Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Chris Edward Clites of the Columbus Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 66 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

December 10, 2017

Twenty four years... Remembering Chris and reflecting on this fateful shift so long ago. Stay sharp and healthy out there my fellow officers.

I shall give a toast to the brave and the fallen this evening. To Officer Chris Clites, who always had my six. Thanks my brother in arms. Peace to your family.

Officer John Holloway
Columbus Division of Police

December 9, 2017

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

To my brother, Chris, Our family loves and misses you. Although the calendar shows it has been twenty-three years; yet our heavy hearts feel as though your loss was JUST yesterday.

The Clites family will ALWAYS be thankful to all of the special souls that were with Chris that dark, tragic night.

To everyone who posts here and remembers in many other ways, my family says thank you for keeping his beautiful memory, his beautiful light from heaven shining bright.

Very few born onto this earth make a lasting, eternal impact, but as we know Chris was one.

To my teammates of the Columbus Division of Police, keep fighting the good fight of faith. Darkness will never overcome those who shine the light on to evil. Keep marching on proudly as a soldier in God's Army. Amen.


CHRIS....until we meet again:)

Carrie Clites-Meader
Sister December 10, 2016

December 11, 2016

I was there the day you came home from the hospital. I babysitter you and your two brothers then Cheryl when she came into the world. I totally remember the day the police came to my house to ask if I knew you and what kind of a person you were. Many many night you and Donald stayed at the house and we played cards or we went out. I miss you everyday not a moment goes by that you are not though about. You where the greatest person inside and out. Never ever to be forgotten!! Love hugs and kisses

Alena Brooks
Friend

December 11, 2016

NEVER FORGOTTEN!

To Chris's family and friends, he is not and will not be forgotten. Reflecting 23 years later, Chris will always be remembered and held dear to my heart and soul. I remember the triumphant moments we had after chasing down bad guys and defeating resistors. Awesome car chases. Scary moments. Reflective sad moments. Punch drunk third shift silly moments. Annoying each other moments. How excited he was about his recent marriage and honeymoon (and best not forget the new Corvette).

As harrowing an experience our final fight was, I am grateful I was able to work with him and be with him his last run. This year is always reflective, however, it has been more so after losing one of my best friends for twenty plus years, Officer Steve Smith (CPD SWAT). I am grateful I was with Steve, as well, during his final fight.

To the Clites family and all the officers and family of officers, stay proud and strong. Been a rough few years for our LEO family. Always hold fast and stay the course. Be the example of strength and honour for fellow officers and family. As I often tell my seven year old boy as I hold his hand walking in public, "Chin up, eyes up, be proud and walk like a man." Chin up, my brothers & sisters..

Peace,

Officer John Holloway
Columbus Police / Partner

December 10, 2016

Hello everyone, I wanted to say thank you for all the wonderful posts. There is not a day that passes that I do not think about my brother. I have had moments of sadness thinking that Chris has been forgotten, it is heartening to know that he is remembered for the good guy he was. I remember his sparkling green eyes and eveready smile. He was a positive person who loved life. Again thank you for sharing and god bless all of you. Sincerely Cheryl Clites

Cheryl Clites
sister

June 7, 2016

Wishing you a Happy Birthday Brother on this May 12, 2016. As the days and months turn into years, it's just a reminder of how much we miss you Chris. I know your spirit is with us and I thank you for that . Please look after our brother Officer Steve Smith he is in heaven now, watching over us with you . I know there's no bad guys in heaven but thinking about you and Steve on routine patrol together would be a bad day for the bad guys. I Will say a prayer for all of our fallen brothers and sisters while in Washington DC this weekend. Love you my brother....#1557

Officer B. Bodell #1557
Columbus Div. of Police

May 12, 2016

I saw a current Columbus Police Officer's wife share a remembrance of Police Officer Chris Clites on FB. I had not heard the story for awhile. I went back and read the story and posted my thoughts. After I posted it, I saw that 7 or 8 of my fb friends had also shared his story and I have very few friends who I had attended Maybury with. I cannot imagine how many of his friends and family had shared and are keeping his memory alive. I was so happy when I found this page and read he was a Christian and with Jesus now. It makes an awful story have an eternally joyful ending.
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I didn't know the adult officer Chris Clites, though I know some FB friends did. I knew him as a Maybury Elementary Student who was in my class, different years. I know my friends who went on to JH and Independence did, and at least one was a very close friend to him.

I can still picture him but he really didn't look much different from the picture that is shown with his story. It almost looks like you put my young friend in a police officer's uniform. I can tell his hair was not the longish "cool" style of the 70s that he would kinda "whip" to get out of his eyes..,probably while playing Four Square or something. I remember very beautiful eyes that really stood out...I wanna say blue but not positive. Then he had that smile that is looking back in this photo. I also think, but again am not positive, that he was a fellow safety patrol, in the 5th and 6th grade. It has been a long time, but I do not remember anything but kindness and laughs from him.

I re-read the story and remembered the same heart-break and sickness I felt when I heard that familiar name and his story appeared on the news. People that were taunting him and the fellow officers are quite simply not even good enough to be called the lowest animals.

Had I never known him, I would still feel sadness, because someone protecting the community lost their life. Also, it should show us all how evil people were and still are.

Rest in Peace Chris. You are remembered and honored and always will be. May his family know this and feel the condolences and prayers as people are reminded.

Michelle Capuano
"Shelly Baxter"
Maybury Elementary School Student 1972=1979

Michelle Capuano
Elementary School Friend

December 11, 2015

Rest In Peace, Officer Clites....we Honor your Supreme Sacrifice and pray for the comfort of your loved ones, Both Blood and Blue. We know that you will always be yet another Blue Guardian Angel to look out for us!

Capt. Robert Michels
Uhrichsville Ohio P.D>

December 11, 2015

We miss you our brother and will always Love you....We will always remember the Content of your Character..."Semper Paratus" ...1557

Officer Bodell
Columbus division of police

December 10, 2015

Never Forgotten, my brother!

As I am working on Christmas preparations, it is amazing to think you were killed 22 years ago this day. Your tenacity and bravery will never be forgotten. I can still see your smile and hear your laugh in my minds eye. Thanks for always being there as my partner. Peace to your friends and family.

"There is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted armed men long enough and liked it, never care for anything else thereafter." -Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961)

Officer John Holloway
Columbus Police Department

December 10, 2015

Hi Chris!

Well, its been 22 years now! I still think about you and miss you. Thanks for everything you gave while here on earth. I think of some of the good times we shared and some of the great police work we did together. I also remember that incident we were involved in on Whittier......I get a big smile when I reflect back upon it!

Keep watching out for us from above, my brother!

Sergeant Dave Sicilian II
Columbus, Ohio Division of Police

December 10, 2015

Happy Birthday Chris, just wanted to check in on you. A few of your brother's and sister's are heading to Washington D.C. for the National Police Memorial. Many prayers are heading your way. Thanks for looking out for our safety, you are missed my brother. Never Forgotten...

P.O. B.Bodell #1557
Columbus Div. of Police

May 12, 2015

Officer Clites,
YOU are Remembered today.
Thank You for Your Service.

R Bierly
KY Retired

December 10, 2014

Yes I remember this well. I heard hellicopter pick his wife up to take to hospital. I think think of you often Officer Clites I have to pass his old house to get to and from my house. Thank You SIR for your service !!!

Debbie taylor
Neighbor

December 10, 2014

Chris, all of your brothers and sisters of the Columbus Div. of Police miss you 'Everyday"...... Love you Brother #1557

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

December 9, 2014

Chris, just wanted to let you know that we are going to the Police National Memorial this week in Washington, D.C. We will say many prayer's for all of our brother's and sister's that have given the ultimate sacrifice. I miss you my Brother. Thank you for looking out for us Chris. We love you. #1557

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

May 9, 2014

Chris, 20years have past us by since you were taken from us. We miss you brother. The young Officers of the mighty 5pct along with your friends and family honor you today for your courage and how you cared so much for the community you served. You are our brother and always will be, 20years or 100years, time doesn't matter - we love you and will never forget you. THE EAGLE HAS LANDED. 1557

Police Officer Bret Bodell
Columbus Div. of Police

December 10, 2013

RIP brother we'll take it from here. Prayers to you, your family and fellow officers.

Deputy Joshua A. Paulette
Cheshire County S.O

December 10, 2013

Every year I cry on my birthday, because that is the day we lost Chris. He was my husband's best friend and the best man at our wedding. My reflection of Chris is that he would do anything for anyone, give so freely of himself. I remember that he was the first of our friends to hold our son, Joshua (who incidentally wrote his reflection 12-19-07). He was in uniform, his pressed shirt was so white. He was so awkward holding him because he was afraid Joshua would throw up on him. I had never laughed so hard in my life. He brought out the best in us all and we will never be the same without him.

You stay forever in our hearts Chris, and we will always love you.

Rhonda Burke

December 10, 2013

Remembering you

D

July 14, 2013

Chris, just wanted to say hello and to let you know that your brother's and sister's of The Columbus Div. Of Police really miss you. My daughter Cherokee is 12years old now, she wanted me to say hello from her. Cherokee also said even though she never got to meet you she knows in her heart that you are still keeping people safe in heaven. A new awards medal with your name on it will come to the Columbus Div. Of Police next year 2013 due to a young Officers great idea. We Love you Chris and miss you so much.

B.Bodell 1557
Columbus Div. of Police

December 15, 2012

Officer Clites,
YOU are being thought about today, a day after the 19th year date of your murder.
You are still Honored and Remembered.
It was very meaningful to me to leave a flower at your name on the National Police Memorial in May in Washington DC. My small way of paying You Honor, Respect, and Remembering You.
Think of you often.
GOD be with Your Family and Friends that still care so much about You.

R Bierly
Officer, Kentucky, Retired

December 11, 2012

Never forgotten!
Though the loss of Chris was heartfelt and tragic to so many...he loved the good fight, catching the bad guys, and died a brave man and true warrior. This after coming to my aid initially and later finding and facing the two gun man. I would not choose to have been any where else but with Chris after he was shot and mortally wounded that night and I am greatful I was blessed with the oppurtunity to finish the fight Chris started. (Thought getting there about five seconds sooner would have been nice). To my brothers in arms, keep you minds, bodies, and heart sharp. Part of being a cop is not only facing danger but handling the violent aftermath and tragedy that may follow. Being strong and maintaining your stiff upper lip afterwards is as important as the fight itself. Stay healthy...

Officer John Holloway
Columbus Police/Partner

December 10, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss.. We lost a great Officer, friend and family member. I read his story . It makes me want to cry. SO SAD...rip

Joshsmom
twinsburg oh

October 9, 2012