Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis was a Deputy Sheriff with the Davis County Sheriff's Office in southeast Iowa. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Dirk did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Dirk be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Deputy Knearem's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Dirk is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Dirk was well respected and well loved.

Thank you Deputy Knearem for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

October 21, 2004

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

October 20, 2004

Fallen but never forgotten.
Rest easy brother. My thoughts and prayers to the family.

Bryan Laurie Son of fallen officer
Nathan Laurie EOW 7-29-04

October 20, 2004

To all Family, Friends, and Co Workers of this Officer:

On Behalf of myself, and the Family of Police Officer Daniel Starks (Ft Myers Fl, E/O/W 10-25-03) we want you to know that you are all in our prayers! The Lord will sustain you as you go through this difficult, and trying time, but just remember your loved one is being cared for in Heaven, and is now eternally safe. We hope that you all remain as strong as possible, and know that we are all thinking of you. No words are quite ever adequate, but Police Officers make the ultimate sacrifice everyday, and our hope, and prayer is that they will always be remembered for their heroic efforts, and kind hearts.
Blessings Always,
Jessica Ruhl (Daniel’s Fiancée) & the Family of Officer Daniel Starks

October 20, 2004

Rest in peace Brother Dirk, you are a true hero and will never be forgotten for your courage and service.

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

October 20, 2004

To the friends, family and fellow co-workers of Dep.Dirk Knearem, Know that Dep Knearem's badge has grown some wings and is walking the Heavens streets. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. This is a hard and trying time,For our agency lost one of our own 05-02-04 Dep.Josh Blyler. though he was with us a short while and I myself did not work with him much,, he was and is still family.
Dep K Knearem fo he is a true unsung HERO,,,, god speed to your next call,,,,

Laua L Morgan
St.Johns CO SO St.Augustine,FL

October 20, 2004

I met Dirk back in the summer of 1994 ,while working patrol together at precinct 5 Constables Department in Harris County.We spent alot of nights together talking and solving the worlds problems.After 10 years of friendship ,I have grown to love dirk like he was my own brother.Dirk's humor and compassion will be missed by all.

John Pitts

John Pitts
Former Chambers County Deputy

October 20, 2004

To the family of Deputy Knearem your loved one was a hero! May God be with you and all the officers at the Chambers County S.O. You all are in my prayers!!

Patrol Officer Chris J. Rohner
Licking Memorial Hospital Police Dept Newark,Ohio

October 20, 2004

My condolenses to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Knearem. May God give you peace during this difficult time.

Policeman's 23rd Psalm

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want,
His comforting hand reduces fear to naught;
He makes me walk through streets of crime,
But He gives me courage and peace of mind.

He leads me by still waters in the path I trod,
And He says in Romans I'm a "minister of God,"
He leads me in righteousness as He restores my soul,
For His name's sake He keeps me whole.

When I walk through death's valley, right up to the door,
I will fear no evil, for He comforts me more;
For Thou art with me every step of the way,
As thy rod and thy staff protect me each day.

He prepares a table, especially for me,
As I work daily among life's enemies;
He gives me authority to uphold the law,
And He anoints my position in the midst of it all.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me,
Each day of my life through eternity;
As I long to hear Him say, "Well done...,"
When I lay down my life, my badge, and my gun
(Author Unknown)

Mother of a Texas Police Officer

October 20, 2004

Blessed are the peace keepers for they are gods children. Rest in peace Blue Knight.

Officer Shawn Fischer
Baytown Police Department, Tx.

October 20, 2004

I had the privilege of working with Dirk for the two years he served with the Chambers County Sheriff's Dept. Dirk was a dedicated officer who loved his job dearly. He always had a smile on his face and was eager to help in any way that he could. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. He will be missed deeply by all that knew him. Gone but not forgotten....

Officer Steve Ferguson
Mont Belvieu Police Dept.

October 19, 2004

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH DEPUTY KNEAREM'S FAMILY AND FELLOW DEPUTIES AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
MAY GOD BLESS DEPUTY KNEAREM AND WELCOME HIM TO THE STREETS OF HEAVEN.
DEPUTY KNEAREM, PLEASE WATCH OVER YOUR BROTHER'S AND SISTER'S AS WE CARRY ON WITH OUR DALIY DUTIES, WHILE WE REMEMBER THE SACRIFICE THAT YOU GAVE.

DEPUTY SHERIFF
VIRGINIA

October 19, 2004

Dirk,
I've lost a good friend, Chambers County has lost a good deputy, and the world has lost a hero. We used to email and talk to each other on the things only cops could understand. We've laughed and cried over the same stories over many years of friendship, you will be missed. I will do my best to honor your memory as I'm sure your co-workers will. You live on in our prayers. My God bless you and take care of you.

Cpl R. Torres JR.
Frederick County Sheriff's Office, Maryland

October 19, 2004

May GOD bless your family and friends at this terible time. Thank you for your years of service and dedication. Rest in peace.

Shirley Roberts
Aunt of Fallen Officer John Logan EOW-March 14, 2004

October 19, 2004

Rest Easy Brother Dirk, the Watch is Ours Now and Yours was with Honor. Our Thoughts and Prayers are
with your Family, Friends and Co-Workers.

APD #128
Altoona Police Dept. Altoona, Pa

October 19, 2004

Rest in Peace...

Police Officer
Syracuse Police Dept,NY

October 19, 2004

My family would like to send our heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends, & fellow co-workers of Deputy Sheriff Dirk Knearum.
You're in our thoughts and prayers. May God watch over all the brave men and women in law
enforcement who put their lives on the line everyday as they serve & protect their communitites.
Your job is a difficult one and we truly appreciate all you do. God bless each & everyone of you.

Gail M Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit P.O. Jennifer Fettig eow 2-16-04

October 19, 2004

My family would like to send our heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends, & fellow co-workers of Deputy Sheriff Dirk Knearum.
You're in our thoughts and prayers. May God watch over all the brave men and women in law
enforcement who put their lives on the line everyday as they serve & protect their communitites.
Your job is a difficult one and we truly appreciate all you do. God bless each & everyone of you.

GailM Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit P.O. Jennifer Fettig eow 2-16-04

October 19, 2004

To the family, friends and co-workers my prayers are with you. There is not much anyone can say at this time to help you through this difficult time. The one thing that I thought about was, I knew how much Clint loved being a police officer, just remember all the good memories, I know there was lots.
Deputy Knearem your family will miss you everyday, but we will never forget you. Look Clint up for me tell him we miss him..

Connie Barker
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04

October 19, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected by this tragedy.

Daron D. Sneed

October 19, 2004

You will always be in our hearts Dirk...forever and always. Our prayers are with your family and friends...we will miss you very much.

Kenny and Cassie Baumbach

October 19, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are extended to the family, friend's and co-workers from the Chambers County Sheriff's Dept.May you rest in eternal peace, my fallen brother!

Officer Steve Redding
Columbus, Ohio Div. of Police

October 19, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co workers during this difficult time. May the Lord comfort them each day.

Stephanie Duplantis
1993 Spouse Survivor

Stephanie Duplantis
Metroplex Chapter COPS

October 19, 2004

My sincere condolence to the family of Deputy Knearem and to members of the Chambers County Sheriff's Department.

Senior Trooper Keith Miller (Ret)
Oregon State Police

October 19, 2004

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
MATTHEW 5:4

Sgt.
Frankfort P.D.

October 19, 2004