Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma
End of Watch Friday, May 26, 1978
Reflections for Second Lieutenant James Pat Grimes
You and your fellow Troopers heroism and courage will never be forgotten by your law enforcement family. God Speed.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
May 26, 2024
I have not forgotten you.
Anonymous
December 23, 2019
"The Final Inspection"
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, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was 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 just too 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 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 your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."
Author Unknown
Sergeant Chad Miner
Powell Police department
Powell, Wyoming
June 12, 2019
Lt. Grimes,
On today, the 39th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow Troopers who were also killed in that incident for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Oklahoma. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
May 26, 2017
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 26, 2015
I attended Cameron with Pat 60-62. He was one of a crowd of friends. I always liked him. He knew what he intended to do with his life, and moved forward with great success. We had lost touch, as is common with college friends. On my birthday in 1978 I was stunned by the news of the death of the three troopers, one of them an old friend. I will always remember Pat's dedication to his law enforcement career, and what a genuinely nice guy he was.
Terry Stephens
Retired safety management instructor
October 19, 2013
His Judgment Day:
The officer stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning, Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek To my church have you been true?"
The officer squared his shoulder and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint, Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was rough, And sometimes I've been violent Because the streets are tough.
But I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep.. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept an unmanly tear.
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 silence all around the throne, where the saints often trod. As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell"
Author unknown
May God be with everyone
Motor officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano, TX
May 23, 2010
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 31rst 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 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
Anonymous
May 26, 2009
Today, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol will honoed the three slain troopers with a service in Caddo at the intersections of McPhearson and Court Streets. The ceremony included a 21-gun salute by the OHP Honor Guard, the posting of a new American flag at the site, and the setting of a wreath in remembrance of the fallen troopers.
Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD
May 26, 2008
LT. Grimes your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace
SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee
May 25, 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
May all three of you rest in peace always and know that your sacrifice is one that will never be forgotten.
Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
May 26, 2007
I just want to say thank you to the ones who have gone before.
Trp. Miles (Rusty) Manion #555
O.H.P.
February 22, 2006
06-23-04
THESE THREE TROOPERS WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. I AM THANKFUL TO THIS DAY FOR THEIR SACRIFICE.
OHP TROOPER
June 23, 2004
MUCH HAS BEEN LEARNED SINCE THE CADDO KENEFIC INCIDENT IN WHICH THREE BRAVE OKLAHOMA TROOPERS LOST THIER LIVES, I WAS JUST A 8 YEAR OLD BOY WHEN THE SHOOTOUT TOOK PLACE 5 MILE NORTH OF MY HOUSE, THE COVERAGE AND THE SACRIFICE THAT 2 LT. GRIMES MADE TO PROTECT THE CITIZENS OF BRYAN COUNTY IS STILL REMEMBERED BY THE CITIZENS HERE.
TROOPER RONNIE HAMPTON
OKLAHOMA HIGHWAY PATROL
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