Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Alan Matthew Ragsdale

Hohenwald Police Department, Tennessee

End of Watch Monday, November 27, 2000

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer Alan Matthew Ragsdale

Rest in peace hero.

J.R.

November 27, 2023

I was a member of the Maury County Sheriff’s Department SWAT TEAM and responded that night. This was the most memorable callout in my 30 year career. I wish we had encountered this coward that night! God bless you brother. To this hero’s family, I think about him and you all everyday…

E.Wilson
MCSO SWAT

May 10, 2023

Its been 20 years since we lost you but you will never be forgotten my dear friend. Thank you for your service to our community and for your friendship. RIP my friend.

Karen Carlton

November 28, 2020

Uncle Alan, it's been pretty rough down here since you've been gone. Today was especially hard as I was caught in the funeral procession of another fallen hero. It brought back lots of painful memories. But it also made me think of all the great memories I have of you. I miss you and I hope to see you again someday. I know you are probably fishin with pawpaw. Take care of the old man for me. I love you

Jeremiah Ragsdale

June 18, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Ragsdale.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 22, 2019

I don't know you but we share a name, A profession, and a home state. Be at peace brother.

Dep. James Ragsdale
El Paso County Sheriff

November 30, 2016

I can't believe it's going on 16 yrs since that awful night that shattered the lives of so many. In 9 days your son will graduate with a degree in social work. You would be so proud of him, he has worked and gone to school. Hasn't been an easy road for him but he is about to finally get his degree. It will be a bittersweet day because you will not be here to give him a hug and tell him how proud you are of him! I know you will be with us in spirit! You are missed so much! My love for you is as great as when you left that night and didn't return home! Until the day we are reunited, love you BIG Alan!!!

Shelly Ragsdale
Surviving spouse of Officer Alan Ragsdale EOW 11-27-00

April 28, 2016

Aren, sorry you lost your Dad but I know he has watched you become the fine young man that I'm sure you have become. Carry on, Son.

Sgt. Ken Hall
Chattanooga Police (Retired)

November 27, 2015

Dear Aren,
Your father will be with you when you graduate. he has never left your side and is always there with you.
when you sleep he speaks to you and helps you make good decisions in your life. Where he is now is where we all hope to be in our next eternal life. In a place without fear or harm, visiting with friends and family.
They love he has for you and those in your family never left your Dad and he took it with him. That is how it is and how it will always be.
God bless you and yours always.

Ptmn.#134 Disabled/Retired
Freeport P.D., Freeport, IL

November 27, 2015

Hey Dad! Can't believe that it has been almost 15 years that you have been away from us. I started my senior year of college Monday and wish that you could be here with us to celebrate when I graduate next May! Love and miss you!

Aren Ragsdale
Son

May 12, 2015

As that fateful day nears yet again , today i stood in the middle of hiway 31 with my head bowed and my hand over my heart as i watched the funeral procession of deputy Darrell Perritt M.C.S.D. awsome show of respect for a fallen officer, but every time I see this all of the pain of losing you comes flooding back .may you both rest in peace your brothers in blue now have the watch. 11 8. 14

elton ragsdale
brother

November 8, 2014

It's been 13 years since you were taken from us, but that doesn't mean I'not thinking of you;the person you were and would have become. Knowing you most likely Chief by now. A lot of things have changed these last years but one thing will always be the same, I think about you and miss you every day. The holiday's aren't the same without here to share with all of us who miss and love you. You will not be forgotten!!!!

Elton Ragsdale
Brother of a Fallen Officer

December 30, 2013

Uncle Alan it's been almost 13 years since you left us so unexpectedly. Not one single day goes by that I don't think about you. I miss you and I love you. I can't wait till I see you again

Jeremiah Ragsdale
Nephew

August 18, 2013

This week is Police Week May 12 -18. Police officers many times have a thankless job in many ways but think of who we call if we are in trouble, you have a break in, or just want to know directions. If you get that speeding ticket they are just doing their job. They are trying to keep the roads safe. Just think if you have an accident they will also be the first to respond and offer the support you need.
Columbia, TN Police Week program will be Tuesday, May 14th at Highland Baptist Church 1800 Highland Av. Columbia, TN doors open at 6:00 program starts at 7:00. Public Welcome.

Hohenwald, TN Police Week Program will be Thursday, May 16th at Hohenwald Fire Hall (118 west Linden St.) at 11:00 am.

Spring Hill, TN Police Week Program will be Thursday, May 16th at Spring Hill City Hall 199 Town Center Parkway, Spring Hill starts at 7:00 pm.

Each program is free and open to the public.

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15th falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

Please thank a police officer this week many put their lives on the line every day. May wives and children live being scared each day wondering if their loved one will have to give their life for another. Everyday that officer puts on the uniform their families wonder if the "I love you" will be the last one we tell them and for some families it is. Please honor a police officer today.

Virginia Ragsdale
Sister-in Law

May 13, 2013

Nov. 27 2000 is the worst day of my life,it was that day a doctor came from surgery and told me that my brother and friend was gone. Its been 11 years and Imiss you as much now as then, I miss the talks we had, the one drink a year we always shared at Christmas at Mamas,the little jokes we played on each other like calling at midnight to say happy birthday,the buying each others kids noisy gifts. me stealing your Dale Earnhardt lighter, or you taking my Earnhardt sun glasses, but most of all I miss you little brother.

Elton Ragsdale
Brother

November 27, 2011

I proudly wear a royal blue awareness bracelet to honor the memory of Alan Ragsdale. Sometimes I look at it and wonder if the young man who took Alan's life ever had been given a clear picture of what a wonderful man he took from this world. I think of all that Shelly has endured, and think of how hard she has worked all these long years to be certain that Alan is always honored. Shelly, you and Aren are a tribute to his memory. I know he must be so very proud of both of you. Thinking of you always as November 30 is almost here. Jane

Jane Tatum
Family Friend

November 25, 2011

As we come upon yet another police week I can't but remember the guy behind the badge. A guy that served his community not only at work but in his personal life also: coach, church member, umpire, husband, father, brother, son and friend. Many people reflect on the person not for the sacrifice but the memories the person left behind. Alan you left many memories. Many high standards. The type of standards that people value in a person.
Those standards are what has fueled the inspiration in the youth of our family members today. Thank you, for the great role model that you were and still are. Please watch over your survivors as they do your uncompleted work. It may be on the ballfield as an umpire or in some faraway country as a soldier. Please keep them safe and away from harms way.

Thinking of You Fondly,
Virginia Ragsdale
Sister-in Law

Virginia Ragsdale
Sister in law

May 10, 2011

To Officer Ragsdale and his family: Alan you have been gone for almost 10 years now and you will always be missed. I never got to meet you but i found out i am related to you. I would have liked to meet you because i have heard you are a great guy and an even better police officer. You gave the ultimate sacrifice.

RIP Officer Ragsdale
God Speed

Explorer Brandon Stanfill
Columbia PD Explorer Post 786

November 19, 2010

it seems that every time a cop is killed in the line of duty it hits close to me first it was you and now just a short time ago the city of spring hill lost an officer. just when i start to think that i am learning to live with you passing, something like the passing of cpl. mclaren hits me smack in the face and reopens all of the old wounds. it doesnt ever get easier but with time it seems to get tollerable.RIP BROTHER i miss you. Peanut

elton ragsdale
brother

March 16, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 9th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 27, 2009

Hey Dad! Happy Fathers Day!! I love you and miss you so much!!!!!

Aren Ragsdale
Son

June 21, 2009

Alan was a kind hearted, Christian man, who loved his family and life. It chilled our small town when this horrific event happened. He is gone from this earth, but never forgotten, especially for his heroic service and family legacy. I know that his Mother, Wife, Son and many family members miss (or missed) him and continue to do so. He was brave and his death was so senseless. Those who knew him, KNOW he is happy and at peace, with loved ones who went on before him or after and prayerfully we all will see him again, some sweet day. Also, I might add, that was THE most heartwrenching funeral and procession I have ever been apart of or witnessed. I have seen several deaths (unfortunately in my profession), been to countless funerals, but his will always remain as the most honorable and poignant of all. He was and is loved and missed. God bless and thank you Alan AND Shelly and Aren. God Speed.

Christy D Graves
My aunts son, friend

April 5, 2009

Officer Alan Ragsdale,
Thank you for your sacrifice. Rest in peace and continue to watch over your family. I hope your family is doing well.

Sgt. Barry Ragsdale #6219
Dallas Police Department

March 25, 2009

it has been almost eight years since you were taken from us,the pain we all feel has not lessened any,others in our family and our friends have joined you,although you were not here physicaly to share the good times we have had in these last years we all know that you are here in our hearts and memories,and you are watching over us.YOU ARE NOW AND FOREVER WILL BE SADLY MISSED AND FONDLY REMEMBERED! until we meet, PEANUT 10/15/08

e ragsdale
broTHER

October 15, 2008

Hey Al, finally got back to college still undecided on what I want to really do, but I'm going. Braxton is in pre-k now. He will be 4 next month....he is getting so big. Love and miss you.

Carrie (daughter)

August 27, 2008

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.