Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Chris, 20years have past us by since you were taken from us. We miss you brother. The young Officers of the mighty 5pct along with your friends and family honor you today for your courage and how you cared so much for the community you served. You are our brother and always will be, 20years or 100years, time doesn't matter - we love you and will never forget you. THE EAGLE HAS LANDED. 1557

Police Officer Bret Bodell
Columbus Div. of Police

December 10, 2013

RIP brother we'll take it from here. Prayers to you, your family and fellow officers.

Deputy Joshua A. Paulette
Cheshire County S.O

December 10, 2013

Every year I cry on my birthday, because that is the day we lost Chris. He was my husband's best friend and the best man at our wedding. My reflection of Chris is that he would do anything for anyone, give so freely of himself. I remember that he was the first of our friends to hold our son, Joshua (who incidentally wrote his reflection 12-19-07). He was in uniform, his pressed shirt was so white. He was so awkward holding him because he was afraid Joshua would throw up on him. I had never laughed so hard in my life. He brought out the best in us all and we will never be the same without him.

You stay forever in our hearts Chris, and we will always love you.

Rhonda Burke

December 10, 2013

Remembering you

D

July 14, 2013

Chris, just wanted to say hello and to let you know that your brother's and sister's of The Columbus Div. Of Police really miss you. My daughter Cherokee is 12years old now, she wanted me to say hello from her. Cherokee also said even though she never got to meet you she knows in her heart that you are still keeping people safe in heaven. A new awards medal with your name on it will come to the Columbus Div. Of Police next year 2013 due to a young Officers great idea. We Love you Chris and miss you so much.

B.Bodell 1557
Columbus Div. of Police

December 15, 2012

Officer Clites,
YOU are being thought about today, a day after the 19th year date of your murder.
You are still Honored and Remembered.
It was very meaningful to me to leave a flower at your name on the National Police Memorial in May in Washington DC. My small way of paying You Honor, Respect, and Remembering You.
Think of you often.
GOD be with Your Family and Friends that still care so much about You.

R Bierly
Officer, Kentucky, Retired

December 11, 2012

Never forgotten!
Though the loss of Chris was heartfelt and tragic to so many...he loved the good fight, catching the bad guys, and died a brave man and true warrior. This after coming to my aid initially and later finding and facing the two gun man. I would not choose to have been any where else but with Chris after he was shot and mortally wounded that night and I am greatful I was blessed with the oppurtunity to finish the fight Chris started. (Thought getting there about five seconds sooner would have been nice). To my brothers in arms, keep you minds, bodies, and heart sharp. Part of being a cop is not only facing danger but handling the violent aftermath and tragedy that may follow. Being strong and maintaining your stiff upper lip afterwards is as important as the fight itself. Stay healthy...

Officer John Holloway
Columbus Police/Partner

December 10, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss.. We lost a great Officer, friend and family member. I read his story . It makes me want to cry. SO SAD...rip

Joshsmom
twinsburg oh

October 9, 2012

Hey uncle ive heard lot about you over the years from the family u sound like a really great guy. When we lost u i was just a baby not even born yet now im 18 and have learned a lot from your heroism and bravery and try to put into whatever i do, i think about you a lot and know that life is precious and not something worth waisting away on stupid things. I hope u and cam are doing good wherever u are.
P.S. my racecar number is ur badge number and i think of u everytime i go down the track.

Chad clites
He is my uncle

July 14, 2012

I was in Windsor Terrace that morning. A very, very, emotional day. I will never forget Officer Clites! A reminder to all, who serve in law enforcement, that every day, we might have to make the ultimate sacrifice!

Officer Dave Ralls
Columbus Police

June 26, 2012

Your never forgotten, always on are minds and forever in are hearts.

D

June 26, 2012

Chris, just wanted to check in on you on your Birthday today and to let you know you are always in our prayers. A few of your brothers and sisters are going to Washington D.C. this week to honor all of our heroes that we have lost. We miss you Chris, we will say a prayer for you at the candle light vigil this Sunday night. #1557

B. Bodell #1557
Columbus Div. of Police

May 12, 2012

Chris,

You are still remembered and missed. Every day you wore your uniform was a sacrifice to the community you swore to protect. And now your family and friends sacrifice each day living without you. May God Bless.

Sgt. Tim Wright Ret.
Columbus Police

February 2, 2012

Thinking of You today Officer Clites.
Thought of You on 10 Dec 2011.
Think of You often. Hear about You a lot.
You had to have been a Hero LEO.
Your Friends still Love You and talk about You.
Wish i could have meet You my Brother.
GOD Bless Your Family & Friends that will always care so much.

R Bierly
Officer, Kentucky (Retired)

December 13, 2011

May prayers and blessings be upon him and his family. Rest well Officer Clites, we've still got the first watch

(Former Lt) Dave Kozina
Perrysburg Township FD / Huron Valley Ambulance

December 11, 2011

Wow...I can't believe it's been 18 years since this happened. I can remember it like it was yesterday. Our 8 month old son woke me up around 5:30 am. Not something he usually did. It was just an hour or so later when the phone rang, John on the other end. He told me what happened. Our son woke me up as the horrible event was unfolding. Our son, daughter who was yet to be conceived at the time, and I are forever in debt to Chris for the sacrifice he made that morning. He was the only officer who came to back up John. Both Chris and John are heros in this tragedy. Chris for the heroic sacrifice he made and John for finishing what Chris started on his own murderer.

Regina Gray
Officer Holloway's former wife

December 10, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 18th 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 the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

December 10, 2011

Chris, just wanted to say hello and that we really miss you. It's so hard to believe that its been 18 years since you were taken from us. Thank you for watching down over us, many times I have felt you near by during critical incidents. As I get older, I think all the time how much I wish we could change what happened on 12-10-1993. Some people say that "time heals all wounds", to me that's just a phrase, the heart felt pain will always remain inside and your friendship will never be forgotten. Your brother's and sister's of the Columbus Div. of Police will remember you forever; and how you died a HERO that cold December morning.

Officer B.Bodell #1557
Columbus Div. of Police

December 10, 2011

To those who knew Chris and others honouring his memory this day;I extend a toast to his bravery and always running to the fight.

"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived".
-George S. Patton

Officer John Holloway
Columbus/Partner

December 10, 2011

Never Forgotten, my Brother!

Officer John Holloway
Columbus/Partner

December 10, 2011

May your family and friend find peace in the fact that you are a HERO!!!! You will never be forgotten!

R Wright
Family of CPD

September 19, 2011

Chris:

Thank you for your devotion to duty. You are still sadly missed by everyone who knew you, and also by the many whose hearts your story has touched. Keep walking your beat up there in heaven and watch out for your brothers and sisters down here. God Bless you and your family

Edward Ryan
Retired CPD 1992

August 23, 2011

hi officer chirs i just wanted to say thank you for your service, i am sad that i never got to met you, i know your mother-in-law and wife, she has remaried but dont worrie he is a great man, so is your wife, both of them are docters,i do wish i did get to meet you, rest in peice

jake caterbury
family

August 11, 2011

In May of 1991 I was a student at the Ohio State University. As a requirement of a Criminal Justice class, I participated in a ride-along with the Columbus Police Department. I was assigned to the district on the far east side (east of Bexely) that included the Windsor Terrace Apartment Complex. I rode the 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. shift on a rainy friday night/saturday morning. In one eight hour shift I learned more about police and policing than any class could ever hope to teach.

I had the priveledge of riding with a young officer who stated he'd been on the road for only about 6 months. We hadn't left the parking lot of the police station and he was given his first call, an abandoned/stolen car. Next was another stolen car; then a domestic violence call; then a report of a break-in at a business; then he picked up and escorted an abused young child who'd fled his home to children's services; then a suspicious vehicle call; then to Windsor Terrace for an assault and battery followed by a run to the E.R. at Grant Hospital with the victim. The calls didn't stop; one after another. As soon as he hit the button on his radio that he was finished with his call, he was immediately given his next. Somewhere in all of this madness was time for a mad dash for an officer needs assistance call and a traffic stop that resulted in his silver S&W 9 mm. being drawn when the non-compliant driver suddenly reached into the pocket of his jacket.

The rookie officer took every call in stride. Some required authority; others compassion; and all were justly served. Underneath his mustache was a smile, a sense of humor and a 24 year old guy who just wanted to talk about his Firebird.

I never forgot that night. I've spoken of it often. Always telling in amazement of what an officer faces in just one shift of the streets of Columbus, Ohio. I never forgot that officer's name....Officer Chris Clites. My heart sank when I searched his name today.

Officer Clites, it was a pleasure riding with you. I learned more in 8 hours than in 4 years of college. May god rest your soul.

Scott DeBonis
Attorney, Youngstown Ohio

August 9, 2011

I only met you twice but remember you almost daily. Just one month before EOW, I was wounded in a shooting. I'll always remember seeing your face as I entered the emergency room at Grant Medical Center. You were one of the first Columbus officers I saw that night. You knew what was important to me and I never had to speak a word. You gathered my family and made sure they were taken care of. You later visited me again while I was in the hospital. I only wish I could have been there for you. Thank you for your dedication and service to your community and your fellow officers. You will never be forgotten.

Former Chief of Police
Buchtel PD, OH

July 17, 2011