Officer Down Memorial Page

After moving from Wisconsin to Gassville in July of 2009 we learned of Officer Jim Sells. Although I have never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Sells, my wife and I are eager to attend a memorial service in his honor at Gassville park at 5 PM today. What a dedicated officer he was. And such a loss to his family, friends, and this community. God bless you Jim!

Don Decker
July 15, 2011

May you rest in peace Capt.Sell.You would be proud of your brothers and sisters in blue here in Blytheville.They are doing a good job!Godspeed

Razorback
March 12, 2011

Thank you for your service. Still remembering the lessons you taught.

Sgt Jeremy Davis
February 6, 2011

I still miss you everyday. I know you died serving your community and in turn your country. As the days go by the pain gets easier, but I try to remind myself, that because you stopped him....he in the end was stopped and other lives were saved. Thank you Dad for being a neighbor, friend, servant and hero to your community.

Tamara
May 3, 2010

It's been four years and I still miss him. I am proud of how he served his community, but hurt for what I lost. I pray that I will get the opportunity to visit once again the community that loved him so much. Thanks to all the COP survivors who have helped me over these painful years.

Anonymous
February 9, 2010

Jim,

It has been four years, but I still remember the lessons you taught me. Rest in Peace.

Sgt Jeremy Davis
February 4, 2010

Thank you for you duty, service, and ultimate sacrifice. You will NEVER be forgotten and will FOREVER be a hero!

Sergeant, Retired
Fayetteville, AR PD
February 4, 2010

You have not been forgotten. Thank you for such a long and dedicated career in law enforcement and for the service to your country. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
February 4, 2010

I worked with you @ Blytheville. Rest in Peace, Capt Sell.

Anonymous
December 14, 2009

I "googled" the Turner Diaries, having again, heard it pop up in the news, yet still not sure what it was. This is where I learned your name, and your fate. After reading of the details leading up to your senseless murder, I went outside, lit a cigarette, and cried. I shed tears for a man I did not know, yet a man I could only hope to be. To the ENTIRE Sell family, I am truly sorry for your loss. Rest in Peace, Officer Sell, and thank you for your service here.

Anonymous
August 1, 2009

Of all the fallen officers i have viewed, for some reason, this one gets to me the most.I shed tears every time i view this officer's page.Rest in peace.

ocsd4073
Mo. reserve deputy
March 14, 2009

Forgive me for missing the anniversary of your E.O.W., but I felt as though I could not continue to read about so many tragedies. I now realize the visit each day to leave a word of encouragement and hope to the loved ones of others, helps me to remember that I am not alone with my pain and heartbreak. So may I say to your friends and loved ones that my thoughts and prayers are with them now and always. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol and may they know you will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
February 19, 2009

I salute you for your dedicated service to law enforcement and for being the true hero that you are. I am thinking of all of your loved ones today and those that were close to you. None of them will ever let you be forgotten, nor will the Blue Family ever forget you.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
February 4, 2009

I am remembering you with the deepest respect for the many years of distinquished service you gave to the citizens of Arkansas. On this the third anniversary of your tragic death, I am embracing your family in my heart and in prayer.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
February 4, 2009

Rest in Peace, Officer Sell. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
July 28, 2008

This is just so sad, I just heard about this incident, via Wikipedia of all places, I am always shocked at the sheer barbarity of some humans. Terrible, my sympathies with all who were affected personally by this tragedy.

Andy in DeKalb, IL

Andy
Random citizen
May 14, 2008

Officer Sell, may Your Soul Rest - In - Peace.

I remember following the case after the Massachusetts incident, and how overnight, that anal pore became a MySpace legend.

I pray that there are not too many more "Jake Jekylls" out there......

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD
February 4, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE.

Pat
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
February 1, 2008

As the anniversary of your sacrifice nears, please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of those whose lives you affected but did not even know. Your family, friends, and brothers and sisters in law enforcement are in my prayers as well. Thank you for doing your job. Your duty and ultimate sacrifice are never forgotten.

Lt. Cathy Peal
Charleston, WV Police Department

Lt. Cathy Peal
Charleston, WV Police Department
February 1, 2008

Jim,
take care of Philip now since he is an angel to, I know this week has been a very difficult one and hopes it only get's better now that you have a new angel. you were not only a hero but you died as one also. from here to eternity until we meet again
Rebecca

September 28, 2007

"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
August 6, 2007

Officer Sell,

I once came through your awesome little town on my way to the Buffalo River on vacation. I accidently was running a little fast coming through your stretch of road. My wife was with me and when you stopped us, she couldn't stop laughing as you had so many lights on your car! She thought that there were dozen of cars behind us! Anyway, you were real professional and kind, and laughed with us as you sent us on our way with a very kind and wise "please be careful and slow down some". You made an enormous impact on us for some reason and we'll never forget it! God bless you and your family.

GS-12 Joseph M. Carr
902 MI (Counter-Intelligence)
April 7, 2007

To Officer Jim Sell, the entire Sell family, and all my fellow brothers and sisters in both the Blytheville Police Department, and the Grassville Police Department. I can not tell you how sorry I am for your loss, just by reading Officer Sell’s bio, it is clear to see he was a truly great man. Unfortunately, Officer Sell is not here with us any longer, but I know he is looking down on us from heaven and continues to help keep us all safe.
This May I will be participating in the 11 annual Police Unity Tour ride to Washington DC. This year will be my 5th year making the 350 mile bicycle trip from New Jersey to DC in honor of all the Police Officers that have been killed in the line of duty. It is my honor and privilege to be making this years ride in memory of Officer Jim Sell. It is my hope that Officer Sell’s family and police department members will be present during the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial Service where Officer Sell will be honored. It is my wish to meet with the family and friends of Officer Sell and present them with a small token of my appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice Officer Sell has made. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER; IT’S OUR TURN TO STAND WATCH.

Officer Matt Newschwander
Long Hill Township Police Dept. (NJ)
February 23, 2007

Again, I say Thank You Officer Sell for protecting my fellow Arkansans. You have not been forgotten and remain a true hero!

Janice Brown
Conway, Arkansas
civilian

Janice Brown
civilian
February 11, 2007

To Officer Jim Sell (Captain) and his loved ones:

On this the first anniversary of your brutal murder and tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

Jim, you rescued us, saved our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication in your thirty years of law enforcement are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise. I also salute your service to our country through your service in the U.S. Navy.

Rest in Peace, Captain Jim Sell. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Jim gave to his community and the citizens of Arkansas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 4, 2006.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 4, 2007