Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It is so sad to hear that another fine person has died. This is a job that so few can handle. Thank you for your service.

LEO SPOUSE
OHIO

August 16, 2005

I'm typing this with tears in my eyes and on my cheeks. Jim was such an amazing, intelligent, passionate, hilarious person, and it pains me to see his picture up on this page. I know I'll never meet someone who will love me as purely and wholly as Jim did, and I feel completely trapped in my grief and yearning for him right now. Hopefully that will pass.
The reason I'm typing this is to thank all the officers and police survivors who came up to me in the hospital and at the funeral and offered me their support. The brotherhood really is strong, and I just want to say "Thanks" to all of you. I'm not sure I could have done all this without you.

Monica Beck
Girlfriend of Ofc McBride

August 15, 2005

I met Jim seven years ago this month at American University. He was the first friend I ever made when I was an undergraduate and he was a loyal friend these past seven years. He and I worked in the multimedia labs at American as federal work study students. Somehow despite the fact most of the people who entered my life back then have left it, Jim stayed a presence in my life and the memory of his kindness and enduring friendship comforts me now that he has left us.

He and I became fast friends and our friendship was based on a love of movies, politics, and girls. I have so many memories of Jim, it is hard to start somewhere, but I want people to know how steadfast and loyal Jim was as a friend.

Jim was a Star Wars fan as am I, and in 2002, he and I were on our way to see the midnight showing of "Attack of the Clones" when a drunk driver rammed the back of my car. Jim was riding shotgun when we were struck. He got out and when the drunk driver tried to get out of the incident, Jim started working the phone to make sure the police arrived to handle the situation. He and I emerged safely from the crash, but he was always there for me when I needed him.

The last few years we didn't see each as other as much. Jim was busy and so was I, but Jim always kept in touch via instant messenger. He always had good advice and I am going to miss asking his opinion on life's roadbumps.

God bless you Jim, your friendship has meant so much to me, I miss you.

Chris Hunter

August 15, 2005

Rest in Peace...

Police Officer
Syracuse Police Dept,NY

August 15, 2005

My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire DC Metro PD and Officer McBride's friends and family.

Stacy Cullinane Smith
Surviving Spouse of Patrolman Mickey Cullinane
Sea Isle City, NJ Police Department
EOW 8/26/92 and
spouse of a Montgomery County MD Police Officer

August 15, 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-3-14-04

August 15, 2005

It would appear my life's lucky number was 2 - 2 sons, 2 dogs, even a son with two names - "James" and "Craig". Most of you know him as "Officer Jim" -ready to work, anxious to do well, confident that he would do well. Jeanne (his mother) and I knew him as "Craig" - always sitting down to eat with a book in one hand and a fork in the other! (He loved to read) But the one common thing we all saw was that spark of decency - that desire to help - to contribute - to do something meaningful. I believe we are all better for having known James and that's good. We all have suffered a loss and that will take time to heal.
Thank you all - God Bless.
Ken McBride, Officer Jim's dad

Kenneth McBride, Jim's father

August 14, 2005

Rest in Peace.

Explorer Chris Chappell
Maryland State Police

August 14, 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 SE Iowa. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure James did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and James be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Officer McBride's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all. 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 these tough times, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you and that you are not alone in your "journey". Should you ever need anything please do not hesitate to contact me. (Dennis' department will also always know how to reach me.)

As a fallen officer "survivor" and a friend, please accept my condolences on behalf of myself and the McElderry family. I never got the opportunity to know James but, I am certain he was well respected and well loved. James will live on in the hearts of all the lives he touched. You were all lucky to have had him be a part of your lives, even for a short time. I pray that James will continue to watch over us all as only he can.

Thank you Officer McBride 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 and all those who loved you brighter and better days,

Jocelyne :)

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

August 14, 2005

McBride, I'm going to miss teasing you. You were not just a 10% you have your own ranking. I'm going to miss the goofy hat and how you like to steal my food when I'm sitting in the station. Yes, you can be part of ALU : )
You'd have done more work than all of us. I know where ever you are now you have somebody in handcuffs.

Ofc. C. S.
MPDC 1D

August 14, 2005

G-d Speed My Brother

uc
odps Inv Unit

August 14, 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 Dave Carroll
Choctaw, Oklahoma

August 14, 2005

Court will be lonely without you brother. I can only hope in my remaining 24 years I can accomplish what you did in two. Thanks for everything McBride. I will never forget you.

Ofc Michael Pulliam
Metropolitan Police Department 1D

August 14, 2005

Rest in peace, Officer McBride. Your service to the community will never be forgotten.
Mary Kay Balchunas, mother of
S/A Jay Balchunas, EOW 11-5-04

August 13, 2005

May God bless the family, friends and co-workers of Officer McBride. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Psalm 55:22

Denise Nichols - surviving spouse
Alabama State Trooper Brian K. Nichols EOW 2/17/2002

August 13, 2005

Officer Jim has always been my hero -- long before he was ever an officer. He loved my mashed potatoes and I loved him.

Robby -- his friend

August 13, 2005

Thank you for your service.

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

August 13, 2005

Rest in peace my brother.. you now patrol the streets in heaven. May god give your family and friends comfort in this difficult time.

Motor Officer Travis Young
Chevy Chase Village Police Department

August 13, 2005

Rest easy brother.

The thoughts and prayers of The George Washington University Police Department, Police on Bikes Unit are with your family and friends.

PO2 Michael Wilhelm
The George Washington University Police Department

August 13, 2005

To the family and friends of Officer McBride and to his law enforcement family: Please accept my sincerest condolences for the tragic and untimely death of Officer McBride. Although he died at such a young age, his reflections evidence a man who had a strong sense of duty, who attacked life with vigor, who strove to be the best, and who had a passion for life. Although short, his life was a life well-lived and an inspiration to those who knew him. He will not be forgotten and will forever be loved. This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for James' service to his community.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Larry Lasater,
Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/0

phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer

August 13, 2005

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. My department lost a great officer two weeks ago, and our department will forever be feeling the pain of losing an officer. My prayers are with the family, friends and fellow officers.

Patrolman Craig Heatherly
Sapulpa Police Department (OK)

August 13, 2005

Rest in Peace Officer McBride - Keep a watch on those of us down here that are trying to carry on the mission you lost your life fighting for. May your family find the strngth to continue on in their lives only remembering remembering you for the outstanding man you most assuredly were!

Officer Bradley Frank
Coral Springs Police Department - Florida

August 13, 2005

I am so sad to read of this needless loss. I know you'll stay on watch always. God bless.

POs Wife
Michigan

August 13, 2005

Jim, I'll never get the chance to do trivia night with you, or watch bad sci-fi. My biggest regret was not getting to know you better. You are an inspiration for me, for everybody. If it hadn't been for you, I wouldn't be where I am today.

You're deeply missed.

R/O K. Coffey
MPD

August 13, 2005

AMERICA LOST ANOTHER HERO, OFFICER MCBRIDE YOU ARE A HERO AND AFTER READING ALL THE POSTS FROM HIS COWORKERS IT WAS SHOWN THAT HE WAS A GREAT OFFICER, MAY YOU REST IN PEACE BROTHER, TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS, MAY GOD CONFORT YOU.

SERGEANT WILLIAM M. RILEY
ARAGON GA POLICE DEPARTMENT

August 13, 2005