Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sergeant Russ, a police officer should be remembered not by how he died but by how he lived! A brave man has left to secure a safe path for the rest of us to follow. Thank you for your military and 16 years of law enforcement service, to your family, and to the Chattanooga Police Department. Our country is a little less safe without you. Rest in Peace Brother!

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

December 29, 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

December 29, 2023

Dear Chief of Police Celeste Murphy:

I hope this letter finds you well, though I understand it is an incredibly tough time for you and everyone connected to your department. I am writing to extend my heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences for the loss of Sergeant James Michael Russ, a brave and dedicated professional.

The news of Sergeant James Michael Russ’s death has deeply saddened me and my entire family. The sacrifice that he made while protecting and serving your community is a testament to the selfless and courageous nature of law enforcement officers like him. We can never truly comprehend the risks and challenges faced by those in law enforcement, and we are forever indebted to them for their unwavering commitment to keeping us safe.

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with Sergeant James Michael Russ’s family, friends, and colleagues during this immensely challenging time. Their loss is immeasurable, and we can only hope that the outpouring of support from the community can offer some comfort in these trying times.

In times like these, we must remember the positive impact Sergeant James Michael Russ had on countless lives throughout his life and career. The memories of his dedication, kindness, and professionalism will remain etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know him.

To you, Chief Murphy, and the entire Chattanooga Police Department, my family and I want to express our gratitude for the vital work you do each day, often in the face of danger and adversity. The sacrifice of your fallen colleague serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that come with your line of duty. Despite the risks, you continue to serve with integrity and unwavering commitment, and for that, we are immensely thankful.

Having served 44 years as a Law Enforcement Professional, my family stands with you during this time of mourning. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything we can do to support you and your department during this difficult period.

May the memories of Sergeant James Michael Russ be a source of strength and may his legacy inspire others to follow in his footsteps of honor and service. We will forever be indebted to the sacrifice he made to keep us safe.

With deepest sympathy,

Don P. Jensen Sr. - PM, PP, PGP, DrE
Chief of Police (retired)

December 29, 2023

O God of Peace, so many of America’s Peace Officers who are on the front lines to protect us never make it back home to their families. We pray for these fallen law enforcement officers, Lord God, who gave their lives for us. We pray for the families of these heroes, who have to now endure life without their loved one. Lord God, society tries to move forward, but there is always bloodshed occurring. We approach Your throne of glory and grace to beg of You for peace. Lord God, bring peace to this land – the United States of America. We plead for Your divine intervention to quiet our hearts and unify our communities. Stop the violence that occurs amid our cities. We thank You for all America’s Peace Officers who have died protecting us, and ask that You send an everlasting peace so that America’s Peace Officers on the streets may be safe and return home to their loved ones at the end of their assigned shifts. In Christ Jesus, Your blessed Son, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:

“So those who refuse to obey the laws of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow. For the policeman [peace officer] 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 [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [The peace officer] 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]

[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]

And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]

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

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
Ministry: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA
Website: https://www.fcpo.org

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

December 29, 2023

Hero never forgotten. Prayers to family blood and blue.

BLR
Retired Texas dispatcher

December 29, 2023

God rest his soul.

Sgt. Robert A. Henne
Jersey City PD/Ret.

December 29, 2023

RIP Sergeant Russ. Thank you for your service to the Country and the citizens of Chattanooga

Lieutenant Darren Weisse
Tufts University Police
Boston, Ma. 02120

December 29, 2023

On behalf of the 68 dedicated volunteers associated with POINT 27 across the United States, we would like to offer condolences for Sergeant James Michael Russ. Pease know we are eternally grateful for James’ service and his ultimate sacrifice.

To honor Sergeant Russ, 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 Chattanooga Police Department in Chattanooga, Tennessee for James’ partner and fellow officers. POINT 27 also sent two Folded Flag Necklaces engraved with “Greater Love has no one than this; than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend” John 15:13 for Sergeant James Michael Russ’ wife and mother.

Also sent to the Russ Family was a Forever Grateful Military Challenge coin to honor James’ devotion to the United States Navy.

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

December 29, 2023

Thank you for your service.

Dmytro Goloborodko

December 29, 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)

December 29, 2023