Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sgt. Clay,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Far Winds And Following Seas

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

May 27, 2024

I was privileged to know Joe and was pastor at his Memorial Service. I will never forget.

Rev. Dr. H Owen Gordon

December 4, 2018

Joe was just transferred from George County when I arrived. His partner requested a transfer not long after that and has been assigned with Joe.
The man hunt for the two suspect had MHP officers from across the State assigned to that area. His partner did receive server back and leg injures in the accident. The car left the road hitting a large tree on Joe's side of the door.
Everyone that new Joe said he was quite and likeable guy.
RIP Joe

Lt Mike Bryant
City of Stone Mountain Police, Georgia

December 13, 2017

Sergeant Clay your sacrifice will never be forgotten! Thank you for your dedicated service to The Great State of Mississippi and the citizens you were sworn to protect! Continue to rest in peace my fellow "RedLeg"!
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." John 15:13

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

Corporal Tony Dunn
Mississippi Highway Patrol, TroopD

May 27, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 27, 2015

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten! Thank you for your dedicated service to the Citizens of and Our Great State! Continue to Rest in Peace Sergeant Clay.
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13

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

Corporal Tony Dunn
Mississippi Highway Patrol, Troop D

May 27, 2015

Thank you Sergeant Clay for your service to the Great State of Mississippi! You will never be forgotten! Rest in Peace fellow "RedLeg"!

TFC Tony Dunn
Mississippi Highway Patrol

May 28, 2014

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Sgt. Clay.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 17, 2008

How awful that no one was ever caught for causing you to be in the circumstances that caused your death. I was in a similar situation a few years ago, chasing a bike that got away and I cracked up my patrol car in the process. Thankfully that was the only damage. The ones that get away will get caught someday.... thank you for your service, Sergeant Clay.

Trooper
Colorado State Patrol

February 18, 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 3, 2007

Sergeant Clay,

Thank you for your service. God bless you. I hope your family is doing well. I will pray for them.

Agent Brandon Ladner
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics

October 12, 2006

Never forgotten, rest easy brother.

Ms state trooper

March 11, 2004