Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

July 3, 2008, your grandson was born, dad, and I named him after you. I pray that I can be half the father for him that you were for me. Little Jimmy came to us three days after the anniversary of the crash... a gift from God...

Deputy James Sunderland, Jr.
Val Verde Sheriff's Office, Son

July 20, 2008

July 3, 2008, your grandson was born, dad, and I named him after you. I pray that I can be half the father for him that you were for me. Little Jimmy came to us three days after the anniversary of the crash... a gift from God...

Deputy James Sunderland, Jr.
Val Verde Sheriff's Office, Son

July 20, 2008

"Skeeter", you are a strong daughter and a terrific reflection of what your dad is. My father is retired from Highway Patrol, my Uncle is retired local PD in OK, I worked for 10 years and my Mom and I sat down and had a talk. My Dad was shot 3 years before I was born, so as you can imagine it is God's decision that I am on this earth today. My Mom was terminally ill and I made her a promise to get off the streets before I had a family, I loved LE very much, I still support it to this day. My best friend was killed on a motor last year in Plano, it has taken a toll on me as I could rely on him for anything and we had only know each other for 6 years, good friends are hard to find today. Anyway, hang your head high and proud, your father raised you right, you are a shining star. Until you see him on the streets of Heaven, God Bless You!!

Rob
Ex-Police Officer

March 26, 2008

all i can say is WOW. Your brutal honesty is incredibly commendable! I dont know you but i am so proud of you... i can only imagine how proud your own father is of you. Hang in there girl... we are all fmaily.

Police Officer (female)
Columbus Police Department

March 14, 2008

I have had this website on hand since my father's death and never had the courage to actually check it out. Today i read upon all of the reflections and balled like i have not done since i was first informed of his death with a phone call that came during the middle of an argument with a fiance. I remember the night and time just stopped as i literally jumped from my seat and called my mother a liar. i sunk back into my seat slowly and bowed my head. I couldnt breath. I couldnt cry. I couldnt think. I had long pictured this day, as morbid as it sounds, and how I would react. This is not even near how I imagined. The disbelief I felt was unmeasurable. You see, I was the sheep of the family who had gone astray. Drugs, alchol, and my general life should have been the dissapointment that made my father turn away. He never did. He always had faith that i would overcome, and start a brand new life with christ in my heart. He always new that i did everything the hard way and eventually always came around too. June 28 he had traveled out of town to my home of Kerrville, TX. to help pay for some medication that i could not afford on my own. The truth is that i did have the money but i planned on spending the money on drugs later that evening. Upon our goodbyes he asked if i would go back and stay even for a little while with them. He said he would bring me back and of course being in the state I was in, I told him no. I promised to come see him on Saturday, which
I fully intended on doing. He gave me a kiss and a hug and said "See you later mongoloid." Those words well forever be in mind because saturday never came. My father spoke so lovingly to me even though he knew I was lying about the money. I could see it in his eyes. Though I may have forgotten his voice, which still hurts me to this day, I have not forgotten the wise words that only he gave me. Using his death as an excuse to stay in the bars and with my nose in a bag i continued on with my life until the day my mental health case worker had told me the I desperatley need a change of sceneary. I would die if I stayed here. I agreed thinking of the possiblities of a big city, as far as drugs and alcohol go. The night before i left i prayed because I knew that deep in my heart she was right. My prayers were answered with the voice of my father saying "Damnit little girl, you know better than that. If you want to keep living a life with me in mind do it right. Help yourself, you already know how to do it, I've given that knowledge to you already." I woke up and didnt cry suprisingly. I merely accepted what he said and gained a brandnew resolve. So here I sit in New Braunfels, just outside of San Antonio and can think of nothing else but bettering myself and carrying on the things I was brought up with. My priorities are reset back to where they used to be.....family, health, job, everything else.

Skeeter
Daughter

March 12, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

March 5, 2008

Thankyou LT SUNDERLAND for your service and sacrifice. GOD bless your family, you will never be forgotten

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

February 20, 2008

To: James Sunderland Jr

I just read your story in the Southwestern Union Record and how you met with President Bush. Thank you for sharing that story, and how you leaned on Jesus during your struggle after the accident, and your fight with PTSD. I am sure your father would be so proud. I wish you nothing but the best as you continue your career. God bless you and your family.

Lt. from Keene Texas

December 29, 2007

I went to the Capital today to honor you and your family. May God keep you close as I pray for those you had to leave behind.

Terry Donovan,spouse of Amy Lynn Donovan EOW 31 October 2004

May 7, 2007

I wish to express my condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Lt. James Lee Sunderland Sr. With great appreciation and respect I will also be riding in
Lt. Sunderland's honor with the Police Unity Tour. During the ride from NJ to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington DC, I will wear his memorial bracelet with pride, which will also serve as a reminder of how significant our job of policing is. Regards to all and we will never forget.

Detective Sergeant Andy Miller
Parsippany Police Department Parsippany, NJ

May 4, 2007

We leave for the Police Unity Tour Tuesday morning, May 8th, headed for the National Memorial in Washington DC. I have Lieutenant Sunderlands memorial bracelet, and wear it with great honor to his memory, service and sacrifice. I do not know if you plan to attend the National Memorial,but if you do, I will look for you there. If not, know that you are in my heart and prayers, always. With the greatest respect, Lieutenant Sandra K. Reed PSO

Lieutenant Sandra K.Reed
Pasco Sheriff's Office, Dade City Fl

May 3, 2007

Happy Birthday Bro.2/2/2007. It was a sad day, but we know you are in a better place. God speed and we will see you on the other side as we sing you a Dixie Lullaby.

Randall Sunderland
Brother

February 5, 2007

Thank you for your service. You will always be remembered. Rest in peace.

daughter of an officer

September 29, 2006

I dont know if I can write the right words or clearly express the joy I had working with and getting to know our "Lt."
Lt. did not have to demand respect from us...We gave it willingly because of our love and respect for him. Lt. was a quiet man...but through his silence and patience, he taught us to think for ourselves and encouraged us to make decisions based off of what we felt was right. He taught us to stick to our guns and believe in ourselves...He always stood behind us and was always there to listen to our complaints, dumb jokes, or goofy stories...
Lt. was and extroidinary person...I want the Sunderlands to know that all of us looked up to him and still miss him...
We will always remember you "LT"
I can still hear him shouting "TIPTON"...as he called me into his office...
We will always be there for Jen, Jimmy, your wife, and family...
We all need to realize how precious and fragile life is...
I've learned that I'm not ten foot tall and bullet proof..I have also learned to treasure every minute I have with my family and friends...
God Bless the Sunderlands and every law enforcment officer out there...
Danica Tipton/Deputy Sheriff-Val Verde Co. Sheriff's Office

Deputy Danica Tipton
Val Verde Co. Sheriff's Office/Patrol Div

September 22, 2006

To my Uncle Lt. James Lee Sunderland, thank you for always being there... thank you for never letting someone down or making someone feel bad. I appreciate what you did for others and I will continue on knowing that kindness runs in the family. I will lead on telling others of the bravery you stood for. NEVER will you erase from my memory. I can still hear you saying, as i walked through your front door, "HEY little girl!" (that was always my favorite phrase.) Everybody will remain in my prayers for I have not fogotten about you either. And also, I thank everybody who cared so much for him and took care of him. I love you Uncle James, forever rest in peace.
Love your neice,
Meriah Sunderland.

Meriah Sunderland
neice

September 10, 2006

It has been only a few months since your tour of duty ended and I know that your loved ones thought of you every hour of every day during that time and will remember you always. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten by your loved ones nor will the Blue Family ever let you be forgotten. Keep watch over your loved ones and wrap your wings around them and help them with their grief. I wish there were some magic words I could offer them to help them with their grief, all I can suggest is to take one day at a time and know that they are not alone. Thankyou for your dedicated service to law enforcement.

Poem by Richard Fife

No person is truly alone.
Those who live no more,
Whom we loved,
Echo still within our throughts,
Our words, our hearts.
And what they did,
And who they were,
Becomes a part of all that we are,
Forever.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father

August 29, 2006

Sir, I honor your service and your sacrifice. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9.

Daniel
Citizen

August 29, 2006

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

mjw643

August 23, 2006

Thank you all for your prayers and kind words. It is very comforting to see so many people respond to this page. At first I'd cry as I read each response, now I am comforted knowing so many people care. I have often been asked , for so many years, how I could be married to someone in a job so dangerous. I would simply reply that they (my husband, son, and daughter)loved thier jobs, and I would be comforted knowing they died doing what they loved so much. I know in my heart that he loved his job and his men. It has helped me deal with his loss just knowing how much our community has responded with the outpouring of it's love. A family memeber was standing at his graveside when a man walked up and asked if he knew the officer. The response was, "yes, he was my brother." Then he asked the unidentified man if he knew him. He answered, "I only met him once, it was Christmas night and it was raining, there had already been someone hit riding a bike on the side of the rode recently. He stopped and told me that it was dangerous to be riding my bike at night like this, I told him it was the only way I had to get to and from work, he picked up my bike, put it in his patrol truck and gave me a ride home." This is the man we all knew and loved, I ask that you all continue to remember that everyone you reach out to in the form of kindness will in turn reach back to you and others in kindness. God bless you all and thank you so very much for your kindness and continued prayers for me, my son James Jr., and his brother and sisters.

Mrs. Lt. James Lee Sunderland Sr.

Juanell Sunderland
Wife

August 14, 2006

Thank you everyone for keeping him alive for all of his years. I believe that all his family and friends played a big part in his life. Thank you UNCLE JAMES for being the best unlc a niece could ever have. My prayers go out to the rest of the family. May you always have strength and peace. Jeremy whenever you need someone to play with or just talk to you know you could always call me. And Aunt Juanell, I wanted to let you know that you and the rest of the family will always,always,always be in my prayers and everyone else's. God Bless and may Uncle LIEUTENANT JAMES LEE SUNDERLAND rest in peace. We will all see you again someday.

Patti.O Sunderland
niece

August 7, 2006

Thoughts and prayers go out to the family and co-workers to this fine officer who has paid the ulitimate price in keeping thier community safe and protecting those they serve.


May he rest in peace

Douglas W. Bennett
Juvenile probation Officer
KY DJJ

Douglas W. Bennett
Ky Dept. of Juvenile Justice

August 6, 2006

On Jan.11,2004 at 8:45pm he declared you are a Sunderland! That was the day that the Lt. and I along with James Jr. and our dad Carl fired up the 454 in our 69 Camaro Race car. After many set backs and tribulations it finally started. He never lost his patience or his passion for hot rods and when something would go wrong he would say "thats the joy of having a hot rod, and that is what hot rodding is all about." He loved his family, friends and co-workers. A devoted christian and father he will be missed. Everytime ee fire that car up and run it down the track you will be with us, you were the best pit crew a brother ever had. We will save your seat at the Whataburger at 2:00am on the way home from the races.

Randall Sunderland
Brother

August 4, 2006

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE,REST IN PEACE. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.OUR PRAYS ARE ALSO WITH THE VAL VERDE COUNTY SHERIFF DEPT.

OFC.J.L."PEPE'"HERNANDEZ
ALBUQUERQUE POLICE DEPT.(NM)

August 1, 2006

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Lieutenant Sunderland, especially to his wife. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for James, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember James' life and the MAN that he was. Remember that James' life was about so much more than the way he died. James will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Lieutenant Sunderland, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been three and a half years but we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Surviving Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

July 31, 2006

God Bless all of you. Please try to look to the Lord during these terrible times. I am so sorry for your tragic loss.

Police Officer
Bergen County , New Jersey

July 27, 2006