Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest easy

Mark Mottola

June 1, 2020

Rest in peace Sergeant Sears.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 9, 2020

Sergeant Sears' story was read in Richton Park Police Department's roll call on 1-10-17 to honor him.

Sgt. James Galvan
RPPD (IL)

January 10, 2017

I sit at the corner where you were found. (US Rt 20 and Tang Blvd).Eating my lunch alone in my squad thinking about you and that terrible night. 16 years ago you left us, But I still remember you. RIP my friend.

Deputy James Seidelman
Kane County Sheriff's Office

April 25, 2016

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

June 1, 2015

"The Final Inspection"
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, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was 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 just 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 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 your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

You were my friend and I miss you

Deputy James Seidelman

May 2, 2014

13 1/2 years later. Your killer is still free. I thank the Lord for freeing John. But shame on the system for not persuing the right person. The answer might be found only if we could see what she stuffed in your coffin with you.
RIP my cousin

L Sears
cousin

December 24, 2013

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Sears. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

May 19, 2012

Greg,

I keep you in mind everyday. You were there for me and my boys when I needed you the most. I will never forget that night as you were taken from us way to soon. I used to talk to Tom about you and how we will never forget what a great man you were. The hardest day was when the judge let that man go. It broke my heart and tore me apart. When I get to Hampshire I always go to see you it pains me still. I will see you again someday my friend till then know you will never be far from my heart.

Rhonda Herrmann- Artman

Rhonda Herrmann-Artman
Friend

April 18, 2011

Greg,

I ran across this web page by accident and made a reflection for another fallen officer friend, Larry Holder. You will also be missed. You were a good friend and a fellow member of the Gilberts Police Department where we both worked, plus you were my neighbor for a while. I was there that night at the scene trying to help find your cowardly killer. I am sorry to say we were not successful. But, like your step daughter said in her reflection, your killer may not be tried by a court of man but will be tried by a higher power. May you rest in peace and know that you are not forgotten. God Bless old friend.

Larry Mason-Chief of Police
Holiday Hills PD now but Gilberts PD then and others

December 5, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the ninth 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.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

June 1, 2009

Thankyou for your service and sacrifice. You are not forgotten

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

March 17, 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 18, 2007

A man remembered with love and respect never dies but continues to live on in the hearts and minds of others.G-d Bless.

June 1, 2007

Gregg,

I look at this memorial, some 6 years later, and I still have a burning in my stomach thinking of how you gave your life. Then again, I know that it's probably how you wanted to go, if you did at all.

You were a great step-father, and were there for us during some rough times.

I'm not altogether sure what happened that night you were killed, and the person who actually did it will probably never serve time on this earth, but will get his/her justice in the end, if they haven't already.

We miss you.

Becky
former step-daughter

July 20, 2006

Greg,I remember having lunch with you at Rosatis a few days before you were taken from us. I was working that night and heard the ISPERN go out for homicide to a police officer and my heart sank. You were a good man and although I didn't know you very well your loss sickens me. I'm going to DC to visit the memorial this weekend for National Memorial Week and you will be in my thoughts. RIP brother.

Brian Petersen
Hoffman Estates

May 10, 2006

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Tonight, June 1, 2005 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Sergeant Gregory M. Sears who died in the line of duty on this date five years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Sgt. Sears' sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

June 1, 2005

There isn't a day that goes by that someone or something doesn't remind me of you. Please know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers. You will always be remembered as a true friend. My father always would tell my family when someone died that they were not ever truely dead if they are remembered. Please know you are remembered by all your brothers and sisters who ware the badge.

Chief Thomas F. Atchison
Hampshire Police Department

March 3, 2005

If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go, Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always, Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own, And in time when men decide and feel safe to call the streets insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind.

OFC Crociata
GPD

July 6, 2004

I didn’t have the opportunity to work with you, but the boys here in Gilberts have always spoken highly of you. Your name is a permanent fixture in our Village, as we patrol the street named after you on a daily basis. We hope that someday, justice will be served. You are always in our hearts and minds… May God bless you and your family. OFC Crociata #119

OFC Jason Crociata
Gilberts Police Department

May 8, 2004

THE POLICEMAN’S LAST ROLL CALL ...

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, Lord, I guess I ain’t. Because those of us who carry badges can’t always be a Saint. I’ve had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was 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 just got to steep. And I never passed a cry for help, though times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I’ve wept many 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 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."





Rest in peace brother, and God bless your family and fellow Officers during this difficult time.

Corporal Steven P. Abbey
Rockledge Police Department Rockledge Florida

December 21, 2003

Dear Greg, You were part of my past, my stepfather, and I will always remember you. I hope you are in a happier place now and looking down upon those who cared so deeply about you. I"ll never forget you and the fun times we had together as I was growing up.

December 18, 2003

Brother, I never knew you or your family but I will miss your presence none the less.  My deepest sympathies to your family, co-workers, and community for thier loss.  Rest in Peace and God be with you Gregory. 

Aric
Austin Park Police