Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Stopped by the site of shooting today and thought of your service and sacrifice. Such a wonderful memorial. Rest easy.

Lt. Riley Finnegan (retired)
Billings, MT Police Department

February 24, 2024

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 12, 2024

Officer McCandless,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow Officer who was also killed in that incident for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Rapid City. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 2, 2021

Rest easy

Mark Mottola

August 2, 2020

It’s been 9 years today, we all still remember and miss you brother!

Special Agent Troy Szotkowski
Friend

August 2, 2020

Rest in peace knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 2, 2020

Rest in peace Officer McCandless.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 8, 2020

Dear Officer McCandless,

I am the son of a PC Sherrif lieutenant. My dream is to be a police officer. I would like to let you know the RCPD still misses you, the whole SD LEO community does. The Rapid City Police push on in your name. You forever have your place in the RCPD family.

Mason Oster
Future police officer.

September 7, 2019

You are my brother in blue and I raise a glass to you Ryan. You are missed every day. Never Forgotten.

Detective Jennilyn Oster
Traverse City Police Department

May 14, 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

September 20, 2018

Rest in Peace.

Lieutenant Ray Flores
N.Y.P.D. (retired)

August 2, 2017

Rest in Peace my brave brother. You and your partner made the ultimate sacrifice, and you are remembered today and always. May the Lord bless your family always.

Sergeant Barton
Garden City PD

July 31, 2017

It's 5am and I'm up grading papers. This was our "prime chat" time (lol). I finally got to develop an entire criminal justice program at the university level and I incorporated a lot of the content from our middle-of-the-night emails. You know, for the longest time, I would come up with an idea and say "I need to send Ryan an email" and then I would remember "Oh I can't send him an email".
So yeah, it's 5am six years later and I still miss you.

Dr. Annise Mabry
Online Criminal Justice Professor

October 23, 2016

It is hard to believe it has been 4 years. Still think about you and carry you in my wallet.

Gone, but not forgotten.

Officer Steve Bissett
Norfolk Police Department

August 4, 2015

Was thinking about you tonight and visited your grave site. Ryan you paid the ultimate sacrifice for us. May God Bless you and your family. Rest in peace brother.

Officer Eddie Hinson
Midland Police Department

May 5, 2015

Police Week is upon us again. Thinking of you and your family. I'm still carrying a little memorial card I printed out with me every day and shift in my wallet. Keep watching over us. Having a cold one for and with you tonight.

Officer Steve Bissett
Norfolk Police Department

May 13, 2014

I was just talking about you with my partner the other night while working. Think of you often. Haven't talked to your sister in a little while, but you're gonna be an uncle soon. Over half way to baby time at this point.

Keep watching over me. I'm hoping to get up to the wall soon to get an etching of your name. If I ever get on the Unity Tour for Norfolk I'm gonna try and see what I can do about getting to ride in your name and meet up with your parents/sister for police week.

Officer Steve Bissett
Norfolk Police Department

September 26, 2013

Its now been about a year and a half and I still think of you daily. You will always be remembered. I thank you for your service and may you rest in peace brother.

Firefighter/ Paramedic Tyler Wright
Rapid City Fire Department

February 10, 2013

I've had a few conversation with you while at the range lately. I carry a little memorial card in my wallet all the time that I printed out. It's replaced my Saint Michael coin.

They are taking us up to DC before graduation from the academy here to visit the LE Memorial. Hopefully I can get an etching of your name during the trip.

I still think of all the good times at your place during college. Every time someone talks about tracking a deer, I always think about the phone call that took my brother and I out to your place and into the woods with you. My brother using up an entire roll of TP in about 100ft of tracking and not finding that deer.

Miss you man. I'll swing by your grave for a drink with you the next time I'm back in Midland. Keep watch over all of of us down here.

Steve Bissett
Friend

October 27, 2012

Hard to believe that it's been a year already. You sister posted some pictures today from the memorial. I still miss all the good times we had out in Paris, MI hanging out at your place, the random phone calls to help you track a deer and all the other fun that was had during college.

Watch over us and comfort your family. I still pray for your parents, sister and Kristi often. Your sister looked beautiful in all the pictures from her wedding. Keep watch over all of us down here.

Steve Bissett
Friend

August 2, 2012

One last breath, it draws deep
Why this night and how they’ll weep
Lord knows I’ve done your work
And will you call me home

The time has passed the near
And with honor I shall go
Fear has gripped my soul
The nothing and the now are one

Take this time when sorrow calls
And blue has washed up red
With me I’ll take these memories
And everything you’ve said
One last breath, be not afraid
For I am in the wind, I am in the wind

When shadows fall, we all must rise
Arm to arm and look them square
Tower through the icy lace
The wicked’s time draws near

And so my final words to you
Are carry on with great resolve
For all your steps shall be lighter
As I hold you in my arms

From blacktop paved
To gold engraved
Eternal gaze
Before these gates I stand

The shield I bore
Replaced once more
Of this Earth no more
In His service I am manned

Flash of light
And Heaven’s might
Have bred new life
From the final breath I drew

One last breath and you take me away

Emily Beck

August 2, 2012

We'll miss you at the Kids Fishing Derby.

Brian Pape
KFD Chairman

July 23, 2012

I miss you so much.

James McCandless

March 11, 2012

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

February 24, 2012

I had the honor of sitting with your dad last night at Project Blue Light. He held my hand when I cried, and I did the same for him when it was his turn for tears. Thank you very much for your service and sacrafice. I can only imagine the sadness your parents must be feeling with the holidays here. Please send them love and blessings from heaven. And, I'm sure you've met my brother-in-law by now...please tell him we miss him!!

Stacy Darrow
Sister-in-law of Trooper Jeffrey Werda, EOW 4/6/11

December 15, 2011