Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Corrections Officer Susan Louise Canfield

Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, Texas

End of Watch Monday, September 24, 2007

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Corrections Officer Susan Louise Canfield

Officer Canfield your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now sister. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

April 17, 2008

Thank you for your service. Came across your memorial while browsing around. Your memorial doesn't say if you horse survived being shot, but I hope it did.

A fellow correctional officer

March 30, 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 27, 2008

I am just able to get on the internet and I came across this Memorial of Ms. Canfield and as a Field Officer at the Micheal Unit I just would like to offer my condolences and let you know that she will be remembered. As a female Corrections Officer and additionally a Field Officer let me just say it isn't easy to do the job in a world of men. She must have been an exceptional woman is thought of and defended often when somebody talking about the incident happens to get the facts wrong and places blame on the "female field officer". I never met her but wish I could have. Again please accept my condolences and know that you are in my prayers. Sincerely, Tammy Leis

Tammy Leis CoIV
Michael Unit

February 20, 2008

Always in our thoughts, job well done Boss Lady. Rest in peace Sister, we'll take it from here.

Janine Gray CO III
TDCJ Polunsky-Death Row

January 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

November 12, 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 woman they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Officer Canfield, especially to her husband. 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 Susan, she sounds like she was a great woman with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew her 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 Susan's life and the WOMAN that she was. Remember that Susan's life was about so much more than the way she died. Susan will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember her.

Officer Canfield, 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

Susan is my hero and my friend. I have had the honor to know, love and admire her for many years and in all that time I never saw her without her beautiful smile and a cherry hello for each and everyone she came in contact with. Just to be in her presences and watch her gentle nature was a ray of sunshine in the darkest of times.
Her actions on that last day was evidence of her true character and integrity.
Susan will be missed but, not forgotten for in her homage and commemoration I proudly ware the Memorial TEAR/Rose necklace. The tear for my (our) loss and the rose is a symbol of love that never ends.
Rest Susan for you have earned and reached THE END OF DUTY.
Job well done my sister in gray and blue.

C/O III CHARLOTTE JORDAN-WIMER
STILES BEAUMONT RELATED & FRIEND

October 29, 2007

To the Family of TDCJ Officer Canfield:

You are in my thoughts and my prayers at this time of sorrow. Please be aware that what she did for your community and for the State is very admirable. Everyday we pray we all go home safely, unfortunately that day not all of us did and we feel for you. This is a dangerous job and not everyone is cut out to doing it on a daily basis. We are very grateful that your family member had the strength to do so. Not only am I an employee of TDCJ, but I am the wife of a LT and the daughter of a CO. We all deeply feel you sorrow and you are in our hearts. She will be forever in the hearts of your TDCJ family. May God be with all of you.

Clerk II Olivia Jowers
TDCJ Clements unit Clerk

October 27, 2007

Susan, you are Safely Home now, "Sleeping in Jesus' arms," as my 7 year old would say.Chuck, you and yours are in my thoughts and prayers. Our children became friends while living in a trailer park many years ago, and you have my deepest sympathy. It seems to have been a rough time these past few months, but you will get through it.
Cathy Connelly, Oklahoma

Citizen, Oklahoma
Friend of stepdaughter

October 15, 2007

RIP Sister

To the family, friends and colleagues of CO Canfield, my thoughts are with you all.

Constable
Australian Federal Police

October 11, 2007

What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. -Albert Pine

Officer Canfield -- The sacrifice you made for your community will never be forgotten.

To all those touched by the loss of Officer Canfield -- Our thoughts and prayers are with you.


Colorado Springs (CO) Police Protective Association

October 11, 2007

I did not know officer Canfield, but my condolences to both of her families. May you rest in piece. May justice be swift and UNFORGIVING.

C/O-2 Jimmy Needham
Idaho Department of Corrections

October 9, 2007

Rest in Peace my Sister and thank you for protecting our families.

Deputy Chief Gene Bernal
Orlando Police Department

October 9, 2007

May you rest in peace and know that we are praying for you and yours.

Sgt. B. Petroski
Wayne County Detroit Metro Airport Police

October 8, 2007

Thank you you for doing the most unappreciated job.You gave the ultimate price.You have my upmost respect and honor.

10-42 x 1
10-95 x 2

Gods Speed OFFICER CANFIELD!!!!!

Senior Officer
Federal Bureau of Prisons

October 8, 2007

Rest in Peace,Sister.To all the officers of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice,please accept my condolences.May justice be swift.


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

October 7, 2007

Rest in peace Officer Canfield.

Correction Officer M. Daz
Massachusetts D.O.C.

October 7, 2007

If tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see.

If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me

I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today. While thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me, As much as I love you, and each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too;

But when tomorrow starts without me, Please try to understand, that an angel came and called my name, And took me by the hand

And said my place was ready, in heaven far above, And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away, A tear fell from my eye, For all my life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for, So much left yet to do, it seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you.

If I could relive yesterday, just even for a while, I'd say good-bye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized, that this could never be, for emptiness and memories, would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things, I might miss come tomorrow, I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates, I felt so much at home. When God looked down and smiled at me, From His great golden throne,

He said, "This is eternity, and all I've promised you." Today your life on earth is past, but here life starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last, and since each day is the same way, there's no longing for the past.

You have been so faithful, so trusting and so true. Though there were times you did some things, you knew you shouldn't do.

But you have been forgiven, and now at last you're free. So won't you come and take my hand, and share my life with me

So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'm right here, in your heart...

You will not be forgotten sister. We will carry on the fight in the names of all who've been lost.

PC Amanda Pandolfi (Sherman)
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

October 6, 2007

I am sorry to see something like this happen. Although I did not know Susan, I did attend the funeral services at the SHSU coliseum. I have been with this agency for 22 years and dealing with these type of people who we are to supervise and watch for any type of action, many do not deserve another chance outside the prison walls. Susan did not deserve this and all she was trying to do was take control of the action. She deserves everything that comes to her and her family and again, I am sorry for what took place and the family, you have my deepest sympathy and prayers.

CO 5 G. J. Reese
TDCJ-ID

October 5, 2007

Family you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Officer Cnafield may you rest in peace knowing the sacrifice you have made for the citizens of this great state. You may go in peace knowing that we have the watch now.

CO 4 Kelly and CO 2 Krystal Darst
TDCJ Buster Cole and Choice Moore

October 3, 2007

REST IN PEACE AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ,I SHALL PRAY FOR BOTH .. YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES

P/O
PHILA PD

October 3, 2007

Rest now my sister your watch is over. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and agency. We will continue to train officers that will hopefully live up to your example. Walk proudly on your beat on Heaven's streets and watch over the rest of us continuing the fight.

Lt. James Ellis
GPSTC - Regional Police Academy Tifton

October 3, 2007

God Speed my sister we have the watch now!!!!

Deputy Brooke 769A
Carroll County Sheriff, MO.

October 3, 2007

Rest in peace sister.

1773P
CSPD

October 2, 2007

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