Sergeant John S. Dennard Florida Department of Corrections Florida Thursday, May 5, 1983  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

Your heroism and service is honored today, the and twenty-sixth 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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
2009-05-05

YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
2008-05-06

25 yrs ago today you were taken from us, but you will never be forgotten! God Bless the Dennard family, friends and the FDC.

Ret PO
City of Miami PD Fla
2008-05-05

Steve,
We just went to another Memorial for Bradford/Union/Starke. Once again, I ws able to talk to numberous Officers who knew you and worked with you back 25 years ago now. I can't believe you have been gone from my life that long. I miss you more than I can stand. I promise to never let your name and your mission be forgotten. I talked to Officer Burkett and he too has never forgotten you. He said he talked to you the day before you were killed. He was very emotional talking to me about you. He knew you as we did - a real hero who stood up for others - whatever the consequences.

I will continue fighting the battle in your name to make sure your mission is carried out. No other officer or family should have to go through this.

We continue to go to the parole hearings to make sure that the two individuals who were directly responsible for your death never see the light of day again. So far we have been successful.

Please watch over us a we travel to the other memorials for fallen officers the next few weeks.

I love you lots.

Your "favorite niece"

Debbie
Debra Newton
Immediate Past President
NEFL Concerns of Police Survivors

Debbie Newton
NEFL COPS Immediate Past President
2008-05-02

"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
2007-12-10

Twenty-four years and not forgotten. Rest in peace Sergeant. Keep watch over the thin blue line - it is getting thinner every day.

To Sergeant Dennard's family, friends and former coworkers - you are not alone in this day of remembering. His memory will always live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Wife of a Maryland officer
2007-05-05

Steve,

It has been 24 years today that we got that call that you had been injured. I remember it as if it was yesterday. I remember asking my Mom if she wanted me to go with her and my other family members. She said no that you were probably just injured and would be okay. I had two babies at the time and she didn't want me to drag them out at night. I will never forget now going to the hospital that night. I never got to say goodbye to you. I continue to miss you more than my heart can take. I just went to a Memorial Service for Bradford/Union/Starke law enforcement officers. You were honored at this Memorial. I talked to a lot of officers that knew you and they told me what a fine man you were. I already knew that, but thanked them just the same. You were a prime example of what is right and decend in this world. You tried your best to make a difference. You are a hero. I am sure that you know that a lot of the things you tried to take care of are being handled in God's time. And only he knows why you had to make the ultimate sacrifice. I will see you in heaven. Save me a seat. Take care of my Mom til I get there.

Your "favorite" niece
Debbie

Debra Newton, President
NE FL Concerns of Police Survivors
2007-05-05

Steve,
It has been a long time since we have been able to talk. I know you were my uncle, but because you were only 18 months older than me, I never thought of you that way. You were always just Steve. I miss you more than words can say. I wish that my kids and grandkids could have met you. I have just been made President of an awesome organization called COPS - Concerns of Police Survivors. I will never forget the way you were taken from us. You are a hero in every since of the word. I can't wait to see you again in heaven. Take care of my mom - your sister. I know you two are having a great time up there.

Debbie Newton
President, NE FL COPS
2006-04-11

I never dreamed it would be me,
My name for all eternity,
Recorded here at this hallowed place
Alas, my name, no more my face.

"In the line of duty, " I hear them say:
My family now the price to pay.
My folded flag stained with their tears;
We only had those few short years.
The badge no longer on my chest,
I sleep now in eternal rest.
My sword I pass to those behind,
And pray they keep this thought in mind.

I never dreamed it would be me,
And with heavy heart and bended knee,
I ask for all here from the past:
Dear God, let my name be the last.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children OF GOD

Police Officer O. Dennard
Newark Police Department
2004-06-26

Thank you for your service. rest in peace.

Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.
2004-02-25

Correctional Officer's Farewell

We all know it can happen,
When we put our Colors on.
It only takes an instant,
Then one of us is gone.

Day to day we walk our beat,
In God we put our faith.
‘Cause we’re the law inside the wall,
We keep the Public safe.

You’ve done the job that few can do,
Your shift is at an end.
Farewell my Brother, Rest in peace,
On you we could depend.

Lt. Larry Peoples
Florida Department of Corrections

To Sergeant Dennard family and friends, our hearts and prayers go out to you. Sergeant Dennard was killed 8 days before my husband Officer Emilio Miyares, graduated from the Police Academy, Emilio, like Sergeant Dennard was killed in the line of duty (11/6/86), we would never forget the brothers and sisters that have given their life to protect our country.

Terry Miyares
widow
Officer Emilio Miyares
Hialeah Police Dept., Florida
1959-1986

Terry Miyares,
Hialeah Police Dept. (SOUTH FLORIDA COPS, CHAPTER)

We shall least remember,
That day; that time; that place.

For We shall always remember,
The smile upon your face.

Lieutenant Larry Peoples
Florida Department of Corrections