Conservation Officer James S. Wood Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Mississippi Sunday, October 21, 1984  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

To Officer James Wood and his loved ones:

On this the 25th anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today. Rest in Peace, James. I am praying for solace for your family members today, and each day that they are on the survivors' path.

I am sory that there was not a just verdict for the man who murdered you.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service James gave to his community and the citizens of Mississippi, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 21, 1984.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
2009-10-21

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
2007-12-04

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Vanen Berghe
NH
2007-10-19

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

Vandenberghe
NH
2007-10-17

My thoughts are with your loved ones and friends on this 22nd anniversary of your end of watch. The individual that caused all this pain and suffering to your loved ones is out of prison by now and my personal belief is that his punishment was a slap on the hand for the devastation he caused not only to your family, but to the responding officer in this case who also died. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol, you are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
2006-10-21

Officer Wood,

I read about your death, and the story is very disturbing. I believe the suspects sentence was not severe enough. Thank you for your service. I salute you, and God bless you brother. I pray for your family.

Agent Brandon Ladner
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics
2006-08-31

It is hard to believe that the scum bag that shot you only recieved a 20 year prison term. Thank you for your service .

Game Warden

2006-02-14

DAY IS DONE,
GONE THE SUN,
FROM THE HILLS, FROM THE LAKE, FROM THE SKIES.
ALL IS WELL, SAFELY REST,
GOD IS NIGH.

GO TO SLEEP, PEACEFUL SLEEP,
MAY THE SOLDIER OR SAILOR, GOD KEEP.
ON THE LAND OR THE DEEP,
SAFE IN SLEEP.

LOVE, GOOD NIGHT,
MUST THOU GO,
WHEN THE DAY, AND THE NIGHT NEED THEE SO?
ALL IS WELL. SPEEDETH ALL
TO THEIR REST.

FADES THE LIGHT;
AND AFAR
GOETH DAY, AND THE STARS SHINETH BRIGHT,
FARE THEE WELL; DAY IS GONE,
NIGHT IS ON.

THANKS AND PRAISE,
FOR OUR DAYS,
'NEATH THE SUN, 'NEATH THE STARS, 'NEATH THE SKY,
AS WE GO, THIS WE KNOW,
GOD IS NIGH.

A Brother In Blue

Detective Troy S. Pilivi
Box Elder Narcotics Strike Force (Utah)
2004-10-21

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies...

Rest in peace, hero.

2004-10-21

Oh what a shame. Rest in peace sir. God bless

Shannon
concerned citizen
2004-01-12