Denver Police Department, Colorado
End of Watch Wednesday, November 12, 1997
Reflections for Police Officer Bruce VanderJagt
As I sat at your memorial I could see the compassion you displayed toward your fellow officers
in District 3. I could feel in the air how you brought joy to all those who have had the honor
of meeting you. Although we never met my heart ached to here that you were killed by such a
coward. May the lord keep you in the glory of heaven. You will never be forgotten, and may the
lord watch over Anna Marie and Haley.
Anonymous
Even though I did not know this brave officer, it still hurts when we have to hear about one of
our own being killed. There isn't a single person in any police department in this country that
wants to go to another officer's funeral. It is unfortunate, however, that this will not be the
last time. We will continue to pray for the VanderJagt family...
Anonymous
To Officer Bruce VanderJagt
I knew you and I respected you.
I know you made a difference.
In my heart I always was grateful that you where there.
Now that you are gone I wonder if that was enough?
Did you know that you where appreciated?
Did you know that there where people like myself that where grateful that you worked hard to
make Denver a safer place for all of us?
What can one say to someone that is there everyday willing to give the ultimate gift, the gift
of his own life, for the saftey of others?
A simple thank you don't seem to be enough so we remain silent and don't say anything.
But not now, not anymore, in your memory I will tell other Officers "thank you" more often and
smile at them more often. Every opportunity I get I will thank them for working hard at making
this world a better place for your little girl to grow up in.
In your name I will spend time with young people and make a difference in their lives so that I
too will do my share to give your little girl the kind of world you would like her to grow up
in.
I know it hardly seems enough for what you have done, you gave your life to serve and protect
others, but its all I have to give and I hope that somehow by doing this in your name I can
make a little difference too.
Anonymous
We never forget you, Bruce.
Anonymous
Rest in peace brother.
Police Officer
Denver Police Department
Bruce, you are thought of today and missed immensely. Rest in peace.
Anonymous
Our Dear Bruce:
It is hard to believe that it has been five years since you were so cruelly taken away from us, but we are well. We thank our family and friends for all of their love and support. We were listening to a Josh Groban CD and the lyrics on one song in particular seem to sum up our feelings for you.
We love and miss you dearly.
TO WHERE YOU ARE
Who can say for certain,
Maybe you're still here.
I feel you all around me,
Your memory so clear.
Deep in the stillness,
I can hear you speak.
You're still an inspiration,
Can it be...
That you are my forever love,
And you are watching over me from up above?
Fly me up to where you are,
Beyond the distant star.
My wish upon tonight, to see you smile
If only for awhile.
To know you're there,
A breath away's not far to where you are.
Are you gently sleeping,
Here inside my dream?
And isn't faith believing
All power can't be seen?
As my heart holds you
Just one beat away,
I cherish all you gave me,
Everyday.
Cause you are my forever love,
Watching me from up above.
And I believe that angels breathe
And that love will live on and never leave.
Fly me up to where you are,
Beyond the distant star.
I wish upon tonight to see you smile,
If only for awhile.
To know you're there,
A breath away's not far to where you are.
I know you're there,
A breath away's not far to where you are.
Anna and Hayley
To Anna and Haley: We met briefly a long time ago at the Bonnie Brae Tavern. Shortly after, Bruce and I talked at the District Three Gym about life in general and how the central focus of his life had come to be his wife and daughter in spite of the rough go sometimes. Rest assured you both were the very heart of this man.
Det. Ken Gurule
Denver Police Dept.
Bruce, you may be gone yet you are never forgotten.
Anonymous
To a fellow Marine and police officer,
Your bravery will not be forgotten here on earth or in heaven. U.S. Marine General Alexander Vandergrift said it best when he said, "GOD FAVORS THE BOLD AND STRONG OF HEART."
Anonymous
Bruce, though many hours, days, months, and years have passed we still think of you daily and hope that you are in a better place. Your absence has left a tremendous void in the lives of your family and friends and the pain never seems to lessen. Please know that you are not forgotten and your legacy lives on.
Anonymous
Bruce....We worked the same shift in district 3, the 2:00 am til 10:00 am shift. You were a great officer and I recall mornings having a "muffin" and coffee at a small shop on South Colorado Blvd. with you. You've been thought of many times since that fatefull day. You've been missed......JUST ME>>>>Ron
Officer Ron Wasinger
Denver Police Department (retired)
We think of you often and miss you terribly.
Terri and Bob Simonich
Remembering you always and hoping you are in a better place.
You are sorely missed by many.
Anonymous
Sir-
Not that you need me to tell you this, but your wife is AMAZING! If I ever am called to make the supreme sacrifice, I pray that my wife will be as strong as yours. She has used your death as a catalyst to get the Department moving on LOD death policies. Because of Anna, the next family will hopefully not suffer a cold and unresponsive department, like she did. And she seems to be weathering the "Free Lisl Storm" with grace and dignity. Be proud!
"The wicked flee when no man pursueth; but the righteous are as bold as a lion." Proverbs 28,1. Thank you for being righteous and bold enough to pursue the wicked Jaenig.
Anonymous
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