Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jason,
Holidays are always the hardest, but we all will endure. You and all the Hero's who helped protect and preserve the meaning of this holiday will be remembered today. Hero’s like you will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Dad

July 4, 2010

You and all of your loved ones are in my thoughts on this special day, Police Officer Memorial Day. Continue to watch over all of them.

"If people we love are stolen from us, the way to have them live on is to never stop loving them. Buildings burn, people die, but real love is forever." Author Unknown

Thank you for being the true hero that you are. You will never be forgotten

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

May 15, 2010

To all who knew of Jason's music and singing, and for all the people who where there when at 6 years old he sang his first solo "Germs My Invisible Dog", We all tried to get him to sing it later in life, but he never would do it. He finally told us that he did not remember the words because it had been so long ago. Well Sandy found the words to the song and I am posting it below. Thanks "Momma Sandy".
May the words bring back good memories of Jason for the ones who heard him sing it, and may it help others know him better as a small South Carolina boy.

My very best friend is my little shaggy dog
Chewing on my tennis shoes and running through the hall
He's kind of like my shadow, cause he's everywhere I go
He sleeps in my bed, but my mommy doesn't know
I hide him in my pocket cause he's very, very small
Germs, Germs, my invisible dog
He runs like the wind, and he knows some funny tricks
He doesn't like carrots and spinach makes him sick
He loves cotton candy and purple lemonade
Oreo cookies and yellow Gatorade
I hide him in my pocket cause he's very, very small
Germs, Germs, my invisible dog
We ride our ponies to castles far away
Chasing funny dinosaurs and dragons long the way
We often go exploring where the river winds and bends
Cowboy hats and wooden rafts like Huckleberry Finn
I hide him in my pocket cause he's very, very small
Germs, Germs, my invisible dog
I take him to church but nobody ever sees
The little shaggy spotted dog sitting on my knee
He's learning bible verses and he loves the happy songs
But he often falls asleep when the sermon is too long
I hide him in my pocket cause he's very, very small
Germs, Germs, my invisible dog
I hide him in my pocket cause he's very, very small
Germs, Germs, my invisible dog
Germs, Germs, my invisible dog
Germs, Germs, my invisible dog

Anonymous

April 22, 2010

Jason: I did not know you but because of your father's kindness, I have come here to let you know how much he loved you. Only parents who have lost a child can know the terrible heartache that follows us aroung every minute of every day. You will never be forgotten and, like my own son, are a hero. We parents have real angels now - not imagined but real.

Jane Melchionda
Mother of Fallen Officer Matthew Melchionda

March 16, 2010

Dear Family,

Tonight as I read through Charles' reflections I needed to share with you just a moment, to bring our broken hearts together, to help heal the rips and then to celebrate the lives of our Jason and Charles. The living after the lost has got to be the hardest task I have to do and knowing that you are there, you have shared so much with me over the last 3 years, it gives me hope, it brings me comfort. My God continue to keep us tight in his hands until the day we are re-joined together. Thank you for always thinking of us.

God's blessings now and always,
Cathy Carter
Mother
Officer Charles J. Callemyn EOW 2 17 2007

cathy c carter
friend

February 17, 2010

I just wanted to stop by and say thanks to the father of Jason. You stopping by and posting on so many other officers pages means the world to these families. You are truly a great guy. Keep up the great work and im sure you are making jason very proud.

Shawn Hoskins

January 1, 2010

We sure do miss you through the Holidays...Keep trying to focus on the Redemption of Christ's birth and not the missing of your presence at the dinner table. Missed you cutting the fresh bread and eating a loaf while you were doing it or hiding a piece in your pocket pretending to save it for later. Miss the mistle toe you shot out of the tree for me every year. Miss you and Travis shooting each other with the toy guns....let's just face it. You're missed...please keep a watch over us and we'll see you soon.

Sandy
Stepmom

December 27, 2009

I Chose to Look the Other Way

I could have saved a life that day,
But I chose to look the other way.
It wasn’t that I did not care,
I had the time, and I was there.
But I did not want to seem a fool,
Or argue over a safety rule.
I knew he’d done the job before,
If I called it wrong, he might get sore.
The chances didn’t seem that bad,
I’ve done the same, he knew I had.
So I shook my head and walked on by,
He knew the risks as well as I.
He took the chance, I closed an eye,
And with that act, I let him die.
I could have saved a life that day,
But I chose to look the other way.
Now every time I see his wife,
I know I should have saved his life.
That guilt is something I must bear,
But it isn’t something you need to share.
If you see a risk that others take,
That puts their health or life at stake,
The question asked, or thing you say,
Could help them live another day.
If you see a risk and walk away,
Then hope you never have to say,
I could have saved a life that day.
But I chose to look the other way.

James Sheppard
Dad

December 21, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the third anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you. I understand the meaning of lives forever altered and know that the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 7, 2009

Jason, I was just on the reflection site of one of the LAPD's fallen officers, Randal Simmons and I read your father's reflection. I felt his pain as I read his words. My son was killed by gunshot on New Year 1998 and he was the same age as you when he left us. One thing your parents and I have in common is the pride and gratitude that we share in our sons. I know they would say that if we had to lose our child at least we have the pleasure of knowing you died doing exactly what you wanted to do. Rest in peace Jason and know your parents will someday have a lighter load to carry. Please say hello to my precious son.

Christine
Mother of Officer Steve Gajda, LAPD

Mother of Fallen LAPD Officer

November 4, 2009

Happy Birthday Bugger....we sure do miss you here but know that you must be so happy where you are and with the decisions you made here to finalize that!!! I miss the talks and special moments together... the duets... and the special meals. I miss the hugs...I miss the humor. Some parts of our lives are just so empty...then some are so full cause we know we invested well the short time we had together. Thank you for all this and being the son you were here on Earth and now in Heaven. Bought a plaque that reminded me of you it says, "LIFE IS NOT MEASURED BY THE NUMBER OF BREATHS THAT YOU TAKE, BUT BY THE NUMBER OF MOMENTS THAT TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY" this reflects so much of what I feel about your short life here. I will surely look forward to seeing your smiling face when I enter the gates of Heaven. When I hear "I could only imagine" I'm reminded that I could only imagine but my son knows. What a peace that brings and a rejoicing in my heart. I'll see you soon til then remember how loved and appreciated you are.....The wicked StepMom as we loving referred.

Sandy
StepMom

October 26, 2009

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. WE WILL TAKE THE WATCH FROM HERE AND KEEP YOUR MEMORY ALIVE.

Anonymous

August 6, 2009

Jason...I have never had the pleasure of meeting you but know you are in Heaven with my husband Tom looking over your family as Tom is us. I have read your father, James reflections now for over 4 years & am very humbled by his remembrance & remarks left for my husband. It is very apparent how much you were loved. I feel compelled to finally get my head out of the clouds (where I have stayed since my husbands accident) & let your family know how very sorry we are & how much we appreciate their constant efforts to ALWAYS REMEMBER. You, my friend, will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. James...my sincere apologies for your loss. I cannot imagine my child as is bad enough losing my husband. My thoughts are with you daily. Jason..say HI to Tom for us & REST IN PEACE & we will meet you someday.

Jo'Nee Cochran, Spouse
Det/Sgt Tom Cochran EOW 1-26-05

July 27, 2009

Jason,
I just wanted to tell you we all miss you. I had to go visit your grave site last week.I know your watching our six from a better place. Thanks for being a great friend and beat partner. Until we meet again brother.

Sgt. Daniel McElmurray
Dept. Of Veterans Affairs Police/A.C.S.O(2000-2005)

July 22, 2009

Jason,
I guess it was exciting seeing your Grandfather yesterday when he arrived. I know the two of you had a lot to talk about and a lot of catching up to do. We're all going through a lot of pain again, so don't forget to watch over your Mom, Brother and Grandma Sarah during this sad time.

Dad

June 1, 2009

Jason...I had to visit your site after your father left such warm and kind thoughts on my son's page. Ethan Collins E.O.W. 01-04-06. I have read your refections and you can tell what a fine young man you were and what a wonderful family you have. I know the pain that your family lives with everyday, but I agree with your mother; that I cherish the time that God gave me with my own son. May is around the corner and we will again be attending the memorials to honor our son and all of the fallen heroes. My thoughts and prayers will be with your family.

Mom
Deputy Ethan Collins E.O.W. 01-04-06

Mom

Anonymous

April 8, 2009

Hey Sweetie thanks for the Pennies from Heaven they keep us all going!!!!!

You Know Who

March 16, 2009

Dear Mr. Sheppard,

I was doing my daily reading on the Officer Down Page and came on your son's page. What a beautiful son, I am so sorry you and your family have to live this life here without him now. I know the pain that never leaves, and the disbelief that is always there. I have no concept of time anymore since Matthew's accident. Everything is just "before" and "after". I just am so proud of our sons though, and want to honor and remember them in any way I can until we are all back together again. May the pain in your heart be surrounded by the love of your son and your precious memories until you are back together again.

Mother of Fallen Officer Matthew Rittenhouse, EOW 9/16/2004.

Linda Rittenhouse
Matt's Mom Always

March 11, 2009

Just wanted to stop in and let you know that I was thinking of you and your family today. Want to thank your Dad for stopping at my son's page and leaving a note. Someone sent me the following quote and I wanted to leave it for your Dad and all those that visit who may have lost a child:

"The sense of loss does not diminish with time. In truth, the expression 'time heals all wounds' is a myth. For parents, the loss of a child is permanent and mental scar tissue really does not grow over the grim memory. Rather, all tears are expended and a dull ache remains."

Continue to watch over all of your loved ones. You will never be forgotten by those that love you dearly.

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

March 7, 2009

Mr Sheppard:

Thank you so much for your kind words to our family. I know how hard it is to loose a child. My son was N.J. State Trooper Bertram Zimmerman, E.O.W. 2/5/04. He also was killed in a traffic accident. I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Verna Zimmerman
Mother of N.J. State Trooper Bertram t. Zimmerman III. E.O.W.2/05/04

Verna Zimmerman

March 6, 2009

You have such a kind and handsome face. I know your family is still missing you. It just seems like all the good people are chosen first. Thank you for your service and dedication. You indeed made the ultimate sacrifice. Such a true HERO. May peace be with your family always.

Sharon Atkins Identical Twin Sister of Norfolk Officer
Sheila Herring EOW 01-16-03

Sharon Atkins

March 1, 2009

Dear Mr. Sheppard,

I was just looking at the reflections of other fallen hero's after visiting my hero's page, and noticed your kind words on several of them. I don't know if you left a reflection on mines page, it is so long, but I wanted to thank you for your kindness in leaving notes for other beraved. You and Sgt. Jason's loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers.

God bless.

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks E.O.W. 9-20-08

K.L.

February 27, 2009

Dear Mr. Sheppard,
I truly want to Thank you for leaving your warm and caring message on Howard's memorial page. I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Sgt. Jason Lannes Sheppard. I know how much it hurts to have lost my husband and the greatest Dad for our beautiful children. I am sure your pain is as great as ours. My hope lies in Our Lord Jesus, where I am sure your son and my husband both are with. They will always be Hero's because they laid down their lives to protect and serve! My God Bless you

kathy wife of
Sgt. Howard King Stevenson EOW 1-9-05

February 25, 2009

Mr Sheppard thank you for that note it was was nice of you.YOur son is a true hero .Yes sometimes we feel alone is this but. We all know we are family is so many different ways nows.Thank you again God bless you and your family .The family od Det William Rolniak JR eow 2-4-04

Anonymous

February 24, 2009

Dear SGT Jason Sheppard,
I know that my family and my LEO family did not know you, but today I feel that I do. Your father left a message for a dear friend of ours (Deputy Wayne Koester EOW 2-9-05) and I just read it. What a caring father you have!! Love knows no bounds...
Mr. Sheppard,
Your son is a hero that we will remember, too. Thank you for honoring Wayne and please know that in our hearts, we will honor your son, Jason, too. God certainly has a powerful army up there with Him. The reassurance that we have such good people, our guardian angels, watching over us helps us to heal, but it also encourages us to never forget that their lives and sacrifices should never be forgotten. God bless you and your family.

LEO Wife and Mom

February 21, 2009