Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

17 years! Always remembered, my brother!

For the record...the ODMP incorrectly states his grave was vanalized...no one actually defaced or damaged Chris's grave (this would not of been tolerated and they would of been found). Get this the media reported it incorrectly! Somebody was leaving items on the site that were concidered strange and gave the family pause.

Officer John Holloway
Partner/Friend

December 10, 2010

Chris, just wanted to say hello and to tell you that I miss you very much brother. 17years ago today you were taken from us and to be honest; it has been very hard not having you around. Sometimes I reflect back on that cold December morning, the rain was at a drizzel but felt so cold on my face. I will never forget where your battle took place; and I will never forget what type of courage it took in you to engage those robbery suspect[s] that early morning. I have thanked God many times that John was close enough and was able to do the outstanding job that he did. I know that you are looking over our shoulder, I've heard your voice time an again, thanks for the warning signs during a few critical incidents, I promise to pay you back when I see you again. Your brothers and sisters of the Columbus Division of Police will continue to carry the Blue Torch in your honor; in protecting the citizens of Columbus, Ohio. #1557

B.Bodell #1557
CPD Brother

December 10, 2010

For no reason at all you will come to my mind. You were one of the best friends I've had. Late night talks about nothing at all. I was not in Columbus when you passed, which I think is a good thing. God has promised that I will see you again. Doesn't take away the pain much though. I miss you.

Kim

Anonymous

July 23, 2010

officer clites hope your doing well god bless

Anonymous

June 24, 2010

Your service, dedication, and heroism is not forgotten. God bless the Clites family.

ofc. Eric Chiang
San Francisco Police Department

April 19, 2010

Hey officer clites i just wanted to give you a warm hello and i truly hope you are doing well. Dont worry your guys walking the beat are doing it with honor and respect and they are repsenting you and the rest of the fallen so very well but as always watch over them and keep help them come home to there family at shifts end. I just wanted to let you know that my brother mark is also a young police officer and he worked with your sister carrie before he left for another department. He said she is a great women. And im sure she is keeping your story alive just as all the officers who risk everything each day. I have nothing but respect for you i say this with tears in my eyes. Officer clites you are a hero not due to the fact that you left us during the line of duty. You are a hero beacouse you took that duty. Officer clites when you passed i was not even born i was born five months later but still i will always keep your story close to my heart. I think its awful that people defaced your grave. I guess some people dont know what a hero is. Well officer clites you are a true hero please rest easy and keep walking the beat.

Anonymous

March 24, 2010

Hey officer clites hope your doing well!!

GOD BLESS

Anonymous

March 11, 2010

Hey Officer Clites i hope your doing well and takeing care...Please watch over the current Officers who are walking the beat as it can get pretty bad out there...And officer clites as always im praying for you and your family

GOD BLESS YA :)

Anonymous

March 2, 2010

Hope your doing well officer clites god bless ya buddy.

Anonymous

February 28, 2010

God bless you officer clites....You are a true hero

Anonymous

February 26, 2010

Time has past but love endures. You are dearly missed. Had fate held a different path for you that foggy morning, you would still be on the beat as one of the good guys working towards a greater good. Thank-you for protecting us. Peace and love.

Jane Ries
Relative

December 11, 2009

thinking of you

Anonymous

December 10, 2009

You actions and courage will never be forgotten. On behalf of the men and woman of FOP Capital City Lodge #9 THANK YOU!

President Jim Gilbert
Fraternal Order of Police,Capital City Lodge #9, Columbus, Ohio

December 10, 2009

Even after 16 years, I still think of how painful it has been for your family and friends to lose you. We all still love you and miss you dearly.

MaryAnn

MaryAnn Perkins

December 10, 2009

Chris, its hard to believe that you were taken from us 16 years ago today. We miss you brother. My boy Jordan was only 8months old when you were murdered, he is driving a car now. Time moves so fast but the memories of you continue to stay strong. Chuck is doing great in S.W.A.T. Thank you for looking over our shoulder when danger is upon us. We will continue to stalk the 'Wolf' and I promise you we will always carry that 'Blue Torch' representing you and all of our brother's and sister's nationwide that gave their life to protect citizens of this great country. We Love you Chris. #1557

Officer Bret Bodell
Columbus Div. of Police

December 10, 2009

Greeting all,

It is amazing to reflect that it has been 16 years since Chris was murdered. Just had dinner and was remembering that about this time at night Chris and I were near the Fair Grounds eating pizza. As he often did, he snuck down to 11PCT to pick it up from Plank’s and run back to 5.

Less than five hours later, I would be trying to tend to Chris’s mortal wounds and administer CPR. Though the pain of loss was great, I have always been grateful to have been with Chris that night. He did not die a straw death, but an honorable death running into the fight and backing up his brother officer.

Stay healthy and keep your swords sharp!

-John

Officer John Holloway
Partner

December 10, 2009

This year we blocked the paroles of four cop killers including the parole of the inmate who murdered your fellow CPD Officer Jane Thompson Bowman. I know you were there guiding us through each of them. You will never be forgotten.

Bret Vinocur
President, Block Parole, Inc.

December 9, 2009

Chris, just wanted to let you know that your brothers and sisters of the Columbus Div. of Police are thinking of you. It's hard to believe that its been 15years since you were taken from us. We miss you Brother and will NEVER forget you. We will always make sure that the Rookie's know your story and what type of great man you were. We Love you Brother. #1557

Officer Bret Bodell #1557
Columbus Div. of Police

December 10, 2008

Dear Chris,
Please know you are always in our hearts and will never be fogotten. For 15 years your light is still shining within us.
We Love You,
Carmen, Linda, Craig and Chad

Linda Clites
Sister-In-Law

December 10, 2008

Officer Clites,

Sadly, I never had the opportunity to meet you. I discovered your story six years ago, shortly after becoming a victim advocate. I have thought of you often during the past six years. Every time I stand before the parole board to help keep a violent inmate off the streets you are there. Every time I help to get justice for a crime victim you are there. Every time I go up to a law enforcement officer on the street and thank them for the work they do you are there. Thank you Officer Clites for giving your life to help protect the citizens of Columbus. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

You can blow out a candle,
But you can't blow out a fire
Once the flames begin to catch
The wind will blow it higher.
-Peter Gabriel

Bret Vinocur
President, Find Missing Kids, Inc.

December 10, 2008

Chris, I came across this site and immediatly knew i had to say a few words in your memory. Only living a few doors down i got to see you grow up and become the kind of man this memorial is all about. Although i was a few years younger, you and Cameron were great to me and my family. Was a pleasure to have known you. I salute you for putting your life on the line for the sake of all that is good. You are sadly missed but forever in our thoughts. God Bless!!

Chris Meier
Neighbor

November 19, 2008

Chris, just wanted you to know that we are thinking of you on your Birthday. We all miss you very much and always will. It's almost been 15years since you were taken from us. The pain of your loss can never be measured. I know you would want us to live on with little pain but the cuts that we take as Law Enforcement Officers are sometimes just so deep. Your Brother's and Sister's miss you Chris, Happy Birthday. #1557

Police Officer B. Bodell #1557
Columbus Div. of Police

May 12, 2008

"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.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 31, 2007

Mr. Clites.I never really knew you but i wish i could have. 14 years ago this month you were killed by a monster who couldnt take responsibiity for his actions.Because you were friends with my dad i've heard countless stories about your life.I've seen the newspaper articles, and watched the news on that cold december morning.It makes me feel sad even thinking about it.I have alot of things to remember you as a hero from your name itched onto a piece of paper from the police monument in D.C when i went with my class on my eight grade trip, or the button with your picture on it, right down to the blue bracelet im memory of you that i wear everyday on my right arm.So even though i dont remember you your story moves me.So even though you've been dead for 14 years you will never be forgotton by your family, friends and even by the numerous people that never even met you like me.So we love you and miss you!

Josh

Josh Burke

December 19, 2007

My Dearest Bother-in-law Chris,

I wish you could be here to see our new home.
I wish you could be here to watch the boys grow.
I know your looking down on us from heaven above, but sometimes it just isn't fair that you have to look down.
The World and Life has not ended, but life is not the same.
Never see you grow old, your picture will never change.
To never see Renaee.
Your corvette getting old without you driving it.
To have Chad ask what kind of car did Uncle Chris like.
A piece of everyone gone, and will never come back.
Another year goes by.
Another Christmas goes by.
Another day goes by:
To never see your loving smile.
To never see your hazel eyes sparkle.
To never see you and Carmen say "BAM."
To never hear you say "I love you Bean lets go to
Hawaii again".
It is so hard to move forward when I can only look back.

WE ARE THE HERO'S TO HAVE KNOW CHRIS AND SEEN HIS SMILE, HIS GREEN EYES AND HEARD HIS LAUGH. TO NEVER FORGET IN OUR HEARTS THE LOVE THAT WE SHARED.CEC 1493 By Linda Clites

In your memory Chris,
Love you Linda

Linda Clites
Sister-In-Law

December 18, 2007