Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I want you to know I love you. I remember the days we spent growing up. I want you to know I was there to honor you. My heart is sad each day I think of you not being here on this earth with us, but I know you are watching over me. Watching over me each day I patrol the streets in my city. My prayers to family and friends. You will always have a special place in my heart, and you will always be remembered.

Love your cousin,

Joel

Officer J. Givens
Rockford, PD/ Cousin to John

March 29, 2008

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 Detective Smith. 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 John, 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 John's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that John's life was about so much more than the way he died. John will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Detective Smith, 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 almost five 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)

December 30, 2007

You will be in our hearts and memories. Your family, loved ones and friends will be in our prayers. You are a hero. Job well done. Go with God.

Corporal Timothy J. Zuniga
UC BErkeley Police Department

September 4, 2007

Rest In Peace my brother you have served your community, family and your department well.

Sr. PPO/ Sterling Wheeler
New Hampshire Dept of Corrections

August 28, 2007

Rest in Peace Brother, You have served your Community well. Our prayers are with your family and your Police Department.

A Brother Officer
Lafayette PD

August 27, 2007

I am an 8 year old girl who is a classmate of Det. Smith's son. I was very sorry to hear what happened. My heart goes out to my friend and his family at this time. He will be missed.

Grace

August 27, 2007

Det Smith thank you for your service and when you arrive at heavens gate say hello to my son in law Josh Norris eow Jul 5th 07. To the family of Det Smith you husband and father was a brave man and did the work that few have the guts to do. I know you feel empty and miss him dearly, but he will always be with you. He is that cool brezze hat touches your face, the resolve you have to carry on. God bless you an dyou are in my prayers. To the Bastrop Police Family, it hurts when we lose a brother, but carry on the fight in his name and the whole department are in my prayers.

Deputy John Latour
Jefferson parish Sheriff's Office

August 27, 2007

To the Smith Family,
Your family are in our prayers. I know the emptiness you feel at this time without him here. I lost my dad on August 5, 2007 in a vehicle pursuit. Take one day at a time.

Lainey Estis
Port Barre, Louisiana

Lainey Richard Estis
Daughter to Chief David Richard,Port Barre, LA

August 25, 2007

To the family, friends, and officers that knew Detective Smith, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you face the trying times ahead of you. Please know your not alone.

Here I am, lost in the light of the moon that comes through my window
Bathed in blue, the walls of my memory divide the thorns from the roses
It's you and the roses

Touch me and I will follow in your afterglow
Heal me from all this sorrow
As I let you go I will find my way when I see your eyes
Now I'm living in your afterglow

Here I am, lost in the ashes of time, but who wants tomorrow?
In between the longing to hold you again
I'm caught in your shadow, I'm losing control
My mind drifts away, we only have today

Touch me and I will follow in your afterglow
Heal me from all this sorrow
As I let you go I will find my way
I will sacrifice 'til the blinding day when I see your eyes
Now I'm living in your afterglow

When the veils are gone as I let you go, as I let you go

Touch me and I will follow in your afterglow
Heal me from all this sorrow
As I let you go I will find my way, I will sacrifice
Now I'm living in your afterglow

Bathed in blue, the walls of my memory divide the thorns from the roses
It's you who is closest

Erin
Wife of a CSPD Officer

August 23, 2007

Although I did not know you well, I remember your kindness,, and a smile that never stopped,

I am so sorry,, My thoughts are with you and your family

August 21, 2007

Final Call"
An Angel In The Sky Must Leave His Place Of Rest,
Gently Tucking His Wings Beneath His Armored Vest.
For Duty Has Called, There Is Much Work To Do
Little Did He Know, This One Is Dressed In Blue.
Arriving On The Scene, He Knows Just What To Say,
"Follow Me, Fallen Brother, I'll Show You The Way."
"Your Duty Has Ended, Your Work Is Now Through."
"Come Hang Your Hat Beside Mine, I'm A Cop, Too."

Citizen

August 21, 2007

Just a small note to the family and friends to say that my prayers will be with in the days ahead for your strength. May God bless and keep you and always remember Jesus Christ is a source of strength you can depend on and draw from when no one else is around.

Police Officer Jerry Steele
Westwego La. Police Department

August 21, 2007

Detective Smith,
May you now rest in peace brother.

Sgt. Walter Hughes, Retired
MNPD - Nashville, Tennessee

August 20, 2007

To the Bastrop Police Department and to the Detective's family and friends. I am sorry for your loss.

Det. Teachworth
Lynnwood, WA PD

Det. Doug Teachworth
Lynnwood, WA PD

August 20, 2007

MY HEART AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILIES, FRIENDS, AND BASTROP POLICE DEPARTMENT. THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE.

DEPTUY KIP LUBY
MADISON SO, MS

August 19, 2007

Detective Smith, during your tour of duty you have served your state and community with honor and dignity, we will take it from here. To the family of Detective Smith you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Remember that you all are now part of a much larger family that will be by your side always. To the men and women of the Bastrop Police Department hold your heads high as you all carry on during these difficult times. From one "suit" wearing cop to another God Speed..Brother.

Detective First Grade Robert F. Jackson
Metropolitan Police Department Washington DC/Homicide Branch

August 19, 2007

Rest in Peace...

Police Officer
Syracuse Police Dept,NY

August 18, 2007

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
that wasn't mine to keep
though I worked a lot of overtime
when the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
among the people here.
They never wanted me around
except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
for the judgment of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
you’ve born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
you’ve done your time in hell"

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers, thank you for your service and dedication to the law enforcement field, its men and women like you that make everyday a better plac to live.

911 Dispatcher
Franklin Park Illinois

August 18, 2007

May God be with you Smith Family in this time of Sadness and send down the comforter from Heaven.

Sandra Wilson
Wife of a Retired Police Officer in Alabama

August 17, 2007

Detective Smith, you was taken to soon from this world. May you protect us out on the streets as we continue to patrol. You work here is done but you will never be forgotten. You are a true hero that shouldnt have lost your life the way you did. I know you was doing what you loved. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and fellow officers of Detective Smith. May you all come together in such a hard time. May you rest in peace. God Bless you all.

Officer Burns
Texas

August 17, 2007

John, It was a pleasure to know you and work with you over the years. Morehouse Parish will never forget your loyalty, dedication and hard work. You ALWAYS carried a smile even when you were hard at work dealing with our juveniles. May God bring peace to your family. Rest In Peace now, John!

April Fitch
Morehouse Parish District Attorney's Office

August 16, 2007

Dear Smith family, our prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Our son is a police officer in Texas now and this tragic event just brings to mind of what a sacrifice these young men give each and every day they go out to protect us. Our son also has a beautiful boxer that he got from John and he will always remember the time John took with him to explain about the breed and show hinm how to care for the dog. John was just a "super guy." With deepest sympathy, The Bourgeois Family

Bourgeois Family
citizens

August 16, 2007

May God grant you strength to face the days ahead.
Hearfelt sympathy

Barbara Bagby
Sister of Patrolman Michael Moreland, end of watch 7/21/78

August 16, 2007

WATCH OVER US AND KEEP US SAFE BROTHER, YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.

DETECTIVE FRANK H. RENAUDIN IV
JEFFERSON PARISH SHERIFF'S OFFICE, LA

August 15, 2007

John! My heart was in great pain after hearing about your death. I was on my way to work when I got the phone call from LA. I had to pull off the roadway and sit there for a minute to get myself together. I remember when you first trained me after I graduated from the academy. I remember all the advice that you gave me while I was in training, and I still apply it for my benefit; well except the one about chasing criminals on foot. You said never stop running after them unless they stop. Well my friend I can't say that I still do that lol. I hardly ever chase them now. I get them the next day tho haha. Anyway, I'm gonna miss you, but you will always remain in my heart. I enjoyed the times we worked together, and I wish I was there to back you up that day. I love you! kisha

SGT. Nikisha Gailes
Pine Hill P.D. & formr Bastrop Police co-worker

August 15, 2007