Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Wilkerson,
Even though it’s been over 40 years since your End of Watch you are still honored and remembered-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy from 1942-1969 which means you served during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

February 10, 2024

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Wilkerson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 9, 2019

The Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.

Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.

A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:

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

Executive Director Steve Casey
Florida Sheriffs Association

August 20, 2016

Arnie,
Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. I remember so well that each day you would come into the credit union and sit in the lobby, waiting for your lovely wife, Gloria, to finish out her day. I remember the credit union gatherings we all attended and how joyful they always were. You will always be missed, so often on my mind, and always in my heart.

Janet
3/10/16

Janet
Friend

March 10, 2016

Dear Arnold,

I never got to meet you but I married your niece Beth. I am also a Deputy and on our Honor Guard. I honor you and your sacrafice. Your family is loved and protected. I'll keep the watch.

Lt. John R.
Alachua County, Florida

September 30, 2015

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all, and you sir are a hero. Continue to rest in peace Deputy Wilkerson.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

January 10, 2013

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

March 19, 2012

Rest in Peace, Deputy Wilkerson. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 14, 2012

On that morning I was sitting next to Arnie in lineup, he turned to me and said he wanted to give me something. I took the piece of paper he handed me and started reading it. It was instruction on how Judge Coleman liked his court ran. I ask him why he was giving me the instructions, and he said because I know he would want you to run his court room if any thing happened to me....I kept the paper and it was not an hour and a half and Arnie was dead..I took the paper and gave it to Judge Coleman and he kept it..I think Arnie had a vision that day and did not tell anyone..He was the most beautiful man inside and out I will forever miss him..also my wonderful friend Mark Parker and Harry Dalton rest in peace all of you...you are in God's hands

Court Deputy
Orange County sheriffs Office

January 10, 2012

Continue to rest in peace hero, we will never forget the sacrifice you made for all of us.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Deb

January 10, 2012

No matter the time that has past we will never forget the heroes who gave their all for us. Continue to rest in peace sir. HEROES DO LIVE FOREVER....

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous

January 10, 2011

Deputy Wilkerson,
The Remembrance Ceremony was yesterday for the 26th year. They honored you, Harry and Mark (it was the 1st one since his passing)
It was a beautiful morning, the first we’ve had in weeks. There was a very nice turn out. The words spoken were brief yet meaningful, the bagpipes brought chills and Taps brought tears. It was mentioned that this year’s wreath was the nicest ever.
I believe that your friends and former co-workers will always remember you, and the sacrifice you made to save countless lives that day, and ever since. I wait for the day that I can meet you in person to thank you. May God Bless you and your family

Carl Head
Orlando, FL

January 16, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 25th anniversary year 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 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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 25, 2009

Deputy Wilkerson, I went to Officer Mark Parker's funeral today. I am sure you are welcoming him to heaven. God Bless you all for your service.

SSA Ellen Pierson
US ICE

March 24, 2009

Rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

March 24, 2009

Revelation 21:4
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit

you are never forgotten, hero. Rest in peace.

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

March 22, 2009

God bless Deputy Sheriff Arnold William Wilkerson. Thank you for your service and you will never be forgotten. My prayers go out to you and your family. Rest in peace.

Officer David Wood
Fountain Hill PD

March 22, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the family of Deputy Sheriff Wilkerson, today and always.. Thank you for your service and sacrifice Sir you are a HERO...
Rest in Peace Sir...

Joyce
Sister of Ofc. John P Harris EOW 8/19/1994

March 22, 2009

Rest in Peace. It is humbling to read the circumstances surrounding this incident and how it has spanned the years.

SA DE-14604
FBI Detroit

March 22, 2009

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

March 20, 2009

Rest in peace !!! The family of Det WIlliam Rolniak jr 2-4-04

Anonymous

March 20, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

January 3, 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 3, 2007

Merry Christmas too you and your family. May they continue to move forward in life and heal with your guidance. God Bless!

December 21, 2006

Before retiring to become a law enforcement officer, Mr. Wilkerson was a Mustang Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy. I served under him for a time, and he was the most dedicated, fair, and organized officer I ever knew.

Harold Stewart
Civilian, former subordinate

October 21, 2006