Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Somewhere among these many pages of heroes, I came across Officer Stocker's name. I wanted to stop at his page and leave a reflection in his honor. He sounded like a really great guy, one that I would have loved to have worked with on a daily basis. He will never be forgotten by those that love him dearly for they carry his love in their hearts and think of him every day. I hope he continues to keep watch over all of his loved ones and those still out on patrol. He is a true hero and heroes never die.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

June 25, 2008

Thank you to all of you who still remember and think of our brother. We loved reading of Tom's "you think you have a choice" line (that sounds just like a Stocker!) and of his encouragement of others to continue their educations. That is especially poignant because Tom, if I remember correctly, wasn't a successful high school student and dropped out to join the Marines. He later got his GED. He and Dora and the kids lived upstairs from us and it's true he loved his family no end. It was apparent in everything he did to better himself so his family could benefit.

I spoke of this website to our aunt last weekend. She told me this story: her oldest child was newly ill with MS and was in the hospital. Tom and some of his police buddies went to the hospital where Frank was on the ground floor. These reprobate Detroit cops pried the screen off the window, got the patient out of bed, put a robe and slippers on him, and took him to a bar. They brought him back later that night and replaced the screen. The next morning, when Frank had some lab work done, the doctors couldn't fathom why his blood alcohol content read what it did.

Better yet, they returned another time and went to Frank's room where they handcuffed him and took him out the front door, telling the nurse that he was under arrest. This is the kind of man Tom was - big-hearted, light-hearted, and devoted to his work and his family.

We have missed him.

Kathleen Stocker
Tom's sister

June 23, 2008

Dear Stocker Family,

I was the officer who's arm's Gilbert died in. On that fateful day my partner John Beligian, and other officers carried Gilbert to our scout car when I jumped in the back, held him close to my heart and talked to him. For the last 36 years there are very few day's that go by that I don't think about it.
I never had the opportunity to really meet him, but I know we will be brothers at heart forever.

Thank you and continued blessings to the Gilbert Stocker Family,
Sgt. Jerome Beacham
Detroit Police Department (Retired)

Sgt. Jerome Beacham (Retired)
Detroit Police Dept.

March 19, 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

November 13, 2007

On the 35th anniversary of Officer Stocker's death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Officer Stocker is not forgotten.

Agent Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department

July 31, 2007

It is nice to see that it is true that Heroes Never Die! All these years later, it is still clear that Gil made such an impression on the people that knew him. God Bless Gil and his family, who gave such a huge sacrifice on July 31, 1972. Mrs. Stocker - I am sorry this happened in your life, I am sure times were tough, and sorrow was great. I hope you have managed to feel love and happiness through the years, and that your children a wonderful reminders of your love. To the kids - I know you hold your Dad's love in your heart, and you can be SO proud! I am sure he is looking down on you every day.

Kelly Gulich
FCSO

March 8, 2007

Thank you everyone that still remembers our dad and his stinky cigars. He will always be remembered in our memories and our hearts.
His daughter, AnnMarie Stocker Joseph

December 8, 2006

Gil and I were partners on the Second Precint Cruiser. He was a good friend and a dedicated Police Officer, husband and father. He loved his family very much. He was the most quick witted person that I have ever known. He once responded to an individual who was expressing his uncertainty about submitting to being placed under arrest, "you talk like a man who has a choice". I think of Gil almost every day and I miss him very much.

Former Sergeant Roger Studer
Detroit Police Department

April 16, 2006

I only had the privledge of working with Gil one day and I'm sorry to say, it was the day he was gunned down. My life changed that day as I'm sure the lives of all those who knew him. He is and will be missed by all.

Retired Patrolman Wally Ryan
Detroit Police

July 31, 2005

Gil and I served together in 3rd Bn, Ist Marines and we attended Macomb College at the same time. His funeral was the first police memorial service that I attended. He is often in my thoughts and prayers, especially when I light up one of those stogies. A great guy who is truly missed by those of us who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Sergeant Gerald Sington (Retired)
Detroit Police Department

January 12, 2005

Went to McComb College with Gil and responded to calls in his precinct. Great cop who knew how to get to the liberal teachers in school. Will always remember those stinky cigars. God Bless a friend.

Retired PO Robert Lloyd
Detroit Police

January 12, 2005

Miss those stinky ass cigars Gil, Think about you often even after all these years.

Art Rivers
DPD

January 10, 2005

Gil was my partner and close friend. He was very devoted to his family. He loved his wife and children very much. He had a passion about serving the City of Detroit and helping others. No one was more proud to be a police officer than Gil. He was very quick witted and always kept others laughing. Gil had a great influence on others to better themselves. He was one of the first officers at our Precinct to attend college and encouraged others to do so. His influence resulted in my acheivement of a college education that enabled me to greatly enhance my career. Gil is still missed by those who had the pleasure to know him.

Former Sergeant
Detroit Police Department