Deputy Sheriff William Jonathan Crawley Chesterfield County Sheriff's Department South Carolina Monday, August 31, 1998  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 22 of 2

On the 11th anniversary of Deputy Crawley's death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Deputy Crawley is not forgotten.

Sergeant Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department
2009-08-31

John it is hard to believe that it has been eleven years today. It seems like only yesterday sometimes. I never dreamed that the night before at the hospital would be the last time i would see on earth. I will never forget that feeling when i found out that you had been killed. Rest in peace my brother you tour on earth ended in 1998 but your new tour in heaven started. To Melinda and the kids we remember you on this day as well for the heartache and pain that have gone through. RIP 123 and look over those of us left here to carry on the job.

Cpl. Jason Shoemake
Society Hill PD
2009-08-31

Well bro., I can't believe it has been almost 11yrs. Seems like yesterday sometimes and forever others. I miss all those crazy things you used to do that just absolutely drove me crazy. What I would give for you to do them one more time. You have such an amazing daughter and son and I know that you would be so proud of them. John Michael is so much like you at times it is like watching you grow up again. Brittany is such a beautiful young lady inside and out. Melinda has done such a wonderful job of raising them and keeping you alive to them and to everyone around. I know that you are having a blast in heaven with mom, dad, granny B,papa and grandma C but there are times that the pain of loss is still as great as the day it happened. What I miss most of all is that smirky little grin of yours and hearing the words "SIS". Until I am face to face with you again, I love you little brother.

Michelle Spencer
Sister
2009-08-11

John
You were like a son to me. You always called me "MA",as all the officers did. We had alot of fun and laughs together.
Thank you for all you did for me. When I needed help on or off the job you were always willing and there to help. You picked blueberries for me and even planted me a tree, I call it "My John Tree".Each time I pick berries I thank you. I always make sure your two children get berries from that tree.
You have two beautiful children you would be proud of. A beautiful daughter and a son who you never got to see, he looks just like you.
You will always be remembered and loved by those who knew you. I look forward to seeing you again someday, maybe we can talk about "My John Tree"
Thank you John I Love You

Chief Dispatcher?Sgt Dtention Officer

2009-08-11

I want to leave a reflection and thank you for your service. I will know add your story to my list of tragedies in the hope that I can fight complacency and realize every situation can potentialy be fatal.

Trooper
KSP
2009-02-01

John,
I can still remember the night before you were taken from us, how you helped me wire a new light bar onto my cruiser. How we laughed and how happy you were about your wife being pregnant, I remember after moving to Chesterfield and going to work for Chesterfield P.D. how you helped me and treated me as if you had known me all my life. A day doesn't go by that I do not think about you and your family, and I will never forget that night when I was Patrolling Highway 9 and heard what had happend. I know you are patrolling the skies above watching over everyone, " I miss you brother " I will see you again one day.

Michael Blevins / Senior Officer
U.S. Dept. Of Justice / Friend
2008-10-03

Sunday will be 10 years

I still miss your friendship, hugs, and smiles. I will always love you. I will miss you until I see you in Heaven one day

Melinda
widow
2008-08-28

John
I miss you!

Melinda
wife (widow)
2008-07-29

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ
2008-05-07

I married my bestfriend 19 years ago. I still love my bestfriend. I miss him.
I wish I had one more day with you, John.

"One More Day" by Diamond Rio
Last night I had a crazy dream
A wish was granted just for me
It could be for anything
I didnt ask for money
Or a mansion in malibu
I simply wished, for one more day with you

Chorus

One more day
One more time
One more sunset, maybe Id be satisfied
But then again
I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still, for one more day with you

First thing Id do, is pray for time to crawl
Then Id unplug the telephone
And keep the tv off
Id hold you every second
Say a million I love yous
Thats what Id do, with one more day with you

Chorus

Leave me wishing still, for one more day
Leave me wishing still, for one more day

Melinda
widow
2008-04-01

Deputy Crawley...according to your messages left on this site, you are truly loved and missed and are looked up to as a mentor. Your children and others will certainly gain from your life as well as your sacrifice. R.I.P.

Lieutenant
Dept. of Defense, Retired
2008-03-19

It's hard to believe its been 9 years since we said "Goodbye". John will always be missed and loved.
Our daughter started 9th grade this year. It's been hard for me. I remember we walked to her Kindergarten class together the 1st day of school. She was and still is a "Daddy's Girl". John Michael started 3rd grade. Each day, he acts more like John. He still wants to be a police man when he grows up just like his Daddy in Heaven. Missing and loving John each day.

Melinda
Widow
2007-09-03

JOHN, JUST TO LET YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE STILL REMEMBERED. YOU ALWAY'S WILL BE, A HERO IS NEVER FORGOTTEN. MAY GOD BLESS YOU, AND THOSE WHO STILL MISS AND LOVE YOU. SOMEDAY ALL OF US WILL BE REUNITED. GOD BLESS.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
2007-08-31

John it is hard to believe that it has been nine years today since you were called home. Alot has happened since you have been gone. I have changed jobs again. You are gone brother but not forgotten. Keep an eye on those of us still here doing the job. Rest in peace 123.

PO Jason Shoemake
FLORENCE PD
2007-08-31

Thank you for your willingness to serve your fellowman. You are a hero. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones. Rest in peace my brother you have not been forgotten.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables
2007-08-31

"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.
2007-07-09

Tomorrow, April 1, would had been our 18th anniversary.
I still miss and love you.
I wish I could have one more hug from you.

Melinda
Widow
2007-03-31

Dear John, Yesterday our son celebrated his 8th Birthday. I wish you could had spend at least one day with him.

I think of you daily..

~Melinda~

Melinda
Widow
2007-03-05

John, you will never be forgotten and you are dearly missed by so many of your friends and family. It has been a long time since you were called home. You are truly a hero to so many of us. We will always remember 123.

Sgt. George Halma
Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office / friend
2007-01-19

John I did not get to say anything on the 31. It is hard to believe that it has already been eight years. I can still remember talking to you that night before at the hospital. We were talking about scanners. I never dreamed that with in twenty four hours you would be called home by the lord. I look back and remember for hardwork and dedication to the citzens of Chesterfield County and how you gave your life to protect them. It is hard for us left here to carry on the job, to understand why it happened. But I know in my heart you gave your life doing what you loved to do. So keep a watch over us that are left here. We get up everyday and put on the uniform and carry on for you and all who have given they life for this job. In memerory of 123.

Cpl. Jason Shoemake
Society Hill PD
2006-09-04

To the family and loved ones of Deputy Sheriff William Jonathan Crawley and his fellow officers with the Chesterville County Sheriff's Department:

On this the eighth anniversary of Jon's tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember him today. Jon's professionalism and dedication will never be forgotten, nor will his valor and courage.

In reading the loving reflections left by his family, friends and co-workers I can see that he was very loved, well respected and is sorely missed. I hope that God is holding him in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

No doubt that Heaven has another hero in Jon, but I am so sorry you had to lose your beloved Jon. May you all continue to be comforted by your faith and your law enforcement family and other police survivors.

I am so sorry that Jon was robbed of his life so young and so tragically, but through his heroism and the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Jon gave to his community and the citizens of South Carolina, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 31, 1998.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD
eow 4/24/05

2006-08-31

MY FRIEND, YOU ARE JUST AS LOVED AND REMEMBERED AS YOU WERE WHEN GOD CALLED YOU HOME. OUR PRAYERS CONTINUE FOR YOUR FAMILY AND COWORKERS. MAY GOD BLESS.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
2006-08-31

It's been 8 years today since you went home (Heaven). Today's weather reminds me of the day of your funeral. I still miss and love you.

Melinda
Wife
2006-08-31

8 yrs. ago today you were taken from family & friends, you will never be forgotten! God Bless Ms Crawley and two children, Brittany & John, help them with missing there daddy, husband and bestfriend Lord! Ms. Crawley it sounds like you have done a fine jod with your family and I'm sure your husband is so very proud of you! God bless you guys, your in my prayers!

Ret. PO
City of Miami PD Fla.
2006-08-31

John,
Daddy's girl is a teenager. She still misses her daddy. Saturday, I wish you were here to see her. She went to the 8th grade prom with her boyfriend. She was very pretty.
She looks like you. I hope that you can see her from Heaven.
John Michael has your grin and personality.
It's hard to believe it's almost 8 years since we told you goodbye.
I think about you everyday. I miss and love you.
You're still my hero.

Melinda

2006-05-09