Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Faithful Unto Death | Eternal Rest | Salute

S. I. Drake - Lt/IPD | IMPD (Ret)

March 20, 2022

Faithful Unto Death | Eternal Rest | Salute

S. I. Drake - Lt/IPD | IMPD (Ret)

March 21, 2021

After being involved in a shooting in the summer 1982, Maj Ernst was the first MCSD on the scene to calm my nerves and take me to the hospital for my injury.
I grew a deeper respect for him after his act of kindness.

Capt Dave Wilks
MCSD (retired)

March 24, 2020

Faithful Unto Death | Eternal Rest | Salute

S. I. Drake - Lt/IPD | IMPD (Ret)

March 23, 2020

Faithful Unto Death | Eternal Rest | Salute

S. I. Drake - Lt/IPD | IMPD (Ret)

March 20, 2019

Faithful Unto Death | Eternal Rest | Salute!

S. I. Drake - Lt/IPD | IMPD (Ret)
Indianapolis Police

March 20, 2018

Faithful Unto Death | Eternal Rest

S. I. Drake, Lt/IPD-IMPD (Ret)
Indianapolis Police

March 21, 2017

I am sorry I planted that bug in your office. Had to do it...

Sgt. Fraley
Marion County Sheriff

September 15, 2015

Eternal Rest

S. I. Drake, Lt/IPD (Ret)
Indianapolis Police

March 20, 2015

Eternal Rest.

S. I. Dake, Lt./IPD (Ret)
Indianapolis Police

March 21, 2014

RIP peace Hero! You are not forgotten!

Former Sheriff's Deputy
Marion Co. Sheriff's Dept., Indianapolis, IN

April 26, 2013

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 Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 21, 2010

Joe, thanks for everything. I would not be where I am today without all the support you gave me. I sure remember lots of good times at the track, water rescue, tornadoes and more. You were the image of what a professional should be and I will always be grateful for what I learned from you. Say hello to Pat for me...did he ever forgive you for that time at......

Mike Russo
MCSD - Retired

October 26, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 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

January 9, 2008

MY BROTHER, MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

July 8, 2007

Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer Danny Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

March 21, 2007

Joe
I know you and Brother Pat are pulling jokes on someone. You brighten my life and were a true friend.

Det/Sgt Steve Sims Ret
Marion CSD

March 6, 2007

To Major Joseph Ernst, his wife and daughter and his other loved ones:

On this the fourteenth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.

Major Ernst, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Major Ernst. I am humbled by your valor, courage, and dedication.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Major Ernst gave to his community and the citizens of Indiana, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 21, 1992.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 21, 2006

Joe - One of the funniest guys I have known. You and your great sense of humor are missed.

Bob Dickerson

February 2, 2006

Rest in peace motorman.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

February 18, 2004

Joe, it only seems like yesterday I was rolling on the ground laughing at one of your outlandish pranks. How did you get that truck assembled in the sheriff's office anyway?! You could always lighten any mood and you definately are missed.

Deputy Ginger Robertson
MCSD

January 5, 2004

You live on.

Dep
MCSD