Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I know that Vance can't read this now. But for all the ones that he left behind, I give this message to him:
I didn't know you, Vance, because you were coming into the Department as I was going out. I vaguely remember you from riding as a Reserve after I left. I had been at the Dept. for 7.5 years, but I had to move on for personal reasons. I do remember your youth and "Gung Ho" enthusiasm. Much like myself when I was there.
I remember the night that you died, serving the people of this County. I felt like I had my insides kicked out. You see, I believe that, having been part of the family, you really are never not a part of what happens to the ones who have chosen the Badge & Gun as a life long career. You can't take it out of your heart no more than you could disown a distant relative.
I found this memorial today while looking for all the fallen officers that I have known and mourned. You see, another officer has died who meant a lot to me. Not while serving the Dept. that you,he and I were a part of, but while serving his family at the chemical plant that he and I worked at together.
Maybe you knew Mark Mitchell. I hope so. You would have loved him like I do. Mark stayed in the Reserves and served at Gregg County. We both mourned your passing. He felt like I did about any officer that died in the line of duty.
I didn't know you Vance while you were here on Earth. Perhaps someday, if GOD is willing, you, Mark and I can sit around with M.D. Hodges and all the others who gone before us and swap war stories. I think that you might even like to hear some that are a little different. For you see, I don't carry a gun and badge anymore, but a firehose and bunker gear are my tools of the trade. For I am now an Industrial Fireman and Safety specialist where I work. It's the only fire that I will ever see, because I know that, like you, Heaven is my home. Until we meet in Heaven....
Kelly Allen

Kelly Allen, Former Deputy Sheriff
Gregg County Sheriff's Department

Vance:

It's been two years now since you left. We still think of you often and talk about your good humor, great police work, and valued friendship.

God bless, bro.

Ferg

Michael Ferguson, Instructor
East Texas Regional Police Academy

REST IN PEACE VANCE, WE STILL MISS YOU.

Anonymous

The little bit I was able to work with you I enjoyed. It has been a little while since you left us. I will miss you alot along with all the other officers and deputies your worked with and that you were friends with. Thank you for what you gave..THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

Clayton Taylor Patrolman
Longview Police Department

We miss you. I haven't had a strawberry shortcake in a long time. Love you like a son.

Shirley Kincaid / Reserve
Gregg Co. S.O.

Wow, Vance, I can't believe it's already been one year since you left. I find myself thinking about you every time I drive down FM 1844...I stop at "your" tree and "visit" for a few minutes every time I'm up there. I also think about you when I walk past your picture on the Wall of Honor at the SO when I go up to the office. You now will ALWAYS have that silly grin of yours on your face...just like you did when you were still alive.

You'd be proud of Cort, of course. He's doing very well and is growing into a fine young man. I figure that it's only natural that he would, though, considering who his dad was.

I really miss you, as do all of us who were your friends. I consider it one of the greatest honors of my life that I was asked by your family to be a pallbearer at your funeral. I hope you were watching all of us that day so that you could see what a tremendous impact you had on all of our lives.

Keep things safe for us until we get up there to back you up, bro. God bless.

Michael Ferguson, Instructor
East Texas Regional Police Academy

Vance it has been a year now , I still think about you.
Semper fi ,

Kelly
GCSO

To the Family, relatives, Friends, and Colleagues of Deputy Vance Clements,

My sincere prayers are with you especially now since the Lord called Vance home one year ago today. It was a tough evening for me as well as I cried with all of you and broke the news to some of you along with Sheriff Maxey Cerliano.

Now as I write this I am serving on active military duty at Minot AFB, ND due to being called up to help fight the War on Terror.

You are in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord give us all grace and strength.

In His Service,

Jack H. Lanier, Jr.
MSgt. US Air Force Fire Protection
Asst. Fire Chief, Minot AFB
Chaplain, Longview (TX) Police Department

Chaplain Jack H. Lanier, Jr.
Longview Police Department

You are missed, friend.

Les Ferguson, Instructor
East Texas Regional Police Academy

Blessed are the peacemakers,For they shall be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9

Anonymous

Officer, You stand relieved..WE have the watch!
God Bless you and thank you for your service.

Lieutenant Greg Minton
Leander Police Department-Texas

I enjoyed working with him and have missed his presence

Patrolman Shane Guthrie
Gladewater Police Dept

Deputy Clements, your watch is over and our department salutes you and your tour. May you watch over the gates of heaven, as you watched over the citizens of Gregg County, Texas.

Deputy J. Allen
Hidalgo County Sheriff's Department, Texas