California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California
End of Watch Thursday, July 17, 2025
Reflections for Parole Agent Joshua Lemont Byrd
Fair winds and following seas. You did well. Semper Fi.
Christina Schaefer
USMC
September 20, 2025
The true measure of a person
is not found in the
might of their arm,
their wealth
or their power –
it is found in the strength
of their character.
There is no greater testimony to
ones character, than ones
willingness to sacrifice all,
in the noble quest of
providing protection to all
whom they serve.
Author Unknown
"Forged by the Sea"
Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
September 4, 2025
On behalf of Point 27, we would like to offer condolences for Parole Agent Joshua Lemont Byrd. Please know we are eternally grateful for Joshua’s service and his ultimate sacrifice.
To honor Parole Agent Joshua Lemont Byrd, Point 27 sent 40 Thin Blue Line Dog Tag Necklaces, engraved with “Blessed are the Peacemakers for they will be called children of God” Matthew 5:9, to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in Sacramento, California for Joshua’s partner and fellow agents. Point 27 also sent a Folded Flag Necklaces engraved with “Greater Love has no one than this; than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend” John 15:13 for Parole Agent Joshua Lemont Byrd’s family.
Point 27 is a Non-Profit organization with a mission to strengthen and encourage members of the Armed Forces, First Responders, and their families, with God’s Word inscribed on Shields of Strength jewelry.
We will never forget and we are forever grateful for Joshua.
Respectfully,
Colonel David Dodd,
United States Army Retired
Executive Director-Point 27
Linda Rhodes
Surviving Wife of Detective Jerry M. Rhodes, Dallas Police Department Retired
Point 27 National Outreach Coordinator
Law Enforcement Liaison
linrhodes@yahoo.com
972-978-5325
Linda Rhodes
August 6, 2025
Rest in peace, Parole Agent Byrd, we have the watch. Thank you for your service.
May the Lord bless you and keep you;
May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
May the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13 (NKJV)
Officer David Adams, (Retired)
NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement
August 1, 2025
On behalf of the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles, we extend our heartfelt condolences. Parole Agent Byrd will be honored and remembered for his steadfast courage, commitment to duty, and dedicated service to his country and community.
Office of Victim Services - Mandy Kimner
Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles
July 31, 2025
Lord God, I come before You today grieved in heart over the senseless deaths of America's Peace Officers, in the Line-of-Duty, whose sworn duty is to protect us from harm. I know from the Holy Scriptures in Romans 13 that America's Peace Officers have a sacred task to enforce laws that protect the innocent and punish the guilty. Please grant Comfort, Hope, and Encouragement to their families, who are left behind to pickup the shattered pieces of their lives. Please make them whole again.
For all those of us who are left behind, our hearts are heavy with grief, and the weight of loss leaves us feeling so vulnerable and alone. There are moments when the sadness feels overwhelming, and we don't know what to do or how to move forward. But I do know that You, O Lord, see our pain and You are close to us in our sorrow.
Hold us in Your loving arms, O Lord, and comfort us in Your Presence. Let us feel Your Peace in the midst of our heartache and the quiet assurance that we are not walking this path alone. Father God, wipe away our tears and remind us of the HOPE we have in You. You, O Lord, are our refuge and strength, our ever-present help in trouble.
Teach us, Heavenly Father, how to carry this loss of another American Peace Officer, in the Line-of-Duty, without losing HOPE. Help us to release our pain into Your most capable and loving hands, trusting that You are working even in the hardest moments. When the grief feels too much to bear, fill us with the courage to face each day and the faith to keep moving forward.
Thank You for Your unfailing love and for being the God who sees us, holds us, and walks with us. We place our sorrows into Your godly hands and rest in the HOPE that You will bring beauty from ashes. In Jesus' Name, and by His Authority, I pray. Amen.
Promises from God's Word:
[Jesus Taught:] "Blessed are those who mourn. They will be comforted." (Matthew 5:4);
[Jesus Taught:] "Blessed are those who make peace. They will be called God's children." (Matthew 5:9);
[Jesus Proclaimed:] "The greatest love you can show is to give your life for your friends." (John 15:13), and;
[Jesus Promised:] "Then he said, "Jesus remember me when you enter your kingdom." Jesus said to him, "I can guarantee this truth: Today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:42-43)
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv., NCCA, NACM
Ordained Independent CGOM Clergy No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA
Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)
July 29, 2025
A Prayer for a Suffering Family, Friends, and Comrades of a Fallen American Peace Officer:
Lord God of unfailing love, to those families in our beloved nation, the United States of America, who are suffering in the wake of the loss of an American Peace Officer family member, help us to provide encouragement, support, and hope. Allow us to be their rock and fortress in a time of immense pain and uncertainty. Help us to keep them safe and nourished in their time of grief, suffering beside them as we move toward healing and reconciliation. Lord God, in Your compassionate mercy, please hear my prayer. In the mighty and holy Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by His Authority, I pray. Amen.
[Jesus Taught:] "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." (Matthew 5:4 CSB)
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv., NCCA, NACM
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Merrimack, NH 03054
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA
Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)
July 28, 2025
We at Nevada Office of Emergency Management extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Parole Agent Joshua Lemont Byrd. His dedication, courage, and service will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Hero.
T. Gerchman, Statewide 911 Coordinator
Nevada Office of Emergency Management
July 28, 2025
Another "Hero" taken.
You helped make this world a safer place to live.
May God grant you eternal peace.
Prayers to your loved ones and to your department.
Det. Billy Russo (Ret.)
Nassau County PD, NY
July 27, 2025
RIP Officer Byrd.
Linda Martin
July 24, 2025
RIP Brother, you will never be forgotten!
Sgt Nyce
Broward Sheriff's Office
July 24, 2025
Rest in Peace and thank you for your service.
Deputy P Saenz
Alameda county sheriff’s office
July 23, 2025
Rest in Peace Brother.
Capt. Arrend Hoopes
Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office Va.
July 23, 2025
Rest, brother.
Sgt. Steve Headley
Mishawaka, IN police
July 22, 2025
May God and St. Michael watch over you in Heaven, Agent Byrd.
Patrolman Kenneth Collins
South Amherst Police Department
July 22, 2025
Prayers & Condolences
Rest in Peace Parole Agent Joshua Lemont Byrd
Sgt. Randy Keenan ~ (Retired)
City of Alameda, CA Police Department
July 21, 2025
I remember Petty Officer Byrd. He was happy and easy going. Always a joy to be around, he would bring everyones spirits up. I will forever miss my brother. Petty Officer Byrd. Rest in peace my friend.
Chief Petty Officer Gregory Carow
US Navy
July 21, 2025
Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest In Peace Agent Byrd. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to all of your family, friends, and brothers and sisters at California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Postal Inspector Scott Horne
US Postal Inspection Service
July 21, 2025
May your family, friends, colleagues, and community find the strength and resolve to carry on in your physical absence and continue to spread the goodness to which you were so selflessly committed. You were among the best humanity has to offer. Your dedication to service and your ultimate sacrifice shall not be forgotten. God Bless You. Your Family, & Friends
James P. Waggle, Jr.
US Army Veteran (SFC)
Civilian
July 21, 2025
RIP
Assistant Chief Robert Jenkins
North Bay Village PD
July 21, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family of Parole Agent Joshua Lemont Byrd and the extended law enforcement family of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California.
End of Watch Thursday, July 17, 2025
Rest in Peace brother and watch over us. We will protect and serve from here on in your honor.
I fight not for glory or fame, for they are momentary. I fight for those who can't. I fight for Justice. I fight for the oppressed and the down trodden. And if I should lose my life for these just causes, then I have no regrets, For I serve to protect the innocent. It matters not where or when, for evil knows no boundaries. Be it fire, flood, or the threat of tyranny, I will not flee. Justice is my weapon. Faith is my shield. Hope is my armor. Cry not at my passing, for it was my Honor to fight for you. Shed not tears of sorrow, but tears of joy, for now, I stand with God.
By Jon F. Hooper
"Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends."
Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorneys General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation
July 21, 2025
Thank you for your service and sacrifice
Sergeant Alexander Hernandez
Miccosukee Police Department
July 21, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers during this difficult time. Your service and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Thomas H. Kelly Jr.
Supervisory Air Marshal in Charge (SAC)
Federal Air Marshal Service
July 21, 2025
Rest in Peace Brother
Sgt. Donald Harvey - retired
Maricopa Co. Sheriffs Office Az.
July 20, 2025
Rest in Peace Brother
Sgt. Donald Harvey - retired
Maricopa Co. Sheriffs Office Az.
July 20, 2025