Deputy Sheriff Christopher C. Willems Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office Kansas Sunday, May 12, 1991  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 22 of 2

KNOCKIN’ ON HEAVEN’S DOOR
Dedicated to the memory of Deputy Christopher Willems

“...take this badge off of me,
I can’t use it anymore.

It’s getting dark too dark to see,
Knocking on heaven’s door.

Put my guns in the ground,
I can’t shoot them anymore.

It’s getting dark too dark to see,
Knocking on heaven’s door.”

A sad song for a sad day,
As we carry our friend,
To his final rest.

Blue skies over,
Blue suits,
Blue Cars
A twenty-one gun salute.

A widow bereaved,
A folded flag received.

Mourning bands cover
Badges of tin.

Another casualty,
In a war we are not allowed to win.

Many years later,
All that remains is a simple grave
And the memories,
Of those who refuse to forget.

Sgt. Oscar R. Thomasson
Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office
2009-10-16

Chris, things have sure changed in the past 18 years. I'm no longer in Kansas, but Wyoming. I'm here looking again, because I heard another Sedgwick County Deputy met the same fate you did. It seems only yesterday you were telling me you would miss me when I moved to Missouri and then you welcomed me back two months later. We were such good friends. I could talk to you about anything. Then one day just as I was coming to work, you had just recently transferred to 2nd Detail, I heard them give out the dispatch of officer down. I will never forget. Chris I still cry for the loss of your life, for your friendship, for all the times I rode with you. I miss hearing you call me sis. Rest in peace.

Alice Linson
Former Records Clerk, Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department
2009-10-02

This is the first time I could bring myself to look up Chris here. We lost another young deputy this week in Sedgwick County and it has been difficult. I wasn't on the radio this Monday but I was on the radio on Chris's last night.

His last night was my very first night on 3rd shift. His last traffic stop was the first thing said to me once I sat down to work the channel. Other than the cowards who shot him, I was probably the last person he spoke coherantly to. At this point, I was about a month and a half out of training with Sedgwick County. I had previous experience in Oklahoma so it isn't like I was a complete rook but God I felt like one that night.

So much self doubt on my part. I got home that morning after what felt like a thousand hour shift. My fiance was asleep and even though he had a law enforcement background and is now a deputy for Sedgwick County, I didn't wake him. I sat on the kitchen floor, bawled my eyes out and called a Sgt from my old department. Dennis talked me through it and made me realize I could go back to work that night. I never thanked him for that and we've never talked about it since. I regret that.

I didn't know Chris but I wish now I would have known him. I've heard stories about him and I know I missed out on knowing a good guy.

I want his family to know that even after all this time... I remember Chris. It would be difficult not to remember him.

Rest in peace Chris.

Deidra Messenger
Sedgwick County Emergency Communications
2009-10-01

This week yet another brave officer lost his life in Wichita! Watching about it on the news, hearing the details on the radio made my heart twist in my chest and it brought tears to my eyes when I thought of his family and friends, becuase I know how it felt we we lost you! Although I was only 14 when your life was taken I very clearly remember my parent's tears and broken vioces as they gave my brother and I the news. My dad recieved the call shortly after the incident took place and rushed to the hospital to be by your side. His heart was broken when he lost you, and in reading the other posted reflections it is clear to me that all who knew you suffered a broken heart when your life was taken! I remember the BBQ's, the get togethers, and listening to you and dad telling stories and laughing about your CRAZY nights patroling the streets of Wichita. Your funeral and memorial services were both so moving; I felt a multitude of feelings; pain, anger, confusion, saddness...and overwhelming pride to have know such a great person! My heart sank as I watched your wife and girls walked to the front of the church, I breath caught in my throat! Your daughters Chris grew up to be so beautiful! I often babysat your girls in the years following your death, and I remember a time when the both of them took me into the front room and opened the chest where your uniform and folded flag were kept! As I listened to them explain, with such pride, how you had worn it, and how you had protected people, it was all I could do not to cry...but they were so happy and so proud as they talked about you, I didn't want to spoil thier stories with tears! Your memory is still very much alive today, and you are still loved and missed greatly!

Jacki Mollenkamp-Pierson
Daughter of a fellow officer and friend
2009-09-30

I never knew Chris but from what I have read, he has meant a lot to many people. I have however been fortunate enough to recently meet his oldest daughter who is an absolutely wonderful person! She's kind, funny and beautiful in every way.
I can't imagine what she and the rest of her family has been through but she has definitely persevered and I know he would be extremely proud of the legacy he left behind.

Rest in Peace

Cameron Roth

2009-06-26

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 18th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phylllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
2009-05-12

Its been a while since I last come to this page but not a day goes by I do not think of you.
I once again am tearing up, reading what others are saying and thinking about how great a loss it was.
I suddenly chuckled while reading the dedication from the daughter of another officer whom worked with you. I could picture the moment your foot going through that door! I having been there on some of those occasions when such thing would happen to you. I will be going to the benefit movie showing tonight for the memorial. I will walk slowly around it when built reading the names and remembering the faces and voices of at least three of them. But Chris you have already build a memorial to yourself it is in the mind of those whom knew you. It is something that no stone or words could hold with such joys and tears.

Rick D. Liebst
Sedgwick co s.o.
2009-02-12

Deputy Sheriff Willems,
On today, the 17th anniversary of your murder, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Sedgwick County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

2008-05-12

Chris, This is the first time I have been able to bring myself to read how you were killed. I knew how it happened but reading it is somehow so much harder than I thought it would be. My Daddy loved you like a brother. I was only 13 when it happened but I remember so well the night you died. I remember my Dad's broken hearted crying and the dark days that followed. I only met you once or twice when I was young, but I remember you. I remember the stories Dad would tell me about the nights you worked together. I remember him telling me about the night you kicked a door and put your foot right through it. I remember how Daddy wished he could have saved you and how much I hated the cowards that killed you. I remember your funeral and the profound sadness that permeated the air that day. I remember your last call. The somber tone of dispatch and the desolate quiet at your graveside are indeliby etched in my memory. I ordered a rubbing of your name from the wall in D.C. today. It's for my Dad who still misses you so much. I know you are in a better place. You will never be forgotten, Rest In Peace brother.

Amanda (Crafton) Conrad, Officer
Mulvane Police Department
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
2007-10-25

I learned alot from Chris in the years I worked as a Reserve Officer for the Sedgewick County Sheriff's department. He will be remenbered as being a cop's cop.
Rest in Peace Chris...see you in roll call some day.

Sgt Micheal Collins
Anne Arundel County, Maryland
2007-10-14

Chris,

Of all the S/O working the South side of Wichita, you were the one who was least judgmental and took the time to be human. I'm so sorry this had to happen to you, one of the best of all the Deputies out there. God Bless you and keep your family safe.

Officer

2007-09-07

It has been many years since we laughed and spent time together, after reading the kind and humbling words of your colleagues, I am left with tremendous pride.

You are always in my thoughts and prayers, I will forever hear your laughter in my mind and heart.

Your friend forever,


Dave

David Smart
Child hood friend
2006-11-30

I hope that you may continue to rest in peace and also that you may watch over all of your brothers down here that are keeping up the fight. God bless.

Cpl. Egendoerfer
Mishawaka PD
2006-05-12

Mother's Day... what a sucky day. You had a brief chase and the guy had all those old drug certificates he had stolen while painting the old ladies house. Afterwards, we had pop at the 7-11 on south Hydralic and then talked about wedding rings. You were sent to the runaway case and I located her, late in our shift. She od'd in my car and I ended up at the hospital..the same hospital they brought you too. I remember our last words on the radio, and how bad I wanted to kick your a..
Pumpkin, I miss you all the time. I know several of us wish we could change things, our desicions that night and follow you to the fateful carstop. Chrissy, I hope you know how bad you are missed.... rest my brother.

Det Brad McCaffree
Sedgwick County Sheriff Office
2006-03-22

Dear Chris rest in peace. I was humbled and honored to be one of those that carried you on your last patrol to your final resting place. You will never be forgotton.

Dr. Michael Birzer

Sheriff's Lieutenant - 18 years retired
Wichita State Univerisity
2006-02-19

Dear Chris, rest in peace my friend. I was humbled to carry you on your last patrol to you resting place. you will never be forgotton. God Bless you.

Dr. Michael Birzer - Sheriff's departme
Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department
2006-02-19

Deputy Willems,

I visit this site weekly and have come upon your memorial for the first time. I felt sick, empty and angry as I read about your tragic death. I, like all of your family in blue, wish I was there to help you. You are a true hero and warrior. May God bless you and your family. May your assailants rot in hell. Rest easy brother.

A Texas streetcop

2005-11-17

Chris always had the power to make you smile. Even when he was in trouble there was something to smile about. I miss you brother, you backed me so many times. I wish I could have back you when you need it.

I was in Topeka and stopped at the L.E.O. momerial at the capital. I walked slowly around, looking at each name. People walked by without a glance and I thought this is not for them. It is for us, for those of us left behind and knew those names. Knew the job and the true meaning of the loss.

Your friend, brother and even through the tears my friend I can not help thinking of you and smiling.
Rick D. Liebst #152

Rick D.Liebst
Sedgwick co. S.O. 1981-1986
2005-06-11

I knew Chris when he had first started in Law Enforcement, He was assigned to the jail divison under my command. Early on in his career I could see that this young man was not afraid to get his hands dirty. One evening we had a contamination problem with an aids patient, in which we had to remove his mattress. Several other Deputies were reluctant to assit in this job, but not Chris. He assisted me in grabbing the offending items and taking these items out of the jail to be destroyed. No one else stepped up to help, due to the fear of Aids. This Officer was not afraid to do what had to be done. He carried this sprirt of "can do" through out his career.
I was proud of him that day and was proud to watch him continue his career on our department.
Chris be at Peace!

LT David K Breedlove Retired
Sedgwick County Sheriff
2005-01-15

Rest in peace Deputy Willems, we'll take it from here.

PFC. R. Sipes
Federal Reserve Police
2005-01-04

I still remember the night when I heard the bad news. I was a reserve officer with the Wichita PD. I didn't know Chris very well but I liked him and most of all I respected him. Rest in Peace brother.

2004-11-16

THANK YOU CHRIS,I UNDERSTAND NOW.REST IN PEACE BUD.

CHRIS

2004-02-12

To Chris' family,
In the late 80's I was stationed at McConnell AFB and had the privelidge of going to work as a reserve deputy for SCSO.
Although many of the street guys wasn't very happy about having a rider during shift, Chris allowed me to ride with him on numerous occasions. He gave invaluable training I have used over and over again during my 20 years of law enforcement. I will always remember Chris' friendship and the enthusiasm he brought to his work. May God bless you all and I am thankful for having been friends with a great Sheriff's Officer.

Sgt Ramsey Mannon
Office of the Sheriff Effingham County, GA
2003-12-11

07-17-03, A HERO IS NEVER FORGOTTEN. IT IS MY HOPE THAT THE BRUTES THAT TOOK YOUR LIFE WILL SOMEDAY HAVE TO BEG FOR THIER LIVES AND THEN EXECUTED. MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. REST IN PEACE MY DEAR BROTHER.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.