Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To Deputy Ray's family, friends and the members of the Southhampton County Sheriff's Office, my thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of reflection and rememberance.
Deputy Ray died doing the job that he loved, but it is doubly tragic to die so young at the beginning of his career.

Rest in peace Chris, we have the watch.

Deputy Robert Cooley
Frederick County (VA) Sheriff's Office

September 2, 2009

On behalf of the 5,546 members of the American Association of State Troopers (AAST), we extend our sincere condolences to Deputy Rays’ family as well as the members of the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office. AAST members throughout the United States know first hand what all of you are going through right now. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Ken Howes, Executive Director
American Association of State Troopers

September 2, 2009

There are three defining persons that have willingly died for you. Jesus Christ, the US Soldier and the Law Enforcement Officer. Jesus died for your eternal security. The Soldier died for your national security. The LEO died for your personal security. As Jesus now lives, so, too, shall these two other saviors.

Written by an FBI agent

Rest in peace brother

Cpl J E Stokes
Montgomery Al PD

September 2, 2009

Chris, as one of your supervisors, I must say that it was a great pleasure and joy to have worked with you. I know that you were a successful law enforcement officer with deep dedication to your career. As your friend, I weep for the loss of your smile, energy, sense of humor, and bond in "brotherhood" that has made us all a family here. It strengthens me, however, to know that you are in God's loving arms and that you will continue to serve as an angel to others in need not much differently from your duties here on earth. God bless you as you now walk among the heavenly angels.

Sgt. Wanda Stivers
Southampton Sheriff's Office - Supervisor

September 2, 2009

Chris was a great guy. I didn't get a chance to work with him because I was in the acadamy all summer. We last spoke about three weeks ago. He was genuine, and had the greatest sense of humor. We laughed and chatted about his upcomming acadamy. We departed knowing that we were going to be strong friends and great teammates at the Sheriff's Office. I will truely miss Chris, and our county will miss his dedication and service.

Deputy E.L. Parsons
Southampton County Sheriff's Office

September 2, 2009

Deputy Ray, Your watch is ended. May our Heavenly Father watch over your family and friends during this tragic time. May your soul walk carefully and proudly into everlasting life. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in God’s peace my friend, you deserve it. Southhampton COunty Sheriff's Office will miss the privilege of your service. Rest in Peace
REV

Chaplain Michael Grinnals
Camillus Police Department

September 2, 2009

CHRIS
WE DIDN'T HAVE MUCH TIME TOGETHER BUT BY OUR FEW CONVERSATIONS I KNEW YOU WERE A GOOD MAN, AND YOU WERE GOING TO BE A GOOD DEPUTY. GOD KNOWS WHAT IS BEST AND WE DON'T QUESTION HIS WORK, YOUR JOB WAS WELL DONE HERE ON EARTH BROTHER. YOU TOUCHED OUR LIVES AND WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS, FOR THEY WILL BE CALLED SONS OF GOD. MATTHEW 5:9

Deputy Waymon Davis
Southampton County Sheriff's Office

September 2, 2009

Chris, I only knew you for a short time, but I feel like I knew you for much longer than that. You were always fun to be around, and it was a given that you were going to put a smile on the face of everyone you came in contact with. I can still see the smile you had on your face as you walked by last week heading to your car to go on a call, and Im sure your smiling as your looking down on us now. Rest in peace buddy!!! Were sure going to miss you!!!

Deputy J. Wills
Southampton County Sheriff's Office

September 2, 2009

Ray Ray,
You made 3 of my midnights a pleasure working with you. I felt like I had known you for ages. I am so sorry that I didn't have more time to give you more "pearls". Make sure that you keep an eye out and look for me cause I will be there soon.

Deputy M E Fancher
Southampton County SO -Co-worker

September 2, 2009

Chris,
I only knew you for a short period of time but it still has not come to the realization that you are gone to me. Not only because how young you were and because of how much of a great easy going guy you were but because I had not long ago talked to you. Chris you will truly be missed. Knowing that you are in a better place eases the pain and the sorrow of the tragedy. I must say that I had a great honor bestowed upon me to meet, work, and interact with such a kind hearted dedicated individual to serve for the greater good of the community with a smile on his face.

I will continue to pray for your family, friends, and co-workers that we will all bond together as a new family and that they all will see that earth has no sorrow that heaven can not heal. I know you are in a much better place smiling down upon us. So simply I must say Rest In Peace.

Communications Officer Dominique Mills
Southampton County Sheriffs Office

September 2, 2009

DEAR CHRIS,
I ONLY KNEW YOU FOR A SHORT TIME BUT YOU WERE A FINE YOUNG MAN AND WAS GOING TO MAKE ONE HECK OF A DEPUTY FOR THIS COUNTY. WE ALL MOURN YOUR PASSING BUT KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN HEAVEN DOING YOUR DUTIES THERE, SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE BROTHER,
RICK

DEPUTY RICK HARVEY
WORKED WITH CHRIS AND FRIEND

September 1, 2009

Chris,

I am deeply saddened that you are not here with us. You were a trip to be around and you always had a smile on your face. Its not the same at the office without you brother. I sat at the office today for the tuesday morning meeting waiting for you to pop in with a smart comment. We had alot of laughs over the funny stories you shared with me. Well "Rook" you will be missed by all. Chris your tour has ended so Rest In Peace Brother, we will take care of things from here.

Deputy J. Bowden
Southampton Co. Sheriff's Office

September 1, 2009

Thoughts and prayers are with your family and your agency. RIP Brother in Blue.

Police Officer D. Kirk #309
Round Lake Heights PD (IL)

September 1, 2009

Chris I want you to know that it was an HONOR to have the opportinity to work with you and to be your FTO but most of to be your FRIEND. I will truly miss you and I know you are right there by my side and watching down over all of us. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. R.I.P. MY BROTHER. Deputy Sheriff Donald R. Edwards

Deputy Donald R. Edwards
Southampton County Sheriff's Office FTO and Friend

September 1, 2009

Rest In Peace Little Brother. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

FTO
FL LEO

September 1, 2009

Deputy Ray, your life and career were cut much too short. May you rest in peace knowing that your dedication and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

September 1, 2009

Rest in peace brother. You will be missed but never forgotten...

Sergeant Chris DiToro
NYPD

September 1, 2009

Your time was to short on this earth, rest in peace son and thank you for your service.

Deputy John Latour (retired)
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

September 1, 2009

Rest in peace Borther Christopher, you are a true Hero and will never be forgotten for your service and courage.

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Anonymous

September 1, 2009

You've fought the noble fight and now God has called you home. Return to Him in honor, my brother, and rest forever in peace. Thank you for your selfless sacrifice. You are my Hero!

Jeff
Former GPD Officer

September 1, 2009

"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

Thank you for your service, May God give your family strength- you are a Hero!

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

September 1, 2009

Rest in peace brother... I am not far in age from you, so your passing hits very close to home. Your sacrifice will never be forgotton.

Anonymous

September 1, 2009

My family wishes to send our thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of this brave young man. You were taken too early but you are a hero forever. Thank you for your service.

Catherine Callemyn
Widow of Officer Charles J Callemyn EOW 2-17-07 Durham NC Police Dept

September 1, 2009

To family, friends, and co-workers, I am so sorry for your loss. There are not enough words to take away the awful hurt, except to lean on the Lord for comfort and direction in these difficult days. Please know you are all in our prayers as Christopher is on his last journey. God bless you all.

Rusty Cox,Information Clerk
Asheville Police Dept., Asheville, NC

September 1, 2009

Romans 13:1,7; For all Authority comes from God and those in positions of Authority are placed there by God; ...Give respect and Honor to those in Authority. Chris we Honor and Respect you for your desire to serve the people of Southampton County and for understanding the "call" to serve your fellow man. To all of us who have worn the badge you will always be apart of the Thin Blue Line. God Speed!

T.Potter

September 1, 2009