Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"When God Made Peace Officers"
Unknown Author

When the Lord was creating peace officers, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, "You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one"
And the Lord said, "Have you read the spec on this order?" A peace officer has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn't touch, and not wrinkle his uniform."
He has to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvass the neighborhood for witnesses and testify in court the next day."
He has to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half-eaten meals. And he has to have six pairs of hands."
The angel shook her head slowly and said, "Six pairs of hands...no way."
"It's not the hands that are causing me problems." said the Lord, "It's the three pairs of eyes an officer has to have."
"That's on the standard model?" asked the angel.
The Lord nodded. "One pair that sees through the bulge in a pocket before he asks, 'May I see what's in there sir?' (When he already knows and wishes he'd taken that accounting job.) Another pair here in the side of the head for his partner's safety. And another pair of eyes here in the front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say. 'You'll be all right ma'am.' When he knows it isn't so."
"Lord," said the angel, touching his sleeve, "rest and work on this tomorrow."
"I can't" said the Lord, "I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident, and feed a family of five on a civil service pay check."
The angel circled the model of the peace officer very slowly. "Can it think?" she asked.
"You bet." said the Lord. "It can tell you the elements of a hundred crime scenes; recite Miranda warnings in his sleep; detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five learned judges to debate the legality of the stop...and still keeps its sense of humor."
"This officer also has phenomenal personal control. He can deal with crime scenes painted in hell; coax a confession from a child abuser; comfort a murder victim's family; and then read in the daily paper how law enforcement isn't sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects."
Finally, the angel bent over and ran her fingers across the cheek of the peace officer. "There's a leak." She pronounced. "I told you that you are trying to put to much in this model."
"That's not a leak," said the Lord, "it's a tear."
"What's the tear for?" asked the angel.
"It's for bottled-up emotions; for fallen comrades; for commitment to that funny piece of metal called his badge; for justice."
"You're a genius." said the angel.
The Lord looked somber. "I didn't put it there." he said.

Sheffie Weatherford
friend of another fallen officer

December 12, 2011

I just completed an Officer Safety and Readiness Training class at the NC Justice Academy in Edneyville. Everyone in the class became really close and I especially did with my roommate who is a Moore County Deputy Sheriff and two officers from Pinehurst Police Dept. It really hit hard losing someone so close to home and although I did not know Rick Rhyne personally I know from his friends that he was not only a great officer but a great person. NC deputies and officers are an extremely close community because the majority of us work for small depts and rely on one another for help and support. I am truly saddened and will keep Deputy Rhyne and his family in my heart and prayers. May God bless the Rhyne Family and the Moore County Law Enforcement community.

Officer Jason Whisnant
Sylva Police Department, NC

December 12, 2011

Rick, you'll be greatly missed around the county. We have gained a brother in heaven. The service today was beautiful but so sad. We will all miss you. All in the law enforcement community.

J.M. McCarn
Aquaintance

December 12, 2011

From the pen of President Abraham Lincoln written on November 21, 1864,
“…….I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.
Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,
A. Lincoln”

M. Reuss Police Officer
Eagan MN Police Department

December 12, 2011

RIP Brother.

Det. Andreoli
NYPD

December 12, 2011

Rest in peace brother...we will take the watch from here...the ultimate sacrifice you have made will not be forgotten. I am proud to render Deputy Sheriff Rick Rhynea final salute.

PO KJ JONES
Troy, NY PD

December 12, 2011

Thank you, Deputy Rhyne, for your years of service and dedication. My family holds yours in our prayers.

A. Harrison, SrPO, County of San Diego
and mother of SDPD officer

December 12, 2011

God speed Deputy Rhyne. I had the honor of meeting you several years ago at Foxfire Village. Rest in peace

David E Nissen Deputy Sheriff (Ret)
McDonough County Sheriff IL

December 12, 2011

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

December 12, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and coworkers during this difficult time. Your service and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Thomas Kelly Senior Federal Air Marshal

December 12, 2011

Rest in peace Deputy Rhyne, my sincere condolences to your family and to all your departments that you have spread your knowledge and expertise to. Godspeed as you now patrol the streets of gold.

OFC TERRY F. ZECH
VETERAN AFFAIRS POLICE DEPT, DETROIT MICHIGAN

December 11, 2011

Dear fellow Deputy, May you rest in peace and please look down upon the rest, and keep us safe... Greater love has no man than this,that he lay down his life for his friends..JOHN 15:13 Ye shall be in my prayers.

Kevin Hunter

December 11, 2011

Rest in peace, Deputy Rhyne. Your service was not in vain. My heart goes out to the family, friends and extended law enforcement family of the Moore County Sheriff's Office. May you find peace during this difficult time.

Reserve Sergeant L. Brown
Rainier Police Department

December 11, 2011

On behalf of the men and women of the Camillus Police Department, our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Sheriff Rick Rhyne. Rest in Peace Brother, We now have the Watch.

PBA
Town of Camillus Police Department, Central New York

December 11, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and the Moore County Sheriff’s Office. God Bless him for his service and the sacrifice he made. God bless you all.

Chief Deputy

December 11, 2011

Rest in peace brother....

Patrol Deputy
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, NC

December 11, 2011

May God grant your family and friends the strength to get through these difficult times. Heroes will never be forgotten and you, Deputy Sheriff Rick Rhyne, are a hero. I salute you SIR. R.I.P. Brother

Detective Senior Sergeant (Retired)
Victoria Police Australia

December 11, 2011

a sad loss for the brotherhood

sgt. major moten retired
kinloch

December 11, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! Thank you for all of your service!

Bryce Stevenson
Son of Fallen Ceres Police Sergeant Howard Stevenson, 010905

December 11, 2011

Thankyou for your service, you are a hero for us all to look up too. You will never be forgotten. God bless your family

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

December 10, 2011

Thank you for your service. Way too many officers are leaving us way too soon. So often because of parolees that should not be on the street.

Patrolman-Narcotics Officer
Long Beach PD

December 10, 2011

A Deputy Sheriff since a young man, a Law Enforcement Officer for a lifetime. May God Bless him and hold him in His arms until we all meet again.

Deputy Chief Dan Gabehart
Bexar County Sheriff's Office, San Antonio, TX

December 10, 2011

Deputy Rhyne, your watch is ended. May our Heavenly Father watch over your family and friends during this tragic time. May your soul walk carefully and proudly into everlasting life. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in God’s peace my friend, you deserve it.
REV

Chaplain Michael Grinnals
Camillus Police department

December 10, 2011

The Final Inspection

The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
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 awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just 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 unmanly tears.

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 had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"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."

Lauren
Family of CCPD, Ca Ofc.

December 10, 2011

The men and women of the Union County Sheriff's Office extend our deepest condolences to the Rhyne family, Sheriff Carter and the Moore County Sheriff's Office. May God grant you peace during this difficult time, and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you in the days ahead.

Sheriff Eddie Cathey
Union County Sheriff's Office

December 10, 2011