Chris Dewey Memorial Page
It began shortly before 8AM on Wednesday, February 18, 2009.
One week after the shooting Chris went from “critical” to “Satisfactory” condition. This was clearly a miracle! Chris then began walking slowly, talking and joking through intense pain, eating solid food, and undergoing physical therapy.
Deputies Ben Bruce and Chad Peterson were awarded the Medal of Valor at the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association convention in December, 2009. They were awarded the medal for their heroic assistance in saving Chris’ life on February 18, 2009.
We credit the power of prayer for the daily miracles we were watching the Lord Jesus Christ accomplish in Chris’s physical condition!
One of the first fundraisers was held on Friday, February 27th, 2009. There was a pancake benefit dinner at the Mahnomen school cafeteria, and it was such an encouragement to see so many officers from neighboring agencies as well as over 650 private citizens attend this fundraising event for Deputy Dewey and his wife Emily! This event raised over $15,000 dollars. There were similar fundraising events throughout the Red River Valley in the days that followed, and there are more to come.
Emily (left) and her sister Hannah (aka: the ROCK) at the Mahnomen pancake fundraising event. We continue to lift up Chris and Emily in regular prayer and are thankful to the Lord for all of you who are praying for them!
Chris was flown to Craig Hospital in Denver, CO, on Thursday, March 5th. Visit the CaringBridge website for the current details.
Chris’ partner, Chad Peterson, was voted Minnesota Peace Officer of the Year and was invited to throw out the first pitch at the Twins/Angels game at Twins Stadium on August 2nd. Nearly the entire Sheriff’s Office from Mahnomen was there and Sheriff Doug Krier also addressed the crowd!
Above: The Officers and Staff of the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office on the mound before the opening pitch!
Above: Deputy Chad Peterson firing the ball to home plate!
Above and Below: Sheriff Doug Krier on the jumbotron addressing the crowd!
At the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association annual Winter Conference in St. Cloud on Monday, December 7th, Deputies Chad Peterson and Ben Bruce were awarded the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office Medal of Valor for their role in saving Chris’ life on the morning of the shooting.
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Monday, August 9, 2010, 10:30AM: I received a text message that Chris “peacefully went to be with the Lord.” It has been anticipated for many days, yet it still was difficult to process when the news came. Please keep Emily, the family, the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office, and the greater Minnesota law enforcement community in your prayers. Thank you.
- Chaplain Tim Sherman
Monday, August 2, 2010: Chris continues to hang on, although from my perspective he has deteriorated significantly since I saw him two weeks ago. He is pain free, but he did not seem to be as aware of his surroundings as much as he was before. This is a strain on all who have come to grips with the fact that he will die. It is difficult to see Chris in this condition so your prayers are still needed. Thank you to all of you who participated in the Vigil, and to all you K-9 officers who took the time to drive past the house and light-up your squads and sound your sirens. I know that your tribute meant a lot to Emily and Chris. Thank you.
- Chaplain Tim Sherman
Well, I guess we’ve been given incorrect information from doctors in the past about Chris’ course of care. He continues to amaze everyone with his strength, although his body is going through the inevitable changes associated with death and dying.
Thank you to all of those who participated in the vigil in Detroit Lakes. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there. It means so much that so many people still remember Chris and the sacrifice he made to the citizens of this state.
So for those of you who know me, I’m kind of a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is kind of person. As for everyone telling me, “I’m sorry” or “I’m so sorry”…….ME TOO! I don’t really know how to respond to that. I certainly appreciate that people are sorry that this is happening…..but….it’s just an uncomfortable moment all around. I’m sorry too! Also, I understand that everyone wants to be able to DO something for me….so this is what it is: do a random act of kindness in Chris’ honor. Just something small: pay for the person behind you at McDonalds, offer to mow your elderly neighbor’s lawn, or maybe just give someone a big smile! These are the things that will help me to heal; that is something everyone could DO for us!
I have amazing family and friends who are making sure I’m taking care of myself. I even had the first pedicure of my life a few days ago! (Not really my style….but it was nice)
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain”
God Bless!
Em
Monday evening, July 26, 2010: Chris is “rallying” and doing better this evening. He is more alert and able to move one of his arms a little. His facial expressions are more clear as well. We are praying this is an indication that he may be getting better, but we are leaving it in God’s hands. Thank you for continuing to pray.
- Chaplain Tim Sherman
Although obviously nothing has been finalized, we are intending on having the service at the Living Word Church in Plymouth as a full line-of-duty funeral. I am honored that one of the pastors from FlatIrons Church in Colorado will preform the service. It means so much because that Church helped me so much during our year in Denver.
Once again, thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers. I can absolutely feel them surrounding and comforting me.
God Bless!
Em
July 19, 2010: I spent several hours on Sunday evening the 18th with the family and friends of Chris at Emily’s parent’s home and my plan was to be back again today to be with them. However, Emily has requested privacy and quality time with Chris in these last days. He is being well taken care of and is pain free on hospice care. The blessing in all of this is Emily’s salvation and assurance to me that Chris is saved as well. Pray that I can be an encouragement to all the family and visiting officers. Thanks.
- Chaplain Tim Sherman
• Friday, July 16, 2010 12:33 AM, CDT
Well, I do apologize for this, but I cannot save the day this time. There is no quick fix to this problem. Those of you that live in the area, I am sure you have already heard the news. It is not looking like Chris is going to come back to us.
When Chris received his last Botox injections, one of the known complications occurred. He developed pneumothorax (air in the chest cavity) which has caused pressure on his lungs and heart. This will be fatal. Hospice is now involved. He will be very comfortable.
The Minneapolis Bomb Squad graced us with their presence this evening to fufill Chris’ dream….THEY BLEW UP HIS HELMET!!!! Since Chris has had his “monkey hat”, he has wanted to “blow it up” as soon as he was not in need of it anymore. These great men made this happen….and I thank you.
It is a difficult time for all, and especially Emily. She has been with Chris through everything and it is time to let go. There are things much worse than dying and we all know that Chris will be going to a better place. When it is my time, I can’t wait to catch up with him if I get there too.
Thank you all for all of your support and prayers throughout this time. I did not wish to deliver this news but we are only sad for us….Chris will be walking golden streets soon. I know that he is, and will forever be with the Lord.
-Hannah (Emily’s Sister)
