Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Gil,

My heart still goes out to your family after all this time. I will never forget going to your wake and meeting George, Maria, Connie, and of course Nikki. When Joey was killed I thought I could never live again yet somehow I found a way to pick up the pieces and move on. Then I clearly remember when you passed away b/c I happened to be in Cheraw when I heard the news. I remember thinking how horrible it was that another officer was taken from us. I went to your wake and met your incredible family and we all became such wonderful friends. Your brother George and his wife Connie were always so great to me and I miss them so much. I guess moving to another state takes a toll on how much you get to see those you care for. I also miss little Nikki. She stole my heart from day one, and she loved her Uncle Gill with all of her heart. Maria and I also become dear friends and still chat every now and then. I remember her visiting me in Columbia and staying up laughing at the craziest things. She loved you so much and I know still misses you as I do Joey. It's amazing how a tragedy can hit us yet somehow somthing beautiful can emerge. In my case, the death of you and Joey brought some wonderful people into my life and I never forget them. Some friendships stand the test of time even if you don't speak to those friends everyday. We all went through the hardest part of our lives together and somehow made it through b/c we all leaned on one another to give us strength. Gil, please give Joey a big hug for me and let him know I miss him. You guys be good up there and don't worry b/c we will always be remembering the both of you. Rest in Peace.

Yours Truly,
Dana
Charlotte, North Carolina
Fiance' of Deputy Joseph C. Rodgers
Florence County, South Carolina eow 4-9-97

Dana Shriver (Moody)
Fiance' of Deputy Joseph (Joey) C. Rodgers eow 4-9-97

February 25, 2007

To the family of Mr. Halma,
When my family travels to the beach, I always notice the bridge dedicated to the memory of Patrolman Halma. After researching this gentleman online, it reminds me of the sacrifices officers take in protecting us - and the sacrifices that their families make, as well. May God bless all of those out there keeping us safe. May God bless all of those back home loving these men and women. Thank you for all that you do.

Crystal Barnhardt

January 4, 2007

Dear Gil, Hey little brother, Iwant you know how much I miss and love you.I think about you everyday of my life, but I feel comfront knowing you are up there watching over all of us.Well, love you little brother talk to you later. Love always, your big sister Sherri

Sherri Reynolds
sister

November 2, 2006

I have passed the bridge named in your honor for many years on the way to the beach from NC. I have always wondered about the officer in which it was named. Now I have read your story. My prayers are with your wife, brother and family. My husband was killed July 28, 1994.

JANICE DANIEL ORTIZ
WIFE OF OFFICE JACKIE L DANIEL EOW 7/28/1994

October 26, 2006

Dear Gil, It is has been over 8 years and it still feels like just yesterday the last time you were here. I think about you all the time. Time has made it easier to talk about. Keep looking over us. Love George

SGT. GEORGE HALMA
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, TWIN BROTHER

September 11, 2006

Gil,
It's been almost eight years since you went home to be with our father. I can't believe how much time has actually went by. I know that you are doing great, looking down and watching over us from up above. We will always have those wonderful memories and love that we shared. I am doing great. I still think about you every day, and know that you are an angel watching over us. You are truly a HERO.
Love Maria

Anna Maria Halma
Wife

July 11, 2006

May you Rest in Peace .I am sure that your guard your twin 24/7.

June 26, 2006

Although I have visited your page many times, I have never known what to say. I remember all those good times in the Guard and the trip to Panama will forever be in my memory. I wish we hadn't got into that argument in the van on that trip, I don't even remember what it was about. When I saw George for the first time all I could think about was you. How funny life is that I now work w/ him. I think of you often. Take Care

Deputy Matt Crow
Chesterfield Co Sheriff's Office

January 21, 2006

My sympathies go out to Officer Halmas's family and especially his twin brother. I too am a twin and have served in LE as does my brother. I could not bear a loss such as this. May he rest in peace and God watch over his twin brother for all time to come.

Bless you all.

SFC William Farrell, Ret
US Army Military Police

October 5, 2005

God bless your family brother and i know your standing guard at the gates of heaven along with the rest of our brothers.

DFC Brian d, Mitchell
ccso

September 21, 2005

Thinking of you.
It's hard to believe it's been 7 years.
May God bless your family and friends.

Melinda, John's Widow

June 27, 2005

GIL, TODAY MY WIFE AND I WERE IN CHERAW AND CROSSED THE BRIDGE THAT WAS NAMED IN YOUR HONOR. IT SURE DOES NOT SEEM LIKE IT HAS BEEN 7 YEARS SINCE YOU LEFT US FOR HEAVEN. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU AS LONG AS I LIVE. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

June 26, 2005

Gil we never really met but I did know you. We both statred in law enforcement the same way as dispatchers at Cheraw. You had already been called home when I started. But I did see your picture ever time I went down the hall at the pd. I did have the pleasure to work with your brother at cheraw. Gil, you are missed and look over the rest of us.

Cpl. Jason Shoemake
Society Hill Police Department

July 21, 2004

God bless you and your family. You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

April 13, 2004

It hard to believe it's been 4 1/2 years since your fatal crash. Your friends still miss you..Tell John that we love and miss him...
Love,
Melinda

Melinda C Sellers, John Crawley's widow

January 12, 2004

12-08-03
Dear Gil, I still miss you after all this time. I was sitting here thinking about all the things that have happened since you were called home, But I know you are up there watching over me and all other LEO's , so you know what's going on. Well tomorrow is our birthday again so, Happy Birthday, and Merry Christmas. I know I will see you again one day, so I'll see ya then. I will never forget you. Love George

Deputy George Halma
Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office

December 8, 2003

06-26-03, GIL, I OFTEN THINK ABOUT OFFICERS THAT HAVE MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE THAT I KNEW DURING MY CAREER. A HERO IS NEVER FORGOTTEN, AND SO THEREFORE YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. YOU WOULD BE PROUD OF GEORGE. HE IS A WONDERFUL PERSON AND LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. MAY GOD BLESS GEORGE AND THE REST OF YOUR FAMILY. MAY THEY KNOW THAT SOMEDAY WE WILL ALL MEET AGAIN. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

I was just browsing through all the officers who were killed in South Carolina and I saw Gil's picture show up. My mouth hit the floor because I never knew he was killed. I was in the Gaurd with Gil, and we became good friends. I remember he was a dispatcher and he wanted to get on the road so bad. I would always ask him if he was on the road yet, and for a long time he said no. Then one drill he told me he was finally going on the road. I was gelous, because I was working at the Florence County Jail at that time and I too was ready to get on the road. I was hired by the Lake City Police Dept. and me and Gil would always tell each other stories. I got out of the gaurd and I guess we lost touch with each other. Gil you were a good friend and I am so sadden to know that you are gone. I'm sorry we lost touch with each other and that we will never tell each other stories again.

Gil, watch over me as I continue to patrol the roads. You and your family will always be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you brother. Rest in peace.

S/TRP K.P. Bazen
South Carolina Highway Patrol

GIL,I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE LAST TIME I TALKED TO YOU.IT WAS AT THE TACO BELL IN CHERAW.MY WIFE AND I HAD ASKED HOW GEORGE WAS DOING AT THE ACADEMY.YOU WERE A PROFESSIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.GOD BLESS THE HALMA FAMILY.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

I only knew you for 8 weeks. But in that time I could see you were a great person and were going to be a great officer...But you were take from us way before your time and I just wanted to share this with your friends and family.....

The policeman stood and faced his God
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining
Just as neatly 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, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us that carry badges
Can't always be a Saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my walk was rough,
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the street 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 just got too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook in fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among these 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 silence all around the throne
Where the Saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the Judgement of his God.

"Step forward now policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

Author Unknown

Cpl Pauling
Mauldin PD

Dear Gil, It's been awhile since I wrote you anything, but I promise I haven't forgotten about you, and never will. I still think about you all the time even after all this time has gone by and I still miss you. Our birthday just passed so Happy Birthday brother. Everybody here is doing ok, so don't worry, well I guess I better go for now, Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas... Until we meet again, I love you.... George

Deputy George Halma
Chesterfield County Sheriff Dept

Gil, It has been three years since the end of your final shift. I think of you often and the many great times we shared in the 132nd Military Police Co. I think of the great times in Panama in 1997, and the stories we shared. Every time I start my shift, I think of you. You paid the ultimate price for us all. I pray that your family and brother are well. May you forever rest high on that mountain Gil. I miss you Halma.


PFC. Ashley B> Hardee
Horry County Police Dept.

PFC. Ashley B. Hardee
Horry County Police

Gil, It has been three years since the end of your final shift. I think of you often and the many great times we shared in the 132nd Military Police Co. I think of the great times in Panama in 1997, and the stories we shared. Every time I start my shift, I think of you. You paid the ultimate price for us all. I pray that your family and brother are well. May you forever rest high on that mountain Gil. I miss you Halma.


PFC. Ashley B> Hardee
Horry County Police Dept.

PFC. Ashley B. Hardee
Horry County Police

It has been three years now since you ended your final tour of duty Halma. Every time I go to drill, I think of you. I think of the times we had in Panama, and the stories we shared. It was a sad time to hear of your death, so much passes through your mind on a long night shift. I often pray for your wife and your brother who still proudly serves. I think of how lucky I am to be here and pick up where you left off. I still remember how much you cared for others just like the day you pulled a man out of a burning house on the way to drill in Florence. Gil, I have not to much to say but, you are not forgotten. Every time I step into my patrol car I think of you and your family. May you forever rest high on that mountain.


PFC. Ashley B. Hardee
Horry County Police Dept.

PFC Ashley B. Hardee
Horry County Police Dept. Conway SC