Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

While I never had the chance to know J.W., I know we will never forget his service and sacrifice. Those at the Wayzata Police Department will forever carry on your legacy. Forty years ago today, on his 36th birthday, we lost a hero. Rest in peace brother, we'll take the watch from here.

Chief Marc Schultz
Wayzata Police Department

August 31, 2022

August 22, 2022. Forty years ago on this date SGT Anderson gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving the citizens of Wayzata.

RIP

Officer Bruce Johnson (Ret)
Minneapolis Police

August 31, 2022

My dad, Tom Arnold considered Jim a close friend, and has shared great memories of their times together. It was touching to see the memorial in his honor 30 years later and am glad that my dad was able to see it. He misses his time with Jim, as I am sure many do. He had a lasting impact on all who met him.

Tina Arnold

April 29, 2022

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 31, 2020

Matthew Anderson, please contact me ref memorial being built in honor of your grandfather. The department has lost contact with family members.

My son, Dave is a current member of the department.

Jim Wilson
Wayzata

Off Jim Wilson
Former officer. Worked with JW

December 13, 2018

Greater love has no one than this, That someone lay down his life for his friends.

Matthew Anderson
Grandson

December 12, 2018

We will never forget your sacrifice. Thank you for being a true hero and bless your family.

Ellen Dinwiddie Smith
Surviving sister of Killeen (Texas) Police Detective & Swat Team Member Charles “Chuck” David Dinwiddie #cd63. EOW 5/11/14.

September 9, 2017

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 8, 2017

"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

November 29, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

September 15, 2007

Dear Sir, I can't help but be moved by your life and death. I sit here honored to read about you. Certainly your beloved family, friends and bothers and sisters in blue still reflect in memories with you. Rest easy with God. You are remembered.

June 11, 2007

I was Mr.Anderson neighbor and grew up with his sons. Mr. Anderson was a fun person to be around and my dad enjoyed having a few beers with him. I would like to hear from anyone who knows how I can reach his sons Scott or Tim. They moved away when we were in JR high. My prayers are still with Mr. Anderson. Lance Streff (Johnson).

Lance
Neighbor

February 2, 2007

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies...

Rest in peace, hero.

December 29, 2004

Rest in peace blue angel.

Anonymous

November 2, 2003

My father was a patrol officer for Wayzata Police Dept, and he worked with Sgt. Anderson. I remember the day of this incident and I will never forget. I was in grade school which was located across the street from the Wayzata P.D. I remember hearing the sirens and being afraid for my father's safety. Only now, being a police officer myself, I can look back and appreciate the sacrifice that Sgt. Anderson gave to his community. I love him for that and I pray for his family and his friends.

Thanks Sarge,
Officer C. Pocklington #890
Scottsdale Police Dept.

Patrol Officer C. Pocklington #890
Scottsdale Police Dept., Arizona

August 30, 2003