Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It has been 15 years since that night in December but I remember it well. I was a Trooper in Anderson county and knew Chris and his dad Ray. I used to work out with Chris at a gym in Anderson and he would talk to me about becoming a Trooper. We had some good talks while we did a little lifting. He was a polite, respectful, and considerate young man and a good officer. I miss him and will always remember him forever. I hope his son knows what a fine man his dad was.

W.R. Griffith Jr.
South Carolina Highway Patrol

March 8, 2008

The pain never goes away, I miss Chris each and every day.
Thanks to all for your thoughts and prayers..please continue to remember us.........Forever and Always I will Love and miss Chris.

Tracy Taylor
Wife of Deputy Chris Taylor

February 4, 2008

I remember the night this terrible tradgedy happened. I was in high school. I also remember the two suspects being arrested in front of me at school a few days later. I was shocked. I also attended your funeral because I was taught at a young age to respect law enforcement. I am now a Deputy here in Anderson. Your memory and life have not, nor ever will be forgotten. Thanks for all you did to serve and protect. Keep us safe.

Deputy J Parker
ACSO

December 29, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
mancheste,r nh

December 4, 2007

"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.

July 9, 2007

Chris, although I did not know you I have grown fond of your dad. I joined the Sheriff's office in 97 and have heard nothing but good things about you. I am proud to call your dad a friend. You will never be forgotten brother. Rest easy.

Robert W. Miller
IPLO

IPLO Robert W. Miller
Friend

April 14, 2007

14 years have passed since that cold rainy night that you were taken from us. I remember standing outside the E.R. when the ambulance bought you in.I wish there was something I can to do help but all I could was stand there and feel helpless. I see your father often and I know he was very proud of you. I want you to know that your son is growing to be a fine young man just like his father.
"Well done thy good and faithful servant"

A brother in blue

Officer Don Hodges
Anderson SC Police Dept

March 1, 2007

Rest easy BROTHER, you are not forgotten.......

Senior Officer D. W. Reichhardt
Waverly (Va.) Police Department

December 7, 2006

As one of your teachers, I will always remember you as a very special student in my classroom at Whitehall Elementary School in Anderson. I will never forget the horror and grief that I felt the morning I heard the dreadful news of your death and the circumstances as I was getting ready for school. Your son whom you did not live to see is a mirror image of you.
You will always be in our hearts.

Sara Thornton
Teacher

May 17, 2006

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

February 10, 2006

It's hard to believe that it's been 13 years. I will never forget This date in time and the sacrifice that chris made.Your memory will always be with me.

Master Deputy Jerry Brown
Anderson County Sheriffs Office

December 7, 2005

Dear chris, I just wanted to thank you. We only knew each other for a short time mostly by phone when you worked as a dispatcher but you made me laugh with the jokes you told and what a love for life you had. I was working at Anderson ambulance the night you were shot and responded to the scene. Im sorry that i did not recognize you but it was bussy. I remimber driving you to the hospital and oh how fast I tried to get you there. The guys on the ambulance worked so hard to bring you back to us. I remimber Dino crying at the Hospital and I couldant help but to join in.
But now 12 years later im a Deputy Sheriff in North Carolina and i think of you oftin and that night. Sorry that it took so long to wright this, but I wanted you(Chris and Family) to know that you will always be in my thoughts and prays.

DEPUTY J.D ROACH JR
HAYWOOD COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

April 28, 2005

I think of you often my little brother and still miss your unique style.

A.W. "Tony" Burdette, Former Cpl.
ACSO

April 11, 2005

We all recall you gave your best.
You did your job, now you can rest.
Your comrades now can cover your post
as you take your place with the Heavenly Host.

I was to young to know you, but your friends and family told me you was a great man. I really wish you were here now to guide me through my path in law enforcement.

Joseph Taylor

October 28, 2004

im praying for all of our officers and thier families i see the danger they face each day. they need all of our prayers

criminal justice major

October 9, 2004

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 4, 2004

12-07-03, MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN MY BROTHER. A HERO NEVER IS. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

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

December 7, 2003

The policeman stood and faced his God,which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?
The policeman squared his shoulders and said.
"No, I guess I ain't because those of us who carry a badge can't always be a Saint."
I've had to work most Sundays
and at times my talk is rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep...
though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got to steep.
And I never passed a cry for help
though at times I shook with fear,
and sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much, but if you don't...I'll understand"
There was a silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman.
You've borne you burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets.
You've done your time in Hell"

G. Houston
South Carolina

September 29, 2003

YOU ARE ALWAYS LOVED AND MISSED. GOD BLESS YOU AND REST IN PEACE

DISPATCHER ..TINA DRAWDY
ACSO

September 3, 2003