Officer Down Memorial Page

It's been 5 1/2 years already and it still seems like just yesterday when we lost you. I still miss you Jeffery. I think and speak of you often. You were a tremendous influence and a wonderful friend. I still carry the dog tag in my vest and I still believe you always have my back. The comfort of knowing you are watching over us and always being our guardian angel helps keep us safe and calms the fears that would be.

I've felt you tap my shoulder on calls to help open my eyes to the dangers I did not see because complacency set in and remind me to stay vigilant. I carry you and your memory with me every day. I miss you man, but I'll see you again in due time and we'll walk the beat on Heaven's streets together.

Dy. Jonathan Williams
Tangipahoa Parish S.O.
March 11, 2011

Deputy Bickham, you will not be forgotten! R.I.P.

Deputy Sheriff
Livingston County (Il) Sheriff's Ofc.
September 20, 2010

To Deputy Jeffery Bickham, his family and his fellow officers with the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Deputy Bickham‘s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Deputy Bickham and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff
September 20, 2009

Hey brother. You were on my mind, so I figured I'd write you. You are never forgotten. I miss being able to talk to you and it took me a long time after you passed to bring myself to erase your cell phone number from my phone. You're forever in my heart and mind. The memories of our time working together and the conversations we had are great ones. I never met anyone like you before my time at WPSO or since. You still got my back...that will never change. I keep your dog tag with me (it stays in my vest). Your picture is still handy and on display at my house. We all miss you very much man. Wish you could be here to meet the new Mrs. Williams. You were an awesome inspiration to me and a great motivator to push myself to be a better person and treat everyone with the respect they deserve. Being blessed enough to know you and call you my brother and friend was truly a gift from God. Keep on being my angel man. You were always great at that and you haven't let me down thus far. Love you man. J.W. TP-141.

Deputy Jonathan Williams
TPSO / Former WPSO
June 28, 2009

The wicked fleee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:1

May God be with you and all who mourn you. May he give them the strength to carry on.

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

K.L.
March 4, 2009

To the family and friends of Deputy Jeffery Bickham and his fellow officers:

On behalf of our entire family, we wish to pay honor to Jeffery's memory on the third anniversary of the day he so tragically lost his life.

May you be continue to be comforted by the support and caring of your law enforcement family, and other police survivors. We grieve for you and with you. Our family lost our beloved Larry Lasater when he was fatally shot in April of 2005 during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers, so we know the anquish you are still experiencing.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the e years of service Deputy Bickham gave to his community and the citizens of Lousiana, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 20, 2005.

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

Anonymous
September 21, 2008

Somebody sent me this in an e-mail. I instantly thought of you. Take care little brother....

"The Final Inspection"

The policeman stood and faced his God,
which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining
just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No Lord I guess I ain't.
Because those who carry badges
can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough...
And sometimes I've been violent
because the streets are awful tough.

But I never took a penny
that wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime
when the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
among the people here.
They never wanted me around
except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here,
Lord, it needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
but if you don't...I'll understand."

There was silence all around the throne
where the saints had often trod,
as the policeman waited quietly
for the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman.
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on heaven's streets.
You've done your time in hell."

Deputy Rickey Edwards #2318
Partner
May 1, 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 11, 2008

Jeffery,
I remember that morning all too often. The worst feeling one could imagine. The sound in Quin's voice when he called in what he found. I can't help but wonder why, why the good people? God has a plan, a master plan that we may not understand, but we are all a part of it is the closest answer I can give myself to that question. I always think about that night you were working a detail and I was dispatching, I forget who, but one of the other Deputies was giving me a hard time on the radio. You called them out on it over the radio, and needless to say they changed their tone. At that time I had just started and I don't even think we had met face to face, but you were that nice of a person to help someone that you didn't even know. For that and you service we all thank you. We miss you down here, all the time. But you rest easy now brother, and continue to watch over us.
Deputy Chris Nielsen STPSO 4114
Former WP 48
STPSO 4114

Deputy Chris Nielsen
STPSO / Former WPSO
January 14, 2008

Never forgotten~ Rest in peace.

September 20, 2007

God I miss you man. You were always able to say a kind word and give me direction in my life. Shorty you don't know how much of an impact you have had on the planet in the short time you were here. You be safe and I will see you soon big brother!!!!my love to you. Your Partner

Rickey

Patrolman Rickey Edwards
Partner
July 31, 2007

Dear Jeffery, I will miss you but never forget working with you. You where a great motivator and kept me going. I guess we can't play the speeder game of who can get the first one over 90 wins but I know your always there with me each and every time I put on a uniform and go to work.I will close now saying the same as our good friend Ricky WP-48 Central Wp-47 is 10-7 Forever thank's for every thing jeff I will see you again in due time

Love WP-48

Deputy Albert Sharp
STPSO/WPSO
July 15, 2007

"George Foreman" you helped to center me, spiritually, in a time of personal turmoil. You were a natural leader and a tremendous friend. I am a better person for having known you. I hope your children will remember and follow the example you set.

Rest in peace and god bless your family.

B Sharp/ former WP-48
JPSO/ 1st District
July 11, 2007

Brother Bickham you will be greatly missed. Everyone who came into contact with you was blessed with your great personality and love for everyone.. We will miss you "Shorty".. Sgt. Ryan Mahne W.P.S.O

Cpl. Ryan Mahne
Madisonville P.D. / W.P.S.O.
July 6, 2007

Man it's hard to sit here and write this to you... this is the first time I have seen your page and it has brought me to tears.I miss you so musch unc.!!!!!! When I got the news that you have died i really couldn't say anything but cry!You were like a father to me and my brother in that time of need.You just don't know how hard it is for me at times. I wear your dog tag EVERY day and I kiss it every morning I wake up. I know that you know I am in school now and you have kept me from stopping so many times.I go home and I see that my dad has a horse now and i remember the first time you put me on yours i was scared to death!!!! Well unc. I know that you are watching over us and do my best to make you proud. I LOVE YOU AND WILL FOREVER LOVE YOU!!!!! MUFF

Jessica(Muff) Bickham
Niece
March 13, 2007

Well big brother I guess I have finally gotten the nerve to write this reflection. You don't know how many times I have started this message and had to stop because I could not see the screen for the tears. In one of the last programs I attended in your honor one of the Officer's giving his speech spoke of the "Work Wife". You were so much more to me beside a partner...a best friend. You really don't know what you have in a person until they are gone. I have left the Sheriff's Office since your death....it's to hard at times. The new shift is okay but I will never have a partner like WP-47. There is so much I want to say but just can't. WP-43 central..........Log WP-47 10-7 forever. God bless and God speed. Go rest now I will see you soon.

Patrolman Rickey Edwards
Bogalusa P.D.
February 13, 2007

The Deputy stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shinning,
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Deputy,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The Deputy squared his shoulder and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I aint,
Because those of us who carry badges can't
always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was rough,
And sometimes I've been violent
Because the streets are tough.

But I never took a penny
That wasn't mine to keep.
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept an unmanly tear.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
it needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't...I'll understand.

There was silence all around the throne,
where the saints often trod.
As the Deputy waited quietly for the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, Deputy."
"You've borne your burdens well."
"Come walk a beat on heaven's streets,"
"You've done your time in Hell"

Rest In Peace My Brothers & Sisters
Who Have Given Your All. You Have
Earned Your Wings, Soar On.

A FELLOW DEPUTY
ST. TAMMANY PARISH SHERIFFS OFFICE
December 30, 2006

REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER

A STPSO DEPUTY
STPSO
December 30, 2006

Sleep safe with Our Lord.

September 20, 2006

D.S. Bickham..you - your family - friends & co-workers are in my thoughts & prayers as they remember you on your 1 yr anniversary in Heaven..continue to watch over them & your fellow brothers/sisters in blue..YOU ARE GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN..REST IN PEACE & WITH EASE BLUE ANGEL!!!!

mi state police recruit
detroit
September 20, 2006

My thoughts are with your family on this first anniversary of your EOW. You have not been forgotten and are a true hero. Heroes never die. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father
September 20, 2006

Gone but not forgotten! We love you Jeff! Your babies are in our prayers! I still can't believe you are gone!!

Chris & La'Chee Morgan
WPSO deputy & wife
September 19, 2006

I love you and miss you very much.You lit up my life every time you were around.If something was bothering me,you knew just what to say to make me laugh and smile.I thank you and the LORD above for bringing you into my life.I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN ONE DAY" "LOVE YOU" MOTHER INLAW

JOELL JONES
MOTHER INLAW
September 19, 2006

As the first anniversary of Deputy Bickham's untimely death draws near, I send love and encouragement to his family. May the Lord continue to comfort your hearts.--Joanie

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEO's
September 15, 2006

REST IN PEACE JEFFERY. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE LOVED AND MISSED. I AM PROUD TO BE ABLE TO SAY THAT YOU ARE AND WERE MY FRIEND. THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS BELIEVING IN ME AND WATCHING MY BACK (YOU STILL DO BECAUSE I HAVE YOUR PICTURE IN THE BACK OF MY HAT SO YOU WILL ALWAYS WATCH MY BACK). THANK YOU FOR BEING AN EAR TO LISTEN WHEN I WAS IN TROUBLE OR JUST PLAIN HOMESICK AND FOR BEING A GUARDIAN ANGEL. YOU ARE A TRULY HONORABLE MAN MY FRIEND. THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME KNOW YOU AND FOR STANDING BESIDE ME AS A FELLOW OFFICER.

JONATHAN WILLIAMS
CHEATHAM COUNTY E-911 CENTER / WPSO
August 5, 2006