Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Merry Christmas...Keep us safe from up in Heaven..

Officer Jim Gilbert
CPD

December 24, 2005

12years have past since we've lost you brother, at times it seems like yesterday. We continue the fight, good against evil everyday. I know your watching over us, your soul can be felt from time to time. Sometimes when I'm standing alone a tear or two may fall as I remember just how great of a Police officer and person you were. Our memory of you will never be forgotten, and the rookies will always know your story. It was the greatest pleasure to serve with you, so many new Officer's wish they would of known you. As the world changes, many more challanges are given to the law enforcement family and I know you are looking down and looking out for us. We miss you brother and always will.. 1557

POLICE OFFICER Bret Bodell
Columbus Div. of Police

December 5, 2005

Dear Chris,
Radio made an announcement at the moment you passed away in the hospital. At the time, I was on some BS paper run down on 13 precinct. Like so many others on duty that fateful day, I had to go out to my cruiser...so as to hide my tears from the public. So many thoughts whirled through my head. You had recently returned from a dream honeymoon with your beautiful bride...you excelled as a frontline cop...you were so very young...you had just begun a very new and exciting life.
I was beside myself when I read the footnote to your memorial on this website...how a person or persons have defaced your gravesite on several occasions. It never ceases to amaze me, the number of bottom feeders we have in this society...like the one who took your life away. Or the ones who stepped outside of their government subsidized homes near the crime scene, chanting their hate speech at the police.
You are a true hero. I salute you for your courage. Sleep well my brother.

Retired P.O. Dan Cockerham
Columbus Div. of Police

November 18, 2005

"Who You’d Be Today"

Sunny days seem to hurt the most
I wear the pain like a heavy coat
I feel you everywhere I go
I see your smile
I see your face
I hear you laughing in the rain
I still can’t believe you’re gone
It aint fair you died too young
Like the story that had just begun
But death tore the pages all away
God knows how I miss you
All the hell that I’ve been through
Just knowing no one could take your place
Sometimes I wonder who you’d be today
Would you see the world?
Would you chase your dreams?
Settle down with a family
I wonder what would you name your babies
Some days the sky’s so blue
I feel like I can talk to you
I know it might sound crazy
It aint fair you died too young
Like a story that had just begun
But death tore the pages all away
God knows how I miss you
All the hell that I’ve been through
Just knowing no one could take your place
Sometimes I wonder who you’d be today
Today (repeats 5 more times)
Sunny days seem to hurt the most
I wear the pain like a heavy coat
The only thing that gives me hope
Is I know I’ll see you again some day
Some day
Some day

October 21, 2005

this is the first time i have ever had the nerve to write but here it is i was 16 years old when officer clites got shot the events that surrounded the situation inspired me so much it was like a calling into law enforcement and im proud to say i listened to it always know officers never die in vain for there is always an inspiration god bless and continue to do so officer clites family and loved ones

October 21, 2005

Chris, I came on years after your death and never had the honor of meeting you. From hearing the stories and reading the facts of the incident that took your life, there is no doubt that you are a hero and a legend. Your closest friends are the most respected men on the division. Rest in peace and take care of our other brothers and sisters.

Officer J. Ashenhurst #1204
Columbus (Ohio) Police

May 31, 2005

Chris, I want to let you know that you were a great person and friend through through high school and the years when I returned from the Marine Corps.

You are still in my Prayers daily.

God bless,
Ken

February 14, 2005

Chris: I only knew you for a short time. The times we spent in the cruiser as partners on my days off my regular job are times I will remember for the rest of my life.
If and when I become a full time officer, you will be my role model that I will try my best to follow.

Rest my friend for when we all dance in the streets above there will be no crime-only celebrations with our Father above. God has a special resort for those who have shepherd is flock on His earth.

I see your brother on a regular basis and he too is a Clites through and through, a hero to his family.

Thanks for making Columbus a better place !

Your friend,

Larry P. Bush

Former CPD Reserve Officer
CPD

January 28, 2005

CHRIS, WE THINK OF YOU EVERY DAY AND MISS YOU VERY MUCH. THANKS FOR LOOKING OVER OUR SHOULDER EVERY DAY ON PATROL. WE RECENTLY LOST ANOTHER BROTHER, BRYAN HURST, COULD YOU PLEASE LOOK OUT FOR HIM NOW THAT HE IS WITH YOU....1557

POLICE OFFICER BRET BODELL
COLUMBUS DIV. OF POLICE

January 14, 2005

I only knew you in Elementary school when I moved from Columbus, but I'll never forget the day I heard the news on the radio. Even though I only knew you a couple of years and it was at a very young age I still think about you and your family.

Mark Paxton

January 4, 2005

Brett and I were at Chris' grave last night.

To those who new and loved Chris, know that he is never forgotten...and is dearly missed. My children know Chris as a brave policemen who would always back their dad up and never hesitated to face the worst criminals our society has to offer. They would thank Chris for helping to protect their father. I was always grateful to have Chris as my back up. He was the first backing me up on the night he died. I was grateful to see his shining face. I thank him for being such a hard charger and brave man. He craved the righteous fight, always fought hard, and died a warriors death; with honor.

Eleven years? When you speak it, it seems a long time ago...yet he is ingrained in our hearts so strongly today.

The other day I was wondering what Chris would think of Chuck as a Detective. What assignment would Chris be in if he survived to this day? Still on patrol? Robbery with Chuck? In-tac? Just wondering.

Thanks for being there for me Chris.

Officer John Holloway, #1025

Officer John Holloway
Columbus police

December 11, 2004

Tomorrow it will be 11 years since you were killed. It seems like yesterday & yet it seems like a lifetime. You remain in my heart and my daily thoughts, and I know that I am not the only one remembering you. We miss you and will never forget your laugh, your caring spirit or your dedication to what you loved -- your family, friends & being a police officer. I am still so proud & try to honor your memory with my life. Who loves ya, Baby? I do. -Bean

Renaee Clites, wife of Chris

December 9, 2004

You were taken nearly 11 years ago, but you will never be forgotten...never by your brothers in blue, your family, your friends, nor the citizens of Columbus. Thank you for your service. God bless you and your family.

anon.

November 22, 2004

You will never be forgotten amongst the men and woman of the Columbus Div. of Police!

POLICE OFFICER JIM GILBERT
COLUMBUS POLICE

September 21, 2003

Chris, we miss you.

Police Communications Tech, Lisa L. Lee
Columbus Police Department

I was a citizen in Columbus when Officer Clites was murdered. I recalled it often even as a citizen even before I knew I would one day be a cop. I still think of his murder, and have the benefit of talking to the officers that were with Chris that day. Even after this many years, I remember Chris' name and think about his death. My thoughts are still with his family, even after all this time.

Police Officer Recruit, Joseph Hern
Columbus Police Department

Chris,
It has been eight years already that you have been gone. Your family and friends miss you terribly. Not a day goes by that we don't think about you. Even though we know that you are in a better place, it's still so hard to get through the holidays every year. Until we meet again,
we all love you very much.
MaryAnn

MaryAnn Perkins