Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

July 15, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and co-workers of this brave officer. Rest in Peace.

Sheriff Ray Foster
Buchanan County Sheriff's Office

July 14, 2011

Charles,

You will be missed. The memories of high school and working together at the pool that summer will always be held dear. You were a great man: honest, hardworking, and eager to befriend others.

Thank you for the time I got to know you.

My prayers are with you and your family.

Kenneth Peterson
Old Friend

July 13, 2011

The National Police Wives Association would like to extend their heartfelt prayers to the family of Deputy Sheriff Charles Allen VanMeter and the Brazoria County Sheriff's Department during this time. Thank you, Officer VanMeter, for your service.

National Police Wives Association
Staff

July 10, 2011

My condolences to Deputy Sheriff Charles Allen VanMeters family, friends, and co-workers, but also to the citizens of Brazoria County because we lost a sincere, honest, and dedicated protector. He had a way with the public that you don`t see too often. Our heartbreaking loss is heavens gain. He will not be forgotten. Rest in Peace, Deputy.

Duffy family
Brazoria County residents

July 7, 2011

My sincere condolences to your family and Dept. Rest in Peace Brother, We will take it from here.

T.R. Piotrowski Patrol Officer
Hellertown Police Dept. Pa

July 6, 2011

Rest in peace, Deputy VanMeter. My condolences to the family, friends, and extended law enforcement family of the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office.

Reserve Sgt. L. Brown
Rainier Police Department

July 5, 2011

Step forward now, policeman. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets. You've done your time in hell... REST IN PEACE

DISPATCHER CHERYL DINNER
TORONTO POLICE SERVICE

July 5, 2011

May God warmly welcome you to Heaven. I pray He blesses and comforts your family and co-workers in this time. Rest in Peace.

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28.

Det. John Creamer
Daytona Beach Police

July 5, 2011

Although your tour of duty is over, you will never be forgotten! May God bless you, your family and your co-workers. Rest in peace my brother!!!!!!!!!!

Lieutenant George Monroe Retired
Pulaski Co. Sheriff Dept.

July 5, 2011

I attended Deputy VanMeters funeral with many of his Family, Friends, and Co-workers. I did not know him in life but from all the stories I have read here and that were shared with me that day I believe he was an amazing person. It always pains me to see the best of us taken away much too early.

Officer J. Kimball
Friendswood PD

July 3, 2011

Vanmeter,
You are a great deputy and I choose to believe that is why God called you to patrol for him.
I can not remember a time that I saw you that you did not have a smile on your face.
It was an honor to work with you.
I will keep your family in my prayers.

Dispatcher
Brazoria County Sheriff Office

July 3, 2011

Van Meter, I will miss you more than you know. I remember the first time we met at Bucees ( 4 years ago), we instantly became friends. Everytime I saw you, there was a smile on your face which led to something funny you had to tell me. And when I didn't see you, I would ask where you were. I will cherish our last two hour conversation sitting on Business Center and F.M. 518 three weeks ago. I thank GOD for allowing us to meet and making some of my tough times easy with your many, hilarious stories.( I will never forget the chase on 288 and your joke ;). REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER IN BLUE...

Patrol Officer N. Lucas
Pearland Police Department

July 3, 2011

I hadn't personally known you but for a few weeks, we met at a training event put on by the Sheriff's Office, where we joked about you driving your Lincoln Navigator through the corn fields. Me and my family would like to express our condolences to your family and the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office. Rest in Peace Brother......we've got it from here.

Officer J.Soley
Clute Police Deparment

July 2, 2011

Our deepest condolences to the dear family, friends and fellow officers at Brazoria County Sheriff's Office. God Bless Deputy VanMeter for his faithful service and the sacrifice he made to serve others. Rest in Peace sir, you will not be forgotten.

Sgt. Jim May (ret)
CMPD Charlotte, North Carolina

July 2, 2011

Rest in peace brother, your sacrifice will never be forgotten......

Det. Edward Carlile
Northfield PD (OH)

July 2, 2011

My wife and I want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy VanMeter's family, friends, co-workers, and agency. Rest In Peace Deputy VanMeter, we'll carry on for you.

Sergeant Mike Allen (Retired)
California Highway Patrol

July 2, 2011

Rest in peace brother. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. My thoughts and prayers are with your friends and family.

Sergeant Greg Boody
Santa Fe Police Department (TX)

July 1, 2011

Charles, you were the best. Life will not be the same without you. Thank you for your service, and thank you for the smiles..... may you be at peace where ever you are. You are so dearly missed.

L.C.
Friend

July 1, 2011

Thanks for all the help and advice along the way. See you on the other side. Rest in peace brother.

Officer J. Baldwin
Pearland Police Department

June 30, 2011

I attended the Alvin Community College Police Academy with Charles and Josh in 2006. Charles always had a smile on his face and demonstrated that he would make a terrific peace officer even back then. My family's prayers are with you. You will never be forgotten.

Officer Jason Ives
Friendswood PD/ Friend and Classmate

June 30, 2011

Partner,

A year and a half ago, we became one a team. When I needed you, you were there. When I had a question, you had an answer. When I got the call, I couldn't beleive it. I called your cell phone, and when you didn't answer I knew it must be true, so I left you a message to let you know how much I will miss you. We had fun in the northwest district, but handled business when it had to be done. So I leave by saying "Mi Amigo y Companero, Te Amo y Te Extranare." RIP partner.........I'll jump this call.

Deputy/R. Hlavaty
BCSO

June 30, 2011

I salute you, Sir, for your bravery, dedication to duty and ultimate sacrifice. You will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten! May God Bless your family, co-workers and friends.

SGT Mark B. Hanna, Retired
Fayetteville, AR PD

June 30, 2011

May God bless our brother and his service. Deepest condolences to the family and friends. Rest in peace. We have the watch!

Corporal
USMC Military Police

June 30, 2011

I didn't know Deputy Sheriff VanMeter personally but send my thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and brothers and sisters on the job. I wrote this poem and it's my reflection of the job Officers do, the sacrafices they make, and it's for those of us left behind when one of our brothers or sisters is taken away.

Lord,

I pray that you watch over me today

Remind me of all my responsibilities and keep me sharp so I’ll make the right choice about who to keep safe and who to put away

You know I wanted this job to help others and to do the right thing
Help me forgive others who curse or hate me just for wearing this uniform
Some despise me for nothing

When the people who have cursed me then call me for help
please guide me to forgive them and to do my job well

They don’t know or think about how we silently suffer
We are compassionate souls who have chosen a job where we will witness the unbearable

The child that just died in my arms and their suicidal, devastated mother
A man that thinks stealing is ok and kills his own father

The youth that have gone astray, sell their bodies for money, and walk the streets all day
Lord, for all these souls I pray

People ask why I put my life at risk and have chosen this profession
I’ve heard so many cries, curses, and sighs. There are so many times of frustration

I do it because I have a compassionate heart and want to help others
I’ve trained to be strong and want to defend those that can’t defend themselves from the hands of another

I do it for the children that look at me with innocent eyes
When bad things happen, they look at me as if to ask why?

I want to lead them to do what is right and to teach them to have a sense of pride

If you take me Lord before my watch is over I know that I will have died being very brave
It’s not that I wasn’t saved by others it’s that you took me to be with you and I will forever be safe

Watch over me today Lord and if I don’t make it
I pray you give abundant care and comfort to my family, fellow officers, and friends
Remind them that I don’t blame you it’s just the way it had to end

I would tell my family, fellow officers, and friends not to give up and to continue being strong
Think of me with a smile and not sadness or anger that I lost my life because someone was doing wrong

When they say they won’t forget me, I won’t forget them either
I’ll watch over them from up above and will be their back up and partner

Though they may not see me with their eyes I hope they feel they aren’t alone
I’m here praying for them and watching over them with many other fallen sisters and brothers

Peggy Edwards
Former 911 Dispatcher

June 30, 2011