Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Undersheriff Caponera,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

October 9, 2024

Rest in peace Undersheriff Caponera.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 10, 2022

Dad,
It's been 18 years today but the pain still feels like it was yesterday. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you. You now have 3 more grandchildren, my son Kevin who is 8, my daughter Ashlin who is 3, and our miracle baby born at 24 weeks and only weighed 1 pound, no one knows how she survived, I do, I am sure Grandpa Gary had something to do with it. I miss you so much and although I try not to be sad when thinking about you I wish my children could have felt the safety and security Grandpas arms bring, it's a feeling I miss so much. It helps to know you are at peace with grandpy and granmy, Aunt Lori, and now Uncle Stevie. With you guys all gone it can feel pretty lonely. I will continue to live in the way you raised us to, because why be the assistant when you could be a doctor. No I haven't forgot that talk. I love you and miss you Dad!

Terri A West
Terri - daughter

October 9, 2017

Thanks for all your help We pray you are at peace.

Lt. Jerry Butler Retired
Bent County Sheriff's Office

February 8, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

January 29, 2013

Rest in Peace, Undersheriff Caponera. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 24, 2012

Cap

You would be so proud of Jeff, I know because I am. He has made quite a man of himself, I love when I get to spend time with him. Not long ago I got to see all those stripes on his shirt, and you were the first person I thought of. Rest In Peace, he has done very well, and your memory is what has gotten him to place that he is in. I am always grateful for him in my life, and that would have never been possible without you and Diane. Watch over him for me, he is like my own brother, and my life would not ever be complete without him.

Me

November 23, 2011

Gary,

It was such an honor to have served with you in Bent County. You have been and are still truly missed.

LT Shannon Brown
Bent County Sheriff's Office, Former Deputy

November 23, 2010

Undersheriff Caponera - Thanks for your service to both the people of Bent County and the State of Colorado. I stood in the State Assembly chambers, last Friday, when your name was read off during a resolutuion regarding the upcoming Peace Officer's memorial week. You are not forgotten.

May God grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

Chief K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Palmer Lake, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)

April 26, 2010

To Undersheriff Gary Caponera and and his loved ones:

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

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 your family and 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, Gary. Your reflections show that you are admired and missed by so many. May your spirit continue to soar and your memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Gary gave to his community and the citizens of Colorado, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 9, 1999.

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

Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

October 9, 2008

I miss you so much. I think about you all the time. I wish you were here to be able to see your great-grandson. I know that you will be able to see him from where you are though! I promise he will know all about you! I love you and I miss you and I hope I can start doing a better job making you proud of me!

Jaime Caponera
granddaughter

March 28, 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

December 9, 2007

Thank you for you dedicated service to law enforcement. You have not been forgotten. Continue to watch over your loved ones and protect them from harm and also keep watch over those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

October 9, 2007

On the anniversary of your death we wish to remember you and thank you service.

Pat Van Den Berghe, Civilian
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 9, 2007

Grandpa I know that even though you're gone you are still here. I know that you are watching over me. I am sorry for all of the mistakes that I've made since you've been gone. I love you and I know that I will see you again.

Jaime Lyn

February 3, 2006

Dad,
It is so sad that there is not a father like you for every girl in the world, I am blessed that god chose you to be mine. I am the person I am today because of you, your guidance and your support. You had so many friends and the respect of so many people and I can't tell you how much you are missed everyday by all that knew you.

Dad I miss and love you and I am so thankful for everything you gave to me and I am so sorry I didn't tell you that while you were alive, but I know you are listening and I can see you smiling. So dad until we meet again Dad, Goodbye!

Your "lil girl" Terri,

February 4, 2005

Dad,

Although I was your daughter through marraige, I felt as if I was your flesh and blood.  You had a way of making people feel so special and loved.  You always had faith in me, in anything and everything I wanted to do.  Thank you for that.  I still think of you every single day and wish you were here.  I love you, Dad!     ~~Your Chelley~~

Chelle

My dearest darling hubby,

A year has passed and I still cannot believe you are gone. I keep waiting for you to come home to me after a hard days work.  I know in my heart that we will be together again someday. I miss you so very much and you will always be within my heart. We had wonderful memories, two beautiful kids and two fantastic grandbabies, and that is what has given me the strength to keep on going strong. Remember our saying "Make the most of each day and take One day at a time".   I will Love You Forever.  (Your Angel)   Di   

Di Caponera
Survivor (wife)

Terri,

Even though I never had the oppurtunity to meet your Dad, I will always remember him for one thing: blessing me with you. You have touched my heart like no one ever has. Your dad will always be with you in your mind and soul. And no matter what lies between us I will always love you. I can't find the words to express my feelings for you but you, your Mom and Jeff have my deepest sympathy and will be in my prayers. I Love You

Anonymous

This message is for my one and only love. There are moments in life when you miss someone so very much that you just want to pick them from your dreams and hug them. I do wish I could give you a hug again. I miss you darling so very much. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of you. ..I love you.. Love from your angel

Diane Caponera - wife

Dad,
Where do I start. First, I want to thank you for everything you have ever done for me. You are an inspiration not only to me, but to everyone that knew you. Your guidance,compassion, and understanding has helped me get to where I am at today. Not a day goes by when I don't think about you. Wonder how you are and what you're doing. If I know you, you're still a cop hard at work. I hope you enjoy your retirement and I am sure one day I will get to enjoy mine with you. Take care and remember you are missed and loved very much.

Love
Your PROUD son, Jeff

Police Officer, Jeff (son)
Thornton Police Department