Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hello Family and Friends,

As I watched television in Huntsville, AL last night I heard the dreadful call "Officer Down!" These words induced an overflow of emotions and reminded me of our dear friend Dion. The words "Officer Down" reminded me of the dangerous jobs that the men and women of law enforcement do everyday to protect us. I would like to take this moment to say a big Thank You to all of the law enforcement officers who put thier lives on the line for the citizens everyday. To the family members of these officers, know that you are blessed everytime your loved one returns home from work.

Dion was truly a blessing from God to all of us. Knowing him for a minute was as precious as knowing him for a lifetime. He made an impression on all of our lives.

God placed him on this earth for a reason and when "he" felt the time was right he took his angel back home to Heaven. We will never understand why... but we should all "try" to find peace in knowing that God makes no mistakes.

With Love,
Dawn

Dawn J. Ward

December 15, 2007

WASSUP MR.57 CHEVY,MAN YOU REALLY INSPIRED ME TO TRY AND DO THE BEST I CAN IN ALL I DO. YOU WERE AT MY SIDE WITH SHUN WHEN I MADE MY 1ST DUI ARREST 12-24-2004. IF IT WERE NOT FOR YOU AND SHUN I WOULDN'T BE IN LAW ENFORCEMENT NOW. I DID NOT HAVE THE CHANCE TO TELL YOU THANKS UNTIL NOW BUDDY THANK YOU AND REST EASY!!!!MUCH LOVE TO YOUR FAMILY AND YORK PD.

Patrolman R.Bright
Pine Hill PD & Friend

December 1, 2007

As the Thanksgiving holiday approach, I thought of you. I will most certainly give thanks for having you once being a part of my life. I often think of you and visit your page. I know you already know these things. But I love you and I miss you so much. I often wondered why but as we all should know God never make mistakes and He only wants the BEST. I Love You and I will see you again.

Lawonda Gibbs

November 21, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 14, 2007

Just when I am down and out, I pick up my Meditation for the day and God speaks loudly to my heart: If you'll celebrate a marriage anniversary alone this year, God speaks to you. If your child made it heaven before making it to kindergarten, God speaks to you... If your dreams were buried as they lowered the casket, god speaks to you.
He speaks to all of us who have stood or will stand in the soft dirt near an open grave. And to us He gives this confident word: "I want you to know what happens to a Christian when he dies so that when it happens, you will not be full of sorrow, as those are who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and then came back to life again, we can also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring BACK with Him ALL the Christians who have died". I am looking forward to that day!!! I will see you again Dion.

Love & Blessings,

Mayor Gosa

Carolyn M. Gosa, Mayor
City of York

October 19, 2007

Hi My Son, my friend, my Director of Public Safety,

We miss you so much. I know this is God's will, but it is still so hard for me to accept. You was and always will be my "Right Hand" helping with and through each and every situation. We will never be the same!! I keep looking for the blessing in losing you, because I know that God does not make any mistakes, but I can't see it yet. I keep praying for a release from this awful pain and deep feeling of loss.

Your children are so beautiful!! They all look just like you with those big beautiful eyes. They will be blessed of the Lord.

I know that you, Andrez and Mike Graves are in Heaven telling jokes. I miss yall so much. I don't know if I will ever fully recover and realize that you are not coming back.

Thank you so much for your wisdom and dedication.

Love and Blessing to your family,

Mayor G.

Carolyn M. Gosa, Mayor
City of York

October 18, 2007

I haven't left a reflection in awhile, but that don't mean that I don't think about you. I am constantly reminded of the times we have had talking, joking, and just catching up on old times. You were one of those people that never seemed to have a bad day, and if you did, no one ever knew. You were genuine and very much a people person. I miss you, Your family will forever be in my prayers!

D. Noble
Friend/Classmate

October 17, 2007

A man that God has given and to have never known the love so many people had for you. the one person whom I have known most of her life and that is your Mother Mrs. Rosie Marie Terrelle-Howard. Which that Love comes from a Auntie me a sister to your mother Love you. Maria Allen

October 16, 2007

what's going on oboy? it's been a while since i have expressed myself. it's the day after that life altering day two years ago. you are missed and well remembered. i know you already know but i am telling you again, I made detective. Thanks to you that dream came true. i can't express my gratitude to you for all of your help then and now. even though you are gone from here you are still teaching us everyday. thank you again. until next time.

"OUTSTANDING"

Detective Ray L. McVay, Jr.
York PD and close friend

September 25, 2007

I don't know about tomorrow; what may come along the way
I only know that GOD is with YOU,and HE has helped us to face another day without - you.

I don't know about tomorrow; or remembering(OH!LORD)all that has pasted.Grant us strenth and courage and make each
precious memory and moments LAST.

I don't know about tomorrow; what new things may lie in store.But I know God will lead us as he has always done before.

I dont't know about tomorrow, but God will hold us in his hand. He will fill us with his blessings, And HE will help us understand!!

in memory my youngest son Dion R.
CHIEF OF POLICE DION R.NELSON SR.
AND to FALLEN OFFICERS

Mrs. Rosie M. Terrell-Howard (RESI)
Mother

September 25, 2007

Dear Dion,
It's me your little sister.It's been very difficult for me the past two years.I can't explain my pain,I look in the mirror I see you ,the older I get I look more -and- more like you.Your smile and all Dee.Dion I miss you so much with all my heart,I miss your prank phone calls,jokes and etc; Dee! I miss you Big Brother -Love Always,VaTonya Terrell

VaTonya Terrell
Sister

September 24, 2007

~Never forgotten~ Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

September 24, 2007

Well " D ' iT IS THIS DIFFICULT TIME FOR YOUR FAMILY IN HAVING TO DEAL WITH THE PHSYICAL ABSENCE OF YOU NOT OF THE HEART FOR I AND YOUR MOM RESI LOVE YOU DEARLY, AND ALWAYS WILL . IT WAS THIS DAY THAT I HAD TOO BE THE ONE TOO INFORM HER THAT YOU WERE IN AN ACCIDENT . WE WILL CONTINUE DAILY TO DEAL WITH YOUR LOST HOWEVER IT BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT . LOVE YOU AS YOU'RE ARE IN OUR PRAYERS DAILY.
LOVING YOU CHARLES HOWARDSR

Step-Dad

September 24, 2007

Hi Dion,
It's hard to find the words right now to express what's on my mind so I'll just keep it short and straight to the point. First of all I want you to know how strong "Redd" is. I saw her and the boys yesterday and they were all in good spirits. We had a little cook out at the house and it reminded Shun of you, he had a "Dion moment". There's not a day that goes by that we don't think of you. We all still laugh at your jokes, but of course no one can tell them like you did. Dion we miss you so much!! Words and nothing else can fill this empty space that we often have in our hearts. You left us two years ago but it still hurt like it was just yesterday. Dion we love you and always will. Keep watching down on us until we meet again.

Cher Roberts
Friend

September 24, 2007

Altough, we never met. You left a legecy for your younger family members to follow. That is to honor GOD, be respectful to others, as helpful to others in need of help, and FINDING WHO WE REALLY ARE IN LIFE!!

James Treadwell
family (1st cousin)

September 24, 2007

~~~When Tomorrow Starts Without Me~~~

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see; If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me; I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today, while thinking of the many things we didn't get to say. I know how much you love me, as much as I love you, and each time you think of me I know you'll miss me too; But when tomorrow starts without me, try to understand, that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand, and said my place was ready in Heaven far above, and that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love. But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye, for all my life, I'd always thought I didn't want to die. I had so much to live for and so much yet to do, it seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad, I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had. If I could relive yesterday, I thought, just for a while, I'd say good-bye and kiss you and maybe see you smile. But then I fully realized that this could never be, for emptiness and memories would take the place of me. And when I thought of worldly things I'd miss come tomorrow, I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow. But when I walked through Heaven's gates, I felt so much at home. When God looked down and smiled at me, From His great golden throne, He said, "This is eternity and all I've promised you. Today for life on earth is past but here it starts anew. I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last, and since each day's the same day, there's no longing for the past. But you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true. Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn't do. But you have been forgiven and now at last you're free, so won't you take my hand and share my life with me?" So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'm right there in your heart.

daughter of an officer

September 20, 2007

Oh boy it seems like yesterday we at our favorite fishing hole telling stories and catching up on old times,Home just don't seem like Home anymore since you are gone. The sky isn't as blue, the birds don't sing anymore, and the air isn't as fresh as it use to be when you were there. So I find peace in the memories we share and the last time we spent together. I still find myself picking up the phone to call you and tell you all about the night before or to see if we plan a weekend with the fellows we never did make that trip to atlanta you , me and whitehead. It's no fun flying solo it's hard to get the wind beneath my wings, but i keep pushing on, having said that it's not a day that goes by I don't reflect on the times we shared and the conversation and advice you gave me. Missing you everyday your ole boy, Geoffery Maurice Ward.

Geoffery Ward
Lifetime Friend

September 9, 2007

Dion it is time of year again that we grant you a Happy Birthday come 6-29-2007 and we spoke with Jalon on father's
day . He is such a nice young man with politeness charm and
plenty of Love for all . So I thought I would let you know your mom and I keep in touch with all your babies as you know that we will . Q and Little Q and the boys . There isn't a day that goes by when something I am doing or in my travels thoughts of you appear in which is good . So I Love you .
Charles Howardsr

Charles Howard Sr.
Step-Dad

June 25, 2007

Happy Father's Day! :)

Lawonda

June 17, 2007

I thought of you today:) Your birthday is approaching fast and everybody still talk about you all the time. You surely are missed.

Lawonda "Nana" Gibbs

June 13, 2007

With National Police Week around the corner, I couldn't help but leave a refelction. The City of York still hasn't fully recovered (just like the family), but everyone is making great strides. Your laughter is sorely missed. I thought about you at drill this weekend; even those old soldiers can't hide thier feelings.I continously try to instill your qualities in the boys ( Lord knows they act just like you). Keep watch on us and others around us.

Stacie A. Lockhart
Fiancee of Dion R. Nelson, Sr. (EOW 09/24/05 York,AL)

April 18, 2007

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!

Lawonda

February 14, 2007

You grew into such a God fearing handsome young man. God bless your soul. You have given the ultimate. You gave your life. Rest peacefully young brother, in the arms of our Lord and Savior. To the Family: Peace be unto you. "In all that you do, take God with you". Wandra, SCHS class of 1982.

Officer Wandra A. Ward
Elyria Police Department

January 19, 2007

Merry Christmas Dion!!! Even though this was a good Christmas for my family and I, we still missed and miss you so much. I think Stacie and the boys had a good one too, I talked to them earlier but I haven't had the chance to lay my eyes on them yet. We miss you so much old boy!!! Someone called Shun early this morning to wish him a Merry Christmas and the ringing of the phone woke me up. After about 5 minutes or so I must have drifted back to sleep and that's when you came to me in a dream calling us to wish all of us a Merry Christmas. I woke up with a smile on my face, because like old times, it was always you and Stacie being the first to call us on holidays and birthdays. Even though it was a dream you was the first to wish me a Merry Christmas this year... and thanks for a friendly visit big bro. Until next time... Rest In Peace!

Cher
Friend

December 25, 2006

Hi Dion...Yesterday I went Christmas shopping with Stacie and "The Boys". Somedays are harder than others not seeing you all together and yesterday was one of them. Dion we all miss you so much...please warm the hearts of your family and friends for the holiday season to ease some of the pain that some of us might be feeling. ( Warm the hearts not give us heart attacks, cause if you do it the "Dion Nelson Style", I know you'll be trying to scare the S@#t out of us. (lol) A friendly and quiet visit please! Dion the boys are so big and handsome. They both should have been named Dion Jr. cause they are your little twins (wearing the same little horns that you often wore)lol...Well Big Bro I'd better end right here before I get all bent out of shape. We love you dearly and can hardly wait to see that big smile and hear some more of your "True Stories". I can hear you right now responding to me by saying "OUTSTANDING". They should change the meaning of that word, because those who knew you well know the new definition should appear like this: "OUTSTANDING"- DION RASTUS NELSON SR... We love you and RIP!!!

Cher
Friend

December 21, 2006