Officer Down Memorial Page

Tomorrow, is your 37th birthday (Feb. 6 ) I will miss calling and telling you Happy Birthday for the second year. However, in heaven we don't have to worry about getting older. I Miss You everyday of my life and think of you as well. I miss your happy smiling face and the Love you had for others. You were a very sweet Nephew and I will be able to see you agian someday. God needed you to fly for him in heaven.

Happy Birthday Shawn, I Love You, your aunt Lucy.

Lucy (James) Combs
Aunt
February 5, 2012

I don't have words to say how much I miss Shawn. He was my first cousin, and we grew up with each other. When he wasn't at my house I was at his. His house was within 50 feet of mine. We went through elementary school together and part of high school. Then life took him one way and men another. I got my pilots licenses in high school, and later Shawn got his and stuck with it. I'm almost a doctor now. We never got to talk much and I always thought I would get to see him any time I wanted. Now my cousin/brother is gone and I really miss him. I spent so much of my life with him. I always loved him. I just never got to say it enough.

So Shawn I know your up in heaven flying around. I hope you know I loved you.

-Richard James

Richard James
First cousin
December 7, 2011

It's been little over a year, but it seems like yesterday. I want everyone to know how great of a person you were. There was nothing you wouldn't have done for anyone. I am extremely blessed to have known you and to work with on on different calls. We became friends long time ago, you called me everyday just to say hey, how are you. When i would get off work and you were working you called me on my home just to make sure i made it ok. When at work and you were on duty you patroled the parking areas when people tried breaking into vehicles. You have truely made your mark in everyones life that you came to know. I remember when you offered to take me flying i was excited but you never got the chance. When i see med-flight i just smile. Wait how about the time you called me from your plane, i was comeing out of clinch valley medical center omg lol, you said look up, and when i did i saw you flying upside down above the hospital i can still hear you laughing you scared me but i laughed with you..I will never forget you and while tears flow down i also smile i miss you very much. At your funeral there was a lady that came up to me just after your mother walked by and she asked me if i worked with you and i told her i did on certain calls and she then grabbed my hand and told me everything was going to be ok. I dont know who she was but I'd like to thank her.. You are missed very much Sgt.....

Cheryl Allison
Tazewell County Fire Rescue/ Friend
October 17, 2011

Hey Buddy,

Just wanted to drop a note and let everyone know what kind of guy you where. You are the kind of man that would do anything you could to help someone in need everyday at work. You were the kind of guy that you could depend on everyday to be there when need be. It has just been a lil over a year and we all think about you all the time. Your name comes up in conversation oh so much. You are sadly missed by your family and friends. You are gone but not forgotten my friend.

RIP #22

Kenny Stillwell
Federal Bureau of Prisons
August 1, 2011

Shawn I loved you so long ago, but the memories still run deep. Your kindness and compassion were above reproach. I am thinking of your mother right now, she was so proud of you. I know we hadn't talked in a while, but you always had a way of crossing my mind. You will be deeply missed my friend. Love, Alicia

Alicia A Higgins
friend
May 14, 2011

Deputy Sheriff Hess,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Tazewell County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
USBP
March 24, 2011

shawn you will never be forgotton here at our house we will always be rember here in our heart we could ask for a better friend then you thak for taking us up in the plane and growing up with was a honor and the kids will never forget chubby and bubba will mis you andd so will we when we see a plane we will think of you and your memoires will always be he


clayton sherry bubba and chubby
we mis you

casey family
friends
August 10, 2010

To Shawn's Mother and co-workers,
My heart and prayers go out to you all.
He was truly a hero!!! He will never be forgotten!!

C Carr
Mother of Chad Carr, EOW 6/4/09 Green County,Va.
August 2, 2010

Rest in Peace

S. Mahoney
Eastern State Hospital Police
August 1, 2010

Rest easy Brother In Law, your watch on earth is now over. I pray Gods mercy and Love towards your Family, and Loved ones.......

Sgt. John L. Gulledge (Ret.)
Escambia CO Sheriff's Office Pensacola FL.
July 31, 2010

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"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 whose 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

Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Department, Columbia, SC
July 30, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with those friends and family memebers that are left behind and cannot follow. Rest in peace my brother in blue...we will take it from here.

PFC Adam F Laser
Westminster City Police Department
July 29, 2010

For Deputy Sheriff Shawn Hess:

The call for assistance by any law officer is made with the expectation of immediate help. Every law officer who patrols, as do many others, know the urgency of the call and respond accordingly. We reget that our brother Shawn would encounter a crash doing what many of us have risked many times over. Our safety has always been ensured by others who wear the badge. It will contine that way until the day we retire - and then some.

We pray for Shawn's family, friends, co-workers and all who care about him. May they be ready to speak-up for him as hero among heros, and support one another in the days ahead.

I am proud to render Deputy Shawn Hess a final salute.

Cpl. Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
Pennylvania State Police
July 29, 2010

No more suffering, may you live forever. Your extended law enforcement family grieves your loss.

Christ be with you my friend.

Sheriff Dan Smith
Patrick County, VA Sheriff's Office
July 29, 2010

Deputy Hess,

Rest in peace sir.

Detective Dave Howell
Plano,Texas Police Dept-Auto Theft
July 29, 2010

We are so sorry for your loss of Deputy Sheriff Hess.Our hearts are with you all as you honor and mourn him. We thank him for his sacrifice. With many thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous
July 29, 2010

God Bless you sir.

Rick F.
Ret. CO
July 29, 2010

DEPUTY HESS YOUR WHERE TAKEN WAY TO SOON, THERE ARE KNOW WORDS TO EASE THE PAIN YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND CO WORKERS MUST FEEL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, AND FOR THE SMILE I SEE IN YOUR PHOTO, EVEN THOUGH I DO NOT KNOW YOU, YOU ARE MY BROTHER IN LAW ENFORCEMENT, YOU'VE SPENT YOUR TIME IN HELL, NOW MAY YOU PATROL THE STREETS OF GOLD WHERE THERE IS NO CRIME, SPREAD YOUR WINGS WIDE TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY, AND PLEASE KEEP AN EYE ON US AS WE CONTINUE ON, GOD'S SPEED REST IN PEACE YOUR SISTER IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

DEPUTY
JACKSONCOSO OHIO
July 28, 2010

Thank you for your sacrifice and may you rest in peace.

Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney
Fredericksburg, VA
July 28, 2010

My prayers and thoughts go out to Deputy Hess's family and his agency. Our office lost a deputy in an accident last year. Stay strong.

Captain G. H. Drewery
Southampton Co. VA. Sheriff's Office
July 28, 2010

I had the pleasure of working side by side with Shawn while he patrolled the west end of the county. He was remarkable both in his professional and personal life, truly he was one of a kind. I know I will miss seing his smiling face. I will forever be greatful for his service, and sacrifice. Rest peacefully my friend.

PTL R D HOLT
RICHLANDS VA PD
July 28, 2010

REST IN PEACE.

INVESTIGATOR BOB CAMERON
CLEVELAND HTS PD (OHIO)
July 27, 2010

Your service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Officer J. B. Walker
Fredericksburg Police Dept
July 27, 2010

You have paid the ultimate sacrifice my Brother. Your Family, friends, and Department will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Inv. Tony Bates
Campbell Co. Sheriff's Office Va
July 27, 2010

My Condolences to the Hess Family. My Thoughts and Prayers are with you.

Trooper-Pilot David Nichols
Virginia State Police Aviation Division
July 26, 2010