BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Letter from Amanda Throne to Kern County media about husband James Throne who died in a car crash with another deputy:

James was an outstanding father. No matter how tired he was he would always play with his children. He would usually get home at about 2 in the morning and the kids would be in our room by 7. I'd tell them "leave him alone, be quite and let daddy sleep." He'd say “It's ok they just want to spend time with me.” He could frequently be caught in our room helping our boys get past a difficult part on a video game.

He loved being a law enforcement officer. He gave his all everyday. He had a contagious drive to learn more and be more. He was planning on taking his senior deputy test as soon as he was eligible. He had been training to go to SWAT also. Earlier in the year he broke a couple ribs while training at the Sheriff's station where the cadets train. He taught classes for the academy, usually it was around drug stuff. He also taught defensive tactics and occasionally he would practice on his brothers Ray and Richard or his nephew Kenny Liggett. He'd also talk to the kids at the Lamont schools and he received an officer of the year award from the optimist club for his work with the children. He was also a bike patrol officer. HE worked so much overtime because he had to make sure everyone was taken care of and had all the help they needed. Like Ernie said in an earlier story he was to go to guy at work. He was always getting calls from his fellow officers. They'd call at all hours of the day and night. He helped them write warrants and would advise them on how to do things.

Our anniversary is coming up on June 17th. We were planning on going to Las Vegas this year. We would've been married 8 years this year. We were planning on having another baby.

I can't find the right words to describe to you what a truly remarkable person he was. His ambition inspired me to be a better person, mother, wife, and friend. He was truly my superman. He had so much drive and determination. He really had a drive to be the best of the best. Kern county sheriffs deputies are a fantastic group of people. I know it was an honor James to work along side these great men and women. He was very proud to be a Sheriffs Deputy and to serve and protect you.

His number one priority on the job was to protect the community and his fellow officers. He was always the one to make sure everyone was doing the right thing. He always tried to help the people he arrested rise up and do better things with there lives.

A couple years ago he gave me a plaque with a poem on it as a surprise gift. Here is what the poem said. "A Tribute to a Cop’s Wife" To: Amanda My Beautiful and Loving Wife. Amanda, I'm sure you've heard at times during our married life, From those who ask, Aren't you proud to be a Deputy's wife? But Amanda, let me say this: It's you I'm proud of, and they would be too, If only they could say what takes to be one and what she has to go through.

To be a lawman, it's no easy task to do what we have to do. But it's a much harder job to be his wife, and it takes someone special like you, And I know God chose you to be with me in this life. Because He knew you had the quality and strength to be a cop's wife. Some may say that I have courage and I'm a hero and that sort of thing: And when I hear it, this thought to my mind it always brings: It's you Amanda, who's the real hero, not me. And I know you get lonely and frustrated at times and wonder if it's worth it all: But if you ever left me, this "brave courageous hero" would be no man at all.

And I know you worry about the temptations I face on the streets, Of the women of the night and the girls that I meet, But let me tell you this, Amanda , and listen good: There's nobody on earth that could replace you, they certainly never could.

And I know there are times when I go to work and you kiss me goodbye, That you must worry and wonder if this is the day I've been chosen to die. And, Amanda, if that should ever happen and someday be true, Remember Amanda, my very last thoughts on this earth will be with you. All my love Your Husband,

James Throne, Deputy Sheriff, Badge # 952 Kern County Sheriff's Department - 2005 Bakersfield, California "Because I love you."

Amanda Throne