Officer Down Memorial Page

Worked 1530-2330 shift recently at Patrol and thought a few nights how nice it would be to get off and sit on the steps of the jail and talk about our families like we used to do. Then the next week Neil and I passed your accident scene and I my eyes watered. I told Neil how much I had been missing you lately. I said a prayer for continued comfort for your family. There is no doubt in my mind that you are forever looking down on us and that makes the missing you a little easier. Keep us safe my brother.

PTC Sarah A. Murphy
NCSHP Telecommunications/Bladen County 911
April 4, 2013

I've waited to do this because its still hard to believe you're gone. I keep listening to hear you check on the radio but then I remember your funeral. I was really looking forward to you singing at my wedding. The night you left us, we had just got home from rehearsal when I got the call. I was devastated! I couldn't believe it, it wasn't true. We had to remake the CD of the music and put the song you were suppose to sing on it. Just want you to know, I'd have rather heard you sing it. The CD played fine that night and the next day, UNTIL WE GOT TO YOUR SONG. It completely quit. Then every song after that played fine. Were you trying to tell me something?? I miss out late night talks at Central when we actually worked together. There is nobody else that I can con into singing for me either. We miss you terribly Dewayne and you are never far from our thoughts. Everytime I hear "I Cross My Heart" I will think of you. When I get up there where you are, I've got a bone to pick with you.

Penny P. Britt, 911 Dispatcher
Bladen County Sheriff Dept
February 3, 2013

As we start a new year(2013), your service and sacrifice will always be remembered.
Rest in Peace my Brother.

To my active duty Brothers and Sisters, PLEASE STAY SAFE!

Master Senior Investigator Cardell L. Dobbins #188 (Ret.)
Illinois Secretary of State Department of Police District 01, Region 01
January 1, 2013

Thank you for your service and helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO
November 5, 2012

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Corinthians 5
May your soul rest in peace

JAMES OBENG
September 30, 2012

I think of you every day and miss the sound of you checking on over the radio and talking with you. We've had some geat times and made some good cases. I will always carry your memory with me where ever I go. Love ya Buddy

Brisson, C.T.
Bladen County Sheriff's Office
July 26, 2012

I know if has taken a while for me to leave my reflection but it had to be on my time and I feel this is it. I always enjoyed the times I got off work at the patrol and would sit around the jail and talk with you and all the guys. You were all so much fun to hang out with. Or when I worked part time in communications and you all would come by and speak to me. No matter how long it had been since I had worked, you always welcomed be back for what little time I might be there. I loved to listen to the stories you told, especially about the family's trip to the mountains when you had the bear come onto the deck. How very much you loved your wife and girls and you were not afraid to let anyone know that. You were a very special gentleman to have claimed as a friend.

I worked with your squad last Tuesday night and how strange it was for you not to be working. We reflected on the last couple of times I worked with 3rd squad and you brought me my coffee and spilled it on your pants. LOL I laughed because that was all we heard that night "I can still smell that coffee on my pants". I still do not drink a cup of McDonald's coffee, and never will, and not think of that night. I still have not come to terms with you not being here.

I know you have met Jamie by now and there is no doubt in mind that the 2 of you guys have hit if off wonderfully. I also know that the 2 of you are looking down on all our law enforcment officers and will do your best to keep them safe.

Know that you are greatly missed and still loved by us all.

Telecommunicator Sarah A. Murphy
NC State Highway Patrol & Bladen County Sheriff's Department
July 23, 2012

Though I never knew him, he was part of my Law Enforcement family and I will mourn this deep loss the rest of my life. My heart aches with all the losses we have suffered, and continue to suffer, through the years. God is our only peace through such incidents. May family & friends feel the presence of the "God of All Comfort" as they endure the distressing days ahead. I join them in their agonizing grief & remember them in my prayers.

Another senseless tragedy
Another day of grief,
Another day of praying
To help us find relief.

Relief from bitter anguish
Relief from rage so great,
Relief from lenient justice
Which continues to seal our fate.

Relief from heartache’s torment
As we continue on,
Oh, the awesome loss of brotherhood
Now that you are gone.

Though our hearts are deeply broken
And our tears forever flow,
There’s a comforting assurance
That now with God you go.

We know that you are welcome
Now at Heaven’s gate,
While meeting brothers & sisters
Who also met such fate.

The family of Law Enforcement
Knows no distance here or there,
And we recall in comfort
You await us there.

Vicki Hare, Telecommunicator
Salisbury NC PD
July 17, 2012

His Judgment Day:
The officer 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, Officer, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek To my church have you been true?"
The officer 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 officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell"

Author unknown

May God be with everyone

Motor officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano, TX
July 9, 2012

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

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol
July 9, 2012

RIP and my God be with your family during this hard time.

First Sergeant Billy Caulk
Brunswick County Sheriff's Office NC
July 5, 2012

Rest in peace blue brother.

Deputy T. Luttrell
WCSD-TN
July 1, 2012

God Bless you Deputy Hester. May the good Lord above cradle you in His arms, and may you Rest in Peace my Brother in Blue. I offer my prayers and sympathies to each and every one of your family members, friends, and co-workers. Rest easy Sir.

Chris Walley
Former Jail Officer/Deputy Wayne Co. Mississippi Sheriffs Department
June 29, 2012

RIP Officer Hester.

Sergeant Joseph R. Vigueras
Los Angeles Police Department
June 28, 2012

Rest in peace, brother.

Deputy Logan Niles
Garfield County S.O.
June 27, 2012

so sorry for his loss. thoughts and prayers sending his way. also sending his fellow officers.

citizen
citzen
June 27, 2012

Whatever our duty, or wherever we serve, we are all brothers and sisters in this most honorable calling. We have lost yet another brother who we must never forget.

My deepest sympathy to both his family and his police family. My thoughts and prayers are with them. May he rest in eternal peace.

Sgt. Tom Waller, Ret., Cincinnati P.D.
Greater Cincinnati Police Museum
June 27, 2012

Rest in Peace. God bless Deputy Hester's family.

PO C. DOWNER
DPD
June 26, 2012

REST IN PEACE DEPUTY HESTER, YOU ARE A TRUE HERO.

Deputy J. D. Davis
Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office
June 25, 2012

DEPUTY HESTER - REST IN PEACE OUR BROTHER AND MAY THE GOOD LORD COMFORT YOUR FAMILY.

Sergeant Brian K. Blackman
Virginia State Police
June 25, 2012

Rest in peace my Brother!
"Blessed are the Peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9

Jack Garcia, Retired FBI Agent
FBI
June 24, 2012

god bless you sir.

CBPO R. Collins
US CBP- Nogales, AZ
June 23, 2012

May God protect your ice & children. Your selflessness doing a heroes job will NEVER be forgotten. Rest I peace, your brothers & sisters have it from here.

Mother of a Sargeant
Colorado Springs PD
June 22, 2012

RIP Deputy Hester you will be missed. God be with your family in this tough time.

Officer E. Mejia
Leland P.D
June 20, 2012

As a rookie in your basic law enforcement class you were always the top of your class. You also continued to be top notch in your service to your community. In addition to your family and friends, Bladen County suffered a tremendous loss.
As the Director of Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) when you were a rookie, I remember how you were always seeking more than what was taught in basic training and always volunteering to assist. You continued your voracious search and giving your all, even on your last call. Thank you for your service. Thank you for being a top notch student and officer, always unwavering.
You are missed.

DWMassingale
Past Dir. BLET
June 20, 2012