Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I knew Terry McNett 48 years ago when he worked for the Haysville Police Department. I was a teenage waitress at Pizza Johns in Haysville and officiers would often come in for dinner or coffee. He was wonderful to the teens in the community and always told us he would be there if we ever needed help. I think of him often and remember his will to make the world a better place.

Denise Humlicek

April 23, 2024

I did not know Detective Mcnett but recently found a challenge coin with his name on it. I contacted the Sedgwick County Sherriff's office who didn't have this one. I sent it the the department where in will be displayed at their training academy.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Tony Campbell
Former reserve officer Granite Falls WA

January 12, 2024

Rest in peace Detective McNett.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 31, 2020

Met Terry McNett several times. I managed Potbelly's at the time and he came in often, sometimes with family. One evening Terry invited me to sit with he and his wife and one of the kids, so I joined them for a few minutes- maybe 20. What a treat. Mr. and Mrs. were very kind to me- I have family that in LE so I understand the value placed on peace and privacy.
Mr. McNett was gone just a few weeks later- what a blow.
I'm grateful men like McNett are out there, taking the risk, drawing the thin blue line. It is 28 years later and I still think of him often, saying a prayer for Mrs. and McNett's kids.

none
Friend

October 10, 2016

I was in college when I was lucky enough to receive the Terry McNett scholarship during my last years. I studied criminal justice and had no idea where the scholarship came from since I didn't have to apply for it. When I graduated they suggested I write a letter to give thanks. I was still a bit young and had no idea what I was going to do with my life, let alone even make the cut in LE world. So I never wrote that letter.

Five years later I finally went full steam and got into police academy. I achieved my goal and I was finally ready to write that letter. I tried digging into the University resources but they said that connection to write the letter was gone.

Now nine years after that I have a family of my own. I'm 36 and have three daughters. I also recently received my detective promotion.

This is my letter of thanks that I never wrote. The scholarship helped me out quite a bit and although it took a while I wanted you to know it didn't go to waste. You are always remembered by me

Detective FD 2179
WPD

May 2, 2014

Rest in Peace, Detective McNett. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 4, 2014

I remember that night at home. I think my husband Mac flew out of the bed when we heard the story on KFDI. Terry was a good , and caring friend to me , when I worked with him at Haysville P.D. Earlier that day Terry gave Mac a coin, that he always carried in his pocket for good luck he said. He tossed it in the air over to Mac. Mac to this day still carries that coin in his pocket. Love you Terry.

Mac and Chris McDonald

February 3, 2014

I was with Terry that terrible night. I was his Sgt. and the supervisor on the entry team. I was first one to Terry after he was shot, but I was too late. I will never forget that night and I will NEVER forget Terry. He was a good officer, husband, father, person and friend. RIP...I know I will see you again someday. P.S. I would like to correct a misconception. Terry was killed instantly by a single gunshot at 11:41pm on February 2, 1988, NOT February 3rd.

Col. Danny Bardezbain
Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office

February 2, 2014

Never Forgotten

Cathy Hill
Trustee C.O.P.S.

February 3, 2013

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

July 14, 2012

Never forgotten.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

February 3, 2011

Here I am, just a little older than Terry when he was stolen from us. I remember as a student at St. Anne's Terry coming to talk to our class, always looking different with each visit. A few years later I drove by the day of his funeral, all the cars, civilian and Law Enforcement. So many people to grieve over such loss. Terry's cortege had to be at least an hour and a half long. I wish as an adult I could have Terry. RIP

Anonymous

December 14, 2009

IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE
Dedicated to the memory of Detective Terry McNett

Behold I show you a mystery.
We shall not all sleep,
We shall be changed,
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye…
I Corinthians 15:52-53

Twenty one years is long time,
To remember that night,
That took one life
And changed many others…
A wife and children,
And many brothers.

A funeral, a procession,
Another statistic
In the Law Enforcement Profession.

All changed in matter of seconds,
For want of a couple of inches.

Who remembers?
His family.
His Friends.
The Department?

His Killer?

To some he is a memory,
To others he has become a curse,
To others who didn’t known him,
A picture on a wall at the academy.

To those who shared that moment,
To those that shared his life,
To the one he called his wife.

He was a blessing.

Sgt. Oscar R. Thomasson
Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office

October 16, 2009

Det. McNett,
On today, the 21st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Sedgewick County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

February 3, 2009

To Detective Terry McNett and his loved ones:

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

My heart is still with your family. You’re all in our thoughts and our prayers.

Terry, you rescued us, saved 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.

It is nice to see reflections of friends who still miss and honor you.

Rest in Peace, Terry. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Terry gave to his community and the citizens of Kansas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 3, 1988.

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

Phyllis Loya
mother of Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

February 3, 2009

Today on the 20th anniversary of your death, we pause and say a prayer for your family and the fellow officers you left behind.
Continue to rest in peace Detective, you are not forgotten.
Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Deborah Roelandts (911 retired)
Oconomowoc Wisconsin

Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc

February 3, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 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

October 25, 2007

Terry was a great officer and a caring person, he did his best to rid the streets of illegal drugs. He was not only a great officer he was a great friend. He will never be forgotten.
God bless his family.
Hugszzzzz to Heaven

EMS Friend

May 16, 2007

To a true and dear friend. It has been almost 20 years Terry and hardly a weeks goes by that I don't think of you. I recall the times at Don's Cafe on South Broadway - I always ended up paying for the coffee, but hey, that's what friends are for.

I have missed you over the years and will continue. My health is now failing and hopefully, I may again see you soon.

May God forever protect and confront you and your family.

Your friend,

Ron Waits
Former Sheriff's Officer - Sedgwick Co. and Republic Co., Kansas

Ron Waits

April 7, 2006

We bury your mother today, not far from you. She was a grand lady. Greet her my friend, she deserves a rest.

Detective Brad McCaffree
Sedgwick County Sheriff Office

March 22, 2006

Dear Terry, rest in peace. Thank you for all you ever done for me. And most of all thank you for mentoring me over the years. I will never forgret you. God Bless you.

Michael Birzer, sheriff's leiutenant 18 years retired

Dr. Michael Birzer
Wichita State Univerisy

February 19, 2006

One day a was washing dishes and glance out the kitchin window and saw someone sneeking toward the front door. I watch the person who I knew from my working in the jail. So I did not grap my side arm when he knocked. Good thing I didn't grab the gun as Terry was on the other side of the trailer watching me!
It seem my address was the last contact they had for someone they were looking for.
There was a big laugh that day!
A lot of , "Hey I know you!".
I am richer for the knowing.

Rick D. Liebst
Sedgwick Co. S.O.

June 11, 2005

Terry was a great officer, but even more, he was a great friend.

Major Danny Bardezbain
Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office

October 1, 2004

God bless you and your family. You will never be forgotten.

DE
St. Louis City Police

May 28, 2004