Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Always in my thoughts and forever remembered. I miss you buddy. I think of all the times you tried to unsuccessfully coax me into playing with Ceasar...only issue I had with it was you told me to put on the armored glove and run like mad. No thanks but today it makes me smile. I have to admit I miss getting pulled over. Never for sure if it was you but obviously relieved that it was.

I know your watching over your family and fellow officers. I wanted you and your family to know that you are forever remembered and honored in my thoughts and memories.

Rob Schaer
Best friend

August 14, 2007

Today makes two years since I recieved that call. Roy, the best of you still lives on in all of us who were blessed to call you our brother. You are the center of conversations on a regular basis, some funny, some sad. But, you are not forgotten. Still think about you often and the days when is seemed I was just the chew toy. I know you are watching over us.

Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of god. Matthew 5:3

M/O Mike Delahanty
New Smyrna Beach Police Dept.

August 13, 2007

That dreadful day is upon us and I found it very hard to sleep thinking that whole night over and over again in my head. I wish there was a way that I could have taken that call and maybe, just maybe things would have been different. When the call came in that a police car had flipped on the causeway and I looked at the screen and saw K200 my heart sank as I dispatched fire and evac to the scene. When the fire chief called me on the phone it took several minutes for it to sink in that you were gone. Everyone had the same look of shock and disbelief on their face as I looked around the room and it was the first time I had ever in 16 years in dispatch could hear nothing but breathing, sighing and you could have heard a pin drop due to the solomness in the room. Now my friend and K-9 partner Caesar take care of Heaven and watch over us all as you are still very much a part of each and every one of our lives. It is kind of funny but, last night I was listening to some music and the CD squelched, for one quick moment I thought you were sending me a sign that you are here with me in spirit and are keeping in touch with my mom as you always said when you squelched the radio. Take care of heaven my brother and keep us all safe. Make sure the Caesar has plenty of tennis balls to play with and throw him one for me!!!!

Cathy McNa
Roy's Ex-Dispatcher

August 13, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Nelson on the anniversary of his passing. May God continue to comfort you all. Heros are never forgotten. Please continue to watch over your family and co-workers from above. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

August 13, 2007

Two years today Roy. We miss you.

FTO Chris Kirk
NSBPD

August 13, 2007

I am thinking of you on the 2nd anniversary of your untimely passing. I wish I could have had the opportunity to have known you. In my short time with the agency, fellow officers have shared many fond memories of you with me. You will always be remembered and please watch over us.

Ofc. Joe Hunchard #1228
New Smyrna Beach Police Department - Delta Squad

August 13, 2007

Officer Nelson,
The second anniversary of your EOW is upon us, and my thoughts are with your family, friends and department as they remember you through memories that cannot be taken away. Thank you for being the kind of person who was not afraid to work in this most precarious capacity of law enforcement.

Pennsylvania citizen

August 12, 2007

It's hard to believe it has been almost 2 years. I still remember that night very well when I think back on it. I also think about the times when I used to be there at the PD before we consolidated, giving you calls and you always seemed to get the numericals to addresses backwards or mixed up. We would get a little fustrated then, but I laugh about it now. Or hearing you guys heading out to somewhere and thinking oh lord, what are they gonna stir up now. I look up at your photo in our dispatch center, everyday I come to work. Thinking that your looking down upon us all. I've never been really good at expressing my feelings, but this is one of my few attempts to do so. Your memory still lives on Roy. God Bless

Dispatcher John Tasto
Regional Communications Center

August 10, 2007

Well Roy and Caesar, it is almost 2 years since you left us all due to a tragic vehicle accident. August 13th to me will never be the same for me as the heartache is still too much for me to bear. I know you are watching over us all and your New Smyrna PD officers as they take care of business. I pray that one day I can get over this tragedy and move on, but, so far, I still have not gotten over the shock, heartache, and loss of one of my mentors. Everytime I see a tennis ball I swell up with tears and Dave Williams has lived up to your standards. He and his K-9 partner are great Officers and I know you are proud of them. Thank you for always being there for me and I miss you....I will see you again and thank you for still watching over me. I love and miss you very much!!!! Have to go now and keep watch over all Emergency Responders as I know your heart is so large that you will do the very best at what you attempt to do. That is why you are still a great officer and awaiting for us all at heavens gate.

Cathy McNa
Ex-dispatcher for Roy

August 9, 2007

Thinking of you and your family Officer Nelson as "we" embark on the two year anniversary of your untimely passing. I say "we" because although we are seperated by hundreds, perhaps thousands of miles, we are one big family bound by this Thin Blue Line and this undescribible grief. Time cannot heal these wounds, but it can allow us to make changes in our lives to somehow carry on without you and K9 Ceasar.

May you rest peacefully knowing that you and Ceasar are NOT FORGOTTEN by those that know and love you, and even by those of us that didn't.

Kathy G
Dispatcher

Sterling Heights PD, Michigan

August 7, 2007

Almost 2 years Roy... We still cope, but will never ever forget. Keep looking over us, Brother.

CK

FTO Kirk
NSBPD

July 14, 2007

This is long Roy, but, when I read it my eyes swelled up and I thought about you. Hope you enjoy it my dearest friend.
If any of you have ever been to a military, police, or firefighter funeral in which taps were played; this brings out a new meaning of it.


Here is something Every American should know. Until I read this, I didn't know, but I checked it out and it's true:

We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, "Taps." It's the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes.
But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings.

Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia . The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.

During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.

When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.

The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.

The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted.

The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral.
The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate.

But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician.

The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform.

This wish was granted.

The haunting melody, we now know as "Taps" used at military funerals was born.

The words are:
Day is done.
Gone the sun.
From the lakes
From the hills.
From the sky.
All is well.
Safely rest.
God is nigh.

Fading light.
Dims the sight.
And a star.
Gems the sky.
Gleaming bright.
From afar.
Drawing nigh.
Falls the night.

Thanks and praise.
For our days.
Neath the sun
Neath the stars.
Neath the sky.
As we go.
This we know.
God is nigh

I too have felt the chills while listening to "Taps" but I have never seen all the words to the song until now. I didn't even know there was more than one verse. I also never knew the story behind the song and I didn't know if you had either so I thought I'd pass it along.

I now have an even deeper respect for the song than I did before. You are truly my hero!!! I still light a candle for you every day and Caesar. I miss and love you!!!!

Cathy McNa
Roy's Ex-Dispatcher

June 23, 2007

Just droppin by to say Hi. Take care brother.

March 24, 2007

I just recently read the article by Mark Johnson (Daytona Journal). He was covering the funeral. I would have to say that anyone reading that article would come to tears. My heart go out to his family and fellow officers. I can't imagine the loss you all feel. There's a song by Vince Gill that seems fitting.

Go rest high on that mountain
Son, your work on earth is done

March 7, 2007

Roy I just want you to know that I will never forget you and think about you everyday of my life. During the seven years that I knew you I learned so much. You changed the way I look at my life. I am so thankfull that our paths crossed and that we shared such good times. Your integrity is something I will always remember.
Thank you for changing my outlook on life.
See you on the other side,
Griff

Sgt. Griffith
New Smyrna Beach Police Department

February 22, 2007

You are missed OFF. Nelson and Ceaser. We pray for you and your family everyday. God rest in peace brother.

Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host -
by the Divine Power of God -
cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits,
who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

BLE Student Christopher Quandt

February 2, 2007

With the holidays around the corner i think so much about you and your family. You are missed so much. Merry Christmas Roy I miss you sooo much. There is still a dent in my car from you kicking it!! :)

Katie Grau Girlfriend Of NSB officer

December 19, 2006

Just stoppin in to say hi.

November 14, 2006

Even though I no longer dispatch for RCC in Florida,the memories of working with you the passion you had for your job of protecting the citizens of New Smyrna Beach will always be remembered.You and Ceaser will never be forgotten.My thoughts and prayers remain for you're entire family and all the members of NSBPD.

Dispatcher: Warren Gibson
Groton Police Department

October 26, 2006

Roy, still to this day I am constantly thinking of you and and that horrible day. I think of the way you touched each of our lives and the services you provided to each person you ever dealt with. I check this website daily just to look at the reflections that people left, knowing that anyone and everyone, that ever knew you, thought of you in a way I have, A WONDERFUL PERSON.You never got to see, or know that I had gotten a all black German Shepard and named him "Caesar" in HONOR of you and your Caesar. Brother you are greatly missed and will not be forgotten. See You Soon!!!!!

Pooch

October 8, 2006

Roy, Griff and I are heading to Polk County to lay to rest another fallen HERO and his partner. I can't help but think of that awful night on the causeway. I don't try to aviod the causeway because it gives me a chance to say hi to you and bring a smile to my face thinking of the good times we had. None of us have moved on from that awful night, we have carried on and carried each other. Your doing a great job watching over us, keep it up brother. Till we meet again

October 2, 2006

Officer Nelson,
Two more HEROS have joined you this afternoon...I know that you will greet them with open arms. Please watch over the Officers and Deputies in Florida as they search for the monster that has no regard for human or canine life.

My heart is breaking...

K9 Supporter, Michigan

September 28, 2006

Roy, It has been just over a year. I think about you and your family more than people know. I drive by you everyday and everyday I say "Hi," knowing you are watching over us. Stories about you and Ceaser surface all the time. You both are still sadly missed. God bless and rest in peace brother.

Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of god. Matthew 5:3

Ofc. Mike Delahanty
New Smyrna Beach Police Department

September 20, 2006

I only had the honor of meeting you one time. But boy was it impressive to me; being a rookie Police Officer. Seeing you and Ceaser walking up to me and saying, "How can we help ya?" It was the first time I ever called for a K-9 unit. I just want to say that you, Ceaser, and your entire family are in my thoughts.... always. I have so much respect for what you did and I can only hope that I make as much of an impact as you did. Rest in peace brother.

Edgewater Officer
Edgewater Police Department

September 12, 2006

I still miss you. You are still my hero.

Trish
Sister

September 7, 2006