Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

December 8, 2012

Dear Sean,
On that fatefull day I was laying to the right of you as we shot our M-16 during those last few moments you had on earth. I sigh each time I think of that split second I heard "Sieze Fire" as I turned and saw you motionless. I was with you then and I am with you now forever spiritually and as your friend. Just an hour before we were laying under that Pine tree talking about FE Warren AFB Wyoming and how I said you would enjoy it there. I have not talked with the shooter but have kept in contact with the other witness. He even sent me an awesome shirt that says your name in big letters. You are trully one of my Heros and I wish I could go back in time to change this memory. I've always wanted to speak with your family but I was forbidden to do so at the Court Martial. As there was three of us there (2 witnesses and the shooter), I don't believe your family knew which one of us did it. I miss you brother and you are forever etched in my heart and soul.

Rest in Peace my Brother In Arms

MSgt Duane Gonzales
176 SFS (8 April 1991-Current)

September 8, 2011

Never forget you.... miss you all day everyday its been 20 years and still hold you close... got your LA hat on my wall...

Love you my Brother.....

CPE

Anonymous

February 19, 2011

Sean will always be remembered. I served with Sean; we were on the same training flight at Fort Dix for our Air Base Ground Defense training. I reflect every year around this time to pray for him and his family. Thank you Sean for your service and friendship!!
-Mary

Mary Harris
USAF

July 27, 2010

I did not know this web sight was here. It's been so many years but it seems like it was yesterday.
Your mom and I were good friends and neighboors. I remember your laugh, smile, and you had so much to offer.
We miss you and are in our thoughts and prayers every day.
Gone to Soon.
God Bless you and your family.

Betina
Friend

February 20, 2009

Thank you Security Officer Elms for your dedicated service to the USAF and to the USA. May your name and memory be everlasting.

Lieutenant
Dept. of Defense, Retired

January 12, 2009

We went through training together. I was there that day.
There was smoke and dust everywhere. So many of us crossed firing lines.

He was a good man. His death was a tragic accident that none of us will forget.

Rest in peace, brother.

Lisa Thibault Pietsch
Former AF Security Police

December 3, 2008

Today is the first time I saw this web site. It is hard to believe it has been so many years. I did not know Sean very well, we were in different SP academies but were going through training together at Dix. Sean was very much liked by everyone. I felt it was important that his family know how much hurt and love was expressed for Sean and for his family and loved ones that sad day. I will never forget that day as we all stood and prayed together for Sean and his family (not a few people, everyone there together). I hope I'm giving some kind of comfort to his family as it is my full intention.

God Bless Airman Sean Elms

Robby Lapp

SSgt Robby Lapp

June 5, 2008

Hero's are never forgotten! Continue to rest in peace brother.

Paul Bodenhamer
Police Officer
Dept of Veterans Affairs Police

Former 36th SFS Andersen AFB Guam
Security Forces - United States Air Force
62nd Security Forces Squadron Phoenix Raven McChord AFB

Police Officer - Paul Bodenhamer
Dept of Veterans Affairs

April 10, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 12, 2008

Sean,
On today, the 16th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

August 12, 2007

HERO!! On the anniversary of your departure from this earth...RIP BROTHER in BLUE. We have your tour now.

Patrolman D. Kirk #309
Round Lake Heights PD (IL)

August 12, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Policeman Elms on the anniversary of his passing. May God comfort you all. Another Hero taken too soon. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

August 12, 2007

Sean Sean Sean,

Sixteen Years I have been left with 10000 TEARS
You are Gods Son and this day should have never COME

I miss your laugh, I miss your jokes, I miss my BROTHER
Please come back home to your heart broken MOTHER

4 Brothers, 2 Sisters, 2 Parents, countless FRIENDS
It is when we meet you in heaven our life BEGINS

That last time I saw you has been painted in my MIND
Sean Elms my brother you are trully one of a KIND

I miss you my brother...
I love you..

You are the greatest and I trully trully miss you and wish you where alive today and you left us all to early and want you to know that you are in my heart and in my prayers and Freddie, Priscilla, Eric, Natalie, Scott, Mother, and Father miss you dearly....

God Bless

Younger Brother

April 6, 2007

I remember Sean. We were in TechSchool together and I remember him getting sent to our squad. We all went to Ft Dix together anticipating having a good time, enjoying the weather up in Jersey as opposed to the heat in San Antonio. I'll never forget to this day the day that this happened. I remember him often and have never forgotten the date of this event. He was a good person. I was later in Korea with the individual who had mistakenly shot him. He was distraught. It was not his fault though. Smoke grenades were going off, booms were goin off. It was up to the Army Cadre to make sure that the four guys in formation were in line...with no one in front of the other. It was a tragic accident that I'll never forget. I'm glad I can get this off my chest. You were a good guy Sean...take care.

David A Laque
Former USAF Security Policeman

February 22, 2007

Gods speed Sean You are thought of often.

G. Vandall Mishawaka Police officer

January 29, 2007

Sean, you should have never been on this page. Someone else, not you? I think of you often. I miss you. You know that though. Stuff gotta a lil' different when me and Joe lost you. Just didn't understand I guess. I never got to talk to your family eye to eye. I want to. I love you Sean, your in my skin. Watch over Joe, Him and I just found each other again. I'm going to go see him soon.
Sean Elms was a awsome person. Big human heart! Still my best friend.

Airman 37th sps
Sean's a huge chunk of my heart

October 24, 2006

Sean was a fun loving young man, a good friend, and has been in my heart for these 15 years. He was a dedicated Airman, who honored his father--a service man as well. I hope that his father knows that Sean spoke of him often. His loss was a tradgey. He is deeply missed, and I was as proud to work and see the world with Sean in those early days as I was with any of the young men and women whom I went on to serve with. God bless you and your family Sean. You are still with all of us.

Ben Brockman
Former Security Forces

October 9, 2006

To the family and loved ones of Security Policeman Sean Elms and his fellow officers with the U.S. Air Force Security Police:

On this the fifthteen anniversary of Sean's tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember him today. His valor and patriotism will never be forgotten.

I hope that God is holding him in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

I am so sorry that Sean was robbed of his life so tragically, but through his heroism and the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Sean gave to his country, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 12, 1991.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD
eow 4/24/05

August 12, 2006

That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Cor. 12:10

Chaplain Elms

Chaplain John Elms
Metro Police Chaplaincy/Oregon COPS

June 20, 2005

May God be with those who were closest to Airmen Elms. I went through around the same time he did, just a year earlier. Being a former Vet allows me to know the accomplishments and experiences Sean went through. We are all brothers in arms and we fought the same fight. Joe left his reflection about Sean and luck would have it Me and Joe served at Loring together. I was his sponsor and watched his dog Domino for the first month he was there. I remember him telling me about Sean's death. God our Father knows the courage, strength and integrity Sean had/has and I am sure he looks upon us all to this day. With that in mind I can lay my head down tonight knowing I have one more brother looking out for me. Sean rest easy my brother we will carry your watch from here. To all that knew him I will carry you in my prayers, my thoughts, and my life.

Former Security Specialist SSGT Ward

PO II Russell Ward
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

January 29, 2005

~~~~~The Broken Chain~~~~~

We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name.~~In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.~~It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.~~You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.~~Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one, the Chain will link again.

January 25, 2005

I miss Sean!!! We were roommates at Lackland Air Force Base. We had some great times. He called me the night before he was killed and we laughed for an hour on the phone. I still have dozens of photos of our adventures in Texas. Besides being a brave airman, Sean was the funniest person I have ever met. I miss him dearly!

Joseph Marinaro
Us Air Force (March 1991 - Sept 1994)

May 31, 2004

As an instructor, I am deeply saddened by accidents that occur during training. These are accidents that took the life of a loved one, friend, co-worker. But God has a purpose for these fine HERO'S. May they sit upon thrones of gold and serve him, for no harm will come unto them now. RIP BROTHERS/SISTERS.

Senior Corrections Officer W.R. Phillips
CCA Lake City Correctional Facility