Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Happy Thanksgiving to your family and to you sir. God Bless and may you watch over your loved ones this holiday season Mr. Stanford. One day I hope to celebrate the seasons with you beside God. Rest peacefully Sir.

wayne cespedes

November 27, 2008

Happy Halloween sir. A year has passed since you left us and are standing next to God's side. I pray for your family through these tough times coming up with the holidays. I know you will be there with them in spirit enjoying the peace of Thanksgiving and Christmas. I have since left CPD back in February of this year and now reside in Utah. I regret not being able to go to the peace officer's memorial in May up at the academy in Douglas. I hope someday soon I can make the trip and see your honorable name on the plaque. Then I can pay my respects to you sir and say a little prayer for you and your family sir. God Bless you and your family sir. Rest easy and peaceful Mr. Stanford

wayne cespedes

November 1, 2008

You were my Sgt for two years more than a decade ago, but I will never forget you. May God bless and comfort your family, Sarge.

Ed Lloyd, P67
Former Cheyenne Police Officer

October 21, 2008

Thinking of you all of your loved ones. Continue to keep watch over all of them and those close to you. You are a true hero and have not been forgotten.

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

August 13, 2008

I just wanted to let his family know that I feel for your loss. I was fortunate enough to ride in the Police Unity Tour this year and I rode with Chief Stanfords bracelet on my wrist. I selected his name, due to both of our agencies being somewhat western, in relation to the rest of the tour. I will keep it on display in my office and think about the 2008 ride and the many times I looked at the bracelet and thought how sad it was that my brother had died. Take care of your family, once again I am sorry.

Lt. Anthony DiMauro
North Las Vegas Police Department

May 15, 2008

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9).

Bill, I miss you still seven months after the fact. It was comforting seeing you in the morning, always with the neck of a Diet Pepsi pinched between your pinkey and ring finger. That was your tradition- just popping your head into day shift ongoing to say hi. I also remember you never sent out "crabby" emails like some other administrators do... Yours were always to show concern for the troops- check the numbers on your peanut butter, use sun screen, don't talk to strangers (or DO, for the patrolmen), dress in layers... Bill, we knew you cared about us professionally and personally. And for that, you have inspred me professionally to be a better cop, and personally to be the best husband and father I can be.

Thank you DC

Casey

Patrolman Casey Patterson P65
Cheyenne Police Department

March 22, 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 Deputy Stanford. 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 Bill, 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 Bill's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Bill's life was about so much more than the way he died. Bill will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Deputy Stanford, 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

Mr. Stanford,
I wish I could say "Hello" again every morning when I would see your smiling face. I will always remember the day you came out to Little America with another staff officer to offer me this position in training. It was an honor to have known you and work for you in such a short period of time sir. Thanksgiving was snowy and cold this year and I know you were watching over your family from above, as you always will be. God Bless you for all the hard work and years you served the community of Cheyenne, for the citizens were lucky to have such a man in a leadership position for the police department. God Bless your wonderful family also sir. Rest peacefully Mr. Stanford.

Wayne Cespedes
Cheyenne PD- Backgrounds

November 29, 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

Bill, i didn't know you personally, but you were my step dads FTO and he is a better cop because of you. You were a wonderful officer and i hope you can now patrol the streets of heavin in peace.

Patrol man Chesser
EPD

October 30, 2007

I had the privalege of attending the 207th session of the FBI National Academy in 2001. Bill was one of my classmates and as I take this time to reflect, I remember Bill's warm smile, firm handshake and gentle demeanor. He was proud of his family, his department and just a wonderful man. To Bill's family, friends, members of his department and community, my deepest sympathy.

Sincerely,
Mike Cabral
207th Session
FBI National Academy

Captain Michael S. Cabral
Somerville Police Department

October 11, 2007

Did get to meet this cousin until the last few years, but he truly graced our family reunions down here in Texas. He and his family were a great addition to our gatherings and we all looked forward to seeing his bunch roll in from Wyoming.

Robert Bailey
cousin

September 14, 2007

Although I didn't know Officer Stanford personally, I was honored to have met and befriended his beautiful daughter, Amberlee. Based on the other "reflections," I am most positive he was an honorable police officer and citizen for the City of Cheyenne; however, I most definitely know that he raised a beautiful child who has touched so many lives and who continues to brighten the lives of so many even in her father's absence. I am proud to know Amberlee (Officer Stanford's daughter). God bless!

Abby Smith
Friend

September 2, 2007

Rest In Peace Brother. Your family and friends are in my prayers.

Officer Dwight Rackley
Louisville Metro PD, Louisville, KY

September 2, 2007

Bill was a giant of a man in stature and in reputation.

Thanks for being such a great example of the law enforcement tradition.

Sincerely,


M.T. Moran

August 29, 2007

To the Stanford Family,
Sorry for your loss. I recently lost my dad on August 5, 2007 in a vehicle pursuit that resulted in a car crash. Keep his memory strong.

Lainey Estis
Port Barre, Louisiana

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

August 25, 2007

My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to your wife, daughters, family, friends, and entire department. Also to the citizens whom you so honorably served and protected. I know God has you 10-4 forever more in his loving arms, high in the heavens above. "A Hero does not become a Hero by their death, but by how they lived their life." God Bless!

Police Dispatcher Sara Singleton
Howard County Maryland Police Communications 911 Center

August 24, 2007

To the family, friends, and officers that knew DC Stanford, 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

The members of the Slidell Police Department wish to extend their special thoughts and heartfelt prayers during your time of sorrow.

Alayna Wilcox, secretary
Slidell Police Department

August 22, 2007

Thanks for all of the great memories Uncle Bill. I will never forget what you have done for me personally, and the community. I remember the day before you died how we talked about the cake at the graduation party, how we could just cut out the nice part and leave the rest. It is hard to have such a lively person missing. Dana, the girls, and your brother and sisters are strong and will get through this. There will be a missing person in our family forever.

Bill's Nephew

August 22, 2007

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Chief Stanford and we honor his distinguished service to the cause of justice and peace. Sadly, our nation has lost one of its finest citizens, a community has lost a friend and protector, and a family has lost an example of character and courage who they will love and respect forever. Today, because of the sacrifice Chief Stanford has made, the house of freedom is stronger, sturdier, and more secure.

To the family and friends of Chief Stanford, I would like you to know that a lot of people pray for you, and my hope is that their prayers will give you the strength necessary to move on. Just as you were always with him when he walked the beat or patrolled the streets, know that he will always be with you - wherever you may be. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Chief Stanford is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Special Agent
FBI New York City

August 21, 2007

We are so sorry for the loss of Officer Stanford. May God give your family the strength and comfort they need to uphold them through the days to come.Officer Stanford thank you for your service and you will never be forgotten.

Tammy Persin
Mother of Military Police Officer
PFC Brian Thomas Gleason 8/9/2000

August 21, 2007

To the family of Deputy Chief Stanford and the Cheyenne Police Dept. please accept my sympathy and prayers.

Cpl Jean Paul Rochat
Swiss Army, MP Service, Traffic Unit

August 21, 2007

Rest in peace,Brother. Thank you for your service.To all the officers at the Cheyenne Police Department,please accept my condolences.

Sgt.BR Sexton
Okla.Dept.of Corrections

August 21, 2007

May you rest in peace Deputy Chief Stanford.

Leo J. Kennerson #2814
RETIRED TROOPER, NYSP

August 20, 2007