Officer Down Memorial Page

It seems like an eternity since you transcended. Then again, it seems like only yesterday that you and Brent, Jeffrey, Allison, and Brandon and I were going on our nature walks or looking for arrow heads. Not a day has gone by since July 18,2000 that I have not thought of you. In certain situations, I feel your presence so near.I always told you that I loved you like my next heartbeat, so your absence took a big hunk of joy from my heart.July 18, 2000 became my 911. But, I know we will meet again. Aunt Sandra

Sandra Tindoll
aunt
July 24, 2010

Just last Sunday marked the 10th anniversary of your death. My daughter posted this site on Facebook...I didn't know about this one.

You were so loved by so many, Bruce. We miss you every day. Kristi has done a marvelous job of raising Blake and Tyler. Blake graduated high school this year and will be attending Southern Miss (I know, we wanted her to go to Auburn!) She is a beautiful young lady, and as Kristi says, "she has Bruce's butt chin!" Tyler has shot up like a weed and will be 16 in November and is a handsome young boy. He will be playing varsity soccer this year.

After the trial in 2003, Kristi remarried to a really good man. You would truly like him and respect him. He has been so good to your children, Kristi, and to your folks. She and her husband have a son.

So much has happened in our lives since you left us. Jeffrey and Lynn have two little boys and a little girl and seeing those boys play in the dirt is so reminiscent of you and Jeffrey, because Luke is so like his Daddy and Will, the younger boy, looks so much like you at that age. You would get such a kick out of them and their baby sister.

Ethan graduated from high school this year and is such a handsome, fine young man. Brent and Jeffrey work together. Life goes on but there will always be that empty space at our table and in our hearts. You were one of a kind and we thank God for all the joy you brought us the 30 years you walked among us.

Aunt Carole
July 23, 2010

Carole Tindoll Weldon
aunt
July 24, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the tenth 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.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
July 18, 2010

MIss you brother.

Sgt. John Edmundson
Alabaster Police Department
May 29, 2009

Thinking of you on the 8th anniversary of your EOW. Time has not diminished
your service nor your sacrifice. The price you had to pay was too high.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous
July 18, 2008

Rest in peace, my brother.

PJN
Cook County IL Sheriff's
June 7, 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
November 29, 2007

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ
March 6, 2007

May you continue to keep watch over your family, friends, and co-workers from above...always. God bless all of you.

Jennifer Aaron
Wife of Duke G. Aaron, III (EOW 07/20/04)
July 18, 2006

I SEND ALL MY CONDOLENCES TO MR. EVANS FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

January 3, 2006

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Tonight, July 18, 2005 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Deputy Sheriff Bruce Wayne Evans who died in the line of duty on this date five years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Deputy Evans' sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC
July 18, 2005

It was 5 years ago to the day that you were taken from your family. You, your family, friends, and fellow officers will be in my prayers today. Thank you for doing your job. It is a shame that you had to give your life earlier than you wanted. Rest in peace and continue to protect everyone from above.

July 18, 2005

Thinking of you on the 4th anniversary of your death. We will
keep your memory alive. Thank you
for your supreme sacrifice. My heart
goes out to your family and friends
and co-workers.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

July 18, 2005

God Bless you Bruce. It has been right at 3 years, you are still thought of, and you are still loved. I hope your given um hell.

Anonymous
August 21, 2003

IT WASNT LONG AGO WHILE ON DUTY THAT I SAW BRUCE AT THE HOSPITAL.I CANT REMEBER WHAT I WAS THERE FOR BUT I WAS PROBOLY TAKING A REPORT.AT THAT TIME, I HAD JUST ACCEPTED A JOB WITH THE MEMPHIS POLICE DEPT. AND I WAS TELLING BRUCE ALL ABOUT IT.HE WAS EXCITED FOR ME AND HE WISHED ME AL THE LUCK IN THE WORLD. I REMEMBER HAT WE TALKED ABOUT HIM BEING IN MONTGOMERY FOR AWHILE AND HE TOLD ME THAT HE MISSED IT BUT HE REALY ENJOYED WORKING IN JACKSON CO.AS I LEFT THE HOSPITAL,I SHOOK HIS HAND AND WE SAID GOOD-BYE.LITTLE DID I KNOW THAT THIS WOULD BE THE LAST TIME I WOULD SEE HIM.TO THE FAMILY OF BRUCE, I WROTE THIS WHEN I WAS IN THE ACADEMY IN MISSISSIPPI.I KNOW BRUCE WOULD HAVE FELT THE SAME WAY.

A POLICEMANS PRAYER

DEAR LORD AS I STAND BEFORE YOU

MY BADGE SHINES WITH HAPPINESS TODAY.

      I HAVE OVERCOME MANY OBSTACLES,

      AND I MADE IT ALL THE WAY.

     
      A POLICEMAN TODAY AND FOREVER,

      THATS ALL I WANT TO BE,

      AND PLEASE DEAR LORD,I HUMBLY PRAY,

      THAT YOU WILL SAFELY PILOT ME.

      I KNOW,DEAR LORD,THE DANGERS IVOLVED,

      AND THAT SOMEONE COULD TAKE MY LIFE,

      SO IF I SHOULD DIE,WHILE DOING MY PART,

      I WANT YOU TO BLESS MY WIFE.

      JUST LET HER KNOW,AND MY CHLDREN TOO,

      THAT A PART OF ME REMAINS,

      WITHIN THE HEART OF EVERY COP,

      MY LEGACY,THEY CONTAIN.

      AND IT WILL BE PASSED ON DOWN THE LINE,

      TO THOSE WHO WEAR THE NAME,

      OF POLICE,SHERIFF,AND HIGHWAY PATROL,

      FOREVER,IT SHALL REMAIN.

                               AMEN

                           BY: CRAIG BROWN

                           PASCAGOULA POLICE DEPT.

                           BASIC CLASS 97-4

                           OCT/1997

CRAIG BROWN
MEMPHIS POLICE/FORMERLY PASCAGOULA POLICE

Dear Bruce

No one knows, no one can understand,

why you were taken from this earth of ours.

But when we look up each night,

we will see your smile in the stars.

We know a laughter and a feeling now,

that we never knew.

All because you touched us,

We will miss you.

Copyright 1998 by the Make A Wish Foundation.

Submitted Anonymously

My son was killed while on duty july 10 -2000. Police officers are dying to quickly. My son billy hetrick then Shane Britton in michigan now its Bruce Evans in alabama.All these familys torn apart . so many children without fathers and wives without husbands.  Only because these guys were trying to do there jobs. billy and shane and bruce i bet are all up there patroling together  and i know they are all good friends with each other. kenny hetrick clay center police dept ottawa county ohio.

Kenny hetrick
Clay center police dept 

Bruce, my brother...I worked with you for a few years and my heart tore when you left.  I hated to see such a good friend and officer leave us.  Jackson County was lucky though, and now I know how important it was that we share you with them.  You see, I met alot of your friends Saturday and we all felt the same.  You are one of the finest men I've ever known and if I can be one tenth the man you are, I'll be doing well.  Emotions are up and down, my guilt for not calling or visiting, my anger at the 'man' who took you from us and my love and concern for Christy and the kids.  One thing you taught me through your death is to live each moment like it's your last.  I will always think of you and promise I will make sure your family is taken care of, it's the very least I can do.  You weren't just a cop, you were a fine Christian Man, a loving husband and father.  I salute you Bruce, I miss you Bruce and I'll never ever ever forget.  Like I said, my heart tore when you left.  Now its ripped open with our loss.  Go rest high on that Mountain brother, now your work on earth is done.  I love you Christy, Blake and Tyler...God Bless you and Gods speed Bruce

Leigh H. Persky
Montgomery County Sheriff, Alabama

Bruce,

You paid the ultimate sacrifice to our county, trying to make it a safer place to live. You have touched so many hearts and made a difference in so many lives.  You will never be forgotten.  Our hearts go out to Christie, Blake and Tyler. You did not deserve this, Bruce, no one does. I guess it hurts more when its one of your own.

Just A Cop

The funeral line was long,there was an awful lot of cars.

Folks came out of the restaurant, they stepped out of the bars. The workers at the construction site, all let their hammers drop. Someone asked, " what's this all for?" And they replied, "Aw, just a cop."

Some chuckled at the passing cars. Some shed a silent tear,

Some people said this is stupid, all these dumb policeman here. How come they are not out fighting crime or in a donut shop, sure is alot of trouble for someone who was just a cop.
They blocked the intersections and the interstate. People yelled and cursed. "This is gonna make me late, why are they makin us stop it seems they are just wasting time on someone who was just a cop."

Into the cemetary now, The slow procession comes, the woeful Taps are slowly played, there's loud salutes from guns.  The graveyard workers shake their heads, "this service is a flop."  "There was to many good words wasted on someone who was just a cop."

Yeah, just a cop to most folks. He did his duty everyday. Trying to protect us, till someone took his life away. And when he got to heaven, St. Peter made sure he put him at the top. An angel asked him, "Who was that?" And he said, "Aw, just a cop."

Jeff, Donna, Alayna and Alexis Barnes

Rest in peace blue angel.

To the famliy of Officer Evans our thoughts and prayers go out to you, for I also have gone thru what you are going thru. Look to God thru these hard times.

Uncle Of Mississippi State Trooper K-13
Paul Denham
E.O.W.
12-27-99

Danny Gibson

Dear Bruce:

It has been a little over a year since you have been gone.
It is really hard to believe, it seems like just last night I got the call and could not believe it. No more smiles or silly jokes. You were one of a kind.

Did you know they named a part of the highway after you where you were killed? Tyler and Blake took the canopy from it at the unveiling. I am sure you were looking over them while they did it. So many things have changed since you have been gone, if you were to come back today you really would not believe how "your" life has moved on so quickly.

You are still in our hearts and we wish you could come back to us. I guess you are in a better place, as they say. Take care Bruce, you are loved.

Anonymous