United States Department of Agriculture - Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations, U.S. Government
End of Watch Friday, March 5, 2010
Reflections for Officer Christopher A. Upton
All I can say is "SEMPER FI"....Thank you for your service....My daughter attended the same academy you did and I was there for her graduation in Jan 2010. May God Bless you and know that all of your fellow law enforcement friends will take the watch now....Rest in peace and again, Thank you for your service....
State Traffic Officer #7185 Mike Becze
California Highway Patrol
September 27, 2010
I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Every time I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the officer they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Officer Upton. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. (The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. I can also be found on Face Book.) You will be in my thoughts.
From reading the reflections left for Christopher, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Christopher's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Christopher's life was about so much more than the way he died. Christopher will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.
Officer Upton, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been seven years and a half years but he's still very much missed and forever loved.
Wishing you brighter and better days,
Jocelyne :)
"Forever Remembering 26-3"
Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)
July 12, 2010
The Dail family of Ocala, Florida sends our deepest condolences to you and sincerest love. We are praying for you and grieving with you. May the LORD carry you and protect and provide for you. Trust Him, rest in Him.
The Dail family, Ocala, FL
in-laws Ofc. Tony Zeppetella eow:6/13/03
July 2, 2010
To the family and friends of Officer Christopher Upton and his fellow officers:
On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Christopher tragically died.
To Officer Upton's family, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in the Bay Area embraced us in a circle of love and support, and I know you will receive the same support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace.
This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Christopher gave to his community, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 5, 2010.
Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD (CA), eow 4/24/05
Phyllis Loya
May 18, 2010
Officer Upton,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
May 15, 2010
To the family, friends, and co-workers of Officer Upton,
Please accept the most heartfelt condolences from the men and women of the United States Border Patrol, Douglas, AZ station.
We will not forget Officer Upton, and will continue in his stead, fighting evil for a better world. When one of us falls, all of us stumble, but we carry on in honor and memory of the fallen.
Christopher, all is Code-4. Rest in peace, sir. We have it from here.
Douglas, AZ Station
United States Border Patrol
May 4, 2010
My heartfelt prayers and tears to the friends and family of Christopher.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4
Friend of USFS Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08
K. L.
April 25, 2010
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the USDA Forest Service. May peace be with you during this tragic time. We grieve with you and know that your hero will never be forgotten. To Officer Upton's family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Colorado Springs Police Dept Wives Association
Anonymous
April 6, 2010
Gone, but never forgotten, Rest easy now my Brother in Law, your watch on earth is over. God please watch over, and tend to the loved ones left behind.......
Sgt. John L. Gulledge (Ret.)
Escambia CO Sheriff's Office Pensacola FL.
March 26, 2010
Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Officer Christopher Arby Upton,
We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Officer Christopher Arby Upton. 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. Officer Christopher Arby Upton 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
Anonymous
March 25, 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
March 25, 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
March 24, 2010
Thank you for your service. May God Bless you and your family. May he grant your family, friends, and co-workers the strength they need to get through the rough times ahead.
PO James McPartland Jr
Mount Vernon PD NY
March 23, 2010
Rest in Peace, Brother.
OFC B. Grajek
March 23, 2010
May your footfalls forever echo in the woods and forests you so valiantly protected,
May your last sigh forever rustle the trees,
and may that say bring forth the wind that carries your spirit into the hearts of all those you loved and the creatures your sought to protect.
Rest In Peace, Officer Upton
Jennifer & Annabel- as your hearts heal remember the FS family is there for you, take care.
Anonymous FPO
White River NF - Eagle/ Holy Cross Ranger District
March 22, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Uptons' family in this most difficult time---you will be missed deeply by the FS family!!!
Chris Peterson, FMO Shawnee NF,IL
USDA-Forest Service
March 16, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family, REST IN PEACE.
Dan
USMS/ CLEVELAND Ohio
March 16, 2010
As I sit here to write this, I almost don't know where to begin. It seems so senseless that Chris had to give his life for a job, but it has always been more than a job to most of the men and women who wear the Forest Service LEI uniform. It is a way of life that we believe in down to our very core. Chris was one of those officers. He was not only an excellent officer, but he was my friend.
Chris and I had only known each other for less than two years, but I knew right away what a great guy he was. We met during a FS class and we just clicked. We hung out everyday for two weeks and have spoke on the phone every week or so since. Chris always had a joke, always had a smile, and was one of the most positive people I have ever met in life.
I am going to miss calling Chris up and hearing "What's up Ray-Ray!" I am going to miss us bitching about work and what we would do if we were in charge. Chris and I always joked that when he got promoted I would come to work for him. It wasn't a joke on my end, because I believed in Chris. He had a way about him that inspired confidence in people. I would trust him to always do the right thing and I wanted to be a part of whatever he was building.
The one constant that Chris believed in was his family. Everytime we spoke, he was either looking forward to getting off work or to his days off so that he could spend time with his daughter and wife. He loved them more than anything else on earth. It breaks my heart to know that his little girl will not get to grow up with Chris there; protecting and loving her. Chris thought the world of Annabel. Chris set an example of what an officer and family man should be. He found a balance between work and personal life and was one of my heros.
Chris, the world will never be able to replace you my friend. I looked up to you more than I ever said. You were a great person, officer, husband, father, and friend. I can only hope that you always watch over me from above. Go on and rest now, we will take it from here...but we will never be able to fill your shoes.
Psalms 23:4 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."
LEO R. Huffman
US Forest Service
March 16, 2010
Chris,
You were a great guy, true friend, and you kept me going during our 20 weeks at FLETC. Its a tragedy that someone's careless act could take such a great man and officer. You will be truely missed. Words can't describe the sadness we feel. We pray for your family and will continue to do so. Since I didn't get a chance, goodbye friend.
LEO T. Hancock
USFS LEO and fellow LMPT 602 Grad
March 16, 2010
I pray that God bless you, your family and friends with peace, comfort and healing at this time of great loss and in the days and months to come. I am thankful for his service to the Nation.
District Ranger Greg Cohrs
USDA Forest Service, Kisatchie National Forest, Winn Ranger District
March 16, 2010
Rest In Peace, Officer Upton.
Lt T Carr
NYPD
March 15, 2010
His Judgment Day:
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 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 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"
Author unknown
May God be with everyone
Motor officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano, TX
March 15, 2010
You will be remembered.
Special Agent in Charge Matthew Littleto
Georgia Department of Revenue
March 15, 2010
Thank you for your service and dedication to the United States and its citizens. You are in my prayers. May God give you His peace.
Vickie Brooks
Forest Service, Southern Research Station
March 15, 2010
May God bless your family and comfort them during this most difficult time. Your service will not be forgotten.
Anonymous
March 14, 2010
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