Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

April 30, 2008

~Never forgotten~ God Bless your family, friends and co-workers.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

March 20, 2008

Today is the third anniversary of Dewayne's murder. I remember vividly that evening when I was in the comfort of my own home when the call came in. I broke down and my wife caught the phone as my knees began to buckle. To this day, I still can't believe it happened. I miss Dewayne so much. It hurts to think he was killed not for WHO he was, but for what he represented. I really miss you buddy.

classmate
Missouri State Highway Patrol

March 20, 2008

Dewayne was an amazing man. If you never met him, well, you really missed out. Ask any of his friends or anybody in the patrol family and they will have a fond story of Dewayne to share with you. He was a hard-charger that had a sense of humor!! I loved going over to Carter/Reynolds Co. and working with him. We would work hard and have a blast while doing it! Dewayne always had a smile on his face and touched many lives while he was here. There's not a day that goes by without the thought of him. We have many fond stories of things that have happened over the years and the crazy things we got into while working. My friend, you are missed. Watch over us!!!
Sincerely,
Tpr. J. Clinton Howell 490

Tpr. J. Clinton Howell 490
MSHP

February 21, 2008

"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

December 6, 2007

I still miss seeing you my friend. Your death left a hole that will never be filled. I will forever cherish the times we had together. You are a hero in every sense of the word. Dooby Dooby Doo 223

Chief, Dale McGaw
Mansfield Police Department

May 3, 2007

I never knew Sgt. Graham in life, but I attended his funeral. I can't believe it's been two years already. I remember the awe-inspiring sight of a church filled with blue, standing room only. Although most of those in attendance did not know Sgt. Graham, there was not a dry eye in the place, mine included.

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. We all miss you, brother. May I walk a beat with you in heaven one day.

Officer Jeremy Grisham #072
Republic, Missouri Police Department

April 5, 2007

To DeWayne and his family and friends:

This was the second anniversary week of Dewayne's tragic death and the day all your lives changed forever. As I read the loving reflections left by those who called DeWayne beloved, I am mindful of the journey we all struggle with as we try to make a life for ourselves...we know that is what our beloved would want us to do, but the heart always aches for the one who can only be with us in spirit for now.

I hope that you all find some peace in your heart as you hold your memories like the rare and beautiful pearls they are.

May DeWayne's spirit continue to soar and his memory continue to inspire.

Rest in Peace, DeWayne. Your valor and dedication and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

March 23, 2007

You are still in our heart and thoughts as each day passes. We miss you and will never forget your smile and laughter.

MSHP Family

March 22, 2007

Remembering you on the 2nd anniversary of your EOW.
Sometimes you get the bad guy and sometimes he
gets you.
The shot that killed you also killed a part of us.
It killed a part of your family, both at work and at home.
It killed your dreams, your hopes, your future.
But it must not kill our determination to make this
world a better place or our will to make a difference.
America's streets must be running red with blood with
all the deaths of leos. Every time I come here to leave
a reflection, I feel like my words get emptier and emptier. I am truly sorry for your loss...
a loss too great for words.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

March 21, 2007

I still think of you with each day that passes. It is not the same without you here. You will never be forgotten. Peace to your family. Rest easy.

Officer T.E. Black
Mansfield P.D.

March 20, 2007

Two years have passed since you were called away. You have been thought of every day during that time by those that love and miss you dearly. I have no magic words to offer to help them with their grief except to keep your memory alive as you are a true hero. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

March 19, 2007

It has almost been two years and we still remember..you are not forgotten. We continue to hold up your son and parents in our prayers. Standing on his Promise..

J. Lejeune MO. Probation and Parole
Wife of MO. State Trooper

March 14, 2007

DeWayne,
We are preparing for our Christmas Party on Sunday. I still remember you sitting on Santa's lap so Hayden would. He is a great kid and will make you proud. God Bless and watch over us all, we miss you.

KAA522
MSHP

December 2, 2006

I went to school in Dexter with Dewayne, all the way up to High School. Dewayne was a kind and nice person even as a kid-- it sounds like he was able to go on and follow his dreams.. hearing others writing of his smile and kindness confirms that. I hope his family can find peace, and remember, and cherish the fact that they raised and inspired a person who gave back to the world!! God Bless

fellow HS classmate
civilian

October 29, 2006

Dewayne,
It's been over a year now since your tragic death. I saw your father last night and he told me that your name was added to the Law Enforcement Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. I wished I had been able to have been there. Told your dad about some of the "Good Ole Days" when you were starting as a reserve then full-time police officer in Dexter. I want you to know that you will forever be missed in the hearts of the residents of Dexter. I feel for your parents and your son's loss. People like you have done so much for others and touched so many lives that you will never be forgotten.
You'll forever be in the heart of this Missouri COP FAN

Lesa
Civilian

June 6, 2006

We will be in Washington with honor and respect to hear your name read.

Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom
Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/04

Linda Rittenhouse

May 4, 2006

I'm so sorry. It's all I can say as I read the details of what happened to you. It makes me so fearful, as my fiancee investigates fatals for a living... I know he's made more then his fair share of people mad. I cry and pray for your wife and child today.. I only hope God leads them to this site one day so they can see NONE OF US will ever let you be forgotten. Thank you for loving and believing in what you did. God bless you. Say hi to Pete for us! He was killed only 3 days after you

LEO Fiancee and friend of Peter Grignon EOW 3/23/05

April 19, 2006

Not a day goes by that you aren't thought of or spoken of in our home. We miss you terribly.

MSHP FAMILY

April 17, 2006

Dewayne you have not been forgotten. Everyday I look at your picture of you and your son that hangs in the hall way of my home with all my family photos. It most often reminds me to pray for your son and family. I don't understand why these things happen but i know you are so happy now and i just can't wait to see you again. God is still useing you and your story to touch many lives. I am so proud to call you my friend.

Till we meet again,
Officer/Rev. Del Hayes
Hernando Assembly of God
Hernando, Mississippi

Officer/Youth Pastor Del Hayes
Fedex Security/ Hernando Assembly of God

April 9, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this very sad anniversary.
Kathy McEntee, sister of Sgt. Bill McEntee EOW 7/5/05

March 22, 2006

As the first anniversary of your very tragic death passes, please know that your dedication and sacrifice have not been forgotten. You will always be remembered as a hero.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

March 21, 2006

I cannot believe it has been a year. So much has happened and so much has changed. I know you guys are telling stories and fishing, Take care of each other and watch over the rest on the road.
God Bless You

kaa522
MSHP

March 20, 2006

On this first anniversary of your tragic death, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am very sorry that they must walk this painful journey. Thank you for your courage and dedication to protect us. We will honor you at the Wall in Washington DC in May. May you rest in peace in the loving arms of the Creator.

Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Jay Balchunas, EOW 11/5/04

March 20, 2006

To Sgt. DeWayne Graham, his son, parents and his other loved ones:

On this the first anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.
I hope that our paths cross in D.C.

Sgt. Graham, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Sgt. Graham. I am humbled by your valor, courage, and dedication.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Sgt. Graham gave to his community and the citizens of Missouri, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 20, 2005.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 20, 2006