Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

May God Bless you
you are a credit to your uniform i will remember you in my prays
Des Goulding

Desmond Goulding
Retired Local Government Law Enforcement officer Australia

December 25, 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 12, 2007

The short time I spent with you in the State Trooper Academy were pleasant. I enjoyed your company and your love for life and your family. You and your family are in my prayers, may you rest in peace Todd.

BPA FRANK HERNANDEZ
BORDER PATROL

September 30, 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 Trooper Holmes, 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 Todd, 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 Todd's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Todd's life was about so much more than the way he died. Todd will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Trooper Holmes, 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)

September 17, 2007

God bless you Trooper Holmes, your sacrifice will not be forgotten. Thank you.

Gillock

August 26, 2007

I had the pleasure to work with Todd. I as well as many others miss him dearly. You really made a difference in my law enforcement career and I hope that one day I can put as much heart and soul into my career as you showed all of us you had for your family and the job. We all love and miss you. You will never be forgotten. You and your family will be in our prayers forever. We will keep things safe here, please watch over us from up there. Till we meet again. Rest in peace my brother

DEPUTY SHERIFF MARC NICHOLS
UPSHUR COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

August 23, 2007

God bless you for your service and sacrifice.

August 2, 2007

When we go to work we know something could happen but don't realize that it might. Todd's death leaves a hole in all of our hearts. We know of others who have left this earth as he did but it never helps to make it easier to deal with. Tell his kids their daddy will always be their daddy and that he was a very proud Texan and other Texans are very proud of him.

Brother in Blue
Plano P.D., Plano, Texas

July 24, 2007

TODD,
I WAS ONE OF THE MANY THAT HAD THE CHANCE TO GET TO MEET YOU AND TALK WITH YOU. I STILL CANT BELIEVE THAT SOMETHING LIKE THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO SUCH A WONDERFUL PERSON. I DIDNT GET TO KNOW YOU LONG BUT THE TIME I DID KNOW YOU, YOU SHOWED ME SO MUCH THAT HELPED ME IN MY CAREER AND I THANK YOU FOR THAT. YOU ARE A GREAT TROOPER, TEACHER, FATHER, HUSBAND. ITS TAKEN ME AWHILE BECAUSE ITS STILL HARD TO BELIEVE. I STILL THINK ABOUT YOU AND PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. TROOPER TODD HOLMES MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. YOU ARE FOREVER WITH US AND WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU TILL WE ALL MEET YOU AGAIN.

EAST TEXAS OFFICER

July 2, 2007

YOU WILL BE MISSED BY ALOT OF PEOPLE BUT WE ALL KNOW THAT HEAVEN HAS SHINNED BRIGHTER SINCE YOU ARRIVAL THERE..YOUR FAMILY WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR PRAYES AND THAT GOD KEEPS THIER HEARTS CLOSE AT HAND DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME..MUCH LOVE, HONOR AND RESPECT FROM DONNA AND SONNY STILL

DEPUTY
VAN ZANDT COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

June 11, 2007

"The guardian angels of life sometimes fly so high as to be beyond our sight, but they are always looking down upon us." - Jean Paul Richter

Trooper Robert Church
Massachusetts State Police

May 28, 2007

We miss you every day and can't wait to see you again. Stephanie is so strong and doing so well with your boys. The time is coming soon for your little girl and I know you will be there with her to greet the newest addition to your legacy. You definately have left a good one. We miss talking to you and your brothers will have a void without their big bubba to call and pick on forever. I look forward to seeing all the boys together again.

love, Emily

Sister-n-Law

May 26, 2007

I went to the DPS memorial to represent my fallen friend Officer L.Beaulieu. I was not aware of your story prior to attending the memorial. My heart was heavy to begin with, but when I saw your pregnant wife and young son I instantly hurt for them. My prayers will be with her and your entire family.
Your sister in Blue
Tiki

Yvette Borrero
Beaumont Police Dept

May 17, 2007

I was at the Memorial Ceremony today at the DPS Headquarters and watched as your wife accepted the plaque presented in your name. She is strong and I know that is because you are still with her in spirit. Rest easy brother.

Trooper II Allen
Texas Highway Patrol

May 15, 2007

Rest in Peace brother! Heart felt condolence to your family!

Officer Matt Lyons
Oceanside, Ca PD

May 13, 2007

You gave the ultimate sacrafice while serving and protecting the community. Watch over the rest of us as we work to make this world a safer place to live. God bless you and your family, you will never be forgotten.

Deputy Mary B. Syson
King County Sheriffs Department

May 8, 2007

Your passing is the 4th for our agency in so short a time. You know me, I had the pleasure of instructing a class in your academy. I remember your face. It strikes me that I had a terrible thought. I remember looking out over your class knowing that there would be one lost. Every class has lost one. I'm so sorry it was you and I hope you will be the last. Several of your fellow Troopers will be riding in remembrance of you in the Police Unity Tour. Their motto is: "We ride for those who died." We hope to see your family at the wall in Washington D.C. this year. We will continue to ride for you and your fellow Brothers. Love to you and your family. Rest easy Brother, we have the watch.

A fellow Trooper
Texas Highway Patrol

May 4, 2007

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Trooper Todd Holmes,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Todd. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. 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. Trooper Todd Holmes is a hero.

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

April 27, 2007

Well, it has taken me a while to leave my reflection and I guess it has been because I know that it would be hard. When I first found out about Todd passing away, my first thought was why dear Lord why him. But, then I remembered that you should never question our Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that our Lord has something special for Todd because, he was a true and faithful servant. Todd touched and made a difference in everybody's life that he met. Todd also showed and talked about his love for wife and children. Stephanie may God bless you and the children and know that you are never alone.

Blessed are the Peace makers for they shall be called son's of God.

God Bless you and your family.

Chief Deputy Clerk JP1 Upshur
Co-worker

April 26, 2007

Todd,
I was so blessed for having known you. You and Stephany and those precious little boys, were at the hospital with us when Jimmy was hurt and spent nearly everyday there comforting us with words that make parents proud. Your kind words and just being there meant so much. I was so heartbroken when I heard of your death. We will be here for Stephany and the kids when she needs us. I know you are there with Jimmy in God's care and that no one could ever be more deserving. Until we meet again. We love you.
Sue Carty mother of Jimmy Ray Carty Jr. eow 5-26-05.

Friend

April 20, 2007

Thank you for your service!!!

Rest in Peace!!

My father was with the Texas DPS Highway Patrol for over 10 years.

God Bless the Holmes' family!!!

Detective
Cornelius Police Dept. (North Carolina)

April 18, 2007

I had the pleaser of working with Todd from the time he stationed in Upshur County. I will never forget the way he was always there to help regardless of the endless amount of paperwork or crash reports he had to do. Todd was always willing to drop everything just to help. Just a few short days prior to his untimely passing, I assisted Todd with a traffic stop inside the city. Although it was a minor traffic offense, Todd never hesitated to say thank you for the back up. I wish I could have talked with him longer that day. The last thing Todd said to me was, "thank you, be safe." I will never forget that day for the rest of my life. That was the last time I saw him.

Todd,
You will always be remembered as a great husband, friend and Trooper. I will always pray for your family. You are the finest person I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Thank you and be safe, My Friend.

Justin Davidson
Ore City Police Department, Tx

April 14, 2007

I met Trooper (Sgt) Clint Pirtle today, he is the father-in-law of Trooper Todd Holmes. I was really impressed with a very thoughtful,caring and loving father-in-law. He is still greiving for the loss of his son-in-law.

I didn't know Trooper Todd Holmes, but he had one of the finest father-in-law in C. Pirtle. My prayer is that God will richly bless Todd's wife and children and all his family and friends.

Resurrection Sunday, gives us all hope in being able to see our loved ones again due to what Christ has done for us on the cross.

God bless the Holmes and Pirtles,

Elliott Owen

Elliott Owen
Citizen

April 7, 2007

TODD WAS A NICE YOUNG MAN IN OUR YOUTH GROUP AT CHURCH, THE SAME GRADE AS OUR MIDDLE DAUGHTER AT SCHOOL AND THE SON OF A VETERAN GARLAND FIREFIGHTER. I WATCHED HIM GROW UP AND SERVE FOUR YEARS IN THE NAVY. HE WROTE A LETTER TO OUR DAUGHTER DURING HIS LAST YEAR, THEN EMAIL TURNED FRIENDSHIP INTO LOVE AND IT BECAME A BEAUTIFUL MARRIAGE. HE WORKED HARD, LOVED THE LORD, LOVED HIS WIFE AND HIS CHILDREN. HE GRADUATED WITH HONORS WITH AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE AND WAS A MASTER MECHANIC. GOD CALLED HIM TO DO MORE. HE WANTED TO SERVE OTHERS AS A TROOPER. I MENTORED HIM AND WATCHED AS HE GREW AS A CHRISTIAN, HUSBAND, FATHER AND AS A TROOPER. HIS PRAYER JOURNAL REFLECTS HIS LOVE FOR GOD,FAMILY AND COUNTRY. HE GAVE HIS LIFE DOING WHAT HE LOVED TO DO AND LEFT US MUCH TO SOON. I'M GLAD THAT I TOLD HIM ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THAT I LOVED HIM AND WAS PROUD OF HIM. I THANK GOD FOR HIS DAD THAT RAISED SUCH A FINE MAN. GOD HAS PROMISED US THAT WE WILL ALL BE TOGETHER AGAIN IF WE BELONG TO JESUS. AS A BROTHER IN CHRIST I LOOK FORWARD TO THAT DAY MORE AND MORE. GOD BLESS US ALL. CLINT PIRTLE, SENIOR TROOPER, DPS CANTON, TEXAS

SENIOR TROOPER CLINT PIRTLE
TEXAS DPS AND FATHER IN LAW

April 6, 2007

I did not have the pleasure of meeting you but it is always a personal loss when we lose a member of our DPS family. May God bless and watch over your family.

Trooper II / E. Garcia
TxDPS

March 31, 2007