Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Chief of Police Frank Hayes, Jr.

Goodland Police Department, Kansas

End of Watch Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Chief of Police Frank Hayes, Jr.

The true measure of a person
is not found in the
might of their arm,
their wealth
or their power –
it is found in the strength
of their character.

There is no greater testimony to
ones character, than ones
willingness to sacrifice all,
in the noble quest of
providing protection to all
whom they serve.

Author Unknown

Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

February 7, 2024

Lord God of unfailing love, to those families in our beloved nation, the United States of America, who are suffering in the wake of the loss of a law enforcement family member, help us to provide support. Allow us to be their rock and fortress in a time of immense pain and uncertainty. Help us to keep them safe and nourished in their time of grief, suffering beside them as we move toward healing and reconciliation. Lord God, in Your compassionate mercy, hear my prayer. In Christ Jesus, Your beloved Son, and by His authority, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scripture References:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” [Matthew 5:4 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
“Honoring America’s Fallen Peace Officers”
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

November 20, 2023

"Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and perpetual light shine upon him."

Bishop Edward Skiba
Stuart, Florida Police Chaplain

November 12, 2023

Rest In Peace Brother.

Det. Andreoli
NYPD-Retired

November 12, 2023

Thank you for your sacrifice for our nation. May you be with the Lord and may he be with your family.

Det. Russ Cain


Pittsburgh PD

November 12, 2023

Rest in Peace Chief, Salute.

Anrae G Godley-Cooper
U.S. Army Military Police

November 12, 2023

Rest, brother.

Sgt. Steve Headley
Mishawaka, IN police

November 2, 2023

Chief Hayes, for many years, you dedicated your life to protecting others that they may be safe. Our Lord, who sees all and knows all, will reward you abundantly for your courage, dedication and selfless service. My heart breaks for the sorrow that your loved ones are experiencing. May God immerse you and them in His Divine Mercy. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.

Jess Espinosa
Civilian

October 28, 2023

RIP Hero. May you forever spend your eternal life with our dear Lord in heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with all your loved ones. Our country is now a little less safe without you. Thank you for your service.

HEROES NEVER DIE....

Sergeant Mitchell G. Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

October 27, 2023

Rest in Peace Chief Hayes. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and Prayers go out to your family, coworkers and friends.

Lieutenant Robert T. Mote (ret)
Buena Park, CA Police Department

October 27, 2023

On behalf of the Klamath County Sheriff's Office in Klamath Falls Oregon, we send our sincerest sympathy in the recent loss of your Chief of Police, Frank Hayes, Jr. from a medical issue. It is always a huge loss when a fellow Chief of Police succumbs from complications of a medical condition. His bravery and courage to protect and serve your community has not gone unnoticed.

Sheriff Chris Kaber
Klamath County Sheriff's Office

October 23, 2023

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service (Retired)

October 22, 2023

Thank you for your service Chief. You will never be forgotten as true heroes never die.

Robert Gordon
Retired DC, Riverside PD, Illinois

October 21, 2023

My family and I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and fellow coworkers of Chief of Police Frank Hayes, Jr. during this difficult time. May they find comfort and support from those around them. May happy moments from the past bring forth precious memories to cherish for a lifetime. May God help heal their aching hearts. Thank you for your service and may you rest in peace
Chief of Police Frank Hayes, Jr.

Gail. M Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit P.O. Jennifer Fettig eow 2/16/04

October 21, 2023

Rest in peace.

J.R.

October 19, 2023

Heavenly Father, You are Compassionate and Merciful. None of America’s Peace Officers leave home without the fear of failing to return at the end of their watch. It is a fear that is lived daily. Unfortunately, the worst does sometimes come to pass, and lives are left shattered. Lord God, bless and keep the hearts and souls of those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Wipe away the tears from their eyes. Soothe their pain and bind up their emotional wounds through the wounds of Your beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In His name, and by His authority, I pray. Amen.

Scripture Supporting the Law Enforcement Mission:

“So those who refuse to obey the laws of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow. For the policeman does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he will have you punished. He is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:2-5 TLB]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

October 19, 2023

A Policeman is a composite of what all men are, the mingling of a saint and sinner, dust and deity.

Gulled statistics wave the fan over the stinkers, underscore instances of dishonesty and brutality because they are “new”. What they really mean is that they are exceptional, unusual, not commonplace.

Buried under the frost is the fact: Less than one-half of one percent of policemen misfit the uniform. That’s a better average than you’d find among clergy!

What is a policeman made of? He, of all men, is once the most needed and the most unwanted. He’s a strangely nameless creature who is “sir” to his face and “fuzz” to his back.

He must be such a diplomat that he can settle differences between individuals so that each will think he won. But…If the policeman is neat, he’s conceited; if he’s careless, he’s a bum. If he’s pleasant, he’s flirting; if not, he’s a grouch.

He must make an instant decision which would require months for a lawyer to make.

But…If he hurries, he’s careless; if he’s deliberate, he’s lazy. He must be first to an accident and infallible with his diagnosis. He must be able to start breathing, stop bleeding, tie splints and, above all, be sure the victim goes home without a limp. Or expect to be sued.

The police officer must know every gun, draw on the run, and hit where it doesn’t hurt. He must be able to whip two men twice his size and half his age without damaging his uniform and without being “brutal”. If you hit him, he’s a coward. If he hits you, he’s a bully.

A policeman must know everything-and not tell. He must know where all the sin is and not partake.

A policeman must, from a single strand of hair, be able to describe the crime, the weapon, and the criminal- and tell you where the criminal is hiding.

But…If he catches the criminal, he’s lucky; if he doesn’t, he’s a dunce. If he gets promoted, he has political pull; if he doesn’t, he’s a dullard. The policeman must chase a bum lead to a dead-end, stake out ten nights to tag one witness who saw it happen but refused to remember.

The policeman must be a minister, a social worker, a diplomat, a tough guy, and a gentleman.

And, of course, he’d have to be genius….For he will have to feed a family on a policeman’s salary. " -Paul Harvey

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

Frankie was a great man, a good friend, a fantastic chief, and will be sorely missed.

Police Officer 2 (Part Time) John Windle
Goodland Police Department

October 19, 2023

The true measure of a person
is not found in the
might of their arm,
their wealth
or their power –
it is found in the strength
of their character.

There is no greater testimony to
ones character, than ones
willingness to sacrifice all,
in the noble quest of
providing protection to all
whom they serve.

Author Unknown

Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

October 19, 2023

Rest in peace Chief of Police Hayes.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 19, 2023

Thank you for your service.

Dmytro Goloborodko

October 19, 2023

May God and St. Michael watch over you in Heaven, Chief Hayes.

Patrolman Kenneth Collins
South Amherst Police Department

October 19, 2023

On behalf of the 68 dedicated volunteers associated with POINT 27 across the United States, we would like to offer condolences for Chief of Police Frank Hayes, Jr. Please know we are eternally grateful for Chief Hayes’ service and his ultimate sacrifice.

To honor Chief Hayes, POINT 27 sent 27 Thin Blue Line Dog Tag Necklaces, engraved with “Blessed are the Peacemakers for they will be called children of God” Matthew 5:9, to the Goodland Police Department in Goodland, Kansas for Chief Hayes’ Command Staff, and fellow officers. POINT 27 also sent a Folded Flag Necklace engraved with “Greater Love has no one than this; than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend” John 15:13 for Chief of Police Frank Hayes’ wife.

POINT 27 is a Non-Profit organization with a mission to strengthen and encourage members of the Armed Forces, First Responders, and their families, by sharing scripture on Dog Tags and Jewelry called Shields of Strength.

We will never forget and we are forever grateful.

Respectfully,

Colonel David Dodd,
United States Army Retired
Executive Director-POINT 27

Detective Jerry M. Rhodes #R309
Dallas Police Department-Reserve Division (Retired)
POINT 27 National Outreach Coordinator
Law Enforcement Liaison
[email protected]
214-908-2617

Detective Jerry M. Rhodes (Retired)
Dallas Police Department Reserve Division
POINT 27- National Out Reach Coordinator
Law Enforcement Liaison

October 19, 2023

Rest In Peace Chief of Police Frank Hayes, Jr.! Thank you for your 3 years of service as Police Chief and your additional 6 years of service with the Goodland Police
Department, in Kansas. We thank you for your devotion and your sacrifices, and also to your family and friends for their sacrifices. Our hearts break for your wife, your four children, your two brothers, your two sisters, your five grandchildren and your friends during this terrible tragedy, and we want them to know that you will never be forgotten! Our thoughts and Prayers also go out to all of your sisters and brothers in Blue that protect us. God bless you all!! (Matthew 5:9)

Eddie & Kelly King

October 19, 2023

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers during this difficult time. Your service and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Thomas H. Kelly Jr.
Supervisory Air Marshal in Charge (SAC)
Orlando Field Office
Federal Air Marshal Service

October 19, 2023

Rest in peace Brother....My thoughts are with your family, friends, and the members of your agency during this most difficult and tragic time..

LT. Joseph Ward, Ret
Jackson, NJ PD

October 19, 2023

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.