Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

James, it’s coming up on the 42nd anniversary of your passing and you are still deeply missed. I want you to know that your accident taught me a few valuable lessons that I still look back on each and every day. RIP brother.

LT. RJ Swift
USMS

June 21, 2024

You are not forgotten. I was just at my desk thinking about you. Say "hi" to the boys.

Lieutenant V.T. Rosen
Henry County Police Department

May 2, 2023

Rest in peace Patrolman Chandler.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 13, 2021

Fort Oglethorpe Police Department

Published by Bev Neill · 4 hrs ·
..

Today is the anniversary of Officer Jim Chandler's in the line of duty death. He is the only officer to die while on duty in Fort Oglethorpe.

A shadow box in the City Hall's museum honors Officer Chandler. In the shadow box, the following note is encased:

Our Number is now incomplete, One of our members is missing and we feel a void. On September 25, 1982, Jim was taken from us. His life ended while wearing the blue uniform and Badge of office that he loved so much. In protection of the life and property of others, he laid down his life, no complaints to be heard from his dying lips. You have served well, oh Loved one. You shall never have died in vain, nor Your dedication and sacrifice forgotten for we your family and friends shall cherish your memory within our hearts forever.

--To see the markers honoring those fire and law enforcement officers who gave their lives while serving our community, visit the City of Fort Oglethorpe Memorial Park next to Walgreens on Battlefield Parkway.

Beverly Neill (TAC)
Fort Oglethorpe Police Department

September 25, 2017

Just thinking about you. You are not forgotten.

Lieutenant V.T. Rosen
Henry County Police Department

April 29, 2014

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never dimishes respect. Your memory will always be remembered and revered.

Rest In Peace

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

September 25, 2012

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Chandler. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 30, 2012

You were one of a kind Big Jim. The first motor Officer at F.O.PD. The department got rid of that bike after the next Officer assigned to it broke his arm in an MVA. I have always wished I had stayed in the ER with you that night...but I honestly thought, as did the ER Doc, that you were going to be OK. In the days before CAT scans there was no way to know what was going on inside your gead. RIP.

Alan Yates Suoervisor 1
NH Dept of Safety, Retired

April 19, 2011

I saw the stretch of highway named after you. There is a beautiful memorial for you at the park and Ft. o's training facility is named in your honor. I've heard so many nice things about you from the guys out there. God bless you brother.

Patrol Officer
Chattanooga Police Department

August 30, 2010

I lived in Ft. Oglethorpe, I worked in LE and never heard your name. I will contact some of the "old guy's" still working in Ft O and try to get some more info about you to post here. I think most of those guys are still unfamiliar with the internet so that's probably why they haven't visited you here. I'll tell them.

You are not forgotten. You are a hero. Thank you for your service Officer Chandler, God Bless you and your family Sir.

Police Officer
Chattanooga Police Department

August 23, 2010

James,

It kills me that no one writes to you. I didn't know you but I will keep writing so that you know you will never be forgoten. Merry Christmas. I was thinking of you as my family and I drove through Ft. Oglethorpe on our way to Knoxville this Thanksgiving. I hope you are well, and have met Jimmy and Wilbur and Chuck. If you have met them, I know Jimmy and Chuck are keeping you in stitches. Those two...I miss them a lot. Look out for them.

Merry Christmas

Lieutenant V.T. Rosen
Henry County Police

December 23, 2009

James,

I hope Christmas was nice there. New Years at dad's. I will think of you and Jimmy, Wilbur, and Chuck. Tell them I say "hello". I made Lieutenant! Anyway, thanks again.

Vance

Lieutenant V.T.Rosen
Henry County Police Department

December 29, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 26, 2007

I salute you, Sir, on the 25th Anniversary of your tragic death. May your family and friends take comfort in knowing you will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten. God Bless you all.

DET SGT, Retired
AR

September 25, 2007

James,
You were greatest guy in our academy class. I always thought you would be Chief one day. We need to get your picture on this site.
Swain

Captain Swain Harris
University of West Georgia Police

February 22, 2007

James,

I wanted to come by and wish you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. I am going to the Mountains in North Carolina this year for New Years to get away for a few days. I will think of you. Please know that you are never going to be forgotten.

Sergeant V.T. Rosen
Henry County Police Department

December 26, 2006

James,

I just got home from Police Week in Washington D.C. I wanted to write and tell you that I have not forgotten you, or your sacrifice. I thought of you while i was there. I will see you in September

Take care,

Det. Sgt. Rosen

Detective Sergeant V.T. Rosen
Henry County Police Dept.

May 17, 2006

James, I wanted to let you know that I have not forgotten you. Your anniversary this year is on Sunday, and I wanted to leave this message for you in time. Even though we never met, I think of you often. I have the award that I recieved in your name above my desk at the office. From time to time Detectives ask what the award is for. I have trouble telling them because I don't feel like I give anywhere close to how much you gave. I have other friends there with you, Sgt. Gilbert, Sgt. Berry, and especially Chuck Haist. Please look after them, and tell them that I think of them often, and with fondness, as I think of you even though we never actually met. take care friend.

Detective Sergeant V.T. Rosen
Henry County Police Department

September 22, 2005

When I was in the Police Academy, I recieved an award in your name, The James H. Chandler Award, for the cadet that contributed the most to the overall well-being of the class. I could tell from the nature of the award, that you must have been a fine Officer, and a caring friend. Rest in peace, you are not forgotten.

Detective Sergeant V.T. Rosen
Henry County Police Department

March 25, 2005

James you should have more info given by your department. You have not been forgotten by the people you served.

anon

November 1, 2004