Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Dockery,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Walden. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 15, 2022

Very sad story and what a shame that someone would do this over a noise complaint

September 23, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Dockery.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 16, 2020

Your sons grew into fine young men. One of them became a police officer. I know you are proud of them. RIP.

Retired Sgt.
Chattanooga Police Department

January 14, 2016

I didn't know you, just read this story recently. Thank you for your services. Your story gave new meaning to my life that has not been so great lately. It proves that no matter what you're going through, it can all be worth it for one shining moment in the sun. Thank you, sir.

Jeff

May 13, 2014

Gary, remembering all of our hero's on this day.
You are not forgotten and I know that you are deeply missed.

Lorraine Bond

May 15, 2013

Thank you for your Heroism Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

September 6, 2012

Your in our thoughts everyday. You have made me a stronger and wiser person. Your spirit is strong and your light shines on. Thank you for watching over us. Dennis & Kailey

Dennis
Brother

May 22, 2011

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 15, 2010

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

December 31, 2009

Thinking of your loved ones today and everyday. I know the daily struggles they face without you and the terrible pain within their hearts. God, wrap your loving arms around them and help them with their grief and let them feel your presence.
Your sacrifice has not been forgotten.

Brenda Lucas
Mother of Chief Anthony D. Lucas, EOW 2-4-2005

April 15, 2009

This is "National Police Week" when we remember all of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
Gary is not forgotten.

The family of Deputy Sheriff: Donald K. Bond,Jr.
EOW: 09.06.01

May 12, 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

January 30, 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

January 29, 2008

Before I was ever born, my parents had lived in Chattanooga, and we would visit there every summer when I was young. My grandmother lived in Copperhill, TN. I remember reading in the newspaper about Officer Dockery awaking from the coma after several years, and it doesn't seem like ten years since his death. Any of us officers could arrive at a call and be ambushed like Officer Dockery was. It was uplifting to me to read the reflections left by his sons and I can only hope that my sons would do the same for me. I graduated from the police academy here in SC many years ago and I remember thinking that if my father were still alive, he would have been proud of me. Officer Dockery, thank you for your supreme, brave sacrifice and for your years of service to your agency and community! Your sons are very proud of you and I am sure that you are so proud to have been their Dad!

PSO CW Edwards
North Augusta Dept. of Public Safety (SC)

May 1, 2007

I just want to say that I recently met Shane and you would be very proud of him, he is a great police officer and a great teacher. I didn't know you but I know your son and I know you spirit is in him. Rest in peace and we will never forget.

February 27, 2007

It's hard to keep a good man down. Only our Lord knows the time when we must come home. Officer Dockery your service to your community has been noted and it's time for you to take your spot among the proud men and women of our ranks who have made the ultimate sacrafice.

Lt. Stephen A. Joy #980
Prince George's County Police Department

January 26, 2007

Rest easy. You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

January 26, 2007

I still remember reading about this in the paper when Officer Dockery awoke from his coma ten years ago. I was not aware that he had succumbed to his injuries until just now as I was browsing over the ODMP, which I try and do daily. He is a true hero and as we all know, a hero never dies.
God bless and always look over your brother and sister officers from up above. Thank you for your service and courage.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

October 19, 2006

Hey there,
It's Shea here, I have been reading over the reflections people have left reguarding Gary. I think this is an awsome tool for people to share their experience's & for those who personally knew Gary & know his family. Shane, you've become an awsome person & a great officer, followed your dream to one day live out your dad's dream. I am so proud of you. I hope your doing well, you deserve it. Colt take care of yourself, be sweet as always ; ) Hope you guys are doing great, hope to hear from you soon. Shea 9/25/06

Shea
Friend

September 25, 2006

i was just sitting here watching the news and thinking about my own fallen officer, when i saw a story about you. i must say i was a little outraged and shocked at the story of the man who shot officer dockery being honored as a war hero. as his son said, i don't think this is right in the least. patrolman dockery was, is, and always will be THE HERO. i just wanted to thank officer dockery for his sacrifice and service and tell the family that i hope you are all able to find some peace, comfort, and so-called closure, if that is possible. God bless all of you.

jessi garger
fiancee of cole martin
chatsworth, ga p.d.
e.o.w. 4.25.03

June 26, 2006

To Patrolman Gary Dockery and his loved ones:

On this the ninth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers. Reading about your beloved Gary gives us some understanding of what a kind and honorable man he was, and what he meant to his family and friends. I remember reading the news stories about how he awoke from his coma after nine years. How wonderful that he was able to once again communicate with his family. How sad that he died after what had to be considered a miracle.


Gary, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Dockery. I am humbled by your valor, courage, and dedication. How your loved ones must miss you.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Gary gave to his community and the citizens of Tennessee, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 15, 1997 and the intervening years between injury and death.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 15, 2006

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer
TN

March 25, 2006

Officer Dockery your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Care now . May you rest in peace brother.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

March 17, 2006

REMEMBERING GARY TODAY. EVEN THOUGH IT HAS BEEN EIGHT YEARS, THE MEMORIES ARE STILL THERE.
ONE DAY ALL OF THIS WILL BE MADE RIGHT.

LORRAINE BOND

December 26, 2005