Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Dane Ray Johns

Williamson County Sheriff's Department, Illinois

End of Watch Monday, July 26, 2004

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Dane Ray Johns

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

August 2, 2004

I did not get to work around or get to know you very well but when I met you in the sheriff's dept. one day I was very impressed, you spoke to me like you had known me forever.
My friends and family's prayers go out to your family Sir, but do not fret for we all shall be with you again on "that glorious day".
Deepest condolences to the Johns family, from the Johnston City Police Dept.

Ofc. Shawn Turner
Johnston City PD

August 2, 2004

To Deputy Sheriff Johns family, friends, and the Williamson County Sheriff's Department. I would like to extend my condolences and deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prays are with you all. Thanks Deputy Sheriff Johns for a job well done; may your soul rest in peace.

Patrol Officer
Prince George's County, Maryland

August 2, 2004

My condolences to the wife, children, family and fellow officers of Deputy Sheriff Dane Johns. He will be sorley missed by all that knew him. Thanks for 22 dedicated years of service.

Having recently lost fellow officer and best friend Wally Rolniak EOW 2-4-04 I feel your pains. He will not be forgotten and his untimely death will not be in vain. Say hello to Wally for us.

Sgt. Mark Alvarado
Riverdale Police Department

August 2, 2004

The members of the Royal Palm Beach Police Department wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family, coworkers, and friends of Deputy Sheriff Dane Johns. He has fought the good fight and has now gone to his reward. Many of our brothers and sisters are gone, but none are ever forgotten.

Sergeant T. E. Murphy
Royal Palm Beach, Fl. P. D.

August 1, 2004

My family would like to send our heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends, & fellow co-workers of Deputy Sheriff Dane Johns.
You're in our thoughts and prayers. May God watch over all the brave men and women in law
enforcement who put their lives on the line everyday as they serve & protect their communitites.
Your job is a difficult one and we truly appreciate all you do. God bless each & everyone of you.

Gail M Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit P.O. Jennifer Fettig eow 2-16-04

August 1, 2004

Godspeed. My condolences to the family, friends and coworkers of Deputy Johns.

Lt. "DC" Caruso
VA

August 1, 2004

BUFFALO, NEW YORK

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE
OFFICERS WISH TO SEND OUR CONDOLENCES.
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH
DEPUTY JOHNS, HIS FAMILY AND CO-WORKERS.

GOD BLESS...

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE

August 1, 2004

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

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Deputy Johns' 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 Dane 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 Dane was well respected and well loved.

Thank you Deputy Johns for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

August 1, 2004

To the family, friends and members of the Williamson Co. sheriff's Office. Our hearts and prayers go out to you during this tragic time. Rest in peace brother and please watch over those of us still taking the calls.


Mahomet, IL Police Department

August 1, 2004

My thoughts and prayers to Deputy Sheriff Dane Johns, his family and to the Williamson County Sheriff's Department.

You will never be forgotten!!

Sergeant Damon Cole
Double Oak Police Department, Texas

August 1, 2004

My brother, there is a huge hole in my heart that will never be filled. You have given this department so much over the last 22 years. It has been an honor and a pleasure to have worked with you for everyone.

You are missed so much by my family, but remember, you will never be forgotten. I made a vow to you many years ago that I would take care of your family if anything should happen.

I promise my brother that vow will be taken care of.

We love you and your love will strive forward in all of us.

Until I see you behind those pearly gates, rest in peace my brother.

This one is for you:

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle Autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning hush
I am the sweet uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there, I did not die.

From the entire Reed family, sleep well my brother......We love you

Deputy George A Reed
Williamson County Sheriff's Department

August 1, 2004

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 Deputy Johns 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.

August 1, 2004

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Deputy Sheriff Dane Johns and the Williamson County Sheriff's Department...our hearts and prayers are with you all...... Thank you for a job well done Dane... rest in peace as you continue your watch from the heavens......your memory will never be forgotten...

God Bless....Be Safe..... and wear your vests...

Vin, Pook and all of us at beyond-the-blue

Vinman and Pooky -Site Owners
beyond-the-blue

July 31, 2004

The courage to be great lies deep within each of us...Dane, was a friend who spoke his mind and his heart and I am better for having worked with and beside him. I count myself lucky to have spoken to him several times that last day, and to have taken a photo of him on his last call, before the tragic accident that took him from us all. A final 10-42 to you WC-22, my friend, you and your family will not be forgotten by our law enforcement family. I hope we did you proud as we took you home to rest. . . .

Officer Candice McCurdy
Johnston City PD

July 31, 2004

Rest in peace sir. Thank you.

Shannon
concerned ciitizen

July 31, 2004

The Zeigler Police Department sends its deepest sympathys to Deputy Johns Family and the Williamson County Sheriff's Department, Some of us knew Deputy Johns some of us did not, but we will all remember him and we will never forget. God Bless and may he find eternal peace

Officer R. Dale
Zeigler Police Department, Zeigler, Illinois

July 31, 2004

Rest in peace my brother. You have done your part and we will carrying from here. May we all meet on the last day when we are raised up for the final roll call.

Lt. Stephen Jackson
Baton Rouge Police Dept

July 30, 2004

Dane was a great friend, a good cop, and a totally dedicated family man!

You will me missed!

Jeff Mandrell
Williamson Co. S.E.R.T. (disbanded)

July 30, 2004

He was my friend and co-worker I was blessed with the chance to work with Deputy Johns. I will sadly miss him, My prayers are with his wife and kids during this difficult time. Rest in Peace My Brother.

Correctional Officer, Bruce Mandrell
Illinois Dept. Corrections

July 30, 2004

It breaks my heart to see another HERO lost!! Bless the family and friends of Deputy Sheriff Johns at this terrible time. Rest in peace, Sir.

Shirley Roberts-Oakdale, La.
Aunt of Fallen Officer John Logan EOW-March 14, 2004

July 30, 2004

REST IN PEACE AND WATCH OVER YOUR FAMILY, GIVE THEM THE STRENGHT THAT THEY WILL NEED.

July 30, 2004

The officers of the 67th Precinct Anti-Crime Team with to extend their condolences to the friends, co-workers and family of Deputy Sheriff Johns.

67th Precinct Anti-Crime Team
New York City Police Department

July 30, 2004

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

July 30, 2004

My deepest thoughts go to your family, friends, and coworkers during this difficult time.

Your mistake just goes to show that we can all make them. It could have just as easily have been me who made your mistake. Other people make mistakes and they lose their company's laptop computer. Cops make mistakes and we lose our lives oftentimes---it's really sad that it goes this way....

Thank you for your many years of service!

P.O.-Michigan

July 30, 2004

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