Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Almost 15 years after his death, I discovered I had a cousin in law enforcement who had been killed in the line of duty. The more I learn about Arlie "Lee" Jones, the more impressed I am with his character. RIP, Brother we have it from here.

Captain Robert Jones
Irving Police Department, Retired

August 8, 2022

Jesus Christ proclaimed, “Greater love has no one than this that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, D.Div, MSBS, NCCA
Ordained/Licensed Independent Christian Clergy
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department

February 22, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 8, 2020

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

September 14, 2017

Arlie, my friend, It's been about 8 years and 7 months since you faced what every Peace Officer fears. I awoke this morning with you on my mind and recalling the two years as an undercover officer you helped me with the Topless Club Arson Investigation. Those memories of working with you will never fade away my friend.

John Taylor (Retired 2006)
Odessa Fire Department

April 17, 2016

Arlie...oh my...what to say to you brother....I loved working with you, because you were dedicated, intelligent, so easy to talk to and you NEVER had anything negative to say about anyone.
You said so many kind words about me during my retirement ceremony and I must say, it was a pleasure knowing you and working with you. I moved away in 2003, but I happend to be in Odessa that fateful evening when you ended your tour. Arlie, thank you for being a positive influence for me and thank you for you total dedication to your profession. You're always in my thoughts. Rest in Peace my friend!!

Corporal Dan T. Burns (Retired) 2003
Odessa Police Department

August 2, 2012

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. You have not been forgotten as true heroes never die.

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

September 12, 2011

My dadwas awsome I miss him. I didnt realy have the best realtionship becausehe alwayes worked and stuff. I miss him He was not there for prom he was not there when I graduated or when I became and adult. Though I KNOW in his eyes I would still be his little girl with the aniversery comeing up its got me thinking more and more about stuff like this. All the things he did miss and all he will miss graduating colege, getting married, he wont beable to walk me down the aise. When I have my own children ( ohh weird thought) all of those milestones thats what makes me the saddestknowing that he wont be there for me. He wont be there for my first boyfriend and he wont be there to try and scare him away. I still vividly rember the night his watch ended. Everything from getting the call and eventually falling the sleep eventually.

Chelsea Jones
DAUGHTER of fallin officer

September 4, 2010

Looking forward to it,

name
[email protected]

August 25, 2010

To Cpl. Arlie Jones, his family and his fellow officers with the Odessa Police Department:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Cpl. Jones’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Cpl. Jones and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

September 8, 2009

You and your fellow fallen officers and your respective families are in my thoughts and prayers on this second anniversary of your death.

Rest In Peace. Your memory will be forever honored and revered.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

September 8, 2009

Though I never knew you, I think about you and Corporals Scott and Marquez almost every day. You will NEVER be forgotten. West Texas is better because of your service.

Anonymous

December 7, 2008

To the family and loved ones of Corporal Arlie Jones, his fellow officers with the Odessa Police Department, and most especially to Arlie:

On this the first anniversary week of your tragic death, please know that you are honored and revered today and everyday.

From all the loving reflections left about you, I can see that you were an amazing man and what a grievous loss your loved ones have endured because of your brutal murder. I know those shots didn't just kill you and your comrades, but a part of everyone who loved you, Abel, and Scott.

Your department suffered an enormous tragedy when they lost three heroic officers. I pray that your family and department get the full measure of justice deserved for this horrific crime.

May your spirit continue to soar and your memory continue to inspire. You are loved and missed by so many.

Rest in Peace, Arlie. A body is but for a lifetime, but spirits and souls are for eternity and yours is forever part of those who call you beloved.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the twesnty three years of distinquished service Arlie gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 8, 2007.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg Police Dept. eow 4/24/05

Anonymous

September 14, 2008

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones and close friends on this first anniversary of your EOW. You have not been forgotten by those that love you and carry you in their hearts. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and those still out on patrol guarding over the Thin Blue Line. Thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement. You will never be forgotten.

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

September 8, 2008

September the 8th is almost here. Been thinking about you and the guys a lot lately. Almost one year has gone by, and you have not been forgotten. Didn't really know you that well but had worked with you. Dad knew you well. He misses you as we all do. I remember that day vividly. I was training a new Trooper and we were working a possible fatal crash way out on SH 302 and FM 866. We got a call that shots had been fired and officers were down. We left everything where it layed and couldn't get there fast enough. I remember laying in the street watching the back of the house and I was so worried about my new Troop getting shot because we knew he had weapons with optics. I knew you were laying in that yard and I strained my eyes for hours trying to see you but I couldn't. The brush had grown high and I couldn't see you or Scott. Verle and the other firemen were trying to figure out how to get to you and we were moving house to house with snipers trying to figure out how to get to you. We knew you and Scott were done, but it bothered the hell out of us that you were still in that yard. We had orders to wait till dark to extract you. Even though everyone knew that was the right thing to do, we hated it. Please forgive us for letting you lay alone in that yard for so long. There are so many stories about that day and the days that followed. You and Scott had each other that day. Able followed alone a few days later, but I figure you two waited for him. My daughter was four years old at the time, now she is five. She has never met any of you. But she knows your names, and she speaks of you and Scott and Able often and she still asks me if the bad man that hurt you is still in jail. She has drawn over a dozen pictures of you three. Often she draws halos and wings around you. I have watched her when she wasn't aware I was there. She is talking to someone, or at least pretending to talk to someone as children do. The names of her pretend friends are Arlie, Scott, and Able. Her memory amazes me. You men continue to have a positive influence on people even though you aren't around anymore. Thank you for your service, thank you for your life, and thank you for your death. You are held with highest regard and are a credit to your agency and your fellow officers of the Odessa Police Department. It was an honor serving with you sir. Rest easy brother, we have the watch.

Brandon E. Speed, Sergeant
Texas Highway Patrol

September 6, 2008

I am riding in the 2008 Police Unity Tour in memory and honor of our fallen brother, Arlie. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten and will forever be remembered.

I personally thank you for your service, your bravery and your passion to law enforcement. Your ultimate sacrifice will forever be in my heart!

Sgt. Brian Donnelly
Denville Township Police, New Jersey

May 8, 2008

"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

February 20, 2008

I used to work with Cpl. Arlie Jones in 1981 at Yuma Proving Grounds, AZ when he was known as Sgt. Jones.
He will be missed by many people!

Rest in Peace, Sir!

Kirk A. Smith
Former U.S. Army Military Police

November 19, 2007

I come to the ODMP everyday, my heart just breaks when I see another brother/sister in blue has made the ultimate sacrifice. No words can ease the pain that Corporal Jones's family is feeling, but please no you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Rest in peace sir. We will take the beat from here!!! Please watch over us and keep us safe.

Deputy Amanda Ryan

Deputy Ryan

November 13, 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 Corporal Jones. 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 Arlie, 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 Arlie's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Arlie's life was about so much more than the way he died. Arlie will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Corporal Jones, 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)

November 3, 2007

Arlie,
I have never met a better man in my life. You were a true gift from God to all who met you. Stories of you praying with the homeless and praying for those you arrested play in my mind right now. You will be missed greatly. Thank you for serving our city and our Lord. We love you.

Celeste
OPD Wife and Friend

October 8, 2007

Rest in Peace,Brother. To all the officers of the Odessa Police Department,please accept my condolences.


Sgt.B.R.Sexton
Okla.Dept.of Corrections

October 7, 2007

I was on duty when I heard those frightening words over the radio, "OFFICER DOWN!" I worked with Arlie for 13 years. Four years under the Odessa Police Department, and then nine years under the 9-1-1 combined center. Arlie was always a happy person when he came into dispatch. Never said a bad word about anyone, especially people he arrested, only that he would pray that they would turn their life around. I will miss Arlie very much. He wore his uniform with pride, always out to try and help as much as possible. God Bless you Arlie, you will be missed!

Dispatch Supervisor Troy Doelling
City of Odessa 9-1-1 Center

September 30, 2007

The Fallen Ones

In Honor of
Corporal Scott Gardner
Corporal Arlie Jones
Corporal Abel Marquez

On September 8th our hearts were breaking

How could we have known it would be their last day
t was the last thing we expected, for them to die that way.

On September 12th there were services for two,
While the third Officer’s time was due.

It was 3:10 when he walked towards the light
Giving up a courageous fight.

They made a plan to give others a chance,
He will not be attending the next father daughter dance.

September 18th was hard for his mother,
We sat together to mourn another brother

All three were buried, while we were still grieving
Why must this be the price of believing?

Be proud and smile while holding your heads high,
They are with our heavenly father in the sky.

The fallen Officers, family members and employees of the Odessa Police Department will forever remain in our hearts and prayers.
May God bless you while keeping you safe.

Allyson Fredrick
Former OPD

September 25, 2007

I have few words to say...how can anything I say make this any better.......
May god bless you three guys......

May he hold you in his arms and comfort you with all his glory. God had a need for you guys, as much as you will be missed..his need is greater and without question.

God Bless

Deputy Constable LC Downing
Wharton County Texas Pct 2

September 24, 2007