Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Ride Along


So you don’t like the ticket I just gave you.
Well, come take a ride with me.
A trip to the scene of an accident.
Where a person now struggles for freedom, and for life.
All because someone was in a hurry, or late for work.

You say you didn’t call me and you don’t need my help.
That this is a family matter and none of my business.
Come take a ride with me.
Where a child now cowers in the nearest corner, or bedroom closet.
They cover their ears and ask god “ please make them stop”.
Still think no one needs my help.

You’ve said all we do is eat donuts and drink coffee.
Come take a ride with me.
On the countless days after taking four calls in an hour.
We think we have time to sit down for dinner.
Only to be call away again.

You think we’re cold and have no heart.
Well, come take a ride with me.
To a place where the pipes now lay to rest.
A brother or sister who gave their life, for someone like you.
A place where tears fall like rain for their family,
For our family, and yes even for you.
Yeah, come take a ride with me.


R. S. B
2005

Deputy Marshal

February 12, 2005

Christy,
I echo the same sentiments of someone else from the deatil that wrote about the grim reminder of passing by "the spot" everyday on my commute to work. At times, it still is emotionally overwhelming. Training you was one of the most rewardiing experiences in my career. You truly possessed all of the skills to be a great leader in law enforcement. My heart aches for your family. A day does not pass without some reminder of you. Jason Kausch and I were riding together on that day. We knew something was tragically wrong when Mayo keyed up on the radio. We didnt know who it was. I think both of us thought that if we could just get to the scene we might be able to do something to fix it. We arrived only moments after you were struck. My heart went to my throat when I realized it was you. I never felt so powerless in my life. I could only stand there and weep. When I looked up I realized that my buddy Aaron was standing next to me. We both wept for you and your family. I'm sorry, I only wish that we could have been closer. Reflecting on that day is still very painful for everyone. We will always love you and cherish the time we spent with you. Know that the men and women of this agency miss you dearly. Your compassionate spirit will never be forgotten. Postioning yourself between a threat and an innocent person was the ultimate sacrifice. You are my hero.

JASON BEDDOE POII
METRO NASHVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT

February 3, 2005

It's been six months since you left us. We all still miss you. Your family has been in all our prayers. Take care and rest, until we meet again.

MNPD Officer
MNPD

January 28, 2005

Rest in Peace, Officer Dedman.

Darin L. Paul, Special Agent
FBI Detroit Division

December 31, 2004

God Bless.

International Police Seth Norris
Dept. of State, CPATT

December 17, 2004

On the way to roll call every day I pass by the marks that still dawn the wall on I-40. A reminder that I carry for most of the rest of the way in. A time I cherish in quiet reflection. I know you are watching over us and I hope you know we carry you with us everyday.

b detail

December 9, 2004

Although I didn't know Officer Dedman, my heart and prayers goes out to her family, friends and fellow officers. For in these days of troubled times, there is no more honor than to wear the badge of a police officer. May god wrap his arms around you Christy and let his concoleing arms wrap around your family,friends and fellow officers. God Seed

Captain Mike Murray
Tn. Dept. Ag. Crime Unit

November 15, 2004

I NEVER KNEW OFFICER CHRISTY DEDMAN BUT AM VERY SAD ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED

SINCERELY,DEMETRIUS D. RICKS
CIVILLIAN OF COLUMBIA,TENNESSEE

DEMETRIUS D. RICKS

October 12, 2004

On behalf of the Davidson County Sheriff's Officer (Nashville Tennessee)

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Officer Christy Dedman and to her extended family (MNPD).

I often saw Christy in the Booking area of the Jail (where I worked). I remember seeing her smiling and laughing with everyone. She was special and she will be missed

Lt. Charlon M. Abernathy
Davidson County Sheriff's Officer Nashville Tn.

September 25, 2004

Christy, you were tough when I needed you. Thank you for your life and your kind words of encouragement in my time of need. You WILL be missed.

FTO JAMES PEARCE
METRO NASHVILE POLICE

September 16, 2004

RIP Officer Dedman

Reserve Deputy Enriquez
Montgomery County Sheriffs Office

September 11, 2004

Don't grieve for me for now I'm free,
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call,
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work, or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I've found a peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you all the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I've savored so much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all to brief,
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and share with me,
for God wanted me now, He set me free.

Semper Fidelis....(Always Faithful)

Deputy Sheriff Kevin B. Kelley
Carteret Co. Sheriff's Office Beaufort, NC.

September 10, 2004

Rest in peace, our thoughts are with you and your family.

Police Constable 1543 Fox
West Yorkshire Police, England (U.K.)

August 31, 2004

Officer Dedman's loss is a tragic one not only to her family but to her coworkers and the citizens of Nashville. She was extremely well thought of by everyone she worked with or came in contact with. As with all things, she is now in GOD's hands. May He bless and keep her friends and family. I observed her in basic training and during a search team assignment right after her graduation from the academy to be bright, highly motivated, energetic, and always positive. We, as an organization, will be less without her, much less.

Lt. Melvin Brown
Metro Nashville Police Dept.
(military leave)

Lt. Melvin S. Brown Jr.
Metro Nashville Police Department

August 30, 2004

Christy, We never met but we served for the same people; The Metro government and people of Nashville, both trying to make a differance, regardless the obsticles. Just thought i'd let you know, i'm currently taking all the necessary steps to prepare in the long, hard road of law enforcement. For you and one other person. We may never of done the "waffle house command" together but you'll always ride with 175.

175
MPW signal shop

August 27, 2004

Rest in peace .
szkoda mi Ciebie

August 21, 2004

I did not know Officer Dedman personally,but my heart goes out to her family and fellow officers and all that morn her passing.

n/a John Mallard JR.
college student

August 20, 2004

SUCH A TRAGGIC LOSS TO SUCH A YOUNG HERO. GOD SPEED

SGT. B. FRANKLIN
MAURY CO. SHERIFF DEPT.

August 19, 2004

When Christy first came to our detail on rebid this year, it took me a bit to get used to sharing the name "Christie, Christy". As with alot of police, I am called by my last name, but she went by her first name with alot of the detail. She worked in the 30's and I worked in the 20's, so when I would hear over the radio another officer same something like "turn right here Christy", I would freak out and look around. It took a few times to get used to, but it is something that I miss now. When we would email each other on our car laptops we would always sign it "The other Christie". It was something that the two of us had in common and will also be missed. Christy would go anywhere for a search of a female, or do anything for all of us and never would gripe. She is missed by all of us at Hermitage B-Detail, and Metro. God Bless You Christy

"The other Christie"

PO II Craig Christie
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

August 18, 2004

TO: The family; loved ones; friends and department members: A POLICE OFFICER’S PRAYER : O, gentle Lord! Keep the day / night watch with me. As I begin my tour of duty, I ask your protection from all mental, physical and spiritual harm. Sustain me with the knowledge that I am doing your work, endeavoring to keep peace among your people. Help me to be just as I enforce the law without prejudice or favor to anyone. May I be courageous but not reckless in carrying out my duties. Let me respond to all calls with haste realizing that so many are dependent on me for life and safety. Support me with your consoling power when I am tempted to think that no one really cares and that I am taken for granted. Sustain in me the conviction that so many thousands do care and are grateful for my presence. Grant that I may be loyal to my partner and my fellow officers, and that I may back them up effectively when called upon for assistance. Lord, I ask that I may return safely, after my tour of duty, to my loved ones and those who love me. I pray that I may be a good and honorable police officer; and after my tour of duty is over here on earth, may I enjoy the peace and happiness of heaven that you have promised to those who serve you well. AMEN. ** REST IN PEACE** Sent to you by the father of Master Officer J.D.Koeppen, Capital City Raleigh NC; Trooper D.C. Koeppen, NJ State Police and Cadet Officer A.M. Koeppen Wilmington N.C.

Chief ( retired) Douglas A. Koeppen
Washington New Jersey

August 17, 2004

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

911 DISPATCHER, ERICA TOLSON
LANCASTER/GARRARD 911.. KY

August 16, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rest in Peace.

Ofc. Eric Chiang
San Francisco Police Department

August 10, 2004

God Speed Warrior

TROOPER K-9
Tennessee Highway Patrol

August 9, 2004

Christy you were a sister to me and I miss you...I only wish I would have known when you called me Monday that that was your last day. I will never forget the last thing you said to me.. "I have to go it's roll call"
God Bless your ultimate call from God!

S. Smithson
TBI

August 3, 2004

To Officer Dedman's family & friends,
I have tried to send a message twice before but it never went through...hope this does. My heart breaks for you because I know the pain you are feeling. My first husband was also killed in the line of duty when he was hit by a tractor trailer on the side of I-40 in N.C. My pain is still vivid but I try to concentrate more now on the happy memories of Calvin and thank the Lord that he gave me about 10 years of my life to spend with him. The driver (like most of them) that killed Calvin didn't get much of a sentance compared to the life that he took but at least I know Calvin is in heaven now. I've been praying for you and will continue to keep you in my prayers. May God wrap his loving arms around you and help you through this long journey of living without Christy. God bless you.

Denise
Survivor of Trooper Calvin E. Taylor NCSHP EOW 10-3-01

August 2, 2004