Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It is people like you who make civilization possible. I visited San Antonio this summer at the International Conference of Police Chaplains annual training seminar. I felt complely safe at all times in S.A. May God grant you and your family, your department and friends quick healing. You will never be forgotten.

Chaplain Transue
Chesapeake VA PD

October 19, 2005

LOSS OF A LOVED ONE

IT IS VERY HARD,
TO LOSE SOMEONE YOU LOVE.
THE QUESTION IS WHY,
THAT'S ALL YOU THINK OF.

NOTHING ELSE IS ON YOUR MIND,
REALITY JUST STAYS BEHIND.
YOU FEEL LONELY,YOU FEEL SCARED,
YOU START TO CRY OUT " I WISH YOU WERE HERE!"

BUT DON'T BE SAD,
FOR LOSING THE ONE YOU LOVE.
CAUSE YOU KNOW THAT PERSON,
IS NOW LIVING UP ABOVE.

THIS IS THE TIME,
TOO BE VERY STRONG.
AND PRAY THAT NOTHING ELSE,
WILL GO WRONG.

READ THIS AGAIN,
KEEP UP THE FAITH.
BECAUSE HEAVEN WILL ALWAYS,
BE A BETTER PLACE.

MARY PEREZ

P.S. FROM MY FAMILY TO YOURS.
OUR HEART BREAKS FOR YOUR LOSS.
GLENN J. AYALA AND PEREZ FAMILY

Mary Perez
S.A.P.D. Dispatcher 1998-1999

October 19, 2005

First off I would like to say that I am so very sorry for your lose. I have only been a dispatcher for 10 months now and I have never experienced any situation like this. But knowing that your husband is on the other end of that radio. There are not enough "I'm sorries" in the world right now. I am sitting at work right now holding back the tears and praying you and your family is alright. God I wish there was something that I could say to make your pain disappear. My father died in a head on collison on two years ago. I knew he was in a wreck but nobody would tell me where. I know how bad the pain sits in your chest just wanting to run to them and hold them one last time. I swear I know and I would not wish that pain on my worst enemy. I don't know you and I am two states away but I wish there was something I could do or say to take all of you pain. I pray God comforts you and your family during this nightmare. Officer Wheeler Rest in Peace.

Dispatcher Rachel Pierce
SPD- MS

October 19, 2005

Kim, I wanted to share this with you...
I wrote it for my wife after an especially hard day at the S.O.

Duty Calls… 7/31/2005

I wake before you
Watching you peacefully sleep
Trying not to disturb
As to the call I keep

The promise I made
Before we had even met
But for your love and understanding
I will strive for promises not yet kept

But my love…
Duty calls…
And again I must leave

To protect those who despise
And will never understand
The promise to protect and serve
Is often above the man…

Who answers the call
Not knowing what into we wade
But the call of duty
Is one that never fades

So do not fret my love
For I hold you so dear
Knowing that you are there
The call of duty is one
That I will never fear…

October 18, 2005

John. we almost lost you once, but you fought back and inspired us all...to lose you the way that we did is the deepest cut. Look in on us once in a while, we will take the call now. Tomorrow is your service, we will be there as your friends and brothers. You are 10-42.

Sgt. A.J. Mukai
Bexar County Sheriff's Office

October 18, 2005

Our prayers go out to the Wheeler family and his San Antonio Police family.

PJ Brock, Traffic Investigator
Arlington Police Association

October 18, 2005

Rest well Ofc. Wheeler, your dedication and sacrafice will not be forgotten.

Tpr. D McGuckin
MI State Police

October 18, 2005

Remember how this Officer Lived, not how he died.

Thoughts and prayers to his Family and friends.

Reserve Patrolman
Live Oak, TX

October 18, 2005

R.I>P. We who are left will finish the job. Rest and watch over your family from a better place. Your pupose lives on in every young man or woman who places a badge over their heart and swears an oath to protect. God bless your family and friends and may they know that you still watch over them.

w.t.e.

October 18, 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.

Misty Lee
CIVILIAN

October 17, 2005

On behalf of the members of the Sutherlin Police Department, I send to you, our heartfelt condolences and prayers in your time of sadness. May your fallen officer’s legacy live on in the memories of his friends and family. Rest now brother, after a job well done. We’ll take it from here.

Corporal Justin Marquis
Sutherlin Police Department, Sutherlin, OR

October 17, 2005

"It is not how a person dies that makes him a hero...it's how he lived."

Patrolman John Wheeler was a hero long before his untimely death. Our police department lost one of our brothers earlier this year, and if I know Dan Figgins, he's met John at the gates of Heaven to give him the grand tour. God bless you, the family, friends, and co-workers of John Wheeler. You do not live with your pain alone.
With much love...

Detective Robert Bobinsky
St Charles Illinois Police Department

October 17, 2005

G-d Speed My Brother

uc
odps Inv Unit

October 17, 2005

I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Patrolman John Wheeler, and to the entire San Antonio PD family.

As tragic as the loss of Patrolman Wheeler is, our society was blessed to have men like John on the frontline, sacrificially serving the community of San Antonio.

The loss of Patrolman Wheeler is a loss for the entire law enforcement family. And to my brothers and sisters behind the badge in San Antonio, "back-up" is never more than a call away.

Deputy/Chaplain Tony Miano
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department/Ten-Four Ministries

October 17, 2005

To the family and friends of John Wheeler:

My heart just breaks for you and I cannot begin to imagine the pain you are going through now or the road you have yet to travel. My husband retired last year after 29 yrs of service. Although my concern about him in that way is over, I continue to worry about the rest of the brothers/sisters in blue who put their lives on the line each day. It is certainly not the "financial reward" that draws them to this service....these are people that are truly dedicated to their jobs and community, which is proven by Officer Wheeler's strong desire to return to work after being injured so badly two years ago. He truly is a HERO!!

Mrs. Wheeler:

In my eyes, you too are a HERO!! How you endured not one, but two emergency calls concerning your husband, with the last ending so tragically, is beyond me. Although my husband is retired, I still have a cousin who is an officer in the same department as her husband. They live in another state, and while we don't see each other often, we are still very close. I have thought alot about them in the past few days. I don't know many people, if any, that would have the inner strength that you have shown and I hope this strength will help you through the days and months to come.

May your faith and the support of family, friends and the community that Officer Wheeler served help to see you all through the difficult times ahead.

Tina Brooks
Wife of Ron Brooks, Retired, Henrico County, VA

October 17, 2005

John & I were partners in the U.S. Air Force Security Police while stationed at Kelly AFB. He was truely a fine friend, person and an outstanding Police Officer. I feel a great loss, but do get some comfort knowing John died doing what he loved the most, being a COP. My prayers are with his amazing wife Kim, and daughters Shayla & Mariah.

Officer Chris Lynch
Corpus Christi Police Dept, Texas

October 17, 2005

To the family and friends of Patrolman John Wheeler and his fellow officers with the San Antonio Police Department:

On behalf of our entire family, we wish to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered by the tragic death of Patrolman Wheeler. He is a true hero whose valor and dedication to his job will be forever rememembered and honored. I am sure that it was extremely difficult for him to be shot twice and then fight to recover and go back on full duty. To then have this awful tragedy occur is almost beyond description, especially when one imagines what it must have been like for his wife to be on duty.

Our family grieves with you and for you and we share your agony. We lost our beloved Larry Lasater when he was fatally shot on April 23rd during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers.
We are so saddened that this has happened to another family.

May you be comforted by the warm embrace of caring and support from your law enforcement family, and other police survivors.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Patrolman Wheeler gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 14, 2005.

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

October 17, 2005

To the family,police family and friends of Officer Wheeler stay strong for each other. My thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you. Mrs. Wheeler it will not make this easier on you but I to am a significant other of an officer at my agency I could not stop crying knowing not only did you lose your husband but you were his dispatcher. God Bless you

Dispatcher
Grand Prairie,Texas

October 17, 2005

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of John Wheeler. May they know that many others are thinking of them, and may God grant them healing and comfort.

Anonymous
Honolulu Police Dept.

October 17, 2005

To the family and friends of John, our hearts (CCPD) go out to you. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends. Always keep John in your memories, for he died a hero!

SGT. K. STRASHEIM
CORPUS CHRISTI POLICE DEPT.

October 17, 2005

I pray your family and friends will find strength and comfort in the reflections left on this page. Having thirteen years on at a Sheriffs Dept., I know the stress your wife went through and I will pray for her daily. May your spirit have a joyous homecoming and may you enjoy your "Rest high on the mountain".

D/Sgt. Vencent Woods
State of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

October 17, 2005

Why the better of us have to be taken is not something any of us truly understand.

The job lost a true professional on Friday the 14th and we all grieve. You will be missed, however, so long as you live in the memory of those who knew and loved you, you shall never really leave.


Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

October 17, 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

Senior Instructor
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center

October 17, 2005

Rest in peace brother, you will not be forgotten.

Patrolman Shaun McCready
Altoona (PA) Police Department

October 17, 2005

The Florida Police Chiefs Association would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Patrolman John Wheeler, and the San Antonio P.D. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great sadness. Please take comfort in knowing that your extended law enforcement family grieves with you. Patrolman Wheeler, we thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten.

Members and Staff
Florida Police Chiefs Association

October 17, 2005