. I didn't really take note at the time but I remember seeing concern on his face as we talked and I got a little more honest than usual as far as how hard some things were for me at the time they were here. I am left to have to remind myself from time to time that HE IS REALLY GONE. It just does not seem possible. He just went to work, did his job and was stolen away from us forever. Smithland is such a small little town. It's a tight little community. We all grew up in that area. I moved away. Roger loved it there, loved his little farm, his town, friends, family, animals and his job. It is such a quaint little area where one day runs into another and nothing really dangerous was even a consideration in my mind... I always thought of Livingston County "as I thought it was" when I was growing up there. Just normal stuff, traffic tickets, someone drinking too much and driving. Car accidents etc. Why I did not ever consider those things alone to be very dangerous I do not know. I do now. The whole reason for me writing today I guess has been selfish. It has been sort of cleansing as I sit here and wipe tears away. A mixture of sad angry tears that I didn't think I would ever have. Like I said, Roger not being alive was never a thought in my mind. He was always there. Always 5 years older than me. Always going to be right there. He's gone. I am blessed to have his wife Debbie. What a special girl he chose as his bride. They were just kids when they got married. If I ever knew anyone loved anybody, I always knew those two had that deep staying kind of love that your hardly ever hear about anymore. I know most people who read this site are here as I am- due to a tragedy. I don't think that I would have ever visited this site had Roger not been killed. I did not know anyone else in law enforcement. What I am about to say... all of you know only too well but just in case... Treasure each day of your life, don't get so caught up in life that you forget to live. Tell the people you love that you love them and when life seems too stressful always keep in your mind that those things that we let stress many of our days are just small stuff. Stuff that really does not matter. People matter, living matters. The rest is gravy. I just said a prayer that God will be extra close to each person that is visiting this site. May He give you peace in your life and a knowledge that all things do work for good for those that love the Lord... Don't become bitter. Find a reason to smile and keep the happy thoughts. Don't have too many days like I am having today. Life is short. Enjoy! I miss you Roger. You are always in my heart and I love you dearly.
Blessings! Judy Coleman

Judy Coleman
Sister

May 25, 2007

Been a while, You was the one that our whole class looked up too. Unbelievable of your heart your dedication and willingness and dediacation to surpass us younger guys. I always looked up to you and always will. I will never forget on stage at graduation when the award was givin to another graduate, he took the ward and the class presented it to you. You will always be remembered, and we all know that we have you there watching out for us.
Assistant Chief
Jeff Hendrick
((CLASS 296))

Assistant Chief Of Police
Class 296 (friend/classmate/Brother)

January 9, 2007

Deputy Roger Lynch
A True Friend,Hero,Mentor,& Brother he will be deeply missed by all that knew him. Livingston Co. lost one if not the hardest working DEPUTY the county has ever had. Roger you done your job like no one else ever had. Around friends you always made use laugh and kept us on our toes with the next joke or prank ,but when it was time to work you was all business.
THANK YOU
K.S.P.R. CHAD CAMPBELL

Ky.State Park Ranger Chad Campbell
Ky.Dept. of Parks

November 13, 2006

I would like to say I am sorry to hear about the passing of Deputy Sheriff Roger Dale Lynch I have alwaysed wanted to be an officer, to help people. But you know what he is in a better place now. My prayers are with him and his familys.

Jeremy Coursey
15 Years Old

Jeremy Coursey I am 15 years old

September 12, 2006

Never knew you, but I often hear good things about you.

Your flag will fly for the first time on September 9th, 2006 and you will be remembered always as we honor your memory and family at the 4th Annual KY Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation Ride.

President
Blue Knights Law Enforcement M/C Club, Inc. KY Chapter XI

September 5, 2006

Roger and I were in the same class - 296 - at the Academy. I only recently found out about his being killed in the line of duty..from another Academy mate. Roger was such a nice guy and fun to be around. We all had good times and rough times during our stay at the Academy, but we were all there for each other in the end.

It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to my class mate and friend, Roger Lynch...but as long as any of us stay on the road...he will always be 10-8.

God Bless him and his family.

Lt. Michael Dempsey
City of Paris Police Department
Academy Class 296

Lt. Michael Dempsey
City of Paris Police Department

July 7, 2006

May you Rest in Peace and may your family be comforted by Our Lord today and in the times to come.

June 2, 2006

As the first anniversary of your tragic death approaches, please know that your dedication and sacrifice have not been forgotten. You will forever be remembered as a hero.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

June 1, 2006

Thank you for protecting our community and our children.

May 14, 2006

To Roger, It was always a great pleasure to see and talk with you. Please know that even though you are gone, we are all still learning from you. We will always remember you and that great smile.
To the Lynch Family, Please know that no matter what, we are always here if you ever need anything. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you always.
God Bless
Kim and Shannon Lain

Kim and Shannon Lain
Friend

May 9, 2006

We will be in Washington with honor and respect to hear your name read.

Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom
Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/04

Linda Rittenhouse

May 8, 2006

To Deputy Sheriff Roger Dale Lynch, his loved ones and his fellow officers:

Please know that your memory is revered and honored today.

May your family continue be to comforted by the warm embrace of their law enforcement family, and other police survivors who share this painful journey with them. My heart is with your family. I look forward to meeting them in D.C.

Reading all the loving reflections left by those who cared for you gives us an understanding of what a good and honorable man you were and of the high esteem with which you are held.

Roger, as a peace officer you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Deputy Lynch. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Roger gave to his community and the citizens of Kentucky, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on June 2, 2005.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 29, 2006

ROGER IT HAS BEEN 9 MONTHS SINCE YOU WERE TAKEN FROM ME AND I STILL MISS THAT SEXY SMILE. I STILL HAVE TROUBLE BELIEVING YOUR NOT COMING HOME TO ME BUT HAVE GONE TO YOUR FINQL HOME AND ARE JUST WAITING FOR ME. YOU WENT OUT IN A BLAZE OF GLORY, JUST YOUR STYLE. I AM SO PROUD OF ALL YOU STOOD FOR AND FOR THE WAY YOU ENDED YOUR LIFE HERE. YOU WERE ALWAYS MY HERO BUT YOU PROVED YOU WERE ALL OF LIVINGSTON CO.'S HERO. I'LL MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU FOREVER.
DEBBIE LYNCH, LOVING WIFE

DEBBIE LYNCH

March 28, 2006

Deputy Lynch your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in Gods Care now. May you rest in peace now brother.....

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

December 25, 2005

We think of you and your family during these holidays, and offer thoughts and prayers as you celebrate without your loved one. Cherish the memories of the past and be open to new ones with your loved ones and friends. Your loved one will never be forgotten and always honored for their sacrifice.

Alissa Scott
Widow of Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-03

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network
www.survivorhelpnetwork.org

November 29, 2005

To Deputy Roger Lynch:

On this Veterans Day, I honor your distinquished service to your country.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Larry Lasater,
Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05

November 11, 2005

I'am truly sorry for the loss of anouther officer.My familys prayers are with officer lynch's family and friends.May God be with you all.

Deputy Michael Burton
Adair Co Sheriff

November 7, 2005

"Who You’d Be Today"

Sunny days seem to hurt the most
I wear the pain like a heavy coat
I feel you everywhere I go
I see your smile
I see your face
I hear you laughing in the rain
I still can’t believe you’re gone
It aint fair you died too young
Like the story that had just begun
But death tore the pages all away
God knows how I miss you
All the hell that I’ve been through
Just knowing no one could take your place
Sometimes I wonder who you’d be today
Would you see the world?
Would you chase your dreams?
Settle down with a family
I wonder what would you name your babies
Some days the sky’s so blue
I feel like I can talk to you
I know it might sound crazy
It aint fair you died too young
Like a story that had just begun
But death tore the pages all away
God knows how I miss you
All the hell that I’ve been through
Just knowing no one could take your place
Sometimes I wonder who you’d be today
Today (repeats 5 more times)
Sunny days seem to hurt the most
I wear the pain like a heavy coat
The only thing that gives me hope
Is I know I’ll see you again some day
Some day
Some day

October 21, 2005

THANK YOU BROTHER FOR YOUR SACRIFICE,R.I.P & GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY.

DEPUTY PAUL TURNER
MONROE CO,SHERIFFS DEPT (KY}

October 15, 2005

GOD BLESS THE PEACE KEEPERS AND THOSE WHO RISK THEIR LIVES FOR THE ONES WHO WHICH ARE SAVED!!

DEPUTY SHAUN EMBRY
LOGAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

October 14, 2005

Thank you for your service. Having lost my son in the line of duty, I can sympathize with your pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you, asking God to give you comfort & strength.

Brenda Lucas, Mother of fallen officer
Anthony D. Lucas, French Camp, MS, Police Chief, EOW – February 4, 2005

October 6, 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

September 28, 2005

Thanks for your service and sacrifice brother. May you rest in peace and May peace be with your family. You will always be remembered and loved by all of those who have worn Blue.

Officer Kieffer

September 27, 2005

To the family and friends of Deputy Roger Lynch and his fellow deputies in the Livingston County Sheriff's Dept. :

On behalf of our entire family, we wish to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Deputy Lynch was so brutally murdered.
His bravery and valor will never be forgotten.

Reading the reflections about Roger gives others a glimpse into what kind of man he was, and it is obvious that Roger was well respected by his peers and members of the community he served.
There is a quote that it is not how someone died that is so significant, but rather how the individual lived. There is no question that Roger died a hero, and no question that he lived a life well-lived as evidenced by the many fond memories written about Roger.

May you continue to be comforted by the care and support of your law enforcement family, and other police survivors. Our family grieves with you and for you. We too share your agony as we lost our beloved Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg, CA PD when he was fatally shot this April during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the years of service Roger gave to both his community and his country, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on June 2, 2005.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, PPD eow 4/24/05

September 22, 2005