Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jason,
This will be my second reflection. This will be a day of reflection on the anniversity of your passing around the office and in our hearts. I did not know that this day would have impacted me so greatly. I draw my daily strength from looking at your memorial outside of the Sheriff's private office. You have been missed greatly by myself and other within the office and will continued to be missed. Thank you for the life and example that you have lived and the strenght that you continue to provide to everyone.

LT Eric M. Abdullah
Aiken County Sheriff's Office, SC

December 7, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

December 4, 2007

"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

November 16, 2007

Jason,

It has taken me a long time to get my thoughts and what I wanted to say together. I was deeply hurt when I first recieved a phone call the night you where hit. I was crushed when i recieved the second call that you had left us. I know how strong your faith was, so I know you are O.K. I remenber our morning meetings at the Circle K at the 22, and miss them truely. Brother you are missed more than you could ever know. I know we will see wach other again and I don't fear that day. Now that you are up there I now you are watching over all of us down here.

TFC T.T. Blackwelder
CS Highway Patrol

October 2, 2007

Thinking of you and your Shelly as she prepares to travel to her first COPS spouse retreat. I pray that she will be safe and that she will benefit in some way that will help her on her journey through the valley of grief.

Debbie
friend & survivor of SC Trooper Jon Parker

September 20, 2007

Thanks for all you did.
God Speed Sgt. Jason Shepard.

May you rest in peace.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and his extended family at the Aiken County Sheriff's Office..

VICKI RODRIGUEZ
ACSO -FRIEND

July 26, 2007

Sheppard Family,

I had the honor of meeting Jason's father and step-mother in Washington, DC during the events of Police Week. What a tremendous amount of love, pride and emotion when they spoke of Jason. I might add that a lot of humor was involved in the discussion too, as it seems that Jason certainly got that grin from his dad.
God Bless Jason Sheppard.

Jim Kiernan
NJ State Police

Trooper
New Jersey State Police

May 26, 2007

Jason,
Myself and the Wife were just thinking of you on this Law Enforcement Memorial Week, as your name was placed on the wall. I just want to thank you again for you and your familie's sacrifice. Rest in peace brother, we will take the rest of the watch.

Pfc. Dan McElmurray
Wagener P.D./ A.C.S.O. (2000-2005)

May 20, 2007

Your smile always brightened my day when I had the opportunity to see you. I hope you rest easy Jason. Don't worry, we'll take the watch from here. Your wife and family will always been in my thoughts and prayers.

Friend in Aiken, SC

May 7, 2007

Jason,
I know you are in a better place, but it is still so hard not having you here. I miss all of our talks including all of the ones about our Clemson Tigers. I will never forget the last words you said to me that night...that you was getting out of here and going home. You will always be in my heart and Shelley and your family will always be in my prayers.
Love you!
Carla

Carla Insley
Aiken County Sheriff's Office Communications

April 8, 2007

It brings tears to my eyes each time I read about another LEO that has lost his/her life. I wish there wasn't a need for this website. My heart goes out to all your friends and family and especially your wife. Hang in there...you will be in my prayers.

Melissa
leo wife

January 31, 2007

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

Aloha Sergeant Jason L. Sheppard,
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; a keeper 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.

This "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 a hero. The ODMP; Officer Down Memorial Page gives us a place to come together and share our feelings as one family. May we find solace as we give solace to the families who have lost a loved one.

Sergeant Jason L. Sheppard, God Bless you. You are a hero. As we say in Hawaii, “You are`Ohana.” “You are Family.” No one will ever be able to replace you for you were unique and very special. No one; not in this lifetime. May God allow you to rest in His Divine peace. I wish you, your loved ones, and your fellow officers, peace and love beyond all understanding. I honor you today. You have not been forgotten.

** May this Hawaiian prayer give all those who read it comfort. **

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
Kahu La`a Kea (Keeper of the Sacred Light)

January 22, 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 Sergeant Sheppard, 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 Jason, 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 Jason's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Jason's life was about so much more than the way he died. Jason will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Sergeant Sheppard, 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 17, 2007

My prayers and thoughts to all who knew and will miss Sergeant Sheppard.

May God lay His healing hands upon the family.

Retired Captain Joe L. Gilliland
Danville, KY PD

January 8, 2007

RIP brother, God Bless you and your family. Rest easy friend we have the watch.

Deputy Timothy Abbott
Aiken County S.O.

January 2, 2007

Jason you are missed every day! It just isn't the same without you here. I miss our talks in the hall and your ability to make me laugh when I really didn't feel like it. To Shelly and your family, you are in my prayers every day. May God be with you and continue to carry you.

Evidence Tech Donna Sawyer
ACSO

December 27, 2006

To the family and loved ones of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard and his fellow officers with the Aiken County Sheriff's Office:

On behalf of our family, I want to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Sgt. Sheppard died in the line of duty. His valor and courage will never be forgotten.

In reading the loving reflections left by family and friends, it is obvious that Jason was an amazing young man who touched many lives in a positive way. I can see that he is so loved and so missed by so many.

The circumstances of his death were heart breaking and I know caused much anquish for all those affected.

May Jason's spirit continue to soar and his memory continue to inspire. May God hold Jason and his family in the warmest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Jason gave to his community and the citizens of South Carolina, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on December 8, 2006.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg, Ca PD epw 4/24/05

December 22, 2006

All though we knew each other for a short time, we became friends and trusted each other. Your life was taken way too soon as you are a fine person and a person I trusted.From the first time we met we clicked. I'll miss you Jason and will always remember you in my prayers. I know you are with God so please look after us. This is truly the BOSS. God Bless You, Frank

Frank Warchol
ACSO -Friend

December 20, 2006

My condolences on your loss of your husband. Know that many are thinking of you during this time of grief.
Angels about you

Sergeant Elizabeth IBARRA and LEO wife
Milwaukee Police Department

December 20, 2006

Far too many times, I suspect that we miss visits by angels, messengers of God with a message for us. Sometimes we acknowledge hearing something, feeling different, experiencing a "movement" but we don't act on it. Whatever the means of communication, the Word that comes to us is usually a call to have hope, to believe that God's promises will be fulfilled, to trust in God.

Sometimes it is even a call to do something: to act with hope, when there doesn't seem to be any hope; to trust in God's love and call, even when there doesn't seem to be any reason to trust.

To all of Jasons' Family, Friends and fellow Officers have faith, hope and trust. His early passing will one day be explained. He was called to help God in his works.

Constable Ed Cordes
Aiken County, South Carolina

December 19, 2006

Sacrifice is the only true measure of generosity. -Jason Hurst

Sergeant Sheppard -- Your dedication to the good of your community will not be forgotten.

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

Colorado Springs (CO) Police Protective Association

December 19, 2006

rest easy brother.

CPL Michael Wilhelm
The George Washington University Police Dept

December 19, 2006

From all your brothers in Texas...rest easy hero. you will not be forgotten.

K. McGee
MPD,TX

December 18, 2006

It's a real tragedy to lose an officer, no matter the circumstances. It's devastating to the friends, families and colleagues of the downed officer. I hope that all involved will find comfort.

D. Paul, Special Agent
FBI

December 17, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and the Aiken County So

Fallen but never forgotten.

Officer B. laurie
Haltom City Police Texas

December 17, 2006