Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You are honored today Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

March 22, 2012

Rest in Peace, Senior Police Officer Christian. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 17, 2012

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP now.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

February 15, 2012

Buddy was a great friend. I have never met anyone like him and I am sure that God truly did break the mould when he created him. Buddy never met a stranger and always was there to help no matter what. He will forever be missed.

SPO Mark Heath
Athens-Clarke County Police/ Fellow Shiftmate

February 1, 2012

To the family and friends of Officer Elmer "Buddy" Christian, his fellow officers, and most especially to Buddy:

We honor your service to your community as a law enforcement officer and you will always be remembered and revered. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of our entire family, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Buddy was killed in the line of duty. It is obvious he was well-loved by many and well-respected by his peers as reflected in the loving reflections left for him.

May his loved ones continued to be supported by their law enforcement family and other police survivors. Our family grieves with you and for you. To Buddy's family, you are in my heart's embrace today. I share your parents anquish in losing a beloved child which surely has to be life's greatest sorrow. As we are fast approaching both their first Christmas without you and your eow anniversary date, they are all in my thoughts and prayers during these difficult days.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the years of distinquished service Buddy gave to his community and the citizens of Georgia, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 22 , 2011

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

December 23, 2011

Sleep well brother...

Staff Sergeant
Grady County Sheriff's Office

November 25, 2011

I have the honor of doing a school project on Officer Christian. Thank you for your tour. Your EOW will NEVER be forgotten.

Allie Muhlstadt
CJA

October 13, 2011

Buddy,

I had the opportunity to be on shift with you during my time with the ACCPD. You were an exceptional person who always loved to joke and have fun, never forgetting the job that needed to get done. This combination of sensitivity, responsibility, humor and a true sense of honor is what made you unique. You never let yourself get sucked into a cynical joke or comment, always maintaining a positive attitude. You surely were one of the best of us. I miss you, I know thousands others do as well. I'm not sure what happens when we die, but I do know what happens when we are alive. Having known you has surely made my life more fulfilled. Like all of my brothers in ACCPD, I love you and might see you one day again.

-Richie

Detective Richie Boyle
Athens-Clarke County Police Dept.

October 13, 2011

Brother, I never had the pleasure of meeting you.
I worked with Officer Howard At CCSO for many years before he joined ACCPD.
The day I learned of the shooting, I prayed for both You and Tony to pull through. Although you didn't make it. You impacted the community more than any words could ever express.
The day you were laid to rest, I was driving along Atlanta highway in Athens.
I can not express the emotions I felt seeing all the people lined along the roadways. One child held a sign that read” our Hero". After seeing that I lost it.
You were indeed a hero, and a role model for others to come.
Go Rest High On That Mountain Sir, Your work on earth is done. and you did it well.

Corporal Jeff Walker
Clarke County Sheriff's office (retired)

September 12, 2011

I had the honor of attending the Buddy Christian Way dedication today. Your story is well known here at the Academy. We hold you and your family in our prayers. Thank you for your sacrifice, you will not be forgotten.

C.Sullivan
Athens Regional Police Academy Cadet

July 11, 2011

Officer Christian,

I live in Madison County and I never met you, but your life has impacted mine greatly. I am married with a 2 year old daughter and I am in the process of becoming an Athens Clarke County Police Officer. Your live and death touch my heart so deeply. I pray for your family everyday. I hope to one day wear a Clarke County Police badge with honor and hopefully come close to being the man that you were.

With Great Love,

Lee Crosby

Gary Lee Crosby
ACCPD applicant

June 10, 2011

Having gone to the academy in Athens and being a former resident there, your death hit close to home.

RIP, sir. My thoughts are with you, your family, and ACCPD.

Ptl. Kevin Loop
Albany, GA PD

May 15, 2011

your walking heavens beat now.....god bless brother

Anonymous

May 4, 2011

RIP SPO Christian. May God bless your family in their time of grief and in their time of healing after your life was taken by a huge coward. One officer killed in the line of duty is one too many, and we have lost 60 officers this year. I pray God watches over us all as we put on the badge each day and report for duty.

Sgt A Cox
Forsyth Co SO

April 19, 2011

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 Christian. 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 Buddy, 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 Buddy's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Buddy's life was about so much more than the way he died. Buddy will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Officer Christian, 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 eight years and 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)

April 12, 2011

Buddy, I only got to work with you for a short time before I went to another department. You were the Godliest and most honorable police officer I have ever had the pleasure of working with! God bless your family and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department! Thanks for your service and dedication.

Former co-worker

April 9, 2011

Rest in peace, Brother.

Police Officer
Chicago Police Dept.

April 8, 2011

Officer Christian,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Athens-Clarke County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
USBP

April 6, 2011

god speed, brother.~The angels are always near to those who are grieving, to whisper to them that their loved ones are safe in the hands of God.~ you will not be forgotten.

officer
Huntsville, AL

April 6, 2011

Chief Strzelecki and the entire Niles Police Department extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Christian. Godspeed.

Niles, Illinois Police Department

April 4, 2011

Buddy it was our honor to be able to work with you. You always was the perfect example of what a police officer is suspose to be. God must have needed an excellent officer on 3-22-2011. RIP 2370 is 10-42 here and 10-8 in Heaven. Until we meet again we say "it was an honor".

Anonymous

April 3, 2011

May God grant your family and friends the strength to get through these difficult times. Heroes will never be forgotten and you SIR are a hero. I salute you. R.I.P. my brother.

Detective Senior Sergeant (Retired)
Victoria Police, Australia

April 3, 2011

It was an honor to have known you and to have worn the same uniform. I heard one officer say, “Buddy was THE example of a Christian, as his name implies. He is the kind of person we should all strive to be.” I know that many people who knew you have said these words, and all who know you have at least had these thoughts. The world was definitely a better place with you in it.

Melissa, Callie, Wyatt and family; May God watch over you as you find comfort and peace.

Rest in peace brother.

Doug Boyd
Gwinnett County Police Department-Formerly ACCPD 2247

April 1, 2011

buddy I want you to know that you are what every police officer should be like. I knew you were with god as I held your hand the day that god called you home. I as well as everyone that ever had the honor of meeting you loved you. You take your position in heavens police force and stand proudley. I love you and look forward to the day we meet again.

spo ronnie norris
athens-clarke county burglary suppression unit west side

March 31, 2011

God bless and rest in peace brother.

Patolman Eric Fluent
Plum Police Dept. Pennsylvania

March 31, 2011