Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Something told me this morning to were my shirt we had made for Police Week when your name was added to the wall. It says "In Memory of Trooper Jason E. Beal January 15, 2000".

Today, I was approached and asked about it on 2 different occasions. The first one was at work by new coworkers. I was proud of myself - I kept it together while answering their questions even as the questions got harder...
"How did you know him?"
"Did he have any family?"
"How old was he?"
- Those of you reading this that don't know these answers - He is my brother.
His wife was expecting their first child
He died the day before his 25th birthday.
So yes, answering those questions makes it even harder to talk about you without shedding a tear.

The second person that approached me was completely unexpected. You see, we were at Long John Silver's eating dinner. When we walked in we noticed this couple kept staring at us. We were unsure why. Well, after several minutes they got up to leave. They passed our table and threw away their trash. The husband then came back to our table. He apologized for interupting our meal but he liked my shirt. As he was saying this something caught my eye. As I look down at about his waist I see in his hand his police badge. He proceeded to introduce himself and said he had taught you in the academy. He asked how I knew you and, for the 2nd time today, I explained I am your oldest sister to which I heard his wife say "I thought so." He asked how Em was doing and I told him about her new family and she is doing well. I thanked him for stopping to introduce himself and I was glad to meet him. He asked if I lived close and said they live nearby. What a small world!!

After they left I thought about our conversation. Again, I was able to have the conversation about you and keep it together. I teared up a little while talking to Joelle about it but I was ok.

It touched my heart that he took the time to stop and recognize you for you see during his introduction he explained he is now an undercover detective which explained why he was so cautious in showing me his badge. He took the risk to acknowledge me. Thank you, Detective!!! Bless you and may God keep you safe!!

YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN!!

I love you and miss you!

Tracy
Sister

October 20, 2006

What a smile!! Jason Beal was a great guy. I grew up just 20 or so miles north of him and wish like hell we could have hung out before we were in the academy together. Jason spent some serious time in the woods, we would have gotten along really well, as we did in the academy. The guy smiled all the time, you couldn't beat it off of his face. You are still missed, brother, we love and miss you, Richard, Cory, and most recently, Gary Dudley, our feared and respected leader and mentor.

Tpr. Rob McKeeman
Indiana State Police

September 8, 2006

Jason,
I spoke to Emily after they completed the bike ride for Gary and told her about the last time I spoke to you while you were in Recruit School. It was one of the last few days for your class at ILEA and you were in formation. As ususally I found you at attention with that grin on your face. I said to you that no matter what we do to you, you always have that grin on your face. I justed asked you why, which you responded "happy to be here ma'am!" I remember turning around and not trying to smile back, still holding on to my training staff role. I need that memory now and those of your fallen classmates as I sit here at ILEA for really the first time since we lost Gary. I hope you, Rich, Corey, and Scott are up on your PT because the sit-up machine is up there with you now. Watch out for us and help us guide the future recruits of I.S.P.

Sgt. Shana Kennedy
I.S.P. Training Division

September 3, 2006

Just wanted to say that I'm thinking of you, and to let you know that you will never be forgotten, you will always be remembered.
To your family and friends my prayers are with you, it is hard everyday, but there are days that are harder than others, I just wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you.
Trooper Jason Beal you are a true hero, and I have by Blue Lights that burn year round. Jason say Hi to Clint for me, tell him I miss him everyday.

Connie Barker
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04

January 17, 2006

Trooper Beal,

It has been six years since you left us. May you rest in peace brother.

Henry County Sheriff's Dept. (Indiana)

January 15, 2006

God be with you, Emily. Jason had another lovely Christmas in Heaven with Jesus and I know he has made good friends with Peter and they are sitting up there watching your little on grow up and have fun being 5. Jason will always be with you

LEO fiancee and friend of Peter Grignon EOW 3/23/05

December 28, 2005

Our Greatest Fear
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again, I hold back a tear.
They patrol in the state, city, county and town,
in uniforms colored white, green, blue and brown.
The shape of their badges may vary,
but it’s a symbol that they all, proudly carry.
They leave for work with a kiss goodbye,
but some don’t come home, no matter how hard they try.
To uphold the law is the job that they pick,
with such high aspirations, why must some die so quick?
They leave behind loved ones, family and friends,
after their lives have met tragic ends.
Some die in crashes, others hearts not too stout,
too many have been lost when gunshots ring out.
Our Heavenly Father has called them home,
no more these dark streets do they roam.
Through trial and error they have given their best,
please Lord, now grant them eternal rest.
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
" Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again I hold back a tear.



Master Trooper Dave “Stumpy” Miller

Indiana State Police Dist 13

December 19, 2005

"The path of the Warrior is lifelong, and mastery is often simply staying on the path."

Thank you for helping us stay on the path. You shall not be forgotten.

65th Indiana State Police Recruit
Indiana State Police

December 3, 2005

J,

It's been awhile since I have left you a message. I try to keep you updated on what we are doing through this wonderful website, but I have had a hard time typing this to you. I know that you made me promise to you that should anything happen to you I would move on with my life and find love again. I've told you that I have found that love, with Chris. But it is very hard for me to tell you that on August 20, 2005 Chris and I got married. I know that you are happy for us, but in some way I feel that it's almost as if I shouldn't be allowed to get remarried. I have no regrets in marrying Chris, but I worry that I have hurt you in some way by moving on. I love you so much and hurting you is the last thing that I would ever want to do. I am glad that we had that conversation in the car a few weeks before you died because if you hadn't forced me to promise that I would move on should anything happen, then I know that my guilt would be so much worse than it is now.

I rarely cry when I leave you messages anymore, but tonight is an exception. You have been on my mind a lot. Telling my best friend and my first love that I now have another man in my life is not an easy task!

I am continuing my schooling and my work with IN COPS. I can only hope to live up to the example you showed of helping others.

Cody has a nightlight in his room. The lightbulb burnt out, so I had to replace it. The only bulbs I could find were blue. I think there's a reason for that. I told Cody about project blue light and he loves that his nightlight honors his daddy that helped people!

Love Always,
M

November 10, 2005

Dear Trooper Beal,

I've been reading some of the reflections and I'm having a tough time reading what I'm typing. Maybe it's allergies that's got my eyes all watered up, but I tend to believe it's just how touching so many of them are. Your family seems like some of the most wonderful people to walk the Earth. You apparently are a very special person and very much loved.

I use the present tense because it's obvious to me and anyone else who reads these, that though you physically have left, you're very much still a part of so many lives that, you never really left.

To his family in Indiana, I almost feel like I know you and that I've intruded on some very personal moments, but your words say so much that, for the sake of all of us in this line of work, it's very comforting to read them. Thank you for sharing such heartfelt emotions.

Emily, you are a gutsy and strong woman and I wish you luck in your new life and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your efforts on behalf of COPS. It's a fine organization, thanks primarily to people like you.

Trooper Beal, Jason, Thanks for your service. Thirteen months isn't a long time, but it seems that's all the time you needed to make a very positive impact on the Indiana State Police.

God Bless.

Ptl. Jim Leahy Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

September 30, 2005

J,

Our baby turned 5 today! He is getting so big. I am very proud of him, just as I am sure that you are a very proud Daddy in Heaven. I wish you were here to celebrate his birthday. I got up early this morning to decorate the house so his birthday would feel extra special. Chris, Dylan, and I took him to the Zoo. He loved it! He loves the Animal Planet Channel and anything to do with animals. I think he got that from you! I just fear he's going to try to catch snakes like Jeff Corwin!

I continue to live each day, but you'll always have a piece of my heart and a piece of my life. The funny thing is that I don't hurt so much for myself, but for what I know Cody has missed out on. That really bothers me. I know how much you wanted to be a loving, caring dad to him. You wanted to teach him so much about life. Well, Babe, you may not have had the opportunity to teach him everything you planned, but I believe that you have taught him, and me, more about life than you could have ever imagined.

I know you are still with us in your own way. Please continue to be with us until the day we can see your new home and your smiling face.

Love Always,
M

Emily Beal

June 14, 2005

Emily....(& family)....Although I have not yet found the words to write on my own husbands Memorial Page,I have somehow found the energy to read about your great loss when losing Jason.
Emily, I, even after going on "four months", can't get past my HEART BEING BROKEN to the point of dysfunction. I KNEW what I had.....I didn't need to lose him to find it out. I can't fathom or come close to comprehension of life without him.
I just want you (& everyone else reading this)to know, that with all I've read about "your Jason"......NEVER question the pride he has in you - equal to that which you hold for him. I am BLESSED that you came into my life at what is the DARKEST, MOST 'GUT-WRENCHING' experience of my life. I am STILL trying to make bargains with God to give me even "5 more minutes with Tom".

You have shown 'EXTRORDINARY STRENGTH'.
You represent a VERY WONDERFUL - AND VERY NECESSARY organization in C.O.P.S.(unfortunately for us all howevr).....with compassion, grace, concern, and an 'elegance' I am certain, Jason is smiling upon....Telling my husband Tom..."That's my girl!" And have NO DOUBT of the pride that the GREAT organization of COPS has in you as sucn a STRONG member. I HOPE TO FIND STRENGTH TO JOIN YOU ONE DAY.
It's been long overdue to let you know that I'm GLAD You're my Friend....my "shoulder"....and usually my "keeper" to keep me where I should be, & WANT to be....which is with that of my FIRST & IMMEDIATE FAMILY & - MY LARGEST family....The "Police Family".
Emily,,,,never question your strength.
You are drawing it from Jason....I 'thought' I was the strong one but this taught me a lesson I'll NEVER forget,,,,& never care to go through again. Tell Jason to look Tom up in Heaven. You've lost ALOT....but. just as I do....'WE' have parts of them in our children. I was VERY impressed with your writings as well as all the others.
And, Marian ,,,,,I am a FIRM believer that NO PARENT should out live their children!....I make NO claim to know how that feels...nor do Iever want to. The pain I feel in the loss of Tom is already UNBEARABLE. You ARE blessed with a 'TRULY UNIQUE, CARING, GIVING, & WONDERFUL' daughter-in-law.....You raised Jason right!

To his family, his police family, and all those who have gone before leaving other 'heart broken' family mambers &friends. My heart bleeds for US ALL & always will. Emily - STAY STRONG.....You're a BEAUTIFUL PERSON as Cody has already told you....and kids don't lie! Others will hopefully draw from your strength & still find your compassion.
God Bless You Jason....You & Tom watch over us....and each other.
Love ya Emily & miss you!
Jo'Nee Cochran/Surviving spouse of Det/Sgt Thomas Cochran @ LPD-IN
EOW 01-26-05

Jo'Nee Cochran-Spouse of Tom Cochran
Lawrenceburg Polise Dept. - IN

May 3, 2005

Jason~ I never had the chance to meet you but I was dispatching at the Jasper Post the day of your accident. I did get to meet Emily at the COPS bike ride this past year. She is an amazingly strong woman and I think of her often. An angel bell she made hangs on my terminal at work. I admire her so much. I hope to see her in DC in May. Continue to watch over her,Cody and Chris and Dylan.

Carie Dick-Wife of ISP Trooper Chad Dick
Jasper PD

February 25, 2005

Hey Brother
Seems like yesterday when that alarm clock would go off at the academy and you would jump out of bed and look at me and say, "bow season starts next week, better get use to gettin up early." Funny thing was once you got out of the shower you went back to bed? I wish you could have been on some of the calls I've been to. I take that back. So what do you think about some of those calls I've been to? There are days I know for a fact you were sittin right beside me. Thanks for watchin over me. Tell my mom I love her and miss her. Tell her she is welcome in my dreams anytime. My son turned 3 yesterday and there is no doubt in my mind that he and Cody are going to end up in more trouble than even you and I could've gotten into. You know howd hard its been for me and everyone when we lost you and I think of you every day. The days I hate walkin out the door I remember that smile you always had and laugh to myself and remember that the world is only as bad as I let it be. Then I go take someone to jail...that always helps.....haha. Tell Richard and Corey I love em' and miss them too. Tell them I wouldn't have had anyone else as our next door neighbors in the academy even if Elson was a chronic complainer... I hope you are proud of what I have done. You life inspires and motivates me to maintain tenacity in my job even after 7 yrs. which is hard to do sometimes. There are days I could go work in a factory and make much better money but the gift you gave me through your life is more than any retirement plan could ever offer. I love you brother. See ya later.
Love Todd, Anna, and Peyton James

Trooper Todd Bailey
Indiana State Police

February 5, 2005

Dear Cody,
Your father is/was a hero to many people. There are so many people who have found there way to your father's memorial reflection page. Please know that even though nothing can replace your father, you have a HUGE police family all across this country. We all wish you the very best in your life.
Trooper Beal's spirit lives on everytime one of us puts on the uniform. Your father will never bee forgotten.
Take care of yourself and your mom.

January 18, 2005

Trooper Beal,
The reflections left by your parents and wife brought tears to my eyes.
Cody has a hero looking out for him from heaven.
Thank you for your service.
Rest easy sir, we will take it from here.

January 15, 2005

To Jason's Family,

My heart ached and tears streamed down my face as I read the reflections you have written. As Jason's parents, it must be wonderful to see your son in Cody, but also painful as you are reminded of the relationship that Jason missed having with his son. Emily, you sound like a very strong woman, I cannot imagine facing what you have had to endure. I'm sure Jason is very proud of you.

My thoughts and prayers are with you today, as you remember Jason on the fifth anniversary of his death.

Norie Haas
Mother of Brian Haas
E.O.W. 4/24/04

January 15, 2005

Thank you for your service to the citizens of Indiana and our nation. May God continue to bless your family, friends and department. God bless you!

Patrol Officer
Chesterfield County Police

January 15, 2005

J,

Well Babe, it's been a long time. Last night marked 5 years since your accident. Every year something different happens in the middle of the night. Last year I woke up out of a dead sleep at the same time that I heard those dreadful knocks on the door in 2000. This year our son came to my bedside and woke me up because he had a bad dream. He told me he couldn't remember what it was; he just wanted to lay with me for a while. I can't believe how big he has gotten. Yesterday I just kept staring at him. He looks and acts so much like you. (OH MY and I in TROUBLE!) He has all your energy and enthusiasm. He just needs to learn to think before acting, just like you had to. He is so sweet at times though. He will just come up and give me the sweetest hugs and kisses and tell me I'm pretty. He must also have your intuition and can tell when something is bothering me.

Saturday will be 5 years since you passed away. Our friends in Warsaw are planning a dinner in your honor. I plan to get up and say a few words......yes, me, actually speaking in public! I really appreciate everything that they have done for us. I also know that if it weren't for our family, friends, and COPS I wouldn't have made it through nearly as well as I have.

I just want you to know that you have never left my life or my heart. I am continuing to live, but not without you! I could never leave everything you have given me behind. You taught me so much in the short time we had together. I think almost everyone who came into contact with you can say that you and the way you led your life taught them something as well. I continue to tell Cody stories about you (never plan to stop). I hope he learns from all his parents; you, me, and Chris. Chris is also learning about you, so that he can help me pass memories of you down to Cody. Yesterday, Chris took Cody for a walk in the woods. Cody's definitely got your enthusiasm for the outdoors! They had a great time! Cody's mudboots came off while trying to cross the small stream behind the house. Boy did he get mad, but I'm sure it was a funny sight. Sounds like something you had to have been watching! I'm sure it was a sight watching his skinny little legs trying to manuever through mud and sand only to come up without a boot! But he didn't let it get him down, he continued his walk home with one wet, sandy foot!

Your parents have been great in accepting that I am continuing on with my life. They have adopted Chris and Dylan into their family now as well. It makes me so happy that we can all get together and share stories or just hang out without there being hard feelings or akwardness.

We all love you and miss you greatly. I hope your life in heaven is all you ever wanted it to be. I am waiting patiently to see what your heaven is like, but my job here is not done. I will wait my turn. I know that when that day comes you will be by my side.

Love Always,
M

January 13, 2005

It's Christmas 2004! Almost 5 years have passed since we lost you, hon, and we love and miss you more and more every day. Christmas doesn't seem the same without you here. We miss your smiling face and your teasing of the little ones. It's particularly hard during the holidays and it seems that this year is harder that last. It's so hard to believe that it's been 5 years, time seems to drag by. Each day Mom talks to you and each day she wishes she could hear your voice or see your face. She cries her tears and carries on. Maybe some day soon she'll get her wish. Until then we just have to be satisfied with our memories, as dear and precious as they are.

Emily has already told you about Chris and Dylan. They make a great looking family. We love them all so much. Chris is someone you would be proud to know and we know you're happy for Emily that she is keeping her promise and going on with her life. Cody loves Chris, too, but he hasn't forgotten his Daddy. He is so proud of you and you'd be proud of him. There's so much of you in him. His actions, his looks, you can sure tell where he gets them. Cody was talking to Grandma Gene about you the other day. She told him that he was a lucky boy that he was going to have 2 Daddy's, explaining to him that Chris would be his Daddy here on earth to teach him all the things that Daddy's do and you would be his Daddy in heaven looking down on him and Mommy, guiding them and keeping them safe. You should have seen his smile.
We're really proud of Em and Cody and she knows that she will always be our daughter-in-law just as Chris knows that he and Dylan are a part of our family now too.

They're planning a dinner next month on the 15th for Law Enforcement up north. Just a way of saying thanks for all their help during our turmoil and to let them know that we're making it. We know you told Emily that you wanted a kegger and a wild wake but it just doesn't seem wise since officers and their families will be present. Hope you're not too upset. We're planning to spend the weekend up there and go by your cross for a while. This year the days fall on the same day of the week as they did in 2000. It's going to be real hard for us to meet and greet the people at the party but we know it's what you would want. We hope that you won't be too disappointed in us.

We still get Cody almost every weekend. Sometimes Em has a special event that she needs to take Cody with her for but that's not too often. He still enjoys the fishing and swimming and he's getting better and better at catching fish. The last trip we took him on before it got cold he caught the biggest fish of us all, a bass about 10 inches long and he did it by himself. Can hardly wait to see what kind of hunter he'll be!

You should see all of your nieces and nephews. They're all getting so big. Danny & Amber's son, Eric Michael, is really growing fast. He's 3 1/2 months old and weighs over 16 pounds. Looks like Danny except for Amber's nose. He's really a cutie. You should see Cody when Grandpa and Grandma Gene holds Eric, just a little of jealousy in him. David and Stephanie are expecting! She's due mid-August. Having a little of morning sickness but other than that, all is well. Amanda's home for the holidays. You'd be so proud of her. She's attending LSU grad school for Political Science and doing great. She really loves it, loves to debate with her dad too. Tracy and boys are doing well. Boys seem to be doing OK in school. Don't get to see them very much. Terri and the kids are fine. TeNeisha is still having problems with her shoulder but the doctors are still checking her out. Taliyah and Jovan are doing fine.

Enough updates, especially since you already know everything we've just told you. Most of all, son, we just wanted you to know that we love you and really do miss you a lot. We know you're in a better place but sometimes even that can't ease the pain our hearts feel at our loss. Parents couldn't ask for a better son than you, Jason. I hope God knows what a super man he got when you went to be with him. See you when our time comes. Till then, keep us in your care as we keep you in our hearts.

Love,
Mom and Dad

Mom & Dad - Parents

December 25, 2004

As your EOW anniversary approaches along with the holidays I know that your family continues to miss you more than anyone can explain. I hope your family knows how much we keep your memory alive thru riding a bicycle more than 1000 miles to honor you and your comrades as well as making sure the new ISP recruits honor your dedication. Cody is just I would have imagined you at the tender young age.

F/Sgt. Gary Dudley
Indiana State Police

November 16, 2004

Reading Jason's reflections has brought tears to my eyes. Although I never knew him, and probably never would have, he seemed a remarkable young man.

I hope, somehow, you can read the reflections left by your family Jason, they love and miss you SO SO much.

Take care young one, and on behalf of all officers throughout the world can I say 'Thanks'.

Rest in peace buddy
Brad

SC Brad

SC Brad Taylor
Metropolitan Police (London)

July 22, 2004

Today is your son's 4th birthday. I know that you are watching from heaven smiling down on him! He loved his party yesterday and going to the zoo with me and Dylan today. He has talked about you today. He may even share one of his balloons with you by letting it go to heaven! (that's a big deal!)

It's hard to believe that it has been so long. I love you. I always will. Cody will know your memory the best that I & are family are able to give to him! We now have more family members, Chris & Dylan. They love to learn about you & help Cody to remember you fondly!

In your memory I am doing all that I can to continue public service by helping with our IN Chapter of COPS & hope to one day counsel officers & their families within our state.

Love you Lots! Miss you Always!
Emily Beal
Your loving wife & best friend

Emily Beal - Wife

June 14, 2004

I often visit this site after the loss of two very dear friends from the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Trooper Beal. It is so sad to see another young trooper gone.

Emily, it is obvious from your reflections that you love your husband dearly and that he was a wonderful man. Keep his spirit alive in all that you do.

I hope you find some comfort in knowing that prayers continue to go out for your family. God Bless You.

...Gone, but never Forgotten...

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 4, 2004

Jason,
I had just returned home after travelling to Oklahoma after attending the funeral for a slain trooper, when I saw an article about you in a hunting journal. I had left for Oklahoma the day my former patrol partner on my interstate patrol had just returned from Indiana after attending the funeral for Tr. Scott Patrick. Your father-in-law Bill had written the article about dealing with with losing you. He dedicated a cross-country turkey hunt to you. He was sucessful and everything he did was in your honor. I was so touched by the article, I contacted Bill and spoke with him yesterday. He told me of how much of a fine man you were and how proud he was to call you his son-in-law. Bill states that Cody and Emily are doing fine and carrying on with life. I saw a photo of your son in the magazine article and you can be very proud of him. He is a fine looking young man and from what I can see, has a lot of your features. Bill is going to make a first class turkey hunter out of him!
I was struck by a drunk during a traffic stop and nearly lost my life a few months after you were hit. I keep thinking about the times I would of lost in field with my two boys. Your are fortunate that Cody has a great guy like Bill to call Grandpa.
Your brothers & sisters here in Maine wish you God Speed. You are remembered and loved across the country. I plan on stopping by the Wall this May in DC and visiting you. Look for the turkey feather and you'll know I was there!
Thanks for keeping the rest of us safe.

Sgt. Mike Edes
Maine State Police

January 16, 2004