Officer Down Memorial Page

Its hard to believe its already been 8 years. I remember you telling me stories all the time at grandma and grandpas for holidays just like it was yesterday.There hasn't been a Christmas eve or Thanksgiving since that I don't miss our little talks.I think of you often. especially when I see just how wonderful you're kids are. I miss you and love you so very much! you'll always be in my heart!

Allie Foret
Cousin-in-law
July 31, 2011

Days have come and days have gone people keep moving but noone ever forgets. Woody you were an amazing person with a heart bigger than most. I still tell people your stories of your kids being born and use all your little helpful tidbits you gave me and Scott when Makayla was born. Scott and I miss you greatly.

Consuela Bynum
Wife of Officer Scott Bynum
October 6, 2009

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones on this day. Continue to keep watch over all of them. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
July 31, 2009

MY DEARLY BELOVED SON THE DAY THE NEWS CAME WHEN THE LORD CALLED YOU HOME IT JUST BLEW THIS FAMILY AWAY YOU WILL NEVER EVER BE FORGOTTEN. MELLISSA, COLLIN & HAILEY WILL ALWAY'S BE IN YOUR HEART HONEY. YOUR SISTER, & BROTHER'S TOO. MOMO-NAC PRAY'S FOR YOU EVERY DAY. WE WILL ALL MEET AGAIN ONE DAY I SEEN YOU COME INTO THIS WORLD AND HAD TOO SEE YOU GO OUT THAT WAS THE HARDEST THING A MOTHER HAD TO GO THREW. KNOW ONE KNOW'S A MOTHERS LOST OF ONE OF HER OWN & HOPE THEY NEVER HAVE TOO. CRAIG WEBER STOOD BY YOUR SIDE EVERY STEP OF THE WAY & WE THANK HIM FOR THAT. YOU WERE A GREAT MAN, SON & LOVING HUSBAND & IN OUR HEART'S WILL ALWAY'S BE. WE MISS & LOVE YOU HONEY & YOU ARE ALWAY'S IN OUR THOUGHTS. YOU HAVE TOUCHED THE FACE OF GOD & MAYBE WE WILL TOO WHEN OUR TIME COMES.

LUV YOU ALWAY'S MY PRECIOUS SON
MOM, DAD, YOUR SISTER, BROTHER'S MOMO-NAC
AND FAMILY

ROSE HARRELSON
MOTHER
October 19, 2008

Hey Woody this week another Lafourche deputy was killed in the line of duty , Dep. Martha Woods that morning when i heard of her death i just re-lived july 31st 2003, the day you and Chaney were called to a higher duty . As you know Dana and i brought a beautiful little girl into this world on Dec. 4th 2007. Brother-in-law (like i always used to call you)she is something else you would love every bit of her i know like she was your's and everytime we go to the cemetery we take her visit you . She is now almost nine months old and so beautiful ,i know you are watching over all of us just remeber you are the brother i never had and i will make sure mis and the kid's are taken care of ,till we meet again love you brother-in-law

Brother-in-law
Darryl Foret

Darryl
brother in law
August 22, 2008

Five years...my God. Has it been that long already?

Today another Lafourche deputy has been taken in the line of duty. It made me think of you. You are missed by a lot of people, and I think you always will be.

Crystal Bonvillian
friend
August 20, 2008

Its hard to believe that 5 years have gone by. It seems like only yesterday you and Chaney were around. Both of you made this world a better place. I know you made your families proud. But your friends felt proud to have known you both. Your goodness and memory with last forever. May God continue to Bless your family and friends.

Cathy Landry
former co-worker
July 31, 2008

Woody,
Here we are nearing the 5th Anniversary of your death and we still miss you so much everyday! Since you're gone Darryl and I have brought a BEAUTIFUL daughter, Aubree into this world. She is almost 8 months now and we know you are watching over her and us. We chose Melissa as her Godmother and she is such a great "Nanny". We know you must be proud of her and of the kids. Collin is becoming such a fine young man and Hailey is still your lil princess! Life here on earth will never be the same for them, we know, but we know you are watching over them and taking care of them. We love Melissa, Collin, and Hailey with all of our hearts as we know you do too! And even though our baby girl Aubree never got to meet you, please know that she will know her Uncle Woody as she grows. We visit you often and even though she doesn't understand yet, we tell her "that's where Uncle Woody lives." We Love and miss you very much! RIP Brother-in-law!

Dana Foret
Sister-in-Law
July 20, 2008

DEAR SON,

SINCE I'VE LOST YOU I DON,T KNOW WHAT TOO DO. ALL I KNOW GOD WANTED AN ANGEL & HE TOOK THE BEST. I KNOW MELISSA THINKS OUR FAMILY BETRAYED HER BUT, SHE TOOK THE ONLY THING I HAD LEFT WAS OF YOU WAS MY GRANDKIDS. I STILL LOVE HER & THE CHILDREN I KNOW SHE'LL NEVER FORGIVE ME. BUT, I NEED TOO FORGIVE MYSELF FIRST. KURT THE YEAR BEFORE YOU DIED & CAME GIVE ME A HUG, & WISH I HAD A HAPPY BIRHDAY I NEW THEN YOU FORGAVE ME. THE ONLY THING I'LL CARRY TO MY GRAVE I DID'NT ASK YOU TO FORGIVE ME. I WAS SCARED TOO ASK YOU TOO FORGIVE ME CAUSE I KNEW THEN I WAS WRONG. BUT, I'VE PRAYED &GOD HAS FORGIVEN ME . LUV, MOM

ROSE HARRELSON
MOTHER
July 13, 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
February 2, 2008

It's hard to believe it's over 4 years already. I remember like it was yesterday, you were giving me & Angel advice. Always looking out for us. each time someone asks me about Angel & I's friendship, it brings back sooo many good memories. You're always in my thoughts and prayers. Maybe you can still have some influence on your kid sister & form a friendship for us again. I MISS your family so much. I know you're still looking down on us. You have to see your wonderful children grow. REST IN PEACE.
LOVE ALWAYS,
TAMMY VERDIN(ADOPTED KID SISTER)

TAMMY VERDIN (FRIEND OF THE FAMILY)
KID SISTER
January 26, 2008

I can't believe four years have come and gone. Scott and I do miss you dearly. You touch our lifes with your little stories about raising kids, being a cop, and just being an all around great person. Rest in Peace Woody. We love you

Consuela Bynum wife of Officer Scott Byn
August 13, 2007

Sergeant Harrelson,
Today marks the fourth anniversary of your EOW. Your family, friends and department are in my thoughts, as we remember your dedication and courage to a profession that so few are cut out to do. You will always be remembered.

Pennsylvania citizen
July 31, 2007

Four years have passed since you were called away and you have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
July 31, 2007

MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AND THOSE YOU LOVE!! REST IN PEACE WITH THOSE GONE BEFORE!!!

DISPATCHER GRETA M HUFF
KY STATE POLICE POST 13 HAZARD
February 22, 2007

To the family and loved ones of Sergeant Kurt E. Harrelson and his fellow officers with the LaFourche Sheriff's Department:

On this the third anniversary week of Kurt's tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember him today. Although I never had the privilege of meeting Kurt, I feel as if I know him through the loving reflections left by family members and friends. His valor and courage will never be forgotten.

As a member of a family devoted to police service, Kurt must have made you all so proud with his professionalism and "lead by example" work ethic.

I am so sorry that Kurt was robbed of his life at such a young age, 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 Kurt gave to his community and the citizens of Lousiana, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on July 31, 2003.

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

August 1, 2006

thank you woody for your fast and proffesional actions when my home was broken into you were always a good person and will be sadly missed



Joseph Anderson

joseph anderson
classmate
July 15, 2006

Woody,
I think of you often. You were my first introduction into the law enforcement scene, that sunny afternoon in my first week as cops reporter for the Comet. Never did I dream that one day, I would be the one covering your funeral. That was, and will always be, one of the most difficult stories I've ever had to face. Every PIO I meet for the rest of my career will have to live up to you.
I've moved on from Thibodaux and my buddies within the Sheriff's Office, but you will always live in my memory. Keep watch over us all.

Crystal Bonvillian
Montgomery Advertiser, Montgomery, Ala.
March 22, 2005

Woody,

It has been an honor and a privilege to have known and worked with you over the years. R.I.P.

Sgt. Sam Pruitt
Thibodaux Police Department
December 22, 2004

It has taken me quite sometime to build up the strength to talk about the loss of Woody. He was more to me than just a cousin, he was more like the older brother that I never had. He was always there for me, no matter what the cost. He is the sole reason I got into Law Enforcement. The prospect of traning, learning, and working with one of the greatest detectives in the world was one I could not pass up. Everytime we talked, he would reassure me that I could and would be a good cop, and that he would do everything he could to help me along the way. God I miss you Woody! There's not a day goes by that I don't think of you. There's so many things I want to ask you and talk to you about. You are the greatest, not only in my mind but in everyone else's that your love and compassion has touched in your lifetime. From everyone that has ever carried on the family name of Harrelson, you have made us so very proud, of you and the respect and love for your family. I miss you so very much.
I'll always love you and miss you, my big brother.

Detective David Harrelson, Jr. (Cousin)
Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office
September 23, 2004

It's almost a year since I was talking with you at your fence at your new home. A few days later you... well let me just say that I was devastated. Lost for words and emotionally struck. As were your countless family and friends. Woody, I have so much I want to say to you all the time. You always, no matter what, had the strongest talks of belief in me. God I miss you. I will talk with you more when I pray, just read some of the reflections from others and wanted to say thanks to all of you. And to take time to thank you, "Woody" I served with you and that makes me proud. You were always there when I needed you, to talk or whatever. Goes to show how unselfish you always were, you had all those times for me, and family, friends, co-workers, victims, and on and on. You were and always will be the reason I am strong through even the toughest times. Thanks man, and thanks even more. God Bless all who stand watch on the thin blue line.

Capt. Toby Harrelson (Brother)
May 28, 2004

Woody was a great husband, father, friend, and a great deputy. It has been 5 months since God called you and Cheney home, but you are still missed. I still talk to your Dad every chance I get. We talk about the good times we had with you, Melissa, and the kids. Every time I go to CID, I still expect you to stick your head around the corner and smile like you always did and start talking about the Saints and how LSU did in their last game. I miss you, Woody. Rest in peace, my friend.

Deputy Brandon Amacker
Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office
December 30, 2003

The loss of Woody was very tragic for the Lafourche community and for all of his friends and family. I first met Woody when I started dispatching for Thib. PD. He made me feel at home and very comfortable, while I was trying to make it in a new place not knowing everyone . Thank you so much for your friendship and for all the specials things that you have done while here on earth.. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Theresa Webre
Lafourche Parish resident
November 28, 2003

I didn't know woody at all, i graduted with his brother Toby, but having a boyfriend that is a cop i know there is danger out there, and i know woody will be watching over everyone, from his family to his friends, he will also be watching over each and every officer or deputy, and protecting them (he will be another (st michael) for them.)

Tammy Chiasson
Officer Chad Robin's Girlfriend
October 27, 2003

OUR PRAYERS AND LOVE ARE WITH YOU ALL. THERE ARE NO WORDS THAT I CAN SAY TO COMFORT YOU ALL, BUT WE ARE HERE IF YOU NEED US TO GIVE YOU A COMFORTING WORD AND PRAYER. WE LOVE YOU ALL AND MAY GOD LEAD YOU EVERY DAY AND MAY HE COMFORT YOU AS ONLY GOD CAN DO. ONE DAY AT A TIME.

RUBY & ELTON NAQUIN
AUNT AND UNCLE
September 12, 2003