Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Horner,
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 Haines City. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 3, 2023

Rest in peace.

J.R.

March 3, 2023

Rest in Peace Hero!

POLICE OFFICER BORGES
NEW YORK STATE MTA POLICE DEPARTMENT

October 9, 2018

You left a legacy of love and caring to us all . Your story is taught to the grandchildren and know that you are always remembered .

Noreen Nixon
Wife

March 3, 2017

What a loss. To the family of Officer Horner, I'm so sorry for his death; senseless and shameful.

Be Blessed,

Clara Crawl-Martin
McLean, Virginia
Formerly, Haines City, Fl

Clara R Crawl-Martin
Former military officer and Haines City resident.

January 7, 2015

Chris,

I remember that faithful day as it was yesterday. I think of you all the time. I still pray for your family and you will always be remembered, until the day I go home. You're old zone partner.

Ofc. james Graham
West Palm Beach PD

Patrolman
West palm beach PD

December 23, 2014

God Bless

Dave
None

August 11, 2012

Chris and I were good friends, his daughter and mine were best friends. He was a very good compassionate officer. His compassion is what eventually what got him killed. He was talking to one of the suspects whom he had been trying to convince to go on the straight and narrow for months, when he was jumped from behind. I could happen to any officer, so never let your guard down.
Chris you are missed!!!!

Ret. Investigator Jeff Sauro
Haines City P.D.

August 10, 2012

My prayers are with your family today and always. May God be with them and continue to guide them through the difficult times. Continue to rest in peace Officer Horner. We will never forget.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

March 3, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Horner. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 10, 2012

Chris, you are on my mind everyday and I think back to the last time we spoke, the last stupid joke we told each other and constantly remember all the things we did together as children. I still find it so very hard to say good bye and I miss you so much. I still chuckle over the time we broke the light in your bedroom goofing around playing ball while our folks played cards; its hard to believe that was 40 years ago. I love you my brother and will never forget!

Firefighter/EMT D.W. Burnard
North Park Fire Department

January 16, 2012

I remember the day of your murder like it was yesterday. I was with my children at the dentist's office when I got the phone call from my wife. My wife was working at the Osceola County Sheriff's office then. Her co-workers recieved a B.O.L.O. from the Haines City Police Department that indicated a Haines City Officer that lived in Osceola County was murdered while on duty. All of my wife's co-workers thought it was me. My wife knew it was not me, but called to check on me. I had not heard the terrible news yet. When my wife told me of this horrible news, I took my children to a sitter and I immediately went to the police department to assist in the search any way I could. I was a Corporal for the Haines City Police Department back then and Chris was on my squad. Words can not describe how empty and angry I felt at that time. I was able to temporarily push aside my anger by becoming involved with the Honor Guard for your funeral. I hope that I never have to go through something like that again. Chris was a fine man that worked multiple jobs to make ends meet so his family could have what they needed. He did not deserve to die like this.

I take great pride in knowing that a few years later I had the ability to arrest Chris Gamble and during his eventual stay in prison decided to confess to this senseless act and implicate others. Chris your memory lives on and I use what happened to you to educate others on my squad. R.I.P.

Sergeant Kenneth Talley
Osceola County Sheriff's Office

September 13, 2011

Chris,

I haven't forgot about you. You were a good man. RIP.

Ofc. J. Graham
WPBPD

officer graham
West Palm beach PD

March 15, 2011

I know that the pain in the hearts of the children of this hero and his wife is as strong today as it was that dreadful day in 1998, but may they know that we will never forget their HERO and the sacrifice that you all made for us, may you continue to rest in peace sir.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous

March 3, 2011

Officer Horner you are a hero. Thank you for your willingness to serve your fellowman. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones. Rest in peace my brother.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

March 3, 2009

ON THIS THE ANNIVERSARY OF HIS EOW, WE PAUSE TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THIS BRAVE YOUNG MAN. MAY THE PAIN OF HIS LOSS BE OVERSHADOWED BY THE PRECIOUS MEMORIES OF HIS LIFE. MAY HIS CHILDREN BE EVER SO PROUD OF HOW HE LIVED AND THE WAY HE DIED. REST IN PEACE BROTHER, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

INV HAROLD HUTCHISON (RETIRED)
HUNTSVILLE ALABAMA POLICE DEPT

March 3, 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

March 3, 2009

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones and close friends on this day. A number of years may have passed but that does not make this day any easier for them. You are a true hero and heroes never die, you will never be forgotten. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones and close friends.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/-4

March 3, 2009

I went to work at the Haines City Police Department shortly after they had lost Todd and I could see that he will always have a place in the hearts of everyone there. I am glad to see that justice has finally been served for this terrible and senseless tragedy.

Dispatch
ex employee of HCPD

November 26, 2008

They trigger man recieved Life in Prison.


Rest In Peace Now

Anonymous

September 18, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Cadets of the Basic Recruit Class 333 of Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy, Tallahassee, FL, thank you for your sacrifice.

Cadet Strzalkowski
Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy

May 23, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

March 3, 2008

Today on the 10th anniversary of your death, we pause and say a prayer for those who were left behind and still mourn.
It never gets easier, you just learn to live with it.
Rest in peace Sir, you are not forgotten.
Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Deborah Roelandts (911 retired)
Oconomowoc Wisconsin

Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc

March 3, 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

October 2, 2007

You will never be forgotten. I love you, Dad! And I think of you everyday.

Jennifer Horner
Daughter

August 1, 2007