Deputy Sheriff James Rondeau Dickinson Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Florida Tuesday, August 22, 1989  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

Nineteen years ago almost to the date something brought me to the Officer Down page once again. You and I became midnight shift friends as our path's crossed all to often between PBSO and WPBPD. As your brother stated, you epitomized what a law enforcement officer should be each and every day. I was so proud to have known you and will not forget you.

Captain Brett Patterson
West Palm Beach Police
2008-08-25

Miss you buddy...

Pat

2007-10-31

"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
2007-10-04

Rest in peace Deputy Dickinson.

Ofc.D.Mears
Hollywood P.D
2007-08-20

I waited on Jim the evening that he died. He was such a nice person, always smiling and always having something nice to say. I remember going home that night after work and turning on the TV to find out that he had been shot. I was heartbroken. I still think of him to this day and just remember how really nice he was.

Nancy (Former Lighthouse Restaurant Waitress from 1976-1992)

Nancy
Lighthouse Restaurant Waitress
2006-10-04

Although I did not know James, I wish I had. I learned of his murder while reading the book k-9 bodyguards. James is spoke very highly of on page 151. Lest we forget...

Ron

2006-09-20

I was a police cadet with Jim. We joined the cadets when we were 14 years old. Protecting others was his calling in life. You are missed and never forgotten.

Freeman
jedburghgroup
2006-07-10

Deputy Sheriff Dickinson,
On today, the 16th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Palm Beach County. But what I can't understand, is how some one can be convicted of murdering a LEO and only serves 12 years?

R.I.P.
Anonymous

2005-08-22

God bless you and your family at your tragic loss. You will never be forgotten by your entire police family.

DE
St. Louis City Police
2005-02-12

Still Miss you Brother, but I know you've been watching my back since then. Thanks

Det/Sgt Scott Rodriguez
Marion County Sheriff's Department
2004-10-25

Rest in peace. You are obviously well respected and not forgotten.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

Jimmy, you taught me how to be a cop, you had patience, guidance and friendship to offer. You were always there, and in my heart you will always be here. I still grieve your death, and miss you terribly. I remember the last time I saw you, at the 7-11 in Royal Palm Beach the day before your passing. I remember your smile, and how happy you were to be back on the road. I recently attended the memorial in Tallahassee, and copied your name from the wall. You now have a place of HONOR in my home, as you have always had one in my heart. Rest well my fallen brother. You are gone, but never forgotten.

D/S Glenn Wescott
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

We citizens who monitor this site so we know what is going on will always remember and grieve for the sacrifice of your brother. He lived for us too and his and the courage of all the others and their families will always remind us of their dedication to public service and the costs it can claim.

Anonymous

We citizens who monitor this site so we know what is going on will always remember and grieve for the sacrifice of your brother. He lived for us too and his and the courage of all the others and their families will always remind us of their dedication to public service and the costs it can claim.

Anonymous

Jimmy,
Just as Gary Lee said, I never work a day without thinking of you. Each day as I put on my uniform, the very last thing I do is slide on that blue band from the Memorial. I know that I've always got a partner riding along and looking out for me. That old band means more to me than you could ever dream of. It's looking abit worse for the wear these days, but I just call it character. Jim, keep looking down on our police family. We will always look up to you man.
Love always, Howie

Mstr. Trp. Howard F. Dickinson
Kansas Highway Patrol

I cannot imagine Jim in any other profession than Law Enforcement. He was truly the epitome of our Law Enforcement Code of Ethics. Dedicating himself before God to his chosen profession. Maintaining courageous calm in the face of danger, honest in thought and deed in both personal and offical life. Knowing Jim made me a better person and was a great influence on many lives. We will never forget.

Sergeant Christine Gregory
Palm Beach Police Department

14 years have passed and I still think of Jim each day. He was such a good and dedicated public servant and an American patriot. I am so very proud to call you my brother and miss you so much. God Bless you and keep you in Heaven forever and with the Grace of God we will be reunited one day in Heaven's Special Place for Ole Time Cops.

Your Loving Brother, Gary

Detective Gary Dickinson
Broward Sheriff's Office