Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Kentucky
End of Watch Monday, June 21, 1999
Reflections for Conservation Officer Bernard Dean Ratliff
Heavenly Father, You are Compassionate and Merciful. None of America’s Peace Officers leave home without the fear of not returning at the end of their watch. It is a fear that is lived daily. Unfortunately, the worst does sometimes come to pass, and lives are left shattered. Lord God, bless and keep the hearts and souls of those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Wipe away the tears from their eyes. Soothe their pain and bind up their emotional wounds through the wounds of Your beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In His name, and by His authority, I pray. Amen.
“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]
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me." [Psalm 23:4 ESV]
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." [Matthew 5:4 ESV]
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, NACM
Ordained Independent NACM Minister
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA
Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)
June 21, 2025
Officer Ratliff,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Armed Forces-especially during the Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
June 21, 2024
Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo (Retired)
Delaware State Police
June 21, 2020
Officer Ratliff,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Mike Casey
U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Station
June 21, 2019
Officer Ratliff was my best friend's beloved husband. He was a wonderful father to their two daughters. Dean was totally dedicated to his family,country, and the state of Kentucky. He had a heart for service and it showed on the job and out in the community. He is a real hero. I also consider his wife (Karen Ratliff) and dear friend my personal hero because she did a wonderful job of raising her two daughters in spite of the personal pain of having lost her soulmate and father of her children.
Debra Peters
family friend
May 14, 2019
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9
Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service
April 3, 2019