Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Anthony did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Anthony be the be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Patrolman Woods' family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Anthony is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Anthony was well respected and well loved. Thank you for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please take care of my fiance Dennis.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Drakesville, IA)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

August 28, 2003

My heart sheds a million tears, for today a police officer died.

Anonymous

August 28, 2003

I saw this unfold on the news last night. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to both of Officer Woods' families--at home and at work.

God bless you Officer.

Patrolman
Oxford, MS PD

August 28, 2003

This hits home for three reasons. I was born and raised in Memphis,TN and I am the same age as this Hero and last we had the same situation six months ago but our guys got the bad guy after he wounded his wife but before he got a round off at them, by the Grace of GOD. I don't see near the violence that those brave Officers in the big city's see but it is all around us in this line of work and there are too many fine officers giving their ALL in big and small cities alike in this country. Rest in peace my brother. Because of your sacrifice that woman is alive today. You are a TRUE HERO.
LT. Keith Koen #304
New Iberia Police Department
New Iberia, Louisiana

Lt. Keith Koen #304
New Iberia Police Dept.

August 28, 2003

Dear Warrior, I'm sadened to know that we have lost another officer in the line of duty. But, you did what you do because you chose it. You chose to walk the thin blue line between warrior and servant and your community is grateful for your sacrifice. May God provide your family with swift closure in their loss, and to yourself, fast winds to your next assignment in heaven, as you walk those streets under his command. A huge reward is awaiting you. In the meantime, please watch over us and the remaining peace officers that will continue the watch in your absence. Goodnight sir.

Concerned Military Member
USAF

August 28, 2003

Yet another hero has had their life taken too soon. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Patrolman Woods. May the Lord give you strength and bless each of you during this time.
Rest in peace for your watch here is over walk in heavens beat and guide us all to protect and serve others safely.

US Ranger Catroppa
National Park Service Kennesaw GA

August 28, 2003

Today I find yet another brother lost. May God be with you now on patrol and hold your loved ones in his arms during thier time of need.

Reserve Deputy
Tulsa County Sheriffs Office

August 28, 2003

God bless, brother. May you find happiness among so many others who have gone before you. You are a hero and a hero never dies, nor is forgotten. Thank you for your service.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)

August 28, 2003

Rest in peace brother in blue.
The watch is ours now.

God bless your family.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

August 28, 2003

May you rest in peace. Your memory will live on forever. We all know that you will guide us and protect us from above. My prayers are with you and your family. May God bless your soul.

Special Agent
Department of Homeland Security

August 28, 2003

May God be with the wife, children, family, friends and coworkersl in this terrible time of loss. May the kids of this fine officer know always that their dad is a true HERO. Rest in peace Patrolman Woods, and thank you for a job well done.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure, EOW 08/06/02

August 28, 2003

To the surviving wife of Patrolman Woods :
With a loss as severe as yours , sometimes one will feel as if a light has gone out inside of us . And nothing can turn it on except the restoration of that which is no more . It leaves a hole in our heart the size of the Grand Canyon . But even though this tragic loss of your husband can never be brought back , that part of your life that has died as a result of this senseless tragedy , can ( in time ) be made to live again . Please , walk in the light of God's resurrecting power . He will soothe your pain , heal your wounds , and over time begin to fill the empty places in your heart .
During this dark time of loss , you will grieve . Life as you knew it is forever changed . Maybe the way you envisioned your future , the capabilities , the securities - I know is severely shattered . This kind of loss can bring such pain that we wonder if we will survive them , and if we do , ( and I promise you that you will ) , will we ever feel anything other than the pain ? Will we hurt forever ? Will life ever feel normal again ?
While every act of compassion , sympathy and love shown to us by others can be a great comfort and help to lift us out of our grief , please understand that the healing touch of God can completely restore you again . We can't expect mere humans to say words that will make the pain go away . People don't always know the right words to say , and what words can make it better anyway ? It's the love in people's hearts , expressed however eloquently or awkwardly , that brings us comfort . When someone has suffered this deep loss as you have , only God can sustain you , take the pain away , and make you whole again . Remember , He is always there ! I , too , am in the battle of a tragic loss , but in the midnight hour when I have no one to turn to , our Lord is ALWAYS there . I'm so thankful that though often I have turned my back on Him , we have His promise that He will never leave us or forsake us .
I am learning , in times of loss, we must reach up and take our Heavenly Father's hand . He wants to comfort you and shoulder your grief . He will walk with you and bear your burdens . Seek His steadying arm moment by moment and He will draw you closer to Him . Even if your well of tears seem to never run dry , continue to walk in the light of God's presence and you will make it through this river of grief to the other side . If you can't see ahead , it's ok . God will not only provide enough light for your next step , He will also enable you to take it .
You , your children and all who mourn the loss of your husband will continue to be in my prayers .
Matthew 5:4
Isaiah 53:4

C. Kaye Hunley
Maynardville , TN

August 28, 2003

My prayers and condolences goes out to the family, friends and coworkers of Officer Woods. The Memphis Police Department has lost a great one. It satisfies me to know that the suspect received his due rewards and that the public will not have to sustain him throughout the justice system. Rest in Peace Officer Woods!

Immigration Officer
Department of Homeland Security

August 28, 2003

Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Woods family and friends.

Jeffery E. Payne
Pensacola, FL

August 28, 2003

I am so sorry to hear of this passing.
My officers and fellow dispatchers were gathered close together each hoping for the very best outcome possible.
In our hearts, we know that he gave his all doing what he loved.
I pray the memories will sustain you especially as the pain is so great at this time.
Your family is in my prayers.

Dispatcher Osborne
Horn Lake Police Department

August 28, 2003

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K. Murphy
Union PD, NJ

August 28, 2003

My sympathies are with Patrolman Woods' family and his fellow officers. Rest easy blue angel, your work here is done.

Deputy J.C. Soesbee
Buncombe County, NC Sheriff's Office

August 28, 2003

Please remember the fallen officers we have lost. Remember the men and women who died trying to make this world a safer and better place for us all to live in. Thank you Patrolman Woods for a job well done. Please continue to watch over us and protect us as only you can. You will forever be at our side and in our hearts.

For those of you who still have loved ones with us please take the time to tell them how much you appreciate and care about them.

IF I KNEW

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

Anonymous

August 28, 2003

I send me regards to family of Officer Anthony L. Woods and to his brohters and sisters in blue at M.P.D. .

"A FINAL 10-42"

Why did you leave so soon?
I had just talk to you earlier this afternoon.
We were laughing and carrying on had I only known.
Had I known how the afternoon was going to end all wrong.

It hasnt ben the same since you've been gone.
I heard the call and I was on the way ,
I'll never forget finding you that day.
It ripped my heart to you injured like that.
I did for you what you could not do filling your lungs with each breath,
while others did the rest.
I stayed with you till you were flown from the scene
hoping to wake and find it all to be a dream.
It was extremely ahrd to face the fact,
you were gone and never coming back.
You were a great cop and a good friend,
but why did it all have to suddenly end.

So tragically taken from this world
your friends, family and wife.
You paid the ultimate price and they
all represent the supreme sacrifice.

You served mankind well and did a thankless
job that few would choose to do.
Knowing what the consequences could bring,
you accepted your life for our preservation.

You were laid to rest with Honors in such a glorious
way we will never forget.
Bugels playing, drums tapping and bagpipes pipingas the
twenty-one gun salute echoed in the air while we stood at attention.

Now i wake to another dawn
wondering why it had to go wrong.
Thoughts of you will alwyas remain,
but things are not the same-----

Since you went 10-42


by officer Jeff Lyle

Deputy C.S.Bradner
Appomattox County Sheriffs Office

August 28, 2003