Florence County Sheriff's Office, South Carolina
End of Watch Thursday, May 21, 1998
Reflections for Lieutenant Gary Hanna
You are still my best friend and I miss you so much as I approach the holidays without you.
Lynn
Wife
December 15, 2023
Lt. Hanna,
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 Florence County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
May 21, 2023
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9
Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service
October 3, 2018
Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless
Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas
May 21, 2015
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9
Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service
November 29, 2013
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 14th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.
I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Rest In Peace.
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
May 21, 2012
LT Hanna thank you for your willingness to serve your fellowman. You will not be forgotten. Rest in peace my brother.
State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables
May 21, 2009
"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 16, 2007
To my Fellow Carolinian: May You Rest - In - Peace.
Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD
May 21, 2007
It's been 9 years Today since we lost Gary! He was a great man and a friend to many. I still remember the night we lost him, it seems like it was just yesterday. Gary, you will never be forgotten, I especially will never forget you...There was a day I slipped and fell in the hallway and you were right there to help me up. That's the kind of person you are! Rest in peace as your memory is always alive with all of us.
May 21, 2007
It has been eight years since we lost him, my buddy, my friend. Since then I lost my only son, 18, in a car wreck, a father to cancer, and a loving husband to cancer just six months ago. Gary would have stood by me and given me the words of strength that only he could give. He was wise beyond his years. Always macho, always so kind!
We still miss and speak of him often because he touched our lives in so many ways.
It was an honor to know him and a greater honor to call him "FRIEND".
Miss you always, bud!
February 11, 2007
Lieutenant Hanna thank you for making this a better place to live. You will never be forgot. Rest in peace, look up Clint for me, and watch out for him...
Connie Barker
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04
August 21, 2004
The policeman stood and faced his God,which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?
The policeman squared his shoulders and said.
"No, I guess I ain't because those of us who carry a badge can't always be a Saint."
I've had to work most Sundays
and at times my talk is rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep...
though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help
though at times I shook with fear,
and sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much, but if you don't...I'll understand"
There was a silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman.
You've borne you burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets.
You've done your time in Hell"
G. HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA
June 9, 2004
Over the years Lt. Gary Hanna and I worked together and became friends. I wish I knew how to describe this man that touched so many lives but words will not come. He was a Lieutenant in the Forensics division where he supervised three investigators. Under his guidance this division is one of the best in the State. The men that worked for and with Lt. Hanna respected his as a Lieutenant, as a man, a father and husband. He was the BEST! Our office has suffered a loss and the void will never be filled.
As my best friend, I miss him walking in my office, cup of coffee in hand, and saying "Hey!! Where you been?" I trusted him, admired him and I always sought guidance from him both on a professional level and personal level. Not a day goes by that I don't want to pick up the phone and ask his advice, even though at times I would have to listen to a ration of *** first.
He will always be my HERO!
Gary, I miss you buddy! We all miss you!
Anonymous
Rest in Peace Brother...you will never be forgotten
CPD
MAY GOD BLESS. GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER.
CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
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