Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sheriff Cyrus,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Johnson County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 18, 2022

Rest in eternal peace

Mark Mottola

March 18, 2020

Gene gave me my start in Law Enforcement he was a great man and one of my personal heroes. Too all my Brothers from JCSO past present and future live up to the example and expectations Sheriff Cyrus expressed to us every day.

Bryan Bentley
Former JCSO 67

March 18, 2020

I worked daily with Gene for more than ten years. He was always great fun, and strong beyond belief. The biggest part of Gene was his "heart". Countless times I witnessed his compassion for people less fortunate. He loved his family. He remains the most fearless man I ever met. I responded to the call the day Gene was murdered. Gene was "family". I have no words to explain how witnessing that incident has affected my life. My sincerest condolences to his family.

I look forward to seeing him again in heaven.

Former Sheriff of Johnson County
Don McFaddin

August 7, 2019

Gene it has been a long time, and I remember when the sheriff's office worked along with the state police, and the city police. they solved many cases together not only here in Ky, but I can recall all three agencies working a case that led them to Florida. I guess that time slips away from us but the memories still linger on. thanks for the memories of you and what you stood for, god bless your family and I will never forget you.

Chief Steve Sluss
Paintsville Police Department

March 18, 2013

Gene,
I can't believe it has been 19 years since we lost you. I saw pictures of your baby girl and your wife tonight and thought I would stop by and say hello.
I also wanted to say thank you for giving me my start in this crazy somtimes scary line of work and thanks for being a mentor, a friend, and someone to look up. You are missed and will always be remembered!

Bryan Bentley former JCSO #67
USDOJ

June 10, 2011

Sheriff Cyrus,
Sir, even though it has been 19 years since your death you are still remembered. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Johnson County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
USBP

March 19, 2011

Thank you for your bravery, honor, service, and ultimate sacrifice. You will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten! May God bless your family and friends. I salute you, Sir! A side note to Buck: I don't recall hearing about the tragic & brutal murder of your dad. I know it was read during briefing, because that was SOP at our department. Anyway, I am so sorry for your loss and know the pain you feel will never totally go away. Please realize one thing, Buck: Your dad IS and will FOREVER be a HERO. You can be PROUD of him. I certainly am!

Sergeant, Retired
Fayetteville, AR PD

March 18, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 18, 2010

Not a day passes that I don't think of you Dad.
I am filled with pride because of you and the things you did for the people of Johnson County. Every week, there is always someone thateven though they never knew you, had heard about you and wants to hear more! I am not sure if I have ever had to tell the same story twice! You touches a lot of people around here Sir!
I love you and miss you dearly. Buck

Cecil E. Cyrus II (Buck)
Proud Son

November 12, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the seventeenth 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 who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 18, 2009

Gene, it's hard to believe this much time has passed.Almost 16 yrs.Seems like yesterday you were on patrol, or gossiping with the people of Paintsville.You are still sorly missed and not forgotten.Rest in Peace.

Correctional Officer S. Ramey
Ky. Dept. Of Corrections

August 22, 2008

Thank you for your sacrifice. You are not forgotten.

Kathleen Stocker
Surviving sister of Gilbert T. Stocker, EOW 7/31/1972

June 30, 2008

YOU ARE STILL REMEMBERED TODAY AND ALWAYS.

DETECTIVE MICHAEL LEE WATTENBERGER JR
WINCHESTER POLICE

May 6, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

April 30, 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

October 29, 2007

Growing up in Paintsville I always heard how good of a police officer you were. I just wanted to say thanks for you service and may you rest in peace.

July 4, 2007

In memory of Sheriff Gene Cyrus
Some Gave All.
Many times through the years that have passed since your death I have reflected on your presence in our county as a man and as our Sheriff. It continues to sadden me that you had to leave this world, but comforts me to know your work is being continued in Heaven to make this world a better place. Today, June 17, 2007, Father's Day, another law enforcement officer was laid to rest in Clay City, KY. That community lost their Chief of Police this past week. It just so happened I was with a group of friends passing thru Clay City this afternoon as the Chief's funeral procession was passing. Just as it was in Johnson County when you passed, their town honored and mourned one of their fallen heroes. Small towns have one thing in common, we appreciate our law enforcement officers. My son is currently in the Law Enforcement Academy in Richmond and I know he will serve his community as honorably as you served Johnson County.
Thank you, Gene Cyrus, for being the man you were.
Nancy O.

Nancy C. Orem
Johnson Countian

June 17, 2007

Sheriff Cyrus, I did not know you however I want to thank you for your service sir. You are a true HERO and will never be forgotten. Keep watch over us as you patrol the golden streets of Heaven. God Bless and rest easy.

NC LEO
Winston-Salem PD

March 19, 2007

Rest in peace sir. Thank you for your service.

Shannon
Collins Fire Dept. (Mississippi)

July 22, 2006

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Week has just ended. On behalf of all Kentucky LEO's at the local, state and federal levels we will not forget your committment to duty, service and paying the ulimate sacrifice for the citizens of Johnson Co. and our commonwealth. Rest in peace.

DUSM Roger Daniel
U.S. Marshals Service

June 2, 2006

Gene I want to thank you for giving me the the chance to work for and know you. It's hard to beleive it's been this long it seems like yesterday.

Officer Bryan Bentley
Federal Bureau

October 16, 2004

Sherif Cyrus,

Gene,I Guess I am the first person to write to you.I did not know about this website until another friend of mine was killed in the line of duty.His name is Billy R. Walls.He was killed on Nov.13th 2001.He was a deputy sheriff in Jessamine Co.After his death I was told about this site.If I had known years ago I would have all ready written something.Gene,you have been sadly missed for years.It has been almost ten years since your death.I have thought about you several times.You were one of the greatest sheriffs I have ever known.You were always there for your deputies and for your friends and family.You gave the ultimate sacrifice.You gave your life to protect the people of Johnson County and to protect your deputies that worked for you.You said in a meeting prior to your death that you always wanted to be the first on on the scene.You had made peace with God and you knew that your deputies had not and that you were ready to go before them.Even though you may have been ready to go we did not want to see you leave.After your death it was hard on everybody.The sheriffs department and the county had lost one of the best sheriffs it will ever see.I know you are up in heaven now working for the all mighty sheriff(God)and having a good time doing it.Gene,I hope to see and work with you again sometime.Please,look after use form up there we could all use a friend on the force(of God) to watch over us down here.You are now safe.God bless you and keep you safe.You are sadly missed.Your friend and form deputy.See you unit #1.


Ofc.James P Primm #517
Paris Police Department
(former Johnson Co.S.O. #17)

Ofc.James P Primm
Paris Police Department