Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:

“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]

[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]

And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

January 11, 2024

I have been thinking about fallen local LEOs today. I was fresh out of the academy when you were tragically killed. I remember watching the story unfold on the news. It shook me and left me reconsidering my chosen career path. Ultimately, I ended up working for the same department as you and recently had the honor of visiting your name etched in stone on the National Peace Officer's Memorial in Washington DC. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Deputy Sheriff
Fresno County Sheriff's Office

May 17, 2022

Rest in heavenly peace

Mark Mottola

February 25, 2020

Deputy Sheriff Wahlenmaier,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Fresno County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 25, 2020

Joel, thank you sir for your service. You will never ever be forgotten. RIP.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired, NYSP

January 26, 2020

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Wahlenmaier.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 26, 2019

John 5:28, 29 - "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I pray that everyone can find peace in knowing that we will see this officer as well as many others again in Paradise soon. Until then, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

October 4, 2018

Rest In Peace. Thank you for your service

Gabriel Dsouza

October 1, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. You are honored and remembered on the 8th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

February 25, 2018

I can't believe it's been five years. We miss you brother.

Deputy R Cerda
Fresno County Sheriff

February 25, 2015

5 years man.
remembering you today.

Deputy Juan Espinoza
Fresno County Sheriff's Department

February 25, 2015

Thinking about you today my brother as Thanksgiving comes. Thinking about your family, how they will miss you. Thinking about our runs in the night, in the cold and your quirky smile. Joel you will never be forgotten brother.

I miss you my friend.

Deputy Juan Espinoza
Fresno County Sheriffs Department

November 26, 2014

Thinking about you today....

Deputy Randy Heckman
Fresno Sheriff's Office

June 18, 2014

Four years ago today; hard to believe. You are missed and thought about often Wally. RIP my friend.

Deputy Sheriff Doug Sullivan
Fresno County Sheriff's office

February 25, 2014

It's coming up to 4 years since you were taking. I never got a chance to meet you but I heard your story in the academy, then got to see your picture on the wall of FSO headquarters when I was hired as a deputy. You left many many friends at the SO, and many people that remember you daily. Thank you for your sacrifice Dep. Wahlenmaier. Prayers for your family as we come closer to the anniversary.

Deputy II Rivera
FSO

February 8, 2014

Your heroism and service is honored today, the second anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devotion and memories in their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 25, 2012

Thanks for your 12 years of services, Joel.

David

February 24, 2012

I would like to join sgt Cameron Mooney, who met at the beginning of his career in Maryland we all were willing to risk our lives for a better world

Cpl Jerry Finn (ret)
University of Maryland Police

January 30, 2012

DEPUTY WAHLENMAIER,

I am attending SAREX this year and saw the memorial in your honor. I read about your life and commend you for seeking to make the world better. I will remember who you are and reflect on your service with others this weekend.

Thank you

Cam

Cameron Mooney-Sergeant (ret)
LASD

September 5, 2011

Can't believe it's been a year. It still feels like a shock when I see your picture. Miss you Wally. God Bless you my friend, keep watch over us.

Deputy Doug Sullivan
Fresno County Sheriff's Office

March 1, 2011

Thinking of you today. God bless you and your family.
Randy

Deputy Sheriff R. Heckman #518
Fresno County Sheriff's Office

February 25, 2011

To Deputy Joel B. Wahlenmaier, his family and his fellow officers with the Fresno County Sheriff's Department:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Deputy Wahlenmaier’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Deputy Wahlenmaier and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

February 25, 2011

Deputy Sheriff Wahlenmaier,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Fresno County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
USBP

January 6, 2011

Wally my brother and running partner.
Joel you are missed man, I know you are watching from above now and we will never be alone on patrol. My prayers and heart go out to your beautiful wife and your kids. I cannot forget your parents who also love you so much Wally. Rest my brother, you are with God and you will NEVER be forgotten.
J.Espinoza #176

Anonymous

November 25, 2010

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Every time I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the officer they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Deputy Wahlenmaier. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. (The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. I can also be found on Face Book.) You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for Joel, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Joel's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Joel's life was about so much more than the way he died. Joel will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Deputy Wahlenmaier, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been seven years and a half years but he's still very much missed and forever loved.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

July 11, 2010