Corrections Sergeant Shannon Douglas Russell Pima County Sheriff's Department Arizona Thursday, December 5, 2002  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 32 of 33 of 3

Shannon: I was a relative newbie (Class 2-III, 2001) working in 2 Bravo pod one evening when I made a rookie goof and did the thing that CO's dread: I locked myslef in a cell! Needless to say, I thought about how embarrassed I was going to be when I finally mustered up the courage to own up and call for help. I saw Officer Shannon Russell in the sallyport and thought: Oh, hell, now I'm gonna get it!

But to my surprise, Shannon walked up to the cell, looked at me seriously, and then said: "Just about all of us have done this, but the thing to remember is what did you learn fom it?" Then he gave me that lopsided grin he had and let me out of the cell. Great instructor, better person!

Coming off shift, I would say have a good night, and his standard retort was "What's that supposed to mean?", delivered with his grin. Rest in peace, more people loved you than you knew.

Clarence Ragland
Former Corrections Officer Pima County Sheriff's Dept
2009-03-24

Shannon,

It is just still incomprehensible that it has been six years since that tragic day that we lost you. I think about you often and I relive that day in my mind repeatedly. I pray that your memory continues to positively impact the many lives you touched in the short time you were with us on this earth. I do miss you my friend. You are gone, but definitely not forgotten. You lived a good life and I pray you received a just reward.

Corrections Lt. Dan Brown, retired
Pima Co. Sheriff's Dept.
2008-12-05

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this sixth anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
2008-12-05

My son has just ben warded the Shannon D Russell memorial award. Please watch over him as he follows in your footsteps.G-d Bless.

2008-06-07

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Russell. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

2008-05-17

Sgt. Russell, thank you for your service and dedication. You will not be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

2008-03-17

On this 5th anniversary of your EOW, we are thinking about your Family, Friends and Brother in Blue. You impacted so many as witnessed in the reflections. Please watch over your family during these rough Holidays. You are a Hero and will not be forgotten.

Craig Figgins
Brother - SGT Dan Figgins St Charles, IL EOW 4/9/05
2007-12-05

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
2007-12-04

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
2007-12-04

"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
2007-11-18

Shannon,

Like countless others you have left a lasting impression on me.

It has been several years since your passing and I know that you are with our maker and that time is not an issue, so I just wanted to say that you have been a great influence to me and every recruit that has graduated from this academy for the last 5 years.

During the class that I have taught for the last 5 years I’ve read the letter written by an “Anonymous former prisoner.” I read this letter on the last day that I teach, during the final minutes of my class. I give each recruit a copy to keep so that they will carry your spirit with them into that jail every day.

To this day I get choked up as I read the letter to the class. As I get to the 6th paragraph of the letter it’s though your strong hand rest upon my shoulder and gives me the strength to finish it.

At the end of the letter the former prisoner states “I’m not a religious man and I don’t know Officer Russell’s persuasion, but I know for certain that he carried the light of Christ into that jailhouse every day. His spirit always seemed to resonate the light of human compassion.”

Like I said, you have left a lasting impression on me and countless others.

Gabh le Dia (Go With God)

RICO--

Training Officer Rico Valencia
Pima County Sheriff
2007-08-09

When I went through the academy, we spent a day in 1K doing scenarios just before graduation. One of the final scenarios was a hostage scenario. I remember watching and wondering if it would ever happen. You said that there was a point where you had to realize that fighting would only end badly and that tactics had to change if you found yourself a hostage. Only six months later, I was taken hostage and throughout the entire situation, I thought back to the things that you had said to us on that training day. I got through that incident and realized that the training you provided is what carried me through that incident.

You passed away only two or three weeks after my graduation from the corrections academy, and I may have been the last class you taught that valuable lesson to. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to meet you and to learn from you. You were the single instructor in the academy who made me think, "I want to be like him when I get into the jail." God bless.

Officer Dave Keys
Phoenix Police Department
2007-08-02

Shannon,
If a person is to be judged by the impact they had on other peoples lives; you were exceedingly successful. You were and are the standard by which other officers will be forever measured. Thank you for the impact that you had on my life.

Chad Binnion

Sergeant Chad Binnion
Pima County Sheriffs Department
2007-06-15

Shannon,

It has been so long since you left us, but your memory lives on. I still remember the impersonations you would do to help lighten the mood when things got tense, I remember your love of life, and the way you took others under your wing to help them learn the job. You were my friend and your passing still has a profound affect on my life. I will never forget you.

Corrections Lt. Dan Brown
Pima County Sheriff's Dept. (retired)
2007-05-21

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 4th anniversary of your end of watch. You have not been forgotten nor will that ever happen. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
2006-12-05

Russell, you touched so many lives while you were here. You were always there for me. I'll never forget that. When I think of you, I smile, knowing that now you're in a better place. I'll always miss you.

Corrections Officer T. Moffett
Pima County Sheriff's Dept.
2006-09-04

I am still in shock of your passing. I think of you every day, and I miss you so much. I know that you are still with me, I feel you. I would like to thank everyone that has left a reflection, it means a great deal. I miss your smile and your thunderous laughter, and most of all I miss you chewing on your mustache when you're deep in thought. I love you.

Sgt. Brooke Moore, Girlfriend
Pima County Sheriff's Department
2005-08-03

Rest easy, Brother, you are not forgotten.
To the loved ones, friends, and co-workers of Sgt. Russell-May the memories of happy times with him help to ease the pain of his passing.

Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept. Bloomington, In.
2003-12-05

Memorial Poem-Shannon D. Russell

From the treacherous tiers of every institution
To the transports on our Highways each day,
We'll always remember our fallen co-workers
Who are no longer with us, as we pray.
~~~
While each day they performed their duties
Of care, custody and control
And as the days, weeks and years went by
They're now gone before they grew old.
~~~
Corrections is the type of work
That we put our lives on the line each day
But to the grieving spouse or the parentless child
It's hard to know what to say.
~~~
So as we reflect on our fallen co-workers
At this very time each year
All the memories do come back to us
Bringing laughter, sadness and tears.
~~~
So on this day to remember
Their memories will be in our heart
We'll never forget what they've done for us
Paving the way for a brand new start.
~~~
Because of their sacrifices, I ask you lord
To watch over us each day
And give us the strength to do the job
So no one else will ever have to pay.
~~~
So to all our fallen co-workers
May you always rest in peace
I promise you'll never be forgotten
And your memories will never cease

Anonymous

The Officer's stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
They hoped their shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as their brass.

"Step forward now, Officers.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"

The men squared their shoulders and
The Policeman spoke first
"No, Lord, I guess We ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.

We've had to work most Sundays,
and at times our talk was rough,
and sometimes we've been violent,
Because the streets are tough.

The Corrections Officer then added,
But we never took a penny,
That wasn't ours to keep...
Though we worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And we never passed a cry for help,
Though at times we shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive us,
We've wept unmanly tears.

Together they say,
We know We don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted us around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for us here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
We never expected or had too much,
But if you don't...We'll understand.

There was silence around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Officers waited quietly,
For the judgment of their God.

"Step forward now, Officers,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

Anonymous

Not a day goes by that I dont have to take a time out crying over the loss of my brother. Shannon was a great friend and a loving and supportive older brother.Shannon was also a loving and much loved member of the law enforcement family.It has been an incredible experiance to see, touch, and talk to so many of his coworkers. Knowing so many people care and are willing to share heartfelt thoughts and feelings is a blessing indeed. Thank you all. Go with god my beloved brother.

Younger brother Brady Russell
Family member

Shannon, you were my role model, you were the officer I wanted to be. I will always strive for that goal. You have set the bar at which I judge other officers.
GOD'S SPEED BROTHER, You are loved deeply..

Sgt. Stewart
Pima County Sheriff's Department

Shannon, you touched all of us in a profound way. You are missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know you. God bless you and your family.

Sergeant J. Hendricks
Pima County Sheriff's Dept.

You died setting an example for the rest of us. Physical Fitness in Law Enforcement is important and we all should take it seriously, however, it is no guarantee against heart attack and stroke, but it sure helps us all to be active, as you were.

Rest In Peace

Special Agent
Federal Bureau of Investigation

To Sergeant Russell famliy and friends our prayer and hearts goes out to you. May God Bless you in this time of need.

D. Jones
Mother of Officer Ron Jones
PPD
EOW 12/26/01