Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest easy

Mark Mottola

April 2, 2020

Rest in peace Constable Howard.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 1, 2019

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

April 1, 2013

For some reason I had you on my mind today. I still miss seeing your smiling face around town. I remember how you would always make time for my son Lucas. He was so fascinated with anyone in uniform. You always made his day when he saw you. He was so proud the day you let him ride around the block with you in your car. He has such respect now for anyone in uniform and I credit you with that. I miss your smile and your laugh. I remember you saying one day you were going to win big on the lottery. Your friendship was worth more than any lottery winnings. You were one of the kindest people I ever met and I never saw you in a bad mood. I will never forget you Joe!

Jonesta L Richardson
Friend

November 4, 2011

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 1, 2010

Happy Birthday today Dad. I know you are in a far better place and I can't wait to one day join you there.

Love you

Donnie

Donnie Howard
son

August 4, 2009

To Constable Joe E. Howard Sr, his family and his fellow officers with the Harlan County Constable's Office:

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

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc.
Members and Staff

April 1, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the first anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

I hold your family in thought and prayer today.

Phyllis Loya

Phylllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 1, 2009

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion
Proverbs 28:1

God bless you and all who mourn you. May God give them the strength to carry on. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

February 28, 2009

I always thought the world of Joe. He always had something to say that would make me laugh. Everytime he saw me he would tease me about something, i,m going to miss those days. you will always be missed in my heart. my hope and prayers is to see you again.on hevans peaceful shore.

love a friend always bonnie

Bonnie Hoskins
Citizen/Friend

October 18, 2008

We lost one of our best friends when Joe passed away. He always had a smile for everyone, even the people he was taking to jail. I never knew of anyone giving him a problem. Even though they knew he was taking them to jail they still seemed happy to see Joe. He would always let my little boy sit in his car and he would take his badge off and let him wear it. He was a true friend and I will always miss him. It will never be the same without his constant smile and laugh. I Love you Joe and you have a permanent place in my heart.

Jonesta Richardson
Citizen/Friend

October 16, 2008

To those who loved Constable Howard, my heart goes to you all. Know that you're not alone in this journey you walk. I lost my fiance in the line of duty January 2003 and my world was forever changed. It's been a long hard road, and even as time as gone forward, and I've found many reasons and ways to smile, I still have not forgotten the man that he was. Dennis was a beautiful person and he forever has a part of my heart, just as I'm sure Joe will always be a part of yours.

It takes a special person to put their lives on the line everyday to make this world a little safer for us all. I know many of these men never would've thought of themselves as "heroes" but they were in so many ways. It's sad that it they had to lose their lives for some of us to see that. Having said that, thank you Constable Howard for helping to make this world a better place. You will not be forgotten here in Winnipeg. I know this isn't a very manly thing to do, but if you happen to run into Dennis up there, please give him a big hug for the kids and I. Dennis was a good man and we miss him more than words can say.

Wishing those who loved you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis Ray McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

August 3, 2008

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Harlan County Constable's Office. May peace be with you during this tragic time. We grieve with you and know that your Hero will never be forgotten. To Constable Howard's family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

The CSPD Wives Association
Colorado Springs Police Department

June 23, 2008

I did not know Constable Joe Howard, however, as a fellow LEO of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, it is a great sadness to see a fellow brother or sister leave us so tragically. RIP

Lt. Robert Henning
Department of Corrections

June 6, 2008

I have been assigned to the Harlan post since 2000. One of the 1st persons I met was Constable Joe Howard. I came to know him first as a freind, then as a fellow officer. He was one of the freindliest people I have ever met. He was always willing to assist in any situation, irregardless of the time or effort it required. He truly brought character and integrity to his badge and his office. We truly miss you Joe. Rest in Peace my freind and brother.

Sergeant Damon Gayheart U/209
Kentucky State Police

May 27, 2008

Hey daddy joe your missed greatly and you will always be remembered by the life care crew!!!

James A. Creech, NREMT--B
Life Care Ems -- Coworker

May 27, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Cadets of the Basic Recruit Class 333 of Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy, Tallahassee, FL, thank you for your sacrifice.

Cadet Strzalkowski
Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy

May 22, 2008

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Constable Joe Howard,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Constable Joe Howard. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement for support. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Constable Joe Howard is a hero.

Respectfully,

Alissa Scott
Widow of Beryl Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-04

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network

May 8, 2008

Joe will be greatly missed by all who knew him. For those of you that didn't know Joe also dispatched for one of the local ambulance services in Harlan County. I will truly miss hearing his voice when calling for an ambulance. He always seemed to be in a great mood. I will miss him stopping by Post as well. He always had a smile on his face and a joke to tell. Again Joe will be greatly missed. His family continues to be in my prayers.

Dispatcher Yolanda Young
Kentucky State Police Post 10 Harlan

May 4, 2008

Rest in Peace, Constable. You served well, both in the Navy and wearing the badge.

Chief Petty Officer K. Laughman
U.S. Navy

May 1, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 28, 2008

RIP Brother, Blessed are the Peacemakers for they are the Sons of God. Thank you for your service!

Patn S Kummer
Florissant PD, MO

April 27, 2008

YOU WILL BE MISSED BUT ARE RESTING IN PEACE ON THOSE GOLDEN STREETS ABOVE!!!!!!

DISPATCHER GRETA M HUFF
KY STATE POLICE POST 13 HAZARD

April 26, 2008

God Bless You and your family. My thoughts and prayers will be with them in the time ahead.

Dispatcher
Louisville Metro

April 26, 2008

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Constable Howard. May God comfort you all.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

April 26, 2008