Oxford Police Department, Alabama
End of Watch Friday, February 16, 2007
Reflections for Lieutenant Dexter Holcomb
Lt. I just read all of your reflections and I have come to the conclusion that your family is a very strong family, may God bless each and every one of them. I came across your name when I put in a friend of mine, Sgt. Dale Holcomb's name from the Ohio State Highway Patrol. He too left behind 2 children and a wonderful wife.
May God keep watch over your family and friends.
Heather
Ohio State Highway Patrol
August 12, 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
July 23, 2007
Oh my Uncle....how you are missed! I know you are always with me and hear me but oh how I long to hear your voice and your guidance. You always gave the best advice. You were to the point but in the nicest way you ever could have said it. It has been almost 5 months since your passing but my heart still aches. It aches more for Aunt Sharon, Adam and Cassidy. I don't think I ever said thank you to all who had kind words to say or for the prayers that went up. So thank you for them all. Uncle Dexter I miss you and love you more than words can express.
Julie Duke
niece
July 13, 2007
I worked for Lt. Holcomb years ago at Oxford P.D. He was always a positive influence on me. Even though he was a "stickler" for paperwork, I now realize that he was molding me into a professional. Dexter always had a good sense of humor and will be truly missed. It is great to read what a caring person he was to so many people.
To the Holcomb family- God Bless You
Sgt. Pat Cheatwood
Pelham Police Department
July 7, 2007
I haven't spent a lot of time this year reading the memorials of the fallen officers, mainly because it saddens me that so many great men and women have fallen. It's a terrible thing that so many great lives were cut so short. As a fallen officer survivour, my heart goes out to all those that knew and loved Lieutenant Holcomb, especially to his wife. Know that you are not alone in this journey that you walk and that Dexter will not be forgotten here in Winnipeg.
Lieutenant Holcomb, thank you for helping to make this world a safer place. If you run into my late fiance Dennis up there give him a hug for all of us down here. It's been just over four years and we still miss him terribly.
Wishing you brighter and better days,
Jocelyne
"Forever Loving & Missing 26-3"
Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Surviving Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)
July 6, 2007
THE BEST BROTHER A SISTER COULD EVER ASK FOR...
Sandra
(Little Sis)
June 22, 2007
You were a good man, officer, father and husband. Although you were taken too soon, you left your mark in your community and department.
June 19, 2007
Its been 4Mo since Dexter left us. I think of all the roles he played. SON-BROTHER-HUSBAND FATHER-OFFICER AND FRIEND.He excelled in all of them.Everyone needs to remember this saying. "ITS NOT MY NAME THAT DEFINES ME BUT WHAT I LEAVE BEHIND" Dexter left a LEGACY behind for us to follow by his example. He is loved and missed by many. MEMORIES KEEP HIM ALIVE IN OUR HEARTS!!!!
Anita (Family Friend)
June 12, 2007
Lt. Holcomb, I think that you were the sole reason I was hired by the OPD. I can't see any other reason. While Myself and Mize were at the academy, we could only think of giving you our progress reports at the end of the week. We thought that much of you and how much you were thinking of us. I remember the last time I saw you, we were getting fitted for our uniforms, and you were talking about how you almost won the firearms award at your academy class. When we heard the news of your death, it was like we both lost a father. I want you to know Sir, three weeks after your death, I won the firearms award for the 140TH class. I want to dedicate that trophey to your memory. I wish you could see us now Sir, I would like to think that we have both become good Officer's in your eyes.
Officer Hancock
Oxford PD
June 9, 2007
Dexter,
There is such an empty void. We haven't and we will not forget you. It still just doesn't seem right. I know you would not have wanted to leave your family so soon but God called you home and we may not like it but we cannot question His will. You are the most honorable, dedicated, respected, and truly kind man I have ever known. You were like a brother to me. I have known you since I was a little girl when we first moved to Alabama when I was 10 years old, hanging out with my friends in Spring Garden. I am so proud to call you friend and I was even more proud you called me friend and watched out for me and my sister when we were kids. We miss you so much and we will never forget you. May God bless and watch over Sharon, Adam, Cassidy and Miss Veola. My mom wishes to express her condolences as well and we have your family in our prayers.
Rest in peace my brother.
Kellie Martin
Friend
May 24, 2007
What a tragic accident that took this Lieutenant's life. A hero has left the world.
To his family, friends and coworkers - you are not alone in your mourning. He is in good company now, for one of our own, Luke Hoffman EOW 4/26/2007, has joined him in heaven.
The blue line is thinner and thinner... watch over your brothers and sisters in blue. They need it.
May 16, 2007
Rest in Peace brother! Heart felt condolence to your family!
Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside, Ca PD
May 13, 2007
Just to let you know you are not forgotten LT,YOU will always have a special place in my heart. We had alot of good times together growing up. Watch over us,and say hello to my dad for me. May god bless Sharon,Adam,Cassidy
YOUR FRIEND FOREVER
Sgt David L Kirk
Piedmont PD Alabama
May 12, 2007
Dexter, Not a day passes by that we don't think of you. You will NEVER be forgotten. Your brothers and sisters in the police department will always be here for your family.
Rest in peace Lieutenant.
Captain Bill Partridge
Oxford Police Department
May 8, 2007
You gave the ultimate sacrafice. Watch over the rest of us as we work to make this world a safer place to live. God bless you and your family.
Deputy Mary B. Syson
King County Sheriffs Department
May 8, 2007
I knew Lt. Holcomb back in 1991 when I was working in law enforcement in the Air Force. He was a good officer.
Trooper Todd McWilliam
Iowa State Patrol
May 8, 2007
OPD-Chief Stanley Merrill THANK YOU so much for being there for Sharon,Adam and Cassidy.I know you miss Dexter very much. My PRAYERS are with you all GOD will dry all tears and DEXTER will always be with us in ourAA hearts.
Anita (Family Friend)
April 4, 2007
My first born, My oldest, My only Boy... My heart is broken.
Life will never be the same without you.
When you were born and I took you in my arms I was amazed at the abounds of love that grew in my heart. As I watched you grow into a young man, get into a uniform, marry, build a house, and have beatiful children my heart was filled with joy and love. You was and always will be a wonderful son, husband, father, and friend. No mother could have ask for nothing better. You made us all so proud.
I pray the Lord keeps you my his side and waiting at the gate till we all arrive to meet you again.
To the Oxford Police Department, Thank you for everything you have done for us and Dexter's family. Thank you chief for standing with us the family.
Thank you to everyone who said prays, sent food, flowers,cards or just simply thinking of all of us during this sad time. Dexter's life and service will long be remembered.
Love Mother
Veola Holcomb
Mother
March 27, 2007
Thank you for your many years of service.
Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol
March 23, 2007
Dear Brother,
It has almost been 4 weeks now. Oh how I miss you. You
were always the leader of our families. You was my strength. I looked to you for guidance. You will always be my hero. Even now you are leading the way for us.
I thank God for the time he gave us together, but if he would have ask me, now would not have been the time, but again I am selfish. I am proud to say I will see you when my name is called.
I promise to step up and take care of our mom and sister. I promise to always be there for Sharon, Adam and sweet little Cassidy. They hold a special place in my heart. I promise to share with people how much family has meant to us. I thank the Lord for the bond Sharon and I share.
God has a plan, we don't understand it. In time we will.
We just have to keep looking up. Your foot prints are so large, I will have to walk beside them. Proudly being your "Little Sis". Till we meet again, my brother.
I Love You!
Sandra
Sandra Smith
Sister
March 13, 2007
I will miss you very much. But I know you are watching over us and we will be together again in heaven. You will always be in our hearts. You are the greatest Daddy in the whole wide world. I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH AND I ALWAYS WILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cassidy Brooke Holcomb
6 year old daughter
March 11, 2007
To the family of Lt. Holcomb
As i came on the site today I noticed Dexters page was highlighted today. I remember like it was yesterday when the news told of his death. Knowing my husband worked at Oxford PD. years ago I called to tell him the news. He couldnt believe what I was telling him. He informed me that he and Dexter had attended the academy together and worked the same shifts for several years. He was able to attend the funeral and pay his respects. My husband has told me many stories of the time they spent together and one thing stood out in every story he told. That would be what a great and caring man. Tthey have picked a great man to honor today as the highlighted officer. Dexter and your family are still in our prayers.
God Bless
Keshia Lewis
Keshia Lewis
Wife of police officer Hoover Alabama
March 10, 2007
May God comfort and bless the Holcomb family. May God keep the Oxford Police Department under his wings of protection.
Sgt. Hank Edwards
Bessemer Police Department
Bessemer, Al.
Sergeant Hank Edwards
Bessemer Police Department
March 5, 2007
Lt. no words can express the lose that we feel at OPD you are truly missed and loved we have a huge hole in the department now. I can remember our last encounter when we where in dispatch and you busted a move that made me and Regina laugh and my last words to you where Lt got rhythm THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the GOOD TIMES farewell 10-07 10-42 Felicia
dispatcher Felicia Stewart
OXFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
March 1, 2007
From someone who sits on the other side of the radio. To the family,friends and Oxford Police Department God Bless You durning this time of sorrow. Lt. Holcomb is now 10-07 10-42
dispatcher
carroll county 911 carrollton georgia
February 27, 2007
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