Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office, South Carolina
End of Watch Saturday, May 3, 2008
Reflections for Deputy Sheriff William Howell, Jr.
The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my Church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
Can't always be a Saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my work was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep,
I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills just got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."
There was silence all around the Throne
Where the Saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."
Corporal Howell, I had the great pleassure of working with you briefly. You were always a delight to be around because you were always in a good mood. You were always eager to please and saw the best in everyone. Rest your weary bones brother, you have a much better beat to work now.
Chief Curtis W. Mizell
Norway Police Department
August 8, 2008
To those who loved Deputy Howell, 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 William 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 Deputy Howell 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 R. McElderry(EOW: 01/03/03)
August 8, 2008
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Orangeburg County Sheriff'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 Deputy Howell's family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The CSPD Wives Association
Colorado Springs Police Department
June 23, 2008
god bless u brother. may god continue to watch over you and your family,and your fellow deputies at orangeburg county.
officer joseph winterer jr
wells band tribal police
May 27, 2008
Rest in peace Borther William, you are a true Hero an will never be forgotten for your service and courage.
Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7.15.73
Assistant Chief Carl Wortham (Retired)
Sand Springs Oklahoma Police Dept
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 23, 2008
All of heaven hushed when God announced his arrival.
May 22, 2008
May your loved ones find comfort and be forever proud. Thank you for a job well done. My prayers and thoughts will be with you and your family always...God Bless and rest easy Deputy Howell.
Officer Dave Carroll
Yukon, Oklahoma
May 21, 2008
Thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten. May God Bless your family, friends, co-workers & department. "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the Sons of God". Aloha.
Sergeant
Honolulu, HI
May 21, 2008
Jesus said: Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me hath everlasting life. John 6:48.
I am the way, the truth, and the life: and no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6
To the family of our fallen hero Sheriff Howell: i have a heavy heart and words cannot express my sorrow but please lean on our heavenly and most exalted Father and he will see you through.
PII S. Brown
Memphis Police Dept.
May 20, 2008
My heart aches for the loss of a God sent. It appears Mr. Howell was an earthly angel now rejoicing with our Father. Thank you for all of your time and dedication you spent in service for our community.
To the family, May God bless you and grant you peace.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
CITIZEN/ CHI ANNE WALLING
May 20, 2008
Our prayers go out to Deputy Sheriff Howell Jr.'s family and friends as well as the department. Deputy Sheriff Howell Jr.'s time served is honored and greatly appreciated. The Zone Five Police Academy respects his courage and commitment. Deputy Sheriff Howell Jr. will be remembered by the entire Law Enforcement family. If there is anything the Zone Five Police Academy can do please do not hesitate to ask.
Zone Five Police Academy in NYS
Recruit Session 44
May 18, 2008
My heart mourns the loss of Deputy Howell, Jr. and I pray for his wife and three sons.
Chaplain
Arkansas White County Sheriff's Department
May 15, 2008
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Deputy Howell and the OCSO. You are all in my prayers. I worked with the OCSO from 1998 to 2001. It hits home when something like this happens. You are a hero Howell.
SA Cory King
FBI (KY)
May 15, 2008
Rest in Peace Brother.
Constable Rob Lyall #1285
Peel Regional Police - Ont. Canada
May 14, 2008
God Bless you and your family during Police Week and every day throughout the year.
Denise L. Wise
Widow, Michael H. Wise, II EOW 6/5/04
May 13, 2008
I love you uncle! You will be missed so much but the family will make it....Live it up in the sky!!!!
Quantisha Howell
Niece
May 12, 2008
To the family of Dep. William Howell, Jr. I want to send my deepest sympathies at your loss. As the father of NHP Trooper Kara Kelly-Borgognone, EOW: 2/25/08, I am fully aware there is no greater loss than you have experienced. Our prayers are with you and know that those who wear the badge and keep this world a safer place for all of us have a special place in heaven. God is watching over Dep. Howell Jr. That is for certain. I hope knowing how highly Dep. Howell was though of and appreciated will in some small way give you comfort.
To the members of the Orangeburg Co. S.O. please be safe and know our thought are with you also.
Rest in peace Deputy Howell, Jr. A true HERO.
Kevin Kelly
father of Kara Kelly-Borgognone #737 NHP Trooper
EOW: 2/25/08
Civilian
May 11, 2008
I SEND MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND ORANGEBURG COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE REGARDING THE DEMISE OF DEPUTY SHERIFF WILLIAM HOWELL JR. I PRAY EVERYONE WHO KNEW THIS HONORABLE MAN WILL CONTINUE TO REMEMBER HIS BRAVERY, COURAGE, AND THE LEGACY IN WHICH HE LEFT.
DEPUTY SHERIFF WILLIAM HOWELL JR. YOUR SHIFT IS OVER NOW, WE WILL TAKE IT FROM HERE. REST IN PEACE, BROTHER...
DEPUTY SHERIFF JAMES E. BRADFORD JR.
BRADLEY COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
May 11, 2008
Please know that your loss is felt across the world of Law Enforcement. Clark Whetstone of your department is one of my family from the FBI National Academy session 225 and his leadership will carry you through this tragedy. Always remebemebr our fallen brothers and sisters are Heores in life, not death.
Staff Superintendent Jeff McGuire
Toronto Police Service - FBI NA Session 225
May 10, 2008
Please accept our deepest sympathy. He says he'll be with us even until the end of the world.May God bless you all, now and forever.
The Long & Jackson Families
Family Friends
May 10, 2008
May God give his family strentgh, courage and peace, knowing that Deputy Howell Jr. was a true american hero. May you rest in peace my brother....to your family, I am truly saddened for your loss.
Sergeant Gary Timm
Columbus Police Department-Montana
May 10, 2008
RIP brother!
Q132
USBP
May 9, 2008
To the Howell Family,
Our deepest symapathy goes out to your family. May God continue to Bless your family in their time of mourning. It is your strength and braveness that will keep your family and colleagues strong. Your family is in our constant prayers.
Love Craig
Craig & Family
Family Friend
May 9, 2008
My deepest sympathy to the Howell family and I pray for the three young men who lost their hero.
Program Specialist/LeRoy Broner
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
May 9, 2008
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