Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die

February 23, 2007

“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.

February 23, 2007

So you don’t like the ticket I just gave you.
Well, come take a ride with me.
A trip to the scene of an accident.
Where a person now struggles for freedom, and for life.
All because someone was in a hurry, or late for work.

You say you didn’t call me and you don’t need my help.
That this is a family matter and none of my business.
Come take a ride with me.
Where a child now cowers in the nearest corner, or bedroom closet.
They cover their ears and ask god “ please make them stop”.
Still think no one needs my help.

You’ve said all we do is eat donuts and drink coffee.
Come take a ride with me.
On the countless days after taking four calls in an hour.
We think we have time to sit down for dinner.
Only to be call away again.

You think we’re cold and have no heart.
Well, come take a ride with me.
To a place where the pipes now lay to rest.
A brother or sister who gave their life, for someone like you.
A place where tears fall like rain for their family,
For our family, and yes even for you.
Yeah, come take a ride with me.

February 22, 2007

Chris,
Just wanted to say hello. You are always on my mind. As a matter of fact, the last two nights you were in my dreams. That was nice. We were talking and laughing like we had so many times before. Especially about getting stopped by the South Carolina Trooper and I thought if I got out of the car and talked to him he would let you go with a warning. As you remember, that only made matters worse. I miss you a lot Chris, I hope you know that and that you knew how much your friendship meant to me. I hope my actions showed that you had a special place in my heart. I still after four months can't believe this happened and that you are gone. That night seems like it was just yesterday. I cant get your crumbled car out of my mind. I should have listened and not went to the scene. You know me, I never listen when I should. Sometimes I regret that I was so mentally out of it after I was told that I did not realize that they were keeping me from going to the scene until they had you moved. I almost wished that I would have known what they were doing and went anyway. I guess it is probably best that I didn't because I would not only have the image of the car but of you as well. I just miss you and feel like I needed to talk. I'll drop by again sometime soon until then I am hanging on and doing what I am supposed to do for you!!!

February 21, 2007

Dennis,
Happy Valentines Day baby.I miss u so very much.You will alway's be in my heart.Austin and Nicole send thier love.They think of u all the time.They miss u like crazy.Dennis I will never say goodbye to you,so until we meet again baby.
P.S....
Sue sends her love.

Patricia hiers
fiancee

February 13, 2007

I came across a poem and was instantly reminded of you, therefore I thought I would share it...

His “Dying Time”
by Judy Gagnon

As my life begins to ebb away
I feel so all alone
No one can walk this path for me
I must make it on my own
Although I can share the journey
it’s through my eyes you see
the wonder that surrounds me now
my spirituality

I wish that I could show you
all the things I see revealed
But until our time to leave this earth
Some things are kept concealed

I am being shown the way
from this life to the next
there’s so much to take in all at once
for you, you’d be perplexed.

For you dwell within the physical
it’s where you comprehend
While I float between two worlds
of which there is no end.

I understand so well your fear
I wish that you could see
that what I see beyond this life…
is life eternally.

As my time to leave grows nearer
I will try to let you know
each step I’m on along this path
before I have to go.

I’m not afraid, as you can see
I’ve traveled down the path
of what they call my “dying time”
and seen the aftermath.

I think our “dying time”
is our time to prepare
ourselves and those around us
for the end that is so near.

It’s a time of readjustments
a time of letting go
somehow life has prepared us
somehow these things we know.

My mind now seems to be
more concentrated “there”
No longer do I long for life
as I knew it here.

I’m ready now to say good-bye
and I know how you will grieve
but please have faith…we’ll meet again
this you must believe.

I shared my journey with you
I’m so glad that you were here
And as we’ve been our whole life through…
please trust that I’ll be near.

When that day or night comes to you
I will help you comprehend
remember you won’t be alone
I will be there till the end.

Goodbye my brother....

Edwin Myrick
Effingham County Sheriffs Office

February 11, 2007

stopped by to say hello friend, i miss you brother, keep the watch out up there dude

Ofc Matt Lynn
Port Wentworth Police Department (GA )

January 27, 2007

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 Corporal Wright, especially to his fiancee. 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 your Dennis, 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 Dennis' life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Dennis' life was about so much more than the way he died. Dennis will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Corporal Wright, 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 four 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)

January 15, 2007

You can shed tears that he is gone,
Or you can smile because he lived,
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back,
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see him
Or you can be full of the love that you shared,
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember him and only that he is gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on,
You can cry and close your mind be empty and turn your
back,
Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes,
love and go on

a friend

January 6, 2007

"If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded." -- Maya Angelou

Aloha Corporal Dennis C. Wright Sr.,
Thank you for your service and dedication to your community and your country. You and all officers that continue to lay your lives on the line and pay the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities and country safe, will NEVER be forgotten.

I personally pledge, (after one of Hawaii's own, Honolulu Police Officer Steve Favela, lost his life in the line of duty protecting our Commander in Chief, President George W. Bush), to become a continuum of the ODMP light. That light is in the form of an ODMP tribute. People from all walks of life, regardless of age, race, religion, profession, education, and geographical location can share here, for that "LIGHT" comes from within the heart and soul of every person who cares to share a word or two on behalf of each and every fallen officer. Every fallen officer is an hero. The ODMP; Officer Down Memorial Page gives us a place to come together and share our feelings together.

As we say in Hawaii, we are `Ohana; We are family. God Bless this fallen hero.

May all who read this tribute take comfort in this Hawaiian prayer. I wish you peace and love beyond all understanding.

May you rest in peace Corporal Dennis C. Wright Sr.
Me Ke Aloha Pumehana.

THE PEACE OF " I "
KA MALUHIA O KA "I"

Peace be with you, All My Peace,
O ka Maluhia no me oe, Ku'u Maluhia a pau loa,

The Peace that is " I ", the Peace that is "I am".
Ka Maluhia o ka "I", owau no ka Maluhia,

The Peace for always, now and forever and evermore.
Ka Maluhia no na wa a pau, no ke'ia wa a mau a mau loa aku.

My Peace " I " give to you, My Peace " I " leave with you,
Ha'awi aku wau I ku'u Maluhia ia oe, waiho aku wau I ku'u Maluhia me oe,

Not the world's Peace, but, only My Peace,
The Peace of " I ".

A'ole ka Maluhia o ke ao aka, ka'u Maluhia wale no,
Ka Maluhia o ka "I".

Moana V.C. Molale (Private Citizen)
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

January 4, 2007

Dennis, I didnt work with your for very long, but you definitely made an impression on me. I do know that you were a good cop, and that you cared about, and loved the job. Your sacrifice, and that of your family, will not be forgotten. Good bye brother, see you when I get there...and have one of those jokes ready for me, I'm sure I'll need one about then.

Officer R. Mounkes
Pooler Police Department, Pooler GA

December 27, 2006

To Noah

I see the beautiful Christmas tree
in your home below
With tiny lights, like heavens stars,
reflecting in the snow

The sight is so spectular
please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas
with Jesus this year

I hear the many Christmas songs
that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music dont compare
with the Christmas choir up here

I have no words to tell you,
the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description,
to hear the angels sing

I know how much you miss me,
I see the pain inside your heart
But I am not so far away
we really aren't apart

So be happy for me dear son
You know I hold you near
And be happy I am spending
my Christmas with Jesus this year

I send you a special gift
from my heavenly home above
I send you a memory of my undying love

So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear
Remember I love you
and that I am spending my Christmas with Jesus this year

I love you
Love Daddy

December 21, 2006

Flave,
it has been been a month since that day. I miss you and your wild jokes more and more every day, I Love You Brother, Just wait, I'll see you again and hear yor silly jokes again. Till then brother
matt lynn (aka skittles )

see u at home soon, I dont know how to let this go....

Ofc Matt Lynn
Port Wentworth Police Department (GA )

December 18, 2006

we'll miss you dennis!

Ofc. J. Zirpolo
Rincon P.D. Rincon Ga

December 16, 2006

Dennis,
You were my world.I can't begin to tell u how much I miss u.My life will never be the same.I'm so happy for having u in my life for the nine month's we had together.Those nine month's gave me a lifetime of memories and love.A love that only comes around once in a lifetime.From the first time I saw u,I knew u were the one.U will alway's be the one in my heart.One day we will be together again.I know u r waiting for me and when it is my time I can't wait to hold u again.I promise to live my life the way we had planned.I'm going to school in march.U were so proud of me and suported me in everything I did or wanted to do.As I was of u.U were the best at every thing u did,your job as a police officer,a father and my best freind.U will never be forgotten.U made so many people happy.U could alway's put a smile on someone's face,u didn't even have to say a word.The smile on ur face was good enough.I'm not going to say goodbye because u r still with me and alway's will be.So I will just say see u later until we r together again.
I love u alway's,
Patti

Patriaia Hiers
Fiance

December 16, 2006

You will not be forgotten. You were a GREAT Law Enforcement Officer and your Community is proud of you. God Bless You!!!

Chief David M. Gellatly, ret.
Savannah Police Department

December 13, 2006

So sorry for your lost. I pray that JESUS be with your family.

Leslie Minor
Effingham county correctional officer

December 11, 2006

Dennis,
A dispatcer's job is to see that their family of deputies and officers makes it home to their family. When I left work everyone was code 4 and when I awoke you were gone and my heart was broken along with your work family and home family's hearts. I know you have a special place in heaven for no greater love hath a man than to lay down his life for another. Every officer faces that when he puts on a uniform and walks into the unknown. On Our shift the deputies are family and the dispatchers love them and respect them as you well know. You are missed and loved still. May the Lord bless you and keep you until we meet again.

S/O Wendy Collins
Effingham County SO

December 5, 2006

I am sorry to here about the loss, I just lost my father Sheriff Deputy William Joseph Hudnall. I am sorry I know what you are going thru, but just remember he is always in your heart and memories and he is looking down upon you in heaven,

Jennifer Hudnall
Just a friend

December 5, 2006

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Corporal Dennis C. Wright Sr.,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of your loved one. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We wish we could be there in person to offer support. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. As the holidays draw nearer remember those special moments you have shared together and the love you shared. 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 for support. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Corporal Wright is a hero. He will live on through all of you forever.

Respectfully,

Alissa Scott
Widow of Beryl 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

December 4, 2006

Your presence was like no other. While I was employed at ECSO working on shift with you, well...let's just say there was never a dull moment. I will never forget when I came to work with Georgia State Partol you said "I was going to be one of GOD'S Special People". I remember saying to you "that's right Dennis, but always remember I am only a transmit button away if you ever need anything I've got your back brother". You replied with "I know you do". Long talks sitting out back on the picnic table, lunch with you and Stacy, your craziness when you would come in the radio room...Thank you for treating me like "one of the guys" and not just a dumb dispatcher. Keep us all Code 4, and know that you are missed! And Dennis...if there are dispatchers in heaven please go easy on them!

CEO Melissa Hinely
Georgia State Patrol

December 4, 2006

Dennis,
I miss you so very much. I never grabbed the opportunity to thank you for what you brought to my sister's life. She loved you so much, like no other before. You told me what she meant to you and it hurts so much that your time together was cut short. We are helping her as much as we can, and I know you are still with her. She never had the chance to get to know your children, you know she wanted to so much, maybe one day that will be rectified as it should be. You would have been proud of your kids, they showed strength as did Patti and your fellow officers, they love you very much. Your life touched so many people and you will never be forgotten. I will always cherish the laughs and jokes you shared with me, I love you, and in my heart you were and always will be the best brother-in-law! :) Rest now honey, until we all meet again.
With much love,
Marlene

Marlene Faris
Patti's sister

December 2, 2006

I pray for strength and peace for your family and friends. May your spirit have a joyous homecoming. "Rest high on the mountain" brother!

D/Sgt. Vence Woods
Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality-Office of Criminal Invest.

December 1, 2006

Dennis,
It has taken me a while to try to put my thoughts in words. At first I was so angry at you leaving us and then it all hit me. Stacy reminded me that if it wasn't for death, life would have no meaning. You my friend have brought forth alot of meaning in my life. You showed me what a true friend is, your unconditional selflessness and dedication to those around you. I thank you for being there for me, cheering me up and making me laugh. You have reminded me how important it all is, how precious thse moments in time with each other are. Those shift changes will never be the same again. I have those crazy nicknames you gave me that I will keep forever that still make me smile, but nothing is quite like when you would call me brother. Jamie ( aka Penguin and midget ) and I will continue with our commitment to the lodge that you and Derrick started us on. We will make you proud. Until we meet again, I bid you farewell my friend. You are gone for now and will never be forgotten. You were truly my BROTHER!

To the family of Dennis,
On behalf of the ECSO, Thank You for sharing Dennis with us. I am sure he had no idea of the profound impact he had on each and every one of us.I hope that you will have comfort in your heart as the days, months and years pass and you will remember him as lovingly as we do.

Cpl. Kenny McDonald
ECSO, friend, BROTHER in arms

November 29, 2006

The highest of distinctions is service to others. -King George VI

Corporal Wright -- Your dedication to the good of your community will not be forgotten.

To all those touched by the loss of Corporal Wright -- Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Colorado Springs (CO) Police Protective Association

November 29, 2006