Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Joe although it has been 17 years since your death you are still remembered by many of us. I will never forget the good times that we had working together at the sheriff's department and also the friendship that we developed. You were are good cop and a good friend. You made the ultimate sacrifice in the job I hope your mom and daughters know how much that you were loved and respected at RCSD. RIP my dear friend.

Todd Miller
Richland Co. Sheriff's Department

December 24, 2009

Joe,
I remember I was in my darkest hour personally, when I read about your death in the Columbia newspaper. I called the RCSO and the person told me what happened. I remember forgeting about my problems and thinking about the time we shared as neighbors at the new apt hi-rise when you were with Columbia PD. I remember the fun we had talking. God bless you and your family.

Mark Davidson
Friend

October 11, 2009

Joe worked for me on his first law enforcement job as a jail guard for the Alaska State Troopers in Ptarmigan Hall State Temporary Holding Facility, Bethel, Alaska, from Spring 1982 through Spring 1983. He was always upbeat, friendly, and dependable. I lost track of him when he left Bethel. Years later, one of my sons who was a friend of his, let me know when Joe had died in the line of duty.

Cpl Patrick Hames
Ak State Trprs, Ret, Former Spvsr

April 17, 2009

Hey Joe, another year has passed and on the Anniversary of your death I am sitting here at work with you on my mind. It is hard to believe 16 years has gone by. I still think of the last time I saw you, you were always the life of the party and I don't think at that time you realized how many lives you touched and how many people loved you. May you rest in peace my brother and friend. Merry Christmas 12/24/2008

Robert Hill Officer* DOJ
Best friend

December 24, 2008

RIP.You may be gone but you will not be forgotten.

Anonymous

November 8, 2008

Joe, December 25, 1992 at 7:23pm I received a phone call that you had been killed,that was a day I have never forgot. Joe you were my best friend,and 15 years later to the day I still feel the pain,and heartache of your passing. You were an awesome human being,and friend. I was supposed to call you that Christmas Eve at 10:00 pm, but was so busy at work I couldn't get to a phone. I have blamed myself everyday since. I should have called you, if I had only known I would never get to talk again, I'm sorry I let you down. I found Stephanie,and the girls last year, you would be so proud of the wonderful job she has done raising the girls. You will always be missed by the people that knew and loved you, Merry Christmas my dear Friend.

Officer Robert HIll
Best Friend

December 25, 2007

Joe
It is hard to believe it has been fifteen years. Your smile and service is remembered. Rest easy the line is held.

Retired Line Doggie
RCSD Friend

December 24, 2007

Deputy Alva:

Thank You for having served the Carolina Community. South Carolina will always be "home" to me.

Today, on the Anniversary(sic), of that fateful day, I met with several supervisors and we discussed the incident.

Studying this incident reminded me so much of the incident that resulted in the death of Police Officer Linda A. Lawrence (Baton Rouge City Police Department), in 1977.

If there is any solace, perhaps, those who carefully review this incident will provide training to others within the profession.

May You Rest - In - Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

December 24, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

VanDenBerghe
Manchester, nh

December 17, 2007

Joe was a huge part of my life during his time in Alaska and our friendship continued well beyond that. He was always the life of the party. He lived his life on the edge and loved anything that got his adrenaline going. He would write me letters or call me telling me about the excitement all in a days work. He definitely cherished his coworkers, friends and daughters. He was a man full of life, spirit and enthusiasm. I contribute a lot of who I am today to the years growing with and sharing my life with Joe.

Tiara

September 22, 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 10, 2007

Joe:
I think of you often and tell a war story on you on occasion though not so often in retirement. You were always having a good time on the job. It was hard to believe when a trooper told me about it in front of the junkyard because I had been out of town. Should your family see this I say like many from CPD and RCSD Joe was good backup. On the front of the thin blue line growling and having a good time. It hard to believe it has been so long. Girls your Dad use to talk about you with pride and love. I am so sorry you were cheated from having more time with him. I am sure you still make him proud.

Retired Line Doggie
Friend RCSD

July 3, 2007

Daddy
i miss you so much but i know that youre with God and i will see you soon!! i love you. thank everyone, for your support and love.

Ashley Alva, youngest daughter

January 17, 2007

Amber graduates this year! Way to go, Joe....she is quite a young woman. I know you must be proud!

Stephanie Alva

January 17, 2007

EJ was my best friend and co-worker at CPD, not a day goes by that you dont cross my mind. We had many good times together and you are sadly missed. I would give anything just to see you one more time as you always brought a smile to my face, no matter how bad the situation was,you could always make me laugh. You gave all to serve the citizens of Columbia & Richland Co, and those of us that had the honor to know you Thank You. I will see you again someday buddy. Officer Robert Hill DOJ,former Officer Columbia Police Department.

Federal Officer Robert Hill
Former Officer Columbia Police Department

January 16, 2007

You always had my back. King 419-Victor 96

Former YCU Inv. Tom Lyden
RCSD

October 30, 2006

Not a day goes by that you aren't missed. You were a good cop and friend. Sorry it took so long to write. Your stories live on and on both with R.C.S.O. and here at CPD.

Inv. K. D. Adams
City of Columbia, former roommate

May 12, 2006

I miss you, brother. You were the life of every party. If any of Jo's family sees this, and asks, please give them my email address. I'd love to share some old memories. Ken McCready

Ken McCready

May 22, 2005

I thank you for your service and salute you for your sacrifice. Peace to your partner who suffered greatly.

A grateful citizen.

September 23, 2004

Back when I was a child,
before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high and dance
with my mother and me and then
Spin me around until I fell asleep
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure I was loved

If I could get another chance,
another walk, another dance with him
I'd play a song that would never, ever end
How I'd love, love, love
To dance with my father again


When I and my mother would disagree
To get my way, I would run from her to him
He'd make me laugh just to comfort me
Then finally make me do just
what my mama said
Later that night when I was asleep
He left a dollar under my sheet
Never dreamed that he would
be gone from me

If I could steal one final glance,
One final step, one final dance with him
I'd play a song that would never, ever end
'Cause I'd love, love, love
To dance with my father again

Sometimes I'd listen outside her door
And I'd hear how my mother cried for him
I pray for her even more than me
I pray for her even more than me
I know I'm praying for much too much
But could you send back the only
man she loved

I know you don't do it usually
But dear Lord she's dying
To dance with my father again
Every night I fall asleep and
this is all I ever dream

SUNSHINE
Michigan Home Land Security Macomb and Wayne Countys

January 27, 2004

12-24-03, MAY GOD BLESS YOU MY BROTHER. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. MAY THE LIVING MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS FEEL GODS COMFORT AND PEACE DURING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

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

December 24, 2003

I agree with a previous writer who wrote “No officer’s death should be without reflection.” It is an honor to be the first to leave a reflection in your memory. May the memory of your service, heroism and sacrifice remain forever. You served us well......RIP brother. AC

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police