Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Remembering you today and every day, Dad.
Hopefully this video will show everyone what a special person you were:
https://youtu.be/J8D0WfMmsDA?si=OwtD7Gvq5v9myo2h

Brian McClelland

April 17, 2024

Rest in peace Detective McClelland.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 13, 2020

McClelland family, I think of your husband, father quite often. Back in the early 70’s I was a troubled young teenager and ended up in County detention for over a year before being sent away to North Dakota. Detective Wayne was persistent in trying to “get through”to me and would visit me several times a week during my year there. Every day he told me I was special, I was someone special, and someday I would make a difference in this world. He always took the time to make sure I was ok and if I needed anything. His kindness is what I carried with me through out my life and try to ensure I leave the same legacy someday. I am no spring chicken anymore but he taught me that kindness to others makes you feel full & happy no matter how old you are. I was heart broken when word got to me about his senseless death. I know he is still watching over not only his family but me as well. I hope you all know how much he is missed by others too. Kindly, Kathi

Kathi Austin

October 23, 2017

You are never to be forgotten Sir.

Kristi
Surviving Daughter of Special Agent J. Robert Porter
Federal Bureau of Investigation
E.O.W. 8/9/79

June 28, 2016

It seems like yesterday that my mother picked us up from school the day this happened. I was 14 years old. We grew up in Detetetive Waynes father's church. They were like family to us. His parents have since joined him in Heaven. I still remember the details of this horrible occurence. I almost called it an accident. BUT, that man CHOSE to get behind the wheel of that car after drinking. To me, that is murder not manslaughter. The pain his family still goes through must be as fresh as it was the day it happened. My parents are gone now and I know I think of them everyday. The poem that is reflected in the above comments says it all. I remember just a very few times Det. Wayne was able to come down and come to church. Duty called. I just wish people wouldn't take what Law Enforcement does for granted. Rest in Peace, Det. Wayne, Rest in Peace.

Connie Brown (Diel)
Family friend

January 13, 2015

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 37th 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.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 17, 2012

I had the opportunity to serve with Wayne while he was a Sentry Dog handler with the USAF at Loring AFB, Maine. I remember him as a great individual then and I am sure he was an excellent police officer. God Bless him for his service to his Country, his State and to the St. Louis County Police Department, this country needs more individuals the calibre of Wayne McClelland.

Sgt.(ret) Jerome W. Burford
Missouri State Highway Patrol

November 30, 2011

Thank-you for your service sir! Even though we're of no known relation, I'm proud that we share the same last name! May God bless you and your family!

Joe McClelland
Private Citizen (No Known Relation)

May 27, 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 10, 2007

Wayne I have had the honor of driving your family to the memorial breakfast the last 2 years. You would be so proud of them they are wonderful people. They love and miss you very much. I'm proud to wear the same uniform. I also proudly patrol Interstate 55 in honor of you and Officer Tom Smith. Every time I patrol 55 I think of you and Tom.
You will never be forgotten!!

Officer Howard Marshall
St. Louis County Police Department

May 4, 2007

One of the buildings at the St. Louis County Police Department's Antire shooting range is dedicated to you: we think of you before, during, and after every single shot.

St. Louis County and Municipal Police Academy

April 28, 2007

It is because of people like you that I enjoy getting drunks off the street. Thank you for your sacrifice....you are not forgotten.

Patrolman
Glassboro PD, NJ

May 29, 2004