Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

LESTER WAS MY BEST FRIEND, MY PAST PARTNER IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AS WELL AS MONKEY BUSINESS. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM WITH A SMILE ON HIS FACE, A KIND WORD, AND AN ACT OF KINDNESS FOR ANYONE HE MET. THE GOOD LORD MUST HAVE NEEDED ONE MORE ANGEL TO PATROL THE STREETS OF HEAVEN. REST IN PEACE THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT.

Doug Martin and Family

January 3, 2006

Lester lived in and was the Former Constable of Pct 1. We have lost two officers in a matter of month's. Lester and Boe Gallaway both gave their lives serving this area and doing the job they loved. Lester, Rest in Peace knowing that we will continue and never forget you and your service.

Constable Charles Clack
Polk County Pct 1 Tx

January 3, 2006

Farewell Brother

Officer Thomas Wiederhold #1890
Fort Worth Police,Tx

January 3, 2006

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

January 3, 2006

“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

January 3, 2006

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of a loved one in law enforcement. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support. As we personally know, sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten.

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

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-04

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network

January 2, 2006

My wife and I would like to send our deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Lester Dewayne Tatum. Thank you for your years of service and dedication. We all share in the loss of losing one of our own. May God Bless.

Officer Timothy T. Royster
Huntsville Police Department, AL.

January 2, 2006

My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Tatum; may he rest in peace.

Linda Lamm - LEO Wife and Sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

January 2, 2006

It's hard to know how to begin a reflection. I guess I would have to start off by saying how much I'm going to miss Lester and his jokes. His kindness. His stories. I loved to hear about his latest crazy hobby. What an adorable spirit he had. I remember as a child following him around like a puppy. Probably being more than a pest to him than he would ever admit. But he always made time to play, or tickle or chase. He was adorable and cute. With his blonde hair that was always combed perfect with the Leaf Garrett wings. ( Remember those you 70's children.? ) His heart is as big as the state of Texas and it's no wonder that God brought him to a life of service as a Police Officer. It's also no wonder that God took him from us. God needs the good guys up there on his side. To protect all of us. He is still with us all. We can't see him, but he's there. Guiding and guarding. He will watch his grandchildren grow and he will be our guardian angel. I'll miss getting to hug him. I'll miss everything about him. I love you Lester.

Vickie Gonzales
1st Cousin

January 2, 2006

My god be with you Deputy Tatum,and your family and friend,and the Trinity Sheriff Dept. during this tragic lost. YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN BROTHER.

Officer Dannis Drummonds
Homewood Police Alabama

January 2, 2006

MY FAMILY WAS SADDEN TO HEAR THE LOSE OF THIS YOUNG MAN, MAY GOD BLESS HIM AND HIS FAMILY, AND THE DEPARTMENT HE SO LOVED TO WORK FOR. WE HEARD ABOUGHT THE ACCIDENT ON THE RADIO

duty officer Bryan Posey
FDLE/ CAPITOL POLICE FLORIDA

January 2, 2006

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 Dewayne did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Dewayne be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Deputy Tatum's family, friends, and co-workers are going through in losing him. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of loss until they've walked in our shoes. Please 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. (The Davis County Sheriff's Office will always know how to reach me or write jocelyne1974 at canada dot com)

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 Dewayne but, I am certain he was well respected and well loved. Dewayne will live on in the hearts of all the lives he touched. You were all blessed to have been able to know and love Dewayne, even for a short time. I pray that Dewayne, Dennis, and all the other fallen officers will continue to watch over us all as only they can.

Thank you Deputy Tatum 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's lives you touched brighter and better days,

Jocelyne :)

"Wherever a beautiful soul has been ... there is a trail of beautiful memories."

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

January 2, 2006

So long brother, you will be missed by both families.

Officer Scott Parker # 202
Meridian Police Department, Texas

January 2, 2006

God bless to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Tatum. Thank you for your service, RIP.

Cpl Thomas Locher II
Swiss Army, MP Service, Traffic Unit

January 1, 2006

G-d Speed My Brother

uc
odps Inv Unit

January 1, 2006

DEPUTY TATUM MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE.

GILBERT DANIEL

January 1, 2006

Reality

Imagine how our world would be
If every police officer quit
Turned in their gun, turned in their badge,
Just finally had enough of it.

No respect, no loyalty,
No appreciation of all they do,
They’d give their lives for all of us,
These wonderful officers of “Blue”.

Kicked at, spit on,
Punched, stabbed and shot,
Everyday assaults on officers,
Done…without thinking a second thought!

Our laws are in favor of criminals,
There’s always some loophole in their case,
Out again to commit more crimes and murders
…creates pain, that we, the family and friends
…in time will never erase.

Why should they do it?
Why take the risk?
Why put their life on the line?
Subject their loved ones to endless suffering,
When their precious life is lost while fighting crime.

More murders, more kidnappings, more robberies and rapes,
Just to mention a few,
Please ask yourself how life would be,
If there were NO officers in Blue!

Would you do it? Could you do it?
And for how many…would YOU give it all?
Rewards are a 21 gun salute, a Medal of Honor,
And your name gets added to the Wall.

Think about it. Why are they here?
And why do some hate them so?
Because they enforce the laws that put convicts and murderers
In jail serving time, or on “Death Row”.

All give some and some give all,
It’s a risk they chose to take:
To put their heart and soul in it,
To put their lives at stake.

So, please take a moment,
Please give it deep thought,
Think of what “you can do”…

To help show respect,
To help follow the laws,
So we’d quit losing our Heroes in Blue!

Written by Jaclyn Pocceschi Mosley
Sister of Fallen Officer Rodney F. Pocceschi EOW 6/23/03.

Fallen Officers Remembered

January 1, 2006

You will not be forgotten. Watch over us....

See you at the final roll call

Officer R Amore
Wayne PD, MI

January 1, 2006

My name is Sgt. Jeff Freeman with the McGregor Police Department, located in McGregor, Texas. I attended the K9 program with Deputy Lester Tatum in 2005. Deputy Tatum was a very nice individual, with a kind smile. I only knew Deputy Tatum for the extent of the K9 program, but I have a lot of admiration for him. The world has lost a great police officer and I have lost a friend/brother. My condolences go out to Deputy Tatum's family and friends. Do not forget to remember all of the good times we had with Deputy Tatum. Thank you for your time and be safe!

Sergeant Jeff Freeman
McGregor Police Department, McGregor, Texas

January 1, 2006

Deputy Tatum put the safety and welfare of those burglary victims ahead of his own. I admire his courage and commitment to the people of Trinity County. He shall never truly be gone so long as his memory and spirit live in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved him.

God Bless and Rest in Peace. Truly a sad way to end the year. Our hearts go out to Deputy Tatum's family.

Ptl. Jim Leahy Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

January 1, 2006

Deputy Tatum you will be remembered by many. We pray especially for your family and their feeling of loss. Rest In Peace Sir.

Citizen Grace
St. Louis County Resident

January 1, 2006

RIP BROTHER

PTM. K.MCGEE
MURPHY,TX POLICE DEPT.

January 1, 2006

On behalf of the Union City Police Department, NJ PBA Local #8, our heartfelt condolences go out to the friends & family of Deputy Tatum. The thin blue line stands one weaker today, but rest assured, your memory will not be forgotten. Rest in peace, deputy.

Police Officer
Union City, NJ Police Dept

January 1, 2006

REST IN PEACE DUPITY

PTLM. GEORGE S. GALISH
HANOVER TWP. POLICE DEPT. WASHINGTON CO.

January 1, 2006

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE... YOUR FAMILY AND DEPARTMENT WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS. REST IN PEACE.

txdeputy-txdeputywife
GCSO

December 31, 2005