Officer Down Memorial Page

" Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you". Deuteronomy 31:6

Mr. Sheppard, Jason's father, this is the verse that comes to my mind each year when I see you reflection on Charles' page. This verse also reminds me how brave our sons were each time they reported for duty, they put on the armor of God and went forward into battle. When I read the newspaper clippings of Charles death, now, I see the difficult pain our boys went through with the political entanglements yet they show up and got the job done. I can not thank you enough for your continued courage to comfort us all, even in your own sorry. Jason was taught by a great master!
God go with you, protect you and keep until we glorify him face to face.

Thank you for letting your love light shine!

Cathy Callemyn Carter
Mother of Officer C. Callemyn 2/17/2007
April 5, 2012

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgottten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department
March 24, 2012

Although it has been five years since you were taken, I know the pain felt by your family will always be there. A parent should never have to experience the loss of a child; but, unfortunately, it happens even to "us" regular people. Thank you, Mr. Sheppard, for writing on my son, Eric DeWit's, page. He was a wonderful young man, as your son was, and I would give my life just to have him back with his wife and daughter. Althought it's been almost 9 years, it feels like yesterday. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family always. You are never alone.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Dariel DeWit
Mother of Eric E. DeWit, EOW 2/17/2003

Mrs. Dariel DeWit
Mother of Eric E. DeWit, EOW 2/17/2003
December 16, 2011

Jason we miss you. You are an inspiration to all LEO and future generations of LEO. I can only remember the good times we had from you riding with me when you got hired at the S.O. till we were running calls together in Wagener. Rest in Peace My Brother.

Sergeant Daniel McElmurray
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Police and Former Co-Worker
December 10, 2011

It's been 5 years (tonight at 11:40) since you left us Jason and it is not any easier. I hope and pray that all who knew you can find peace of mind and smile a little as they remember all the good things you accomplished during your short stay with us. As always our christmas tree has only blue lights on it in rememberance of you and the Thin Blue Line.

Dad
Father
December 7, 2011

Today five years later and I still remember with a heavy heart. A great person was taken from us.

Jan
December 7, 2011

I will never forget that night as long as I live, but Thank you
God for all of the good,loving & funny memories you have allowed me. Jason got to do so many things during his time here. I can look back now and see what a full life he had. He was blessed with a beautiful voice, great personality, and a kind heart. He was also blessed with a beautiful wife who is very much still a part of our lives with a wonderful husband and their precious little girl, they are a great part of our lives. I so look forward to the day we will all be together again. On Mother's Day Danny (his brother) my Mom and my sister watched videos of the boys high school years we laughed & cried. The hardest to watch was his wedding as he sung to Shelley that he would always be there. I do know he is still watching over all of us and that he is happy. Thank you God for the time you allowed us to have him. Thank you for my Danny and the joy he, Brandi, Katelyn and Jade bring to us. I know Jason is still a part of their life as Jade knows who Uncle Jason is and she's only 3. She like her Daddy & Jason loves to laugh & make you laugh. Life is Good!!!

Emily Brown
His Mother
June 3, 2011

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones on this special day, Law Enforcement Memorial Day. Continue to keep watch over all of those that love you dearly. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
May 15, 2011

Remembering Sergeant Jason Lannes Sheppard and mourning your loss.

Citizen NJ

Anonymous
February 2, 2011

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones during the anniversary of your being called away from duty and also the Christmas holiday that will soon be here. The holidays are a very hard time for all of us who have lost someone, especially a child as there is no greater loss or heartache.
Continue to watch over your loved ones, you have not been forgotten.


"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." From a Headstone in Ireland

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
December 13, 2010

Jason, it's now been 4 long years since you were take from us. I'm not so sure about the old saying "Time heals all" because it sure isn't getting any easier not having you around. You are missed every day, and especially missed during the Holiday's. We sure miss your singing both at home and at church.

James Sheppard
Dad
December 7, 2010

Everyone is rushing around planning for Thanksgiving...worried about food and shopping....Holidays just seem so empty without you Buddy....Gonna try and lift my spirits and be so very thankful for the time we had here on Earth. Know you're Buffet is Grand. Hope they're serving you Chocolate Delight....Happy Thanksgiving Jason....

Sandy
Stepmom
November 24, 2010

Just Wishing you a Very Happy Birthday. Still hard on us left behind, but we celebrate your life!!!! Thanks for be a part of my everyday....See you soon!!!

Sandy
StepMom
October 26, 2010

Jason,
Just to let you know I have not forgotten your birthday. Sandy and I took Ashley by the station this past Friday to see your memorial, and I asked her who that was in the picture on your badge and she said Uncle Jason. She may have been only six months old when you let us, but she knows who her Uncle Jason is and loves listening to you sing when we play you CD while riding around.

James Sheppard
Dad
October 26, 2010

Jason:

You will never be forgotten by all those whose lives you have touched. I know the never ending pain and heartbreak your family feels even still. Your dad left a message on my own son's Memorial Page. Good men gone too soon. Such sadness.

Jane Melchionda
Mother of Fallen Officer Matthew Melchionda
July 17, 2010

Just wanted to let you and your family know that we have not forgotten you, or them. Your father wrote on my sons site, and he is so right Holidays are hard, I know James will agree that everyday is a struggle. We will always miss our children and we will never forget. Thanks James we will never forget the sacrifice that you and your family live with everyday without Jason here to share new memories with him.
Sgt. Sheppard you are a hero, stay close to your family let them know you are there, and look Clint up and give him a big hug for me...

Connie Barker F.W.B. Fl
Mother of Clint Walker Prattville P.D. E.O.W. 1-14-04
July 6, 2010

Jason,
Holidays are always the hardest, but we all will endure. You and all the Hero's who helped protect and preserve the meaning of this holiday will be remembered today. Hero’s like you will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Dad
July 4, 2010

You and all of your loved ones are in my thoughts on this special day, Police Officer Memorial Day. Continue to watch over all of them.

"If people we love are stolen from us, the way to have them live on is to never stop loving them. Buildings burn, people die, but real love is forever." Author Unknown

Thank you for being the true hero that you are. You will never be forgotten

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
May 15, 2010

To all who knew of Jason's music and singing, and for all the people who where there when at 6 years old he sang his first solo "Germs My Invisible Dog", We all tried to get him to sing it later in life, but he never would do it. He finally told us that he did not remember the words because it had been so long ago. Well Sandy found the words to the song and I am posting it below. Thanks "Momma Sandy".
May the words bring back good memories of Jason for the ones who heard him sing it, and may it help others know him better as a small South Carolina boy.

My very best friend is my little shaggy dog
Chewing on my tennis shoes and running through the hall
He's kind of like my shadow, cause he's everywhere I go
He sleeps in my bed, but my mommy doesn't know
I hide him in my pocket cause he's very, very small
Germs, Germs, my invisible dog
He runs like the wind, and he knows some funny tricks
He doesn't like carrots and spinach makes him sick
He loves cotton candy and purple lemonade
Oreo cookies and yellow Gatorade
I hide him in my pocket cause he's very, very small
Germs, Germs, my invisible dog
We ride our ponies to castles far away
Chasing funny dinosaurs and dragons long the way
We often go exploring where the river winds and bends
Cowboy hats and wooden rafts like Huckleberry Finn
I hide him in my pocket cause he's very, very small
Germs, Germs, my invisible dog
I take him to church but nobody ever sees
The little shaggy spotted dog sitting on my knee
He's learning bible verses and he loves the happy songs
But he often falls asleep when the sermon is too long
I hide him in my pocket cause he's very, very small
Germs, Germs, my invisible dog
I hide him in my pocket cause he's very, very small
Germs, Germs, my invisible dog
Germs, Germs, my invisible dog
Germs, Germs, my invisible dog

Anonymous
April 22, 2010

Jason: I did not know you but because of your father's kindness, I have come here to let you know how much he loved you. Only parents who have lost a child can know the terrible heartache that follows us aroung every minute of every day. You will never be forgotten and, like my own son, are a hero. We parents have real angels now - not imagined but real.

Jane Melchionda
Mother of Fallen Officer Matthew Melchionda
March 16, 2010

Dear Family,

Tonight as I read through Charles' reflections I needed to share with you just a moment, to bring our broken hearts together, to help heal the rips and then to celebrate the lives of our Jason and Charles. The living after the lost has got to be the hardest task I have to do and knowing that you are there, you have shared so much with me over the last 3 years, it gives me hope, it brings me comfort. My God continue to keep us tight in his hands until the day we are re-joined together. Thank you for always thinking of us.

God's blessings now and always,
Cathy Carter
Mother
Officer Charles J. Callemyn EOW 2 17 2007

cathy c carter
friend
February 17, 2010

I just wanted to stop by and say thanks to the father of Jason. You stopping by and posting on so many other officers pages means the world to these families. You are truly a great guy. Keep up the great work and im sure you are making jason very proud.

Shawn Hoskins
January 1, 2010

We sure do miss you through the Holidays...Keep trying to focus on the Redemption of Christ's birth and not the missing of your presence at the dinner table. Missed you cutting the fresh bread and eating a loaf while you were doing it or hiding a piece in your pocket pretending to save it for later. Miss the mistle toe you shot out of the tree for me every year. Miss you and Travis shooting each other with the toy guns....let's just face it. You're missed...please keep a watch over us and we'll see you soon.

Sandy
Stepmom
December 27, 2009

I Chose to Look the Other Way

I could have saved a life that day,
But I chose to look the other way.
It wasn’t that I did not care,
I had the time, and I was there.
But I did not want to seem a fool,
Or argue over a safety rule.
I knew he’d done the job before,
If I called it wrong, he might get sore.
The chances didn’t seem that bad,
I’ve done the same, he knew I had.
So I shook my head and walked on by,
He knew the risks as well as I.
He took the chance, I closed an eye,
And with that act, I let him die.
I could have saved a life that day,
But I chose to look the other way.
Now every time I see his wife,
I know I should have saved his life.
That guilt is something I must bear,
But it isn’t something you need to share.
If you see a risk that others take,
That puts their health or life at stake,
The question asked, or thing you say,
Could help them live another day.
If you see a risk and walk away,
Then hope you never have to say,
I could have saved a life that day.
But I chose to look the other way.

James Sheppard
Dad
December 21, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the third 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. I understand the meaning of lives forever altered and know that the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
December 7, 2009