Trooper Paul Denham Mississippi Department of Public Safety - Highway Patrol Mississippi Monday, December 27, 1999  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 32 of 33 of 3

10 years. WOW! Time seems to fly by. It seems like yesterday we were having fun. I still remember that guy who I almost had to fight in the Bay at the gas station when I was in uniform because he swore I was you since we favored each other somewhat. He didn't even care that I was in the wheelchair. Kept saying I was lying. Oh well, I took it as an honor. I miss you brother. Dena, hope things are good for you and the kids. Everyday you all are in my prayers.

Stuart Favre
Friend
2009-11-11

Paul,

Ten years almost, looking back at all the reflections and seeing the people that you left your marked on and the impact you made in your career. Went back to the WJHS Class of 1988 Reunion last year and some of my first thoughts were of you. I remember not seeing your since JCJC and then seeing you on the parking lot of the academy in Long Beach. On my desk is the pencil rubbing of your name from the wall in Washington DC, so each day I think about the sacrifice you made. May the Heavenly Father continue to bless your family.

We will never forget.

Chief Larry Kirk
OMPD, MO
2009-10-16

PAUL-I WANTED TO QUICKLY REFLECT ON YOUR LIFE AS (10) YEARS APPROACH SINCE YOU WERE TAKEN. AS I TRAVEL TO AND FROM SHIFT EACH DAY, I PASS YOUR ACCIDENT SITE AND REMEMBER YOU WITH FOND MEMORIES. THE TIMES WE POLICED TOGETHER, GOLFED TOGETHER AND GOT IN TROUBLE WITH INTERNAL AFAIRS TOGETHER!! I, AS WELL AS MANY, MANY OTHERS MISS YOU. I PRAY FOR DENA AND YOUR CHILDREN TO THIS DAY. YOU WERE A REMARKABLE POLICE OFFICER AND FATHER. WE HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN YOU. MANY OF US CONTINUE THE LOVE FOR POLICE WORK THAT YOU DISPLAYED ON A DAILY BASIS--- REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER.
SGT. TRAVIS T. FOREMAN
WAVELAND POLICE DEPARTMENT
WAVELAND, MS.

SERGEANT TRAVIS T. FOREMAN
WAVELAND POLICE DEPARTMENT
2009-08-09

Dear Paul,
Thank you being the older brother I never had. Thanks for the great advise on matters I had No CLUE on. NO CLUE was a car tag he had on a Grand Prix that I thought was awesome. Thanks for being someone I could always count on and trust. I want you and your family to know that I thank of you and your family very often. I live right here where we grew up. I can't help but to laugh, or cry every time I mow my yard. I think about your K9 chewing the seat off of your 3 wheeler. I think about all of the ball we played din papaw's pasture and about how you we always such a proud dad. God Bless you and your family. I know we will see each other again someday. I hope all is well with Sara and your kids and your mother as well.

in HIS grip

Russ Freeman
Laurel MS

Russ Freeman
Next door neighbor growing up
2009-07-28

Paul it has been almost 10 years since you went to live in heaven. I miss you and love you so much. I still cook you chocolate chip cookies on your birtday. You touched and are still touching so many lives. You are the perfect example of what a christian snd trooper should be. I am so proud of you. I love you much!

SheShe
Aunt
2009-05-29

Paul,
It is hard to believe that we graduated patrol school 10 years ago on Feb 5th. I think about you often and the pain we endured to reach our goal of becoming Mississippi State Troopers. I pray that God continues to comfort and bless your family and all of your friends. We miss you and always will.

Cpl. Jason W. Ginn
Mississippi Highway Patrol
2009-02-14

Hey Paul, I thought of you a while back while I was in K9 school. They had a memorial at this school for officer and their K9 that have passed. I even told them story about the conversation you and I had at the sheriff's office the day you left us. Little did I know I would see you three hours later. I will never be able to get that site out of my head. Today we put to rest one more brother. I was once a gain reminded of you today. Lt. Rob Curry of the Gulfport Police Department. He will be missed just as you are. I think his family would like for you to look out for him up there. Let him know that his family is okay. He was loved tremendously and all of his brothers down here were there. Thank you Paul. God bless

Deputy Danny Gilkerson
Harrison County Sheriff Dept
2008-08-18

To Trooper Denham and his family,

Thank you for your service. You reminded me today to cherish each day and to hope that I have been a positive influence on the people I love like Trooper Denham obviously was. The recollections of him brought tears to my eyes. I pray god will comfort your family.

Former Pennsylvania State Police Civilian employee and son of a NJ State Trooper.

Former PSP Civilian Employee

2008-07-10

Paul,
Just thinking about you. Another year has passed and the pain remains. I saw Mr. Danny awhile back at the Jones County Jail. We talked for a few minutes and it made me think of you. We still miss you. Bailey, my son, is ten and growing up fast. He killed his first deer this year. You would have been proud. There aren't very many good things that come out of a man's death but you have taught me to cherish every day that God lets me have. Spring is just around the corner and the gobblers will be starting to sound off. I know how you enjoyed that time of year and wish that you were still here to chase longbeards with me. Feel free to sit a tree with me as I go out this spring. I know you will. Cadet Class 53 loves and misses you, Paul. Drop in on us from time to time to make sure we're doing okay. I love you, brother. Until we meet again.

Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God.

Trooper Joe Seals
Mississippi Highway Patrol
2008-01-25

To the family of Trooper Denham. You all are still in our thoughts and prayers. Paul will not be forgotten.

Sgt. Jim May (ret)
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Dept.
2007-12-27

Paul,

It was 8 years ago today that I was told to phone the station and received the news of your death. It seems as if it were just yesterday. It is hard to beleive that you are not here, but in Heaven. I think of you often. You were not just a classmate, but a friend. You are missed. God bless your family and comfort them.

Cpl. Jason W. Ginn
Mississippi Highway Patrol
2007-12-27

I am very touched by the sweet things that are said about you here. You were a testimony of love and service and a witness to the power of Christ in your
daily life. I feel badly that your Mom had to say good-bye to her only son, but fortunately, it is only for a
short time. I didn't know you in this life, but look forward
to meeting you in the next. May your children always
walk with the Lord so you can see them when they
arrive. Sorry your life here was cut short (by our standards, anyways.)
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

2007-12-27

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
2007-12-26

Thank you for your years of service and dedication. May you rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Denise Short
HCSO - Chattanooga, Tn
2007-12-21

Dad,

Every day I think about you, 24/7 actually. I am turning 14 this year, and it will be 8 years since you left. I miss you so much and think of a life we would have had together. Every time we pass your grave I whisper "Hi Daddy, I love you" and even at your accident spot. I worry about Mom a lot and the family, I know I am leaving personal stuff but I got to let this all out. I have held it for 8 years almost.

I know I am rambling on with different ideas to say to you, but the truth is I don't what to say other than I miss you and love you with ALL my heart and wish everyday that I could go back and change all that happened. I love the way I look because people say I look just like you (those who knew you) and I want to remember you every where I go.


Love from your baby girl,
Sarah

Sarah Denham
Your lil girl..daughter
2007-12-12

"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
2007-12-03

I watched WLBT news this evening and noticed his picture. And also noticed he died the day before my b'day. I think I went to school with Paul in Laurel,MS at West Jones. I'm not sure of the year, but it was '83,'84ish in 8th or 9th grade. I hate to hear this happened,even if I'm not correct on who he is. He was VERY sweet. We went "steady" just for a little while. So long ago. I know it's been a while but, I would like to send my condolescences to his wife and kids.

Tara Hopkins

2007-05-14

Paul

While on patrol last week, I stopped by your burial site to reflect on your life. It was hard for me to believe that you have been gone for over 6 years.
Although I could reflect on my aspects of your life, I would like to reflect on your life as a police officer and father. As we worked to together both at Hancock County Sheriff's office and Bay St. Louis Police, I gained much respect for your skills as a police officer. In over 17 years of law enforcement, I have only met a hand full of police officers that will do "whatever it takes" to get the job done and to protect fellow officers. You, my friend, were one of them. I never had to wonder if you would "have my back" in any incident because I knew you would. I hope you felt the same way about me.
Lastly, your example of a exceptional father impressed me as much as your police skills. You loved your children greatly as well as they did you. I respected you even more for your example as a loving father. Your children should be proud of their father.
Many of us carry on your love of police work. I will never forget you Paul. Thank you for being a remarkable Police Officer and father.

Officer Travis T. Foreman
Waveland Police Department
2007-04-02

Paul,
It's been seven years, one month, and three weeks since you've been gone. I think of you often. I know we may not have always seen eye to eye, but you helped me more than you know. I believe that God put us together after patrol school so I could learn from you. You were already an experienced officer and I was as green as they come. You helped me discover my desire for criminal interdiction. I will never forget the night in patrol school when you and I met with Sgt. Buddy Blackwell. We prayed together and I drew from your strength. I also remember during FTO when you and I were riding with Trooper James Dillon H-20. I was driving, Dillon was up front with me, and you were in the backseat. I had just completed a traffic stop on Hwy. 18 near Sylvarena and was attempting to turn around in a gas station parking lot. I backed into a deep ditch and stuck the patrol car. A man in a worn-out van came along and pulled us out. You and Dillon laughed at me until you had tears in your eyes. Know that as I write this, I have tears in my eyes also. I miss you Paul. I remember your funeral and will never forget Chet as he sat with Dena. I don't believe that he realized that his dad would not be coming home. I was unable to hold back my tears that day as well. Andy West spoke at our graduation and stated that 84 men showed up for the beginning of patrol school but 33 brothers were graduating. I lost one of my brothers the evening that you passed away. Class 53 misses you but we know that one day we will have a reunion better than anyone could ever imagine. I know I always have a partner when I go to work because you ride with me everyday. I hope that your family knows that they are still a part of ours and always will be. Paul, look in on us from time to time to make sure that we are doing alright. I know you will. I will never forget you and I pray for you and your family daily. We love and miss you Paul. Until we meet again.

Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God.

Trooper Joe Seals
Cadet Class #53
Mississippi Highway Patrol

Trooper Joe Seals
Mississippi Highway Patrol
2007-02-14

Paul, I am very grateful to have known you. I am very proud of you. You were a model Trooper. Thank you for your service. You have a wonderful family, and they are very proud of you. You leave a legacy for them to be proud of. You were one of the finest I'll ever know as a person and a Trooper. You are missed by everyone that knew you. I always attended the Highway Patrol Memorial Services since my Father died. I finally became strong emotionally, until I saw your family attending the services. It is tough seeing your children present a rose to the monument as I have done for my father, since I was a child. I guess I can relate to your children, so I know how proud of you they are. I know how much that means to a child. I pray for your family. I hope they find comfort in knowing you are watching over them.

Agent Brandon Ladner
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics
2006-08-21

rest in piece my brother you will not forgot.

sr. patrolman
clarksdale police dept.
2006-06-05

Paul,

To say that you are still missed by so many people would be an understatement. For me, I think I miss your sense of humor and your complete sense of selflessness. I miss training with you, and just being out on patrol and meeting up for a 3AM dinner break. I live in Washington DC now and think about you everytime I pass by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. You'll never be forgotten my brother. As many times as I've put myself in harms way I can only hope that you are looking down upon me and giving me that selfless hand once in a while. Rest in peace my friend.

Mike (Former Waveland PD W-14)

Special Agent Michael Byrd
U.S. Government Agency
2006-05-08

Paul,
Some of the best times I had as a teenager were when I was a Bay PD Explorer riding patrol with you on the Saturdays that you worked. I was always covered in Zaro's dog hair at the end of the shift. You and my dad were partners and you were one of the only ones he trusted enough to let his "baby boy" ride with. You’d let me talk for you on the radio. To key up that radio and say “21-Bay” was one of the coolest things in the world. I remember the last time I rode with you; we were sitting at the end of Washington Street running stationary radar and occasionally keying up the radio to shock a bird when it would land on your antenna. I was getting ready to leave for college to play football, but I was having second thoughts and afraid of being homesick. You laughed and said, "This place will be here when you get back. You'll kick yourself for the rest of your life if you let this opportunity pass." You had recently been accepted to the Highway Patrol and you too were having second thoughts. I said, "you'll kick yourself for the rest of your life if you pass this up." You didn't like me turning the tables, but admitted that I was right, and said, "Well if I go, you're going to have to write me letters to keep me encouraged." I went to college and you went to patrol school. I didn't have your address there, so I called up the academy one day and the instructor gave me the information and said that he would be sure to let you know I called. I didn't know what that meant until the next time I saw you and found out how much trouble you got into for the phone call! I've gone very far in my career, and every time I was faced with a tough decision, I remember what you told me that very day. You were a great role model. I visited the memorial in Washington, D.C. and rubbed your name off of the wall and had it laminated five years ago. It hangs in every police car that I have had assigned to me, and it will until the day I retire. It’s kind of like you’re riding with me now.

Special Agent Ben Taylor
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, RAC/Gulfport, MS
2006-04-20

Dear Mrs. Spradley,

I was looking through the officers from our state and realized that I graduated the academy with Paul. I can not believe I did not know of his death. We just lost one of our young traffic officers,Micheal Byrd,in a wreck in our city. I do remember Paul as very sincere person and secure in his choice of a career. If I recall, he was going through with Hancock County SO at the time. He joked around with his group alot and they had to get a dip when they could during our down time. I believe he also won awards in firearms while in training. I pray God has given you comfort. We love what we do. Tell his daughter someone wrote and remembered her father again!!!!!!!!

Capt. George Tillman
Pascagoula Police Dept.
2006-03-30

Paul,
You and I only met once. You were shocked that your wife and I had the same name and spelling. I will never forget the feeling I got from you. You were in the academy and on a ride along with one of the troopers. We went to eat together. You had your academy uniform on with your tie tucked into your shirt (which I did not understand at the time). You beemed with pride!
I had just graduated the police academy and was"the rookie" at Bay PD. I recall so many people telling me stories of you when you worked there.
I remember the day you were killed. It was your daughters birthday and the next day was mine.
You gave all that day Paul. It was a tragic, senseless accident that never should have happened.

You are always thought of and honored. I have a dear friend up there with you. He was murdered in the line of duty in 1998 leaving behind many friends and family members who love and adore him. Including a young son.

Thank you for your service and dedication. Rest in peace brother.

Detective Dena LeGros
Carson City Sheriff
2006-02-27