 | Corrections Officer Susan Louise Canfield
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Texas
Monday, September 24, 2007 |
To CO Susan Canfield and her loved ones:
On the first anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.
This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.
I pray that you, your family and department get the full measure of justice that is so richly deserved.
Rest in Peace, Officer Canfield. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.
This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Susan gave to her community and the citizens of Texas, and for the supreme sacrifice she and her family made on September 24, 2007.
Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05 Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05
2008-09-24
Officer Canfield served proudly and was deeply loved and respected by those who knew her. It is a tragedy to lose her. We never know when our lives on this earth will end, but we can make a reservation in Heaven now and assure us a place when God calls us to Himself. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6) and He PAID the price for our sins on the Cross so we don't have to pay the penalty for our sins. Yipee! If we accept His payment by faith we can have salvation and spend eternity with Him in Heaven. It is not something we must earn, it is a gift. The most precious one we can ever receive. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith_and this not from yourselves, it is the GIFT of God_not by good deeds, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2: 8,9. For without faith, it is impossible to please God. And our faith must be in God's only Son, Jesus Christ.
You were a credit to the uniform, Officer Canfield. My heart goes out to your
loved ones left behind and may the Lord comfort them as only He can.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA Anonymous
2008-09-24
My thoughts are with all of your loved ones on this day. I gave 30 years to law enforcement and always admired those individuals who served in corrections for you are locked inside those walls with vicious individuals. You are a true hero. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and your co workers across the country. You have not been forgotten. Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
2008-09-24
May we never forget the sacrifice that you made a year ago today. Rest in peace.... Sergeant Chris DiToro
NYPD
2008-09-24
Deepest sympathy to the family of Susan Canfield, an outstanding officer and one who exemplified the courage and devotion to duty of those who serve to keep us safe. Dr. Prudie Luther Orr
granddaughter of Walls Warden Capt. John T. Luther
2008-06-23
Sometimes we stumble, we may even crawl, only the good seem to fall.......in your memory every day we find strength and honor and a reminder to not forget where we are or what we stand for. I am so very sorry that some one did and your memory serves as a grave reminder of that fact each and every day. May your family know that we miss you every day. As a pillar of honor,bravery, and strength may god keep your family in his grace for an angel he does now embrace. Thank you COV Susan Rowland
Cole Facility, C.Moore, Beto
2008-06-20
I am honored to wear the rememberance braclet for Officer Canfield in the 2008 Police Unity Tour. We will leave Portsmith VA on the 10th of May and arrive in DC on the 12th of May. I would be honored to present the family the braclet in DC if that is their wish. If the family or anyone that will be in contact with the family is interested in obtaining it for the family wants to contact me - please leave your contact information at the Holiday Inn Arlington VA. Sergeant (Ret) Julie Dickie
Tampa Police Department
2008-05-06
Officer Canfield loved riding the horse, she was riding her last day on earth. And I know that, on that same night and today in the Kingdom of Heaven she again enjoyed riding that every same horse. villalona
2008-04-24
Officer Canfield your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now sister. May you rest in peace. SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee
2008-04-17
Thank you for your service. Came across your memorial while browsing around. Your memorial doesn't say if you horse survived being shot, but I hope it did.
A fellow correctional officer
2008-03-30
"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
2008-02-27
I am just able to get on the internet and I came across this Memorial of Ms. Canfield and as a Field Officer at the Micheal Unit I just would like to offer my condolences and let you know that she will be remembered. As a female Corrections Officer and additionally a Field Officer let me just say it isn't easy to do the job in a world of men. She must have been an exceptional woman is thought of and defended often when somebody talking about the incident happens to get the facts wrong and places blame on the "female field officer". I never met her but wish I could have. Again please accept my condolences and know that you are in my prayers. Sincerely, Tammy Leis Tammy Leis CoIV
Michael Unit
2008-02-20
Always in our thoughts, job well done Boss Lady. Rest in peace Sister, we'll take it from here. Janine Gray CO III
TDCJ Polunsky-Death Row
2008-01-08
"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
2007-11-12
I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the woman they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Officer Canfield, especially to her husband. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. You will be in my thoughts.
From reading the reflections left for Susan, she sounds like she was a great woman with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew her in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Susan's life and the WOMAN that she was. Remember that Susan's life was about so much more than the way she died. Susan will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember her.
Officer Canfield, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been almost five years but we still miss him terribly.
Wishing you brighter and better days,
Jocelyne :)
"Forever Remembering 26-3" Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Surviving Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)
2007-11-03
Susan is my hero and my friend. I have had the honor to know, love and admire her for many years and in all that time I never saw her without her beautiful smile and a cherry hello for each and everyone she came in contact with. Just to be in her presences and watch her gentle nature was a ray of sunshine in the darkest of times.
Her actions on that last day was evidence of her true character and integrity.
Susan will be missed but, not forgotten for in her homage and commemoration I proudly ware the Memorial TEAR/Rose necklace. The tear for my (our) loss and the rose is a symbol of love that never ends.
Rest Susan for you have earned and reached THE END OF DUTY.
Job well done my sister in gray and blue. C/O III CHARLOTTE JORDAN-WIMER
STILES BEAUMONT RELATED & FRIEND
2007-10-29
To the Family of TDCJ Officer Canfield:
You are in my thoughts and my prayers at this time of sorrow. Please be aware that what she did for your community and for the State is very admirable. Everyday we pray we all go home safely, unfortunately that day not all of us did and we feel for you. This is a dangerous job and not everyone is cut out to doing it on a daily basis. We are very grateful that your family member had the strength to do so. Not only am I an employee of TDCJ, but I am the wife of a LT and the daughter of a CO. We all deeply feel you sorrow and you are in our hearts. She will be forever in the hearts of your TDCJ family. May God be with all of you. Clerk II Olivia Jowers
TDCJ Clements unit Clerk
2007-10-27
Susan, you are Safely Home now, "Sleeping in Jesus' arms," as my 7 year old would say.Chuck, you and yours are in my thoughts and prayers. Our children became friends while living in a trailer park many years ago, and you have my deepest sympathy. It seems to have been a rough time these past few months, but you will get through it.
Cathy Connelly, Oklahoma Citizen, Oklahoma
Friend of stepdaughter
2007-10-15
RIP Sister
To the family, friends and colleagues of CO Canfield, my thoughts are with you all. Constable
Australian Federal Police
2007-10-11
What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. -Albert Pine
Officer Canfield -- The sacrifice you made for your community will never be forgotten.
To all those touched by the loss of Officer Canfield -- Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Colorado Springs (CO) Police Protective Association
2007-10-11
I did not know officer Canfield, but my condolences to both of her families. May you rest in piece. May justice be swift and UNFORGIVING. C/O-2 Jimmy Needham
Idaho Department of Corrections
2007-10-09
Rest in Peace my Sister and thank you for protecting our families. Deputy Chief Gene Bernal
Orlando Police Department
2007-10-09
May you rest in peace and know that we are praying for you and yours. Sgt. B. Petroski
Wayne County Detroit Metro Airport Police
2007-10-08
Thank you you for doing the most unappreciated job.You gave the ultimate price.You have my upmost respect and honor.
10-42 x 1
10-95 x 2
Gods Speed OFFICER CANFIELD!!!!! Senior Officer
Federal Bureau of Prisons
2007-10-08
Rest in Peace,Sister.To all the officers of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice,please accept my condolences.May justice be swift.
Sgt.B.R.Sexton
Okla.Dept.of Corrections
2007-10-07
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