Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Chief Painter. All the best to you during this very dark time.

Master Patrolman Joseph Thomas
Retired, Winter Park Police Dept, Fl

January 5, 2011

MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO ALL WHO MOURN THE LOSS OF CHIEF PAINTER. MAY GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU WITH THE LOVE AND PEACE OF HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, JESUS CHRIST. CHIEF PAINTER, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU NEVER BE FORGOTTEN FOR YOUR SACRIFICE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. GOD BLESS YOU.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,SC

January 5, 2011

Thank you for your service to your community and our great state. Your sacrafice will not be forgotten. Rest in piece Chief Painter we have the watch now.

Sergeant Mark Davie
Oregon State Police

January 5, 2011

God will make that man pay for taking his life! It is extra sad when those that are protecting us!! Will pray for the family and Jesus is coming soon!

SH
none

January 5, 2011

Chief, you are the true example of a hero. Never let it be said that chiefs are desk jockeys; your story exemplifies the sacrifice that officers make to protect the public. Thank you for your service, and I hope your family can find respite in the pain that comes with such a personal loss.

Girard L Bucello

January 5, 2011

Rest in Peace Chief Painter. I am so sorry for your loss in Rainer. From a sister in blue in Seattle.

Deputy Beth Lavin
King County Sheriff's Office, Seattle

January 5, 2011

My prayers goes to Chief Painter's family. The members of this community thanks all of our law enforcement agencies for taking care of us. I know it's a thankless job sometimes but some of us are aware of how dangerous it is and we THANK YOU for taking care of us. Chief Painter we thank you for protecting us and I am sorry this happened to you. God will bless you for your service. May you rest in peace!

J.B.
Member of the community he protected

January 5, 2011

Chief Painter was a good man. He was a community leader, and a man who would listen if you had a problem. He will be sorely missed.

Brent
Citizen

January 5, 2011

Chief PAINTER,

Edmund Burke once said, "The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing". You took a stand and did something positive for your community and family. We honor your exemplary service and thank you!! Your brothers and sisters will continue the fight of fights with you, your family, and your department always in our thoughts and prayers!! Rest in Peace Chief, we WILL NOT forget you!! Me Ke Aloha Pau Ole a Hui Hou...

DETECTIVE DAVE CRUZ
TUKWILA PD, WA

January 5, 2011

I knew Chief Painter "Ralph" for many years, both personally and professionally. My son is married to his daughter. Ralph was an all-around good cop and guy, respected by both his peers and the community he served. He will be missed by all. Let his death not be in vain. Learn to survive and survive to win! Rest in peace good friend... I'll see you in heaven one day.

Criminal Investigator Randy Heuer
State of Oregon

January 5, 2011

God recognizes your deep loving skills as a law enforcement leader and your dedication to serving His children in your community. All of your new brothers and sisters have also paid the ultimate in bringing honor and respect to our profession in law enforcement. Those left behind will keep your name, honor and integrity alive in the memory of those in your community and in law enforcement across this nation. They will also care for your family. Well done faithful brother, rest in peace. In Christ.

Tom Bradley
Phoenix AZ PD, AZ State Chap. FOP

January 5, 2011

We never lose the ones we love. For even though they're gone. Within the hearts of those who care. Their memory lingers on.

Thank you for your dedicated service to our community.

BPST 1909
PPB RETIRED

January 5, 2011

My thoughts and prayers go out to Ralph's family. I am praying that God will comfort you during your terrible loss. He was a great guy and all around good police officer and he will be greatly missed. At times like this there is not a lot a person can say except, "God be with you and your family" Thank you Chief of Police Ralph Painter for your unrelenting service to us all.....

Terri
friend

January 5, 2011

Rest in Peace Chief.................

Officer Thomas Wiederhold, Retired
Fort Worth Texas PD

January 5, 2011

Chief Painter is a hero, he stood on the line and wouldn't back off..No matter the cost. Thank you for protecting my family and friends.

Ira Swanson
Friend

January 5, 2011

officer panter was an awsome person. also great officer in the commuity. he will be greaty missed. prays will be lifted up.

michelle tracy
commuitly person

January 5, 2011

so sorry to hear about ralph. he was a terrific officer.. i knew him when i worked at the west rainier minit mart.. he will be missed by all..

Anonymous

January 5, 2011

I want to give my condolences to Police Chief Painter's family...I am so sorry for your loss, and I believe in my heart that he is watching over you...Please accept my deepest sympathy...

Lyllian Crenshaw-Sapp
Relative of a Fallen Hero: Deputy DeWayne Crenshaw

January 5, 2011

Chief Painter, my thoughts are with your family at this time.

SA Ellen Pierson
US DHS

January 5, 2011

I am so very, very sorry for your loss. Every time you put on your uniform you put your lives on the line.

Thank you for your past and continued service and please be safe.

Anonymous

January 5, 2011

My sympathy for Chief Painter's family, officers, staff, friends and citizens of Rainier.
I too am a department head of a small police department in Oregon.
If anyone needs any assistance or participation in a celebration of Chief Painter's life and career, please contact me.
Brian P Bicknell, City Marshal
Merrill Police Department

City Marshal Brian P Bicknell
Merrill Police Department, Oregon

January 5, 2011

TO THE PAINTER FAMILY AND THE RAINIER POLICE DEPT. GOD'S SPEED TO YOU. MY FAMILY AND I ARE SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. CHIEF RAINIER MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN PEACE.

POLICE OFFICER TAWANDA JOHNSON
CHICAGO POLICE DEPT.

January 5, 2011

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 whose 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 (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 5, 2011

~~To the family~~
There are no words possible that can comfort you. I can only hope that you can get thru this as a family, sticking together...
~~To Chief Painter~~
You did die a hero, every day you have been a hero,putting yourself at risk on a daily basis to keep us all safe and secure. May you have everlasting peace and keep a watch on your family now. Godspeed sir.

Lisa Chaffee
Citizen, Agawam MA.

January 5, 2011

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO.

Deputy J.D.Davis
Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office

January 5, 2011