Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

For Offcier James Ryan McCandless:

Our duty as law officers takes us into situations that present danger beyond what expected so many times. When the worst occurs it usually happens fast because our effort is to defend when others are bent on destruction. We are almost always at the disadvantage as peace-keepers. We regret that our brother Jim would be the latest officer shot-down by coward who would forfeit his own life for no other purpose than bringing grief to others. We rejoice that Jim's fellow officers would succed defending themselves and pray for their recovery.

We pray for Jim's family, friends, co-workers and all who care about him. May they be ready to reach-out to one another in the days ahead.

We are proud and honored to render to Officer James McCandless, a valient soldier-of-the-law, a final salute.

Cpl. Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
Pennsylvania State Police

August 7, 2011

My heart and prayers go out to your family, your Department, and your community. My father lives in Rapid City and is part of the Patriot Guard and will be escorting your funeral. I wish I could be there to honor you for your sacrifice. You are a true hero and I thank you for your service.

FTO E. StaatDe
LaVergne Police Dept, TN

August 7, 2011

God please watch over the family, friends, and loved ones in these most trying times. Rest easy now my Brother in Law, as your watch on this earth is over.......

Sgt. John L. Gulledge (Ret.)
Escambia County FL. Sheriffs Office

August 7, 2011

Officer McCandless, thank you for your service! God Bless the family, friends and co-workers of this officer!

Deputy M. Chavez Jr.
Fresno County Sheriff's Office, California

August 6, 2011

Rest in Peace Officer McCandless, you did your job well. I never knew you personally, just seen you come into Wal-Mart every so often, but I too come from a police family, and I hurt right along side the rest of this city. To your family, both in blue and in blood, no words can be expressed to convey my sympathy to you. I am sorry.

Citizen; Jennifer Smith
Rapid City, SD

August 6, 2011

Rest in Peace Officer McCandless, you did your job well. I never knew you personally, just seen you come into Wal-Mart every so often, but I too come from a police family, and I hurt right along side the rest of this city. To your family, both in blue and in blood, no words can be expressed to convey my sympathy to you. I am sorry.

Citizen; Jennifer Smith
Rapid City, SD

August 6, 2011

Officer McCandless, you gave the greatest sacrifice protecting your city. I am sure you have a set of wings waiting for you on the other side. My prayers are with your family and friends in their time of need.

Erin McClain
Dispatcher Brown County Sheriff's Office Aberdeen, SD

August 6, 2011

"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.
R.I.P

alan
resident

August 6, 2011

Our entire staff sends our prayers and thoughts to the family of our brother James and to the RCPD. Your service to this Country will always be honored. RIP brother Jim.

Commander Griffin
MPS / DOPS Airport Security Division

August 6, 2011

Thank you for your service Officer McCandless. Thoughts and Prayers to your family and friends. You will always be remembered as a true hero.

Sgt. Wolf
Lindsborg Police Department, Kansas

August 6, 2011

R.I.P. brother James McCandless!!!

Husker Street Officer

August 6, 2011

Rest in peace, Brother.

Police Officer
Chicago Police Dept.

August 6, 2011

My sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Police Officer James McCandless as well as to the Rapid City Police Department. Rest in peace Officer McCandless, you are gone but will not be forgotten...

Dispatcher Sue Rusch
Punta Gorda PD, Punta Gorda FL

August 5, 2011

MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO ALL WHO MOURN THE LOSS OF OFFICER McCANDLESS. MAY GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU WITH THE LOVE AND PEACE OF HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, JESUS CHRIST. OFFICER McCANDLESS, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU NEVER BE FORGOTTEN FOR YOUR SACRIFICE AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. GOD BLESS.

chief ronnie watford-ret
jefferson police dept,sc

August 5, 2011

Sad to hear of another Officer losing their life. Thank you for your years of service. Rest in peace and just know we have the watch from here...

Godspeed...

Ofc. K. Jarrell
UPD

August 5, 2011

Ryan, it was an honor to know you. It was an honor to have gone through the academy at Ferris State with you. I salute you for making the ultimate sacrifice while keeping the citizens you serve safe. We will take the watch from here, Ryan. I know you will be looking after all of us. For that, I am honored.

Deputy Jason Rupe
Oakland County Sheriff's Office / Classmate - Ferris State University

August 5, 2011

Heavenly Father,

Each time I walk this long walk, I pray I might be prepared to meet any confrontation I may encounter. That I might never be the undue aggressor, never lose my tongue in anger, and always put forth my best efforts for each task.

And if ever I am called on to face the ultimate trial of life and death, that I might be victorious, in the name of all for which I stand. If not, that as I leave this world, I might drive the soul of my aggressor before me.

Amen.

Jon West, Sergeant (ret.)
California Highway Patrol

August 5, 2011

Officer McCandless and Family,

Thoughts and Prayers for the loss of Ryan. I am a former RCPD Officer myself once working the same (often times) thankless streets. I am honored to have served next to many of Ryan's brothers and sisters and am grateful to see the support for him and the Police Department. You have served the city with Honor and with the respect of not only your peers but your community. You will be missed even though we never met. You have served your time, rest in peace brother, we will take it from here.

Sgt Tim Huberty
Vancouver, WA Safe Streets Gang Task Force

August 5, 2011

God speed brother. Prayers and thoughts to your family, and department family.

Ofc. J. Mason
Frankenmuth PD Michigan

August 5, 2011

Ryan, thank you for protecting the sheep and confronting the wolf. You are a true Sheepdog and will not be forgotten.

Deputy Shawn P James
Charleston County Sheriffs Office, SC

August 5, 2011

Rest in peace Brother.

Keith Roediger
Airport Police Department-Mpls St Paul

August 5, 2011

As our loving Shepherd and His angels
wrap their arms around you
the rest of us will do our best
to support our 'Boys in Blue'

They have lost a true hero
One of the finest we are told
Whose turn it is to begin his final watch
on the Streets of Gold

Thank you for your service
for your courage, loyalty and sacrifice
we will do our very best on earth
to honor your wonderful life.

Jim and I send our thoughts, sympathies and prayers to all of Ryan's family, fellow officers, and friends.

Cyndi Ronfeldt
Wife of RCPD Officer

August 5, 2011

Ryan, rest in peace brother! My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and your fiancee. God Bless!

DO G.Hammer
ICE-Omaha

August 5, 2011

Your loss hits very close to home as I grew up in South Dakota and have since moved on. Thank you for your sacrifice, we will continue to fight 'evil' on the streets in your memory. Rest in Peace Brother!

Beth Sanchez, Patrolwoman
Thornton Police Department

August 5, 2011

Ryan, you are a hero.

Special Agent
Friend

August 5, 2011