Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It will be the little things
that you will remember,
the quiet moments,
the smiles, the laughter.
And although it may seem
hard right now,
it will be the memories
of these little things
that help to push
away the pain
and bring the smiles
back again.

Faye Jones
8th District Department of Correctional Services

August 3, 2011

Rest in God's arms....you are a hero to us all....Love from a mom of an officer who knew and respected you! God Bless and give you eternal rest.

Jayne Schmidt
Mother of a Mecosta Co. Deputy

Jayne Schmidt
Jayne's Hair Salon

August 3, 2011

If this man should fall,who will lift the flag and carry on? Thank you for carrying the flag Officer McCandless.

Deputy Darrin Ellis
Kings County Sheriff's Office

August 3, 2011

So sorry for the loss of this officer who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting his community. "No greater love has a man than to lay down his life for his friends." Rest in Peace Brother!

Brother in Blue
Bismarck Police Department (ND)

August 3, 2011

I pray that God give peace to Officer McCandless family, his fiancee and his brothers and sisters with the Rapid City Police Department during this most trying of time. God Bless you officer J. Ryan McCandless.

Lieutenant Marvin Ryals
El Paso Sheriff's Office-El Paso, Texas

August 3, 2011

Rest in peace Brother....my thoughts are with your family, friends, and the members of the RCPD during this most difficult and tragic time.....

Lt. Joseph Ward, Ret.
Jackson, NJ PD

August 3, 2011

My wife and I want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with Officer McCandless's family, friends, co-workers, and agency. Rest In Peace Officer McCandless, we'll carry on for you.

SGT Mike Allen (Retired)
California Highway Patrol

August 3, 2011

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"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

Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

August 3, 2011

God bless this brother and God be with his family.

Sheriff Steve Clark (retired)
Franklin County Sheriff's Office Kentucky

August 3, 2011

My thoughts are with you, your family and police family.

Brother of Jeremy Chambers
EOW 04-24-2006

Chris Chambers
Saint Louis Co Police Dept

August 3, 2011

I wish to offer my heartfelt condolences to the family of Officer McCandless. He served his community well and I know he will be greatly missed. I pray for healing for all of his family as well as his extended police family.

Donna Grayson
CBP

August 3, 2011

Officer McCandless,
Rest in peace brother.

Detective Dave Howell
Plano,Texas Police Dept-Auto Theft

August 3, 2011

Rest in Peace Sir. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice.

Amy Bolton
Homeland Security, Arizona

August 3, 2011

On behalf of the 6,105 members of the American Association of State Troopers (AAST), we extend our sincere condolences to Officer McCandless’ family as well as the members of the Rapid City Police Department. AAST members throughout the United States know first hand what all of you are going through right now. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Ken Howes, Executive Director
American Association of State Troopers

August 3, 2011

My heart goes out to all the officers in this tragic situation and their families and the law enforcement family touched by this tragedy. May God's grace abound for all who were touched by this tragedy. We will carry on, brother. Thank you for your service.

Chaplain Sandy
Berkeley County Sheriff's Dept

August 3, 2011

On behalf of the men and women of the Camillus Police Department, our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and co-workers of Police Officer J. Ryan McCandless. Rest in Peace Brother, We now have the Watch.

PBA
Town of Camillus Police Department, Central New York

August 3, 2011

Avenue of the Fallen

Standing at attention in their class “A“ uniforms, badges gleaming and shoes like glass, are your brothers and sisters of Law Enforcement. All of whom have previously paid the ultimate price.
Today, like many others, they welcome you to this wonderful place. As you march down the Avenue of the Fallen, all eyes focus on you as if to say its ok you’re with your eternal partners. A salute is followed and a tear can be seen on so many faces.
Welcome, you served well.
Now come join us in the ranks, another is coming home.

A brother law enforcement officer
12-25-2010

Sheriff Jim Weaver (Ret.) LAPD (Ret.)
Jerome County, Idaho (Ret.)

August 3, 2011

Avenue of the Fallen

Standing at attention in their class “A“ uniforms, badges gleaming and shoes like glass, are your brothers and sisters of Law Enforcement. All of whom have previously paid the ultimate price.
Today, like many others, they welcome you to this wonderful place. As you march down the Avenue of the Fallen, all eyes focus on you as if to say its ok you’re with your eternal partners. A salute is followed and a tear can be seen on so many faces.
Welcome, you served well.
Now come join us in the ranks, another is coming home.

A brother law enforcement officer
12-25-2010

Sheriff Jim Weaver (Ret.) LAPD (Ret.)
Jerome County, Idaho (Ret.)

August 3, 2011

Rest in peace Ryan. Your family, friends and department are in our prayers.

Capt. C.J. Prinzo (ret)
Retired Midland PD

August 3, 2011

RIP Brother, you will never be forgotten.

Trooper K. Shroyer
Wyoming Highway Patrol

August 3, 2011

Officer McCandless, your heroism will always will always be a shining example of the honor that is your profession. As an Officer of the Law, you never know what the day will bring, but you chose to, as so many others have done, make yourself a shield between the evils of the world and our great society. You left this world, way too soon, but your spirit will forever be imbued with your fellow officers and will always be there to give them strength. Rest easy, sir, your watch is over...

Patrick Hill
Friend of the Dakotas

August 3, 2011

Rest in Peace...

Detective
Syracuse Police Dept, NY

August 3, 2011

Ryan...

I don't know you...we've never met. Yet--we are bonded forever Brother. Our job, what we do, how we are able to do it...and yes, even the risk that we willingly take--along with the life which we unwillingly give ~ these things are our bond.

Six-years on... You're young in spirit and deed my friend.

Just know that your sacrifice is not, by any means, all for not. Oh sure, yes, the culprit in your passing has been taken into custody and will pay his price. But the true message of your event and circumstances does not come from that my friend.

It comes from the message and the legacy which you leave behind. It comes from those that read or hear, or know of your tragic end. It comes from the bigger reflection that stares people in the eye and tells them that there are those whom lay it on the line and, at times, "give all" so that others my live the life we have in this country.

And so my friend and Brother -- just know, and comfort your family and extended police-family too, that your passing is untimely - yes. But oh my Ryan, it is so meaningful and huge, and so giving. It touches those across the country--even those that are foe. Why? Because all realize how monumental and willing we are as a proud and serving-slice of America to make the sacrifices that we do...

Rest easy Ryan...and for sure, save me a seat. I'll be honored to one day join you and the rest of our bunch whom indeed are His Peacemakers.

Amen to you... Chief Arnsparger

Chief (retired) Brad Arnsparger
Forsyth Police Department

August 3, 2011

Prayers for Officer McCandless' family, fiance, co-workers, and friends.

Susan Mercy
Midland EMS

August 3, 2011

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K. Murphy
Union PD,NJ

August 3, 2011