Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Gary,

Twenty years ago this week we lost a good and gentle soul. You were always a gentleman and a pleasure to be with. You remain in our thoughts and prayers always.

Frank Desarden

Det. Frank Desarden (Retired)
Formerly Housing P.D.

June 18, 2008

Officer Peaco,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizen of New York City. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

June 16, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 19, 2007

I was one of Garys field training officers when he first hit the streets of the south Bronx, after graduating from the Academy. He was a big man but very soft spoken and kind. He loved his family and the job and would be the first to help anyone. We nick named him the Gentle Giant. I still miss him.
Rest in peace Gary

Det Sal Lentine (Retired)
Former Housing PD

February 23, 2007

From a former PSA 7 Police Officer to my friend the Gentle Giant from Maine. May you Rest in Peace

PO Peter Monroe
Clarkstown Police Dept.

August 10, 2006

.... "killed in an automobile accident while responding to an officer needs assistance call"

Thank you for being a hero Officer Peaco. Rest in peace

January 23, 2006

I was a Sergeant in PSA 7 when Gary Peaco was killed. You will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace.

Capt John M. Reilly (Ret)
NYPD

November 29, 2005

I thank you for your dedication and salute you for your sacrifice.

A grateful citizen.

September 16, 2004

I was a young street cop in the 42nd Precinct in the south Bronx when Gary was a cop with PSA 7, we both worked squad 3 in the old 9 squad chart that we had then. Because this time of my career was young and full of vigor I can remember alot of names and incidents, sad and exciting, boring and dangerous. The years of 1987 and 1988 my partner at the time was Jimmy Pala, and we covered sector Adam, Boy Charlie which covered the projects on Webster, Washington and 3rd Avenues, which was the area that was patrolled by Gary Peaco and Steve Lanoce. The special bond that was formed during these years was beyond comprehension to me now, in 1988 the city was in a war with Crack and the homocide and shooting rates were such that we will probably never see them again. On almost every job jimmy and I responded to, and on some nights we were the only car available, gary and steve would always have our backs, we would enter those buildings knowing that we could depend on each other and we shared many laughs in the face of those dangers. I will always remember those nights on patrol with those guys, but in particular Gary who was a mountain of a man and always had a smile and a sense of humor. It was a sad day for everyone when Gary answered his last radio call for help and I for one have never forgotten and will never forget. To gary's family, you should know that there are alot of guys and gals out here still answering the calls that have him in our hearts.

Steve Heberling
Detecetive
NYPD

Det. Steve Heberling
NYPD