Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:

“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]

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

And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

January 9, 2024

12 years doesn’t seem possible dear friend. GOD bless you my friend. Today’s world has gone mad, just mud! Thanks for your continued watch over your loved ones and those who been close to you.

Sheriff Tim Walburg
Lake County Sheriffs Office, SD

March 13, 2021

Gob bless you

Mark Mottola

March 15, 2020

I met your daughter 9 years ago at the Candlelight Vigil. I had the honor of walking her to her seat. Avery had a profound effect on my life that day, so much so, the entire chapter 8 of the Police Unity Tour gave bears out to the children of fallen officers at the Candlelight Vigil the following year.
Your wife is an outstanding human being. Your son is a protector with a kind heart. I have no doubt you're looking down on them from heaven, very proud of the work they are doing and the lives they continue to change. Thank you for the honor and privilege of letting me know them. I love and admire them.

Meredith

March 15, 2020

I’ve heard so much about him, and how awesome he was. I just wish I could remember it myself. The only thing I remember is from ‘08 Xmas, and it was me and Thomas playing hide and seek while trying to hide in the shower, and how he found it funny when someone turned the shower on. I hear these stories and wish I could tell him how cool he is, and now with the loss of my mom, I wish I could tell both of them that I love them. He was a great uncle.

Alexander Calhoon
His nephew

April 9, 2019

I can't believe it has been 10 years. What a confusing couple if days that seem so clear but also a blur. Rest easy, your memory still lives on.

SFPD807

TK
Sioux Falls Police Dept

March 15, 2019

I can't believe it has been 10 years. What a confusing couple if days that seem so clear but also a blur. Rest easy, your memory still lives on.

SFPD807

TK
Sioux Falls Police Dept

March 15, 2019

Chad was a friend, mentor, and overall great individual. Was very hard working that morning and even being 2 miles away and not being able to help. He is greatly missed. We have the watch brother..

Mark Reif
Lake County SD

March 15, 2019

Chad, I did not know you, but I now work for the same agency you did on that faithful day. Your sacrifice is not forgotten and we honor you anyway! God Bless.

Deputy Hoesli
Turner County Sheriff's Office

March 15, 2019

Deputy Sheriff Mechels,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Marion County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

March 15, 2019

Scripture assures us that, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called [children] of God.” Matthew 5:9 ESV and “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 ESV.

Rev. Dr. Steven Robert Closs, DD, MSBS
Licensed & Ordained Independent Christian Minister
The Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
“An Intercessory Prayer Ministry for Law Enforcement”
Chartered by the National Association of Christian Ministers
Merrimack, NH 03054

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DD, MSBS
Merrimack NH Police Department

July 29, 2018

Rest in peace my hero. Thank you for your heroism and sacrifice. May your loving family get stronger each day for your great loss. God bless them and the members of your department.

Lieutenant Ray Flores
NYPD (retired)

March 15, 2018

On this day, the Eighth Anniversary of Chad's EOW... An Update. His family still misses him EVERY day, but they are doing well. His Brothers and Sisters in Law Enforcement miss him every day, but we continue his fight. We are ALL sharing stories and Remembering Chad today and EVERY day... and his killer stares at prison bars EVERY day. Never Forgotten, Forever Loved, Always Respected, Eternally missed!

Sheriff Barry Hillestad
Day County Sheriff's Office

March 15, 2017

I'm not sure why, but I thought about you today. As I sat here reading through the past reflections in your memory, I can't help but think about your beautiful family. I have heard stories of silly antics that your children have done over the past five years, and I know you are up in heaven smiling down on them and their love for life.

God Speed Deputy Mechels. You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous
LEO Wife, SD

August 29, 2014

It's a shame that so many innocent peace officers have lost their lives doing what they love. Many of these peace officers also had families that were devastated when they found out that their loved one has passed away in the line of duty. I never personally knew you Chad Mechels, but I am sure that you were a wonderful husband and father. May you rest in peace and I'm sure you are looking down at your family from heaven and taking care of them. You may be gone but the memory of you will live on in the hearts and souls of those you loved.

Jesus Bobadilla, student
Mission Hills High School

May 9, 2014

Deputy Chad Mechels, thank you for your service and sacrifice. Every time I start my shift, I think about you when I see your emblem sticker on my squad car. As the four year anniversary, we pledge to never forget and your memory is still alive today. Please watch over us as we continue the watch.

SD Law Enforcement Officer

March 15, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the third 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 who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is my heart's embrace. especially your parents who I met at Parents Retreat. Thanks to your family for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections. I know today is such a difficult day, but you are loved and missed every day.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 15, 2012

just thinking of you buddy and missing you. watch my back brother.

Matt Schooley

February 16, 2012

Rest assured there those that remember your loved one.

Anonymous

February 16, 2012

Missing you every day. Love you more than you will every know. Its hard to believe you've been gone almost 3 years. The kids have grown so much, but I know you look down on them and are very proud of the people they are becoming.
Candra

Your Sister

November 4, 2011

RIP Brother Mechels. Gone but not forgotten.

Cadet Justin Harmon
Pierre Police Department Explorers

May 13, 2011

CHAD THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. Rest in Peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends, and co-workers everyday. You will never be forgotten. God Bless your Family.

Dale and Becky Schroeder
Parents of Deputy Sheriff Travis Sass EOW 6-29-2004

April 19, 2011

My heart aches for your children as this anniversary passes yet again. Life can be so unfair.

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge - Proverbs 14:32.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi #1249
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

March 15, 2011

Today will mark the second anniversary of the End of Your Watch. Your Sacrifice, Your sense of Duty, Your Ethic, Your Spirit... None of these will ever be forgotten. Your killer resides in Prison for the rest of his life, and your Spirit resides in our Hearts as we Carry On Your Fight for the rest of eternity. God Bless Deputy Sheriff Sergeant Chad Mechels, God Bless us All.

Sheriff Barry Hillestad
Day County Sheriff's Office

March 15, 2011

On 11/22/2010, after more than 20 months, Chad's killer accepted a plea arrangement and will spend the rest of his life in prison without chance of parole. The family is pleased with this sentence, Law Enforcement is pleased with this sentence, and the reasons are that his wife and family will not have to go through all of this over and over on appeals to a death penalty verdict. As Jamie Mechels (Chad's wife) stated, "We can now start to heal..." God's Speed Deputy, We shall Never forget your sacrafice.

Sheriff Barry Hillestad
Day County Sheriff

November 24, 2010