Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

Chris,

My dearest brother, it is Christmas time and I remember the excitement you had to shop for everyone that you loved. Thank you for the things you bought us, for no one knew what treasures they would really end up meaning to us. The fond memories of Christmas will always be about the giver, and not the gift, because you truly have been and remain the gift!

As I continue to serve others in your memory, I will pause and honor you during this month, especially because you loved Christmas. Your life exemplified the meaning of Christmas. Through the birth of Jesus we received eternal life, and through eternal life we are promised to see you again.

I can’t wait, I MISS you!

Merry Christmas

Love always!

Carrie Clites
Sister

December 16, 2007

14 years ago you gave your life for the citizens of Columbus and for that WE will never forget your sacrifice. you are missed by many...GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY...

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

December 10, 2007

Chris,

Fourteen years ago today you went to patrol the streets of heaven. You gave the people of Columbus the greatest gift anyone can give, as you helped others who could not help themselves. Although your family misses you more than words can say, they know that you are in a much better place and we all look forward to seeing you once again.

A large plaque was dedicated to you at 5 Sub in 2003 so your presence is felt at every roll call to remind everyone of your special gift and that great men take up great space even when gone!

Matthew 16:27

Lt. Bob Meader
Columbus Police

December 10, 2007

Chris, it's hard to believe that 14years have now passed since you were taken from us. My son Jordan [almost 15years old now]does'nt remember when you held him as a small child but he now knows many things about you. Your Character and Courage can never be matched for what you did that December morning. Your friends will continue to pass on your stories and how much you really loved live itself. WE MISS YOU AND WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU.....#1557

Officer Bret Bodell
Columbus Div. of Police

December 10, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service. You are a hero by the profession you chose and regardless of what disgraceful things are done, no one can take the respect, and admiration that is bestowed to you.

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

December 6, 2007

Chris, I can not believe it is coming up on 14 years, I miss you and think about you daily, I have put your initials and badge number on every piece of paperwork I have ever done since that day, knowing you are always with me. Thank you for being a great friend and a hard charger!
You are talked about among all of us and your stories are told often, you live within all of us,watch over us and keep us safe! LOVE YOU Chuck

PO Charles Distelhorst #1496
Columbus PD Friend

November 23, 2007

Rest In Peace

We continue the fight for you brother and you are not forgotten by your department we honor you daily by wearing the uniform proudly and remembering the fallen brothers and sisters that came before us

detective scott alexander
columbus division of police

July 24, 2007

I was up early getting ready for work while watching Channel 10 Columbus news when I learned of your death. We never met but your death stuck in my head for many years. I got bored today and got on the laptop and just happened to this website where I purposefully looked up your name to see what you looked like. I prayed for many years that you are resting in the peace that you justly deserve. Perhaps you watched over and protected me during some on-duty close calls that I had so that I could make it to retirement. Thank you.

Officer Mike DeVita (retired)
Lima Police

July 22, 2007

Chris,

I know with all of my heart that you were waiting for Cameron's arrival. Thank you for being there in Heaven with your arms open comforting Cam. I now have to bear the loss of two great brothers. This saddens Mom and I so much. Our family has been through a lot, but we stand firm on accepting salvation and being given eternal life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ we will see you again one day. We miss you at each new sunrise.

I LOVE YOU!

Your little sister - Carrie. :)

Carrie Clites
Sister

July 7, 2007

I just came across a bumper sticker that was done after you passed away. It was to encourage citizen support for police officers. I started thinking about you and the impact your death, along with the many other officers in Central Ohio have made on our law enforcement families. I 'm going to do another bumper sticker and start getting the message back out to the citizens on how dangerous our job is.. You didn't die in vain, I will always remember you as a HERO!

President Jim Gilbert (CPD)
FOP Capital City #9, Columbus, OHIO

June 11, 2007

Stopped by to see ya on your 40th birthday this week, hard to believe that it's coming up on 14years since you were taken from us. Many of your brothers and sisters are gathering in Washington D.C. this week to send prayers up your way. Thankyou for keeping an eye out as we continue to carry the blue torch. I'll do my best not to let you down. #1557

Police Officer Bret Bodell #1557
Columbus Div. Of Police [Friend]

May 15, 2007

wow i dont know what to say, from what i heard you were a great person and im so sorry i dident get to know you more. you were my uncle and i was only one when you died.i wish you were still around so i could get to know you because you were a great person


love, sarah

sarah snyder
he was my uncle

April 29, 2007

Happy New Year Chris!

2401

January 1, 2007

Be alert to give service. What counts a great deal in life is what we do for others. -Anonymous

You will never be forgotten, continue to watch over and thank you for your service.

Detective James Shockey
Columbus Division of Police

December 10, 2006

Today is the thirteenth anniversary of Chris' ultimate sacrifice. All of us who remain have the moral mandate - we must never allow Chris' sacrifice to be forgotten! We now carry the torch Chris has passed, and continue to help others who cannot help themselves, just like Chris did in his brief lifetime both in and out of uniform. To all who visit this wonderful memoriam, Chris has a wonderful, loving family who misses him more than words can describe.

I pray that when my children are seventy and when their children are seventy that there are men and women EXACTLY like Chris who are willing to put the good people of the community behind them and protect them with their own life, without hesitation. Words are poor instruments to describe the substantive impact Chris had on the lives of others - people Chris never even met.

Chris we know you are now 'walking the beat' in heaven because the Lord has said that we will all be judged by what we have done [Matthew 16:27]. You were judged by what you did and today, like all days, WE MUST NEVER FORGET!

Lt. Bob Meader
77th Recruit Class Columbus Police

December 10, 2006

GOD BE WITH YOUR FAMILY AROUND THIS TIME OF YEAR AND ON DEC 10TH.... YOU WERE A HERO AND WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN...

Officer Jim Gilbert
CPD

December 9, 2006

It seems like only yesterday, you brought home that beautiful brand new corvette, I thought you might wash the paint off of it, you washed it so much. My kids would watch you from the door of our home next door. Well, thats when I realize even though it has been so long, you remain so close to our hearts. My kids are almost grown, but we will never forget you. You are a true hero and will always be remembered as one. -Kim, Brecken and Micah

Kim Masi (Sickles)
Neighbor

September 4, 2006

Keep watching over us from aove... you are never forgotten!!!

Officer Jim Gilbert
CPD

June 21, 2006

A hero truly does live forever, in the thoughts and prayers of your family and friends, and through the everyday deeds of your brothers and sisters that wear the badge with honor. You are one of those heroes.

Fellow L.E.O.

January 22, 2006