Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sorry for the loss of this fine person. His memory will live on forever.

Det. Doug Teachworth
Lynnwood, WA PD

March 13, 2008

I miss you more than words can express...but then you know that. A day does not go by that I don't think of you and wish you were around to talk with. Oh how I miss those talks. Keep giving me signs you are around.

Ahslyn--if you read this I miss you very much and will try to get in touch with you soon.

Love,Sis

Michelle Rogers

March 7, 2008

Ashlyn , My wife and I often think of you and wonder how you are doing. I hope you know without a doubt how much your dad loves you and how proud of you he is. It's not fair that he was taken from you but having read every single reflection posted about him, you will always know that he was an awesome awesome human bieng.. your dad touched more lives than we'll ever know and you should be proud of him too..
Ashlyn I hope you are doing ok and that everything for you goes well....

sergeant
OCPD

February 21, 2008

Remember it was winter.
“Have you ever seen the movie “Lord of the Rings?” you asked.
“No,” says I.
“Well it’s a movie based from the story called Hobbit. Have you ever read the Hobbit?”
“Yes I have. I read it in Jr. High,” I replied.
“Did you like it?”
“Well I guess so.” says I.
“I got this portable DVD player with an attachment that will work with my car radio speakers. Get in and let’s watch this movie while Part-timer snoozes.” We watched the whole “Lord of the Rings” movie in your car keeping one ear open to the radio. After watching the movie, I had to re-read the Hobbit and then the three books of the “Lord of the Rings” I finished the second book just hours before my Son “Fred” was born. You began to call me “Part-Timer” because of all the time I took off after my Son was born but of course you know who keeps the “Part-Timer” title. You tried but could not come up with a different handle for me. What was already a militarily established nick-name was now considered permanent. “Right, Right, Right.” Is what you would always say. You are painfully missed here.
I remember pulling up to a closed gas station, late at night. You had a tiny little infant in your arms. A woman was screaming and crying franticly. I’ve never seen an officer so frightened but you continued to walk around in circles, constantly working your fingers and finally that tiny little thing began screaming at the top of its lungs! You began laughing! You got that little guy to breathing again and then went on about your business like nothing happened. “You should get an award for what you did! That was great,” I said. But you continued to tell me that what you did wasn’t worth mentioning as long as the baby was fine. Don’t tell Burley!
I have such a bad memory. There are so many things and images I exhaustively attempt to grasp hold of to keep. “Ah what do you think, Kicks?” And so Kicks it was for a moment of laughter and contemplating and the ties clipped to one side.
We used to say how you were the lucky one and Kelly was the one glutton for punishment. The wedding was beautiful. What a pair. “The Keefs!” We would go and look at the progress to your new home. After a few months though, you decided not to buy that particular house. Your son dressed up in OU attire and not even two days old. What a proud daddy you are! But I must say there was way too much red paint in that family!
You warned me about leaving the streets. “There is a reason why they are advertising vacancies three times in a row.” But you also told me that everything has its reasons and everything happens for a reason. I enjoyed listing to you analogies of religion and life. My Sam Brown belt was too small for my fat butt so you took it. At every meeting you would ask “When you coming back?” My answer was always the same.
Sorry it took so long to place this in your reflections. I have never been good at expressing myself especially in circumstances as such but I am working on it. I have had most of it on paper since your funeral. Speaking of your funeral, it was most definitely our finest performance. But of course, you know that something always goes wrong at every function and you would have laughed at the screw ups that came about. Seeing the Crime Scene Truck drive in the grass up the side of the entrance ramp to the Turnpike was truly a hilarious sight to see. But once on the turnpike, I was awestruck to see firemen, construction workers and civilians standing outside their vehicles on the side of the road, with there hands over their hearts in respect for the sacrifice you made. And what a sacrifice you made. Your name is honored and respected here. I carried your hat. It probably doesn’t mean much to most, but I remember it and I don’t think I will forget it.
When Kelly reads this, she will not know who its author was but I hope she will realize how important she is to all of us. She is a temple of strength and determination and we all look to her for motivation to continue with our daily burdens; our crosses to bear. She is a "headstrong" woman but you said she had to be to put up with you. I hope this next May all one thousand of your brothers and sisters will be out in front of HQ in uniform to not only honor you and not only honor our other brothers who have died before you, but to honor those that allowed you and them to do what you all have done which is die for the sake of keeping the citizens of our great city safe and secure for just one more night. To keep my kids safe for one more night.
I was blessed to see you before I left. You complained about your Poison-Ivy but Florida was in store for a brief time of R and R. During my two week training, I heard from my wife what had happened to you. My wife and I had a long talk that night which consisted of faith, not risk. We rely on faith and knowledge that no matter the circumstances, when its your turn to be called to stand before the Greatness of God, its your turn, regardless. Know that the students and personnel of the National Fire Academy which consisted of firemen and policemen from around the world honored you that day and kept your family in their prayers. It was an emotional experience for me and I apologize for not getting back home sooner to guard you, but I had to finish the training I went for.
My kids are now telling me that they want to watch something besides “Lord of the Rings.” Hey, you got me hooked! My time on the street was shorter than most but your influence and humor has lasted longer than all. It’s been an honor and a privilege to have worked along side of you Brother Dragus. I am honored. Look after us all and help us to be ever vigilant. And hey, most of all, thanks for always being there when I was in a pinch. Also if you would, when you see them, give a good word in to my folks.

Thanks Sugar D!

February 21, 2008

Thankyou for your service and sacrifice. You will never be forgotten. GOD bless your family

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

February 15, 2008

love you dad. love you love you

ashybear

February 9, 2008

Dear,Dad
I wish everyday that I could just see you one last time. I dont just feel that you died but I feel as if lost my bestest friend. My heart feels broken in half. Dad I love you so so so so so so so so so so so so so so much.I love you.:[. I MISS YOU LOVE YOU LOVE YOU LOVE YOU LOVE YOU.
LOVE, ASHYBEAR

ashlyn

February 9, 2008

Jonathan,

I can't believe it's been four years since our wedding day today. That was definitely the happiest day of my life. I'll try to think back to how much fun we had that day when I'm sad.

I can't explain how much I miss you. Time doesn't make that go away. I wish you were here to see all the funny things Kaden does. He has certainly developed his own little personality and he is quite strong willed! He is my little goof ball, just like you. I can't imagine how funny he'd be if you were here for him to imitate. It's crazy though, how much he is like you, even though he was just a baby when you were taken from us. I am so thankful and blessed to have him, as I am you.

Although our time together was way too short, it meant more to me than I could ever explain and it made me the person I am today. Thank you for being such a blessing to me. I love you forever.

Even though our actual anniversary is in May, today I'll say thank you for the happiest day of my life. Happy wedding day!

Love,

KD

January 30, 2008

I just wanted to let you know that you were on my mind today. Just really missing you today as I sit here. Keep watching over us!

January 24, 2008

"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

January 9, 2008

Dad I still think of you every day and wish you were here with me.I miss you so much it feels like it's been 10 years that youve been gone.I pray that someday i'll come to heaven and live with you in God in his palace in the sky.Love you so so so so so so so so so SO SO SO MUCH.
Love,Ashlyn

ashlyn
ashlyn

December 31, 2007

Kelly , I hope the holidays went well with you and your family .

Ashlyn , I hope you are doing good and had a good Christmas. We think about you often and hope you are doing ok...

sergeant
OCPD

December 27, 2007

Merry Christmas Son,
Yesterday we had all of the family at the cabin. It was crazy with all of the new family members that have been born since we lost you. We now have more babies, beginning with another set of twins from Dennis and Nancy Hansen. A new baby boy, Dwight and Christen Polsen. A very smart little girl, belonging to Angela. Karen's boys and My Niece Cindy, she has two boys and many more!
They played with the new pup, chased the horses, made a big bomb fire in the back area, dragged out all of the toys, played soccer with the new puppy and completely felt at home. The puppy was exhusted! They stuffed their little faces with cookies, candy and other goodies. The laughter filled the cozy cabin. It was a Currier and Ives moment.
After the food and sweets were eaten and everyone settled in the living room around the fireplace, we began talking about you and Michelle and Brian. How cute you were and what big Christmas parties all of you had. It was quite clear that even as a child, you were the pistol of the family! Your Father enjoyed for the first time talking about all of those beautiful moments. I instantly began to feel your spirit in the room. Thank you for joining us! I know you were with us. because one of the toy Santa's began to play it's song, all by its self! Everyone looked around the room and wondered who turn it on! I realized at that moment, the family was truly all together.
You surround us with your goodness. The love this family shares has become more intense because of you giving your life for others.
Your were the last one to give the special angel award. We haven't been able to do that honor since we lost you. Our hearts have been touch by you. Your lost has created a family fabric that truly understands compassion for others as well as sharing more with ourselfs.
10 new children Jonathan, A whole new generation. We will enjoy telling them the stories of their uncle and his bravery. Your legend will live on and inspire others. Tell Jesus we wish him a Happy Birthday!

Love and Miss You!
Dad and Phyllis

Paul and Phyllis Dragus
Dad and Step-Mom

December 26, 2007

Merry Christmas Brother. I love and miss you every day.

Sis

Michelle Rogers
Sister

December 25, 2007

Dear Jon...We are thinking of you and your family during this holiday season. Kelly, we think of you often,and pray for you all daily. With all our love, Kevin, Terri and Lauren Tucker

Kevin and Terri Tucker

December 7, 2007

I still miss you every day, buddy. We'll meet again one day I'm sure. Until then, Godspeed J-Dog.

Sgt. David Jacobs
Blanchard Police Department

November 10, 2007

Praying for you

sergeant
ocpd

October 21, 2007

I was just looking through the memorials today and noticed that it has been 2 years since you passed away. To your wife and children god will be with you and keep you strong through all the hard time.

RIP, and Godspeed.

Hayle
Oklahoman

October 20, 2007

We want to let you know that we are thinking of you and your entire family . Kelly is an amazing mom! We will continue to pray for Kelly, Kaden, Ashlyn, and your entire family.

Mike,Suzanne,Gage and Savannah

The Labadie Famiily
police family

October 20, 2007

Kelly I love you so very much, I'm thinking about you and praying for you.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding but in all ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path"
Jon, I love you brother... Keep your hand over Kelly and Kaden

Shana
Friend

October 20, 2007

Hello Son, Our beloved Blue Angel,
Dad and I put flowers at the site that God tood you to heaven. Your Father went back at the time you left us and Brian was there. Just like our beloved Daughter-in-law, we thought the time would make the pain easier, but it doesn't. Our hearts are still crushed. Brian invited your Father to go ride with him, just like you did a couple of times.
The only thing that helps us live through this pain is our Police Family. Everytime we see an officer, we want to hug them, buy them breakfast or lunch, just visit with them. Everytime we see an officer, we see you. We are so proud of everything you accomplished. We are humbled by the true meaning of "I will lay down my life for the citizens of Oklahoma City."
Kelly, even though we are all so busy, We want you to know how we understand the burning hurt you are feeling. Let's just all pray a little harder for God's peace. I know we sure need something to take away the sting of Jon's death. We love you with all of our hearts. We are looking forward to Thanksgiving and all of us being together.
Ann, you are such a joy. Everytime I put you on Jonathan's horse, I do so knowing that you loved our Son with all of your heart. I know that you are a big part of Kelly's strength. We are just so thankful to have in-laws like you and the boys! God will help us all, I just wish It would happen now. What I great family we have! It surely will take all of us to raise Kaden!!!
I saw and interesting quote the other day. Maybe this applies to our family "If the eyes have no tears, the heart has no soul." Bless all of you. Jonathan, thank you for watching over us. Your spirit will guild us always.

Love you, Jonathan.
Dad and Phyllis

Paul and Phyllis Dragus
Father and Step-Mother

October 20, 2007

Another year has gone by and this day has not gotten any easier for me. I cannot express how sorry I am that you are no longer with us. I keep thinking that the time will come that October 20th is just another day and I will not be sad or angry that it is the day you lost your life. Many others believe as I do that you are now in a much better place, but that still does not stop us from wishing you had more time with us here on earth. You are gone...and I will never forget you.

PSC DISPATCHER II, Michelle Anderson
OCPD

October 20, 2007

Thank you so much for all the lives you touched while you were here...Kelly, you are respected, admired, and loved..the strength you have demonstrated is almost incomprehensable..please know that you are not alone, we are all praying for you and standing beside you in faith. God bless you and your families.

October 19, 2007

Kelly -
I just want to tell you that you, Kaden and Jonathan are in my thoughts and prayers daily - but even more so this time of year (and this weekend). I wish I was there to be of more support for you. Give Kaden a big hug and kiss from us here in Minnesota. We love you - always!!!

Erin J.
Friend

October 19, 2007

Today has turned out to be a lot more difficult than I thought it would. I thought I was okay this morning until I was sitting at my desk, trying desparately to hold back the tears just thinking back to two years ago today. That was the last time I saw you, when you were still you...not hurt, not lying helpless on a hospital bed bleeding and dying. It was the last time I kissed you goodbye and the last time you could hug me back. It was the last time I watched you drive away from the house and the last time you saw Kaden.

For all those reasons, today seems harder to me than tomorrow will. I felt the same way last year but it's just hitting me harder this year. It's just hard to sit here at my desk, next to a window that overlooks the City Memorial where I once wondered who's name would be added next, because, unfortunately in this line of work it's just a matter of when. From the time I got on the department I had always hoped that who ever was added next wasn't one of my friends because I didn't know how I'd bare it. I would have never guessed in a million years that the name added next was that of my husband, my BEST friend and my everything.

I miss you so much and love you forever.

May God give me the strength to get through today, tomorrow and all the rest of the days I have to continue on without you.

KD

October 19, 2007