Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in Peace. God be with you and your family.

Deputy
CCSO

January 21, 2010

Rest in peace brother...
To Captain Chad Reed I render a Final Salute.

PO KJ JONES
North Greenbush, NY PD

January 21, 2010

Captain Reed, Thank you for being the HERO that you are. and I leave you with this sir,

The funeral line was long,
There's an awful lot of cars,
Folks came out of the restaurants,
They came out of the bars.
The workers at the construction sites
All let their hammers drop.
Someone asked. "What is this all for?"
And they said, "Aw, just a cop."
Some chuckled at the passing cars.
Some shed a silent tear
Some people said, "It's stupid",
"all these dumb policemen here."
"How come they are not our fighting crime?"
"Or in a doughnut shop?"
"Sure is a lot of trouble,
For someone who's just a cop."
They blocked the intersections,
They blocked the interstate.
People yelled and cursed,
"Damn, it's gonna make me late!"
"This is really ridiculous!"
"They're makin' us all stop!"
"It seems they are sure wastin' time,
On someone who's just a cop."
Into the cemetery now,
The slow procession comes,
The woeful Taps are slowly played.
There's loud salutes from guns.
The graveyard workers shake their heads
"This service is a flop."
"There's lots of good words wasted,
On someone who's just a cop"

Yeah, just a cop to most folks.
Did his duty every day.
Trying to protect us,
Till they took his life away.
And when he got to heaven,
St. Peter put him at the top.
An angel asked him,
"Who was that?"
And he said, "Aw just a cop."
The Judgment:
The officer stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shinning,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, Officer,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"
The officer squared his shoulder and said,
"No, lord I guess I aint,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was rough,
And sometimes I've been violent
Because the streets are tough.
But I never took a penny
That wasn't mine to keep..
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
when the bills got to steep.
And I never passed a cry for help
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept an unmanly tear.
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 often trod.
As the officer waited quietly
for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer.
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

Detective Stephen Chase
Cape Coral PD

January 21, 2010

MAY THE ANGELS LEAD YOU IN AND PROTECT YOU FOREVER. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND THE DIXIE COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE FLORIDA.
S JACHIM

Anonymous

January 21, 2010

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

PFC Adam F Laser
Westminster City Police Department

January 20, 2010

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

P

January 20, 2010

Chad,

I wish I could have been there to help you man. I was on my way to work when an unmarked unit flew past me. It was crossing a county line running code, and I immediately knew that was a bad sign. I turned on the radio and heard that a Dixie SO Deputy had been shot.... At that time I did not know what had happened, but instantly was angry.

After about 10 minutes, our mutual friend Chad from Lafayette SO called me to tell me it was you. At the time, you were still fighting for your life and being loaded into the chopper. Unfortunately, the next call I received was from Chad again giving me the bad news.

I just wanted to stop by and tell you that I appreciated all the fun we had running interdiction up there in Dixie. Had a few good conversations with you after traffic stops and in the emails we exchanged while I was overseas. You will be missed by many.

My thoughts go out to your family and the members of the Dixie County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Hatcher and your fellow brothers will continue the good fight. RIP brother

Officer Brandon Roberts
Cedar Key Police Department

January 19, 2010

All of heaven hushed when God announced his arrival.

Anonymous

January 19, 2010

To Captain Reeds family. I heard of this incident soon after it happened. From the moment I heard, everyone who knew him in my LEO circles spoke so highly of Chad. Then I read the Gainesville paper about what Chad had accomplished so soon in life. I attended the funeral and the attendance only supported all the great things I heard and read. The law enforcement attendance was large. But that is not what caught my attention. What caught my attention was the citizens lining the streets. This spoke volumes about the person he was. Then tuesday came and I returned to work. I was in a restaraunt in Columbia County when I spoke to two young ladies from Dixie county. They were apparently attending college here in town. They also spoke highly of Chad. You can be very proud of him for how he apparently led his life. He was a hero that day for his willingness to stand between evil and the citizens. But he was a hero apparently in the days and years before that day based on what I am told.
Chad rest in peace and watch over us as we go about our duties. Thanks for your service.I can tell that the Dixie County citizens and Sheriff's Office will watch over your family.

Lt. Spurlock
Columbia County Sheriff's Office

January 19, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Capt. Reed's wife, children and extended family...

Anonymous

January 19, 2010

Rest in peace brother in blue. My thoughts and prayes are with you and your family.

Patrolman Nathan W. Fisher
Point Township Police Department Northumberland, PA

January 19, 2010

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"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

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

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

January 19, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and coworkers of Captain Reed. Another life lost fighting to save others. We will never forget your sacrifice. God Bless.

Lt. Ryan Smith
Martin County Sheriff's Office - NC

January 19, 2010

Thank you for your sacrifice. My thoughts and prayers go to your family & friends. May you rest in peace.

Prosecutor
Virginia

January 19, 2010

The Florida Police Chiefs Association would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Captain Chad Reed, and the Dixie County Sheriff's Office. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great sadness. Please take comfort in knowing that your extended law enforcement family grieves with you. Captain Reed, we thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten.

Members and Staff
Florida Police Chiefs Association

January 19, 2010

Rest In Peace Our Brother

Lt B Cole
Lake Charles Police Dept (LOUISIANA)

January 19, 2010

Rest in peace brother. We've got the watch from here. May God bless your family, friends and fellow officers who all mourn the loss of yet another hero.

Motor Officer Dominick Marraccini
Easton Police Department, Easton, PA

January 19, 2010

Rest in Peace, Brother. Thank you for your service.

Detective Kevin Kratz
Buena Vista Twp Police Department (Michigan)

January 19, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rest in peace.

SSA Sanford
FBI - Washington DC/Jacksonville

January 19, 2010

A very sad day for the Dixie County S.O. and for the law Enforcement family. My prayers go out to the friends and family of Captain Reed. Never let his memory fade.

Invest. Mike Bradford; Ret.
Tallahassee Police Dept.

January 19, 2010

As I heard the bolo that the suspect had already traveled through Citrus Co. and was near Chiefland, I cringed, knowing that there might be no good outcome. And when I heard that your valiant efforts did stop this criminal from harming others but resulted in you losing your life, I was not only saddened but very angry. With all of the loss, there will be some good. We will remember and honor your ulitmate sacrifice, we will keep up the fight to protect and serve, you will not have died in vain. You have not only strengthed, but united us as well. Thank you for your duty to serve and defend the people of this great state and especially Dixie County.
God Bless you, your family and the Dixie County Sheriff's Office. Kenny

Detective Kenny Wear
Citrus County Sheriff's Office

January 19, 2010

My sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Captain Chad Reed as well as to the Dixie County Sheriff's Office. Rest in peace Captain Reed, you are gone but will not be forgotten...

Dispatcher Sue Rusch
Punta Gorda PD, Punta Gorda FL

January 19, 2010

My sympathy to your family, friends, and fellow workers. May you be remembered as the hero you are.

Anonymous

January 18, 2010

Sincerest condolences to the Captain's family, friends, and brother officers. This hero, by his selfless action was a true credit to the citizens of Florida. May God continue to strengthen you all.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

January 18, 2010

I thank you for your years service and ultimate sacrifice. My hearts and prayers go out to your family, friends, and fellow Dixie County Sheriff personnel. May you never be forgotten. Rest in Peace Captain Reed.

Trooper Jed Roffers
Wisconsin State Patrol

January 18, 2010