Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"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

We will keep you, your family and friends in our prayers. You are a hero. Job well done. Go with God.

Corporal Timothy J. Zuniga
UC Berkeley Police Department

November 10, 2007

I'm very glad I met Mr. Dale. He really Impacted my life by showing me that some people did care about my generation and he really showed it to me. I'm glad I got to play guitar with him in the school band. And i appreciate him taking care of me and my two friends in Arkansas when we had to go to the ER. He made me as a single person feel big like I could do something to make a big difference. From his example I see one person can change many lives. I can't wait to see him in heaven. I love you Mr. Dale, thanks for everything.

Eric Nolasco

Eric Nolasco

November 10, 2007

You are in my prayers.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

November 9, 2007

Investigator Sherrill

You have paid the ultimate sacrifice for your community, state, and county. You are a hero and inspiration to others. Rest easy now in Heaven above as we will carry on down here. The thin line line keeps getting thinner; Rest in Peace and ride off into the sun set.

Douglas W. Bennett
Juvenile Probation Officer Ky Dept of Juvenile Justice

November 9, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with those
friends and family members left behind who
cannot follow...rest in peace my brother
in blue...we will take it from here.

Officer Adam F. Laser
Westminster City Police Department

November 6, 2007

I'm thankful that Dale was able to be a positive influence in so many lives in his relatively short life. Of particular interest to me is the ministry he had with young people. Last year Dale & Sandi took my son and 2 other kids to the ER in AR and spent the night there with them. About 2 AM I was talking to Dale & expressing my deep gratitude to them for being there. I jokingly asked how they had pulled the short straw. He replied that he & Sandi are the ones that are always involved in the kids activities. He was the games' referee & she a nurse. I was very reassured that they were there in my absence, but couldn't quite place who he was. This summer when we were talking about it, he reminded me that he had worked with my husband & had been with the crew that took my grandfather to the hospital when he was here in Keene years earlier. Again, just one of Dale's strong points--his desire to help others.

Throughout the rest of the year, Dale was a huge encouragement to my son, whether it was through guitar playing, wrestling or talks about God. This past summer, during the week he spent at camp with his sons, it was more of the same, but included late night ping-pong. He never failed to give his all to God, his family, his job and all those around him.

Dale & family are in our daily thoughts & prayers as we remember what an awesome impact he had on our lives. Thank you to God, the family--especially Sandi, the kids, Duane & Dale's parents for sharing him with us. Hopefully it won't be long before we see all our loved ones again!

Marissa Nolasco
Friend

November 5, 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 Officer Investigator Sherrill, 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 Dale, 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 Dale's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Dale's life was about so much more than the way he died. Dale will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Investigator Sherrill, 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 2, 2007

The highest of distinctions is service to others. -King George VI

Investigator Sherrill -- Your dedication to the good of your community will not be forgotten.

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

Colorado Springs (CO) Police Protective Association

November 2, 2007

My brother was involved in this accident. Although he knows it was truly an accident that he could not help, he still cannot sleep nights and is not himself. What has helped him as much as anything is the kindness of the officers at the accident scene and the days following. When he returned home he did not know how serious the injuries were to Mr. Sherrill. When he recieved word that Mr. Sherrill had died it became much more difficult for him. Then he recieved a call from Mrs. Sherrill telling him that she and her husband were Christians and that she did not blame him for what happened. Our world needs more families like the Sherrill family. I would like to say thank you to the officers and Mrs Sherrill for reaching out to others in your time of pain. May God bless you specially for your kindness.

Wes McClure
Pastor, Faith Baptist Church, Cloverdale IN

November 1, 2007

Dale was one of those people who really walked the walk and, didn't just talk the talk. Dale never gave up on any case he was trying to solve. I remember how fuuny he thought it was that I even yellow tapped the Judge's paperwork in one of his crime scenes, and wouldn't let the Judge back in until Dale said I could. No case was small, they all had meaning to him. Dale you will be missed by all your co-workers. And the citizens have lost a GREAT CSI INVESTIGATOR. GOD BLESS YOU NOW AND FOREVER.

Deputy Sherif Monique Navarrette
Marion County Sheriff's Office

October 31, 2007

Dale, Time and time again I have lost friends close to me. But never a co-worker. Dale we have cursed each other, made each other laugh' and cried a few times on each others shoulders about the hand that life has delt us. I want to thank you one last time for the special moments we shared. Take care of your self on the new journey and the new beat your walking! I'll do my best to check in on the family and I promiss to look after David for ya! I love You Dale and I'll always have you in my heart.

Sgt. Hampton

Sergeant Robert Hampton
Marion County Sheriff's Office

October 31, 2007

I cannot begin to express my gratitude and respect for all of the people who are showing so much kindness. The Marion County Sheriff's office had been extremely great.
I am proud of the job my husband did daily and will always remember how he loved his job.
We were married for 16 years and have 3 beautiful children. I see a little more of him in them everyday.
Although this experience is severly painful, I am also filled with joy and pride by seeing and hearing about the people he touched personally. I know without a doubt the Man I love was the same one to everyone. He couldn't stand to hurt anyone's feelings it would just eat him up inside.
With sincere Pride, Honor, and Love
Dale's wife

Sandi Sherrill
Wife

October 31, 2007

I have worked with Dale for the last 5 yrs he called me his second mom.Icame to love Dale because of his personality and his caring nature and just because of the sweet person he was.Dale will be missed and Marion County Sheriff Office will never be the same.I will never forget you Dale.

L.Pope Dispatcher Marion County SO

L.Pope
Marion County Sheriff Office

October 31, 2007

My sincere sorrow to Officer Sherrill's Wife and Children. Pride is what will carry you forward. I never met this officer, but we don't have to meet each other to know what we all feel in our hearts doing what we do. My God's hands embrace his family and friends and of course all fellow officers... the pain is deep and it will take many many years....but God is with the family and this Officer is with God.....

Reserve Deputy Balderaz
Reeves County Sheriff's Office

October 30, 2007

I first met Dale when I was chief of the Keene Volunteer Fire Departmenu, he joined and served as both a fire fighter and first responder for medical calls. He was dedicated to helping his community and alway ready to assist anyone in need. His real goal was to be a police officer and he never lost site of that goal. I was a police chief at a University during that time and he and I talked a lot about his love for law enforcement and his calling to help people. Dale was very special and I know his family was very proud of him. Gone but not forgotten.

Don Beeson
Retired police officer/fire chief

October 30, 2007

God bless to the family, friends and co-workers of Inv. Sherrill. RIP and thank you for your service.

mjw643

October 29, 2007

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

October 29, 2007

Thank you for your bravery, dedication and sacrifice. May your family, friends, and fellow officers take some comfort in the fact that you will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten!

DET SGT, Retired
AR

October 29, 2007

So sorry to hear of Dale's passing. Remember him as devoted volunteer fire fighter and EMT on the Keene FD. He was proud to serve his community and wanted to dedicate his life to help his fellow man. His family should be proud of him and what he accomplished. His goal was to become a police officer and when he finally did he was one that made all who knew him proud. God bless his wife and children.

Don Beeson
Retired police officer/fire chief

October 29, 2007

Although I never had the honor of meeting Investigator Sherrill, I would like to express my sincerest condolences on behalf of my co-workers at STAT Air and my family. We were greatly saddened to learn of his passing.

I personally hold a special place in my heart for all law enforcement officers. Four generations of my family have been law enforcement officers. I have supported our local Special Response Team as a tactical paramedic. Investigaor Sherrill's brother Duane, is my supervisor.

Paramedic Doug Spence and Family
PHI STAT Air 2, Georgetown, TX

October 29, 2007

The Lord blessed your soul in life and brings you to him now. May he continue those blessings after your passing and take your family into his arms in these times of sorrow.

God Bless...

The Dalleys

October 29, 2007

Rest in Peace......

Patrolman
New Hartford Police Department, NY

October 29, 2007

Although I hadn't seen Dale in many years, I know what a great person he was. It is so hard to understand why we must undergo such seemingly pointless tragedies, but thank God we have hope in the resurrection. Our prayers go out to Dale's family. May God give you comfort at this time.

Jon Dickerson
Cousin

October 29, 2007

While we did not know you, we are truly grateful for your dedication, mourning your death; never forgetting your sacrifice! Not to worry dear friend, your brothers and sisters in blue will carry on your watch for you ~ may you rest in eternal peace.

Daniel & LaWanda Ross
Iowa

October 29, 2007