Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sergeant Jesse L. Henderson

Wellston Police Department, Missouri

End of Watch Thursday, October 1, 1981

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Sergeant Jesse L. Henderson

Rest in peace Sergeant Henderson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 30, 2019

A wound that never heals. I miss you Daddy.

Denise Henderson Billings

August 3, 2017

We are all so appreciative that sites like this exist to memorialize those who made the ultimate sacrifice. When I made contact for my father's picture to be added on his webpage back in 2006, there was no hesitancy. We also all know how beautiful the ceremonies are in DC every May and the beautiful Memorial there with the names inscribed. It’s all such an honor.
We definitely want him remembered for the kind, loving, and generous person he lived to be every day, and just how much he is missed. His deep faith in God carried him through. His soul is truly resting.

Elizabeth M. Taylor
Daughter

July 5, 2015

Jessie was a great guy. I knew him well. I worked the case that night and was on the scene about 4 minutes after the call came into MRS. We did take one into custody that night about two blocks away. So sorry for the loss.

Bob Sampson Det. Sgt.
Pine Lawn PD

September 30, 2014

May your family continue to find peace. Thank you for serving your community.

Lt. Alan Hucke
Millstadt, IL. P.D.

September 30, 2014

Phyllis Lasater Loya, thank you for your post and your understanding of what losing a loved one in this manner means. I'm sorry you lost your son. I have a son and I can't imagine what it would feel like to lose him.

Sgt. Charles McKenzie, I would love to talk with you sometime. I'm on facebook and twitter.

Also John Taylor, I'd love to reconnect with you and the rest of the siblings. See the above info.

Candy Brown, how sweet of you to post this. I love you dearly.

Denise Henderson Billings
Daughter

August 3, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 32nd aniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

April 26, 2013

31 years ago today you made the ultimate sacrifice to protect your family, friends & community. May you rest in peace and God bless your family and loved ones and may your courage and bravery be saluted on this day.

Danny McCoy
Corrections Program Coordinator
MI Dept. of Corrections

October 1, 2012

Jesse, I well remember that night. I was working at Vinita Park PD when that juvenile dirtbag shot you. I also remember how much you cared for your officers, and how you tried to keep them safe. You were an exemplary officer and a credit to the profession.

Sgt. Charles McKenzie
Silex, MO PD (Retired)

May 17, 2012

Sgt Henderson, I know your daughter and she is a living testament to your guidance, compassion, dedication and humor. Thank you for your service and your gift to us.

Candy Brown
friend of daughter Denise Henderson Billings

March 1, 2012

Thank you all for the kind words and prayers. Especially to you Sgt. McKenzie. Jesse is my father. I was never really sure of what happened that day. You all are right he will NEVER be forgotten. I love him and miss him everyday.

Denise Henderson Billings
Daughter

February 29, 2012

Jesse:

I was there that night, and remember it so well. By the time I arrived, you were already gone. The little dirtbag was caught and sentenced, but he's probably out by now. I don't know, but I am sure he has been "reformed" and is a model citizen. I will never forget that night, when I saw a good officer fall. God bless you, and rest in peace.

Sgt. Charles McKenzie (Ret.)
Vinita Park P.D.

June 17, 2011

You are well loved and sorely missed.
May God have mercy on your soul.

John Taylor
Son

September 3, 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

December 11, 2007

You are remembered today, and thank you Sir for your service.

This writer hopes that justice was served appropriately due to your untimely death

Pat Van DEn Berghe

October 13, 2007

I salute you, Sir, on the 26th Anniversary of your brutal and tragic murder. May your family and friends take comfort in knowing that you will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten!

SGT, Retired
AR

October 1, 2007

God bless you for your service and sacrifice. You will not be forgotten.

DE
St. Louis City Police

August 11, 2005

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