Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It sure doesn’t seem like 21 years ago since that horrible evening. Bubba, your spirit and legacy continues to run deep within the ones of us who were truly blessed to have had the opportunity to serve beside you. You Sir, will never be forgotten.

PSO. Chad L. Gillenwater
Church Hill Police Dept.

July 13, 2021

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Gibson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 20, 2021

I served with SFC. Gibson in the TNARNG I always looked up to him

September 23, 2020

Rest in heavenly peace on this your 20 anniversary in heaven

Mark Mottola

July 13, 2020

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 13, 2020

Bubba,

It's now been 19 years to the day, which seems unreal. You still live on in your family, as well as in the hearts of so many of us who was ever blessed enough to work along beside you. You're a true BROTHER and a true WARRIOR. NEVER FORGOTTEN ROD!! WE LOVE YOU!!

PSO. Chad L. Gillenwater
Church Hill Police / Previous Coworker

July 13, 2019

Hey Bubba. It has now been 16 years, and losing you still feels like yesterday. Even though The Good Lord decided to call 315 (you) home, you still remain deeply planted in many of our hearts and souls. The years we spent working together, as well as the years I knew you, remain close to my heart. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten my friend. One last important favor to ask of you.... we laid my father to rest today, who you also knew well. When you meet him along those Streets of Gold, tell him his Son and Wife miss and love him. You all keep a watch over the remainder of us that will join you eventually. Rest easy Bubba. We love you Brother.

Lt. Chad Gillenwater
Hawkins County Sheriff's Office (former Co-worker)

July 14, 2016

Monroe,
WOW...I can't believe that it has been 14 years since you were taken from us by the cowardly act of another man. So many things have happened since your passing. Ronnie is the Sheriff of Hawkins County and Chad is now a Lieutenant with the department. They have moved from the old location to a newer facility. You would be impressed with the new department.

Also, so many things have changed with the 278th ACR. The Squadrons have been renumbered and reorganized. 2nd Squadron is now located in Mount Carmel in a brand new facility and has been changed to 1st Squadron.

Not many of our old comrades are still serving. We have all moved on to the retirement fields. I myself, followed in your footsteps. I went to work back in law enforcement again. I worked at the HCSO where I got to meet some of your other family members and got to hear some new stories about you outside of the Army.

We all miss you my friend. I miss the great times and stories we shared in the S-4 shop. You are on my mind and in my heart always.

Thank you for your service to our country and state as a Soldier. Thank you for your dedicated service to your fellow man as a deputy. Most of all, thank you for being my friend.

You are a brother in arms as well as a brother in blue. Rest In Peace Gerald Monroe "Bubba" Gibson.

SGT. Donald Sherfey, Retired
U. S. Army

May 15, 2014

Thirteen years later, and you remain in our hearts and souls brother. Continue to rest easy Bubba, and please keep watch over the rest of us, as you always did.

Lt. Chad L. Gillenwater
Hawkins Co. Sheriff's Office

July 14, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 13th anniversary year 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) Officer Larry Lasater

January 7, 2013

Bubba,

It has now been 12 years and it seems just like yesterday, that you were still with us. A lot has changed within the office but one thing will never change; YOU ARE STILL A BIG PART OF THIS TEAM AND YOUR LEGACY STILL RUNS DEEP IN THE ONES OF US THAT HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING BY YOUR SIDE! As always Bubba, guard over the rest of your team until we meet again. We Love You Brother!

Lt. Chad L. Gillenwater
Hawkins Co. Sheriff's Office / former co-worker

July 16, 2012

Monroe was a very dear friend of ours. We had so many good times with he and his family . He could tell the funniest things to where we would laugh so hard. I never forgot him and all the memories we all had together. We shared a great bond together . My husband served many years in the Tennessee Army National Guard with him. He will for ever be in our hearts .

Diana Reed
Special Friends

July 13, 2012

I didn't get to see you be for you left,
Didn't get to say my good bye's,
didn't get to hug you and kiss you good night,
didn't get to tell you how much I was proud to have you as a father,
didn't get the chance to tell you I was sorry for being stupid sometimes,
didn't get to dance with you at my wedding,
and you wont get a chance to see your grandchild,
and I wont get the chance to say I love you one more time.
I wish I could have those chances,
but I am glad to have had the chance of having a father like you.
Love you Dad.

Jennifer Yvonne Gibson-Taylor
Daughter (Oldest)

July 13, 2012

I remember that day like yesterday. You were a good man and a great deputy. We miss you. Rest is Peace.

Deputy Clint Arnette
Washington County TN Sheriff's Office

April 19, 2012

Well Bubba, Tonight marks the 11th year that we have had to march on without you. We have had a lot of turnover since the traggic night you was taken from us. The majority of these newer officers never had the pleasure of even knowing you much less having the opportunity to work along side of you. However there is still the few and proud that strive on doing the same old job that you loved so much and did so well. I was truely blessed with the four or five years that the Lord gave me to work along beside of you. I also want to let you know that things still aren't the same since "Rod" was taken from us. There is not a day goes by that you are not thought of and dearly missed. I just wished that I had the opportunity to tell you this in person but in all reality, I waited too late. Brother, that is only temporary because one day, 315 and 321 will back 10-8 again. Hey Rod, do me a favor. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings and life that you have know but also, keep an eye the rest of us as we try our best to carry out your legend while having you in our mine and hearts. Rest in Peace Rod and know that the "old timers" love you not only for the ultimate sacrafice that you made but because of the person and officer that you was!

Lt. Chad L. Gillenwater
Hawkins Co. Sheriff's Office / Former Co-Worker

July 14, 2011

Well, yet another year is quickly arriving and we will be honoring those who gave their all this Law Enformcent Memorial Week. Gerald, Ill never forget the bet you made me just before promotions. Come to think of it, I never did get that paycheck you bet me!! I can still see the look on your face when you found out who got promoted. Priceless! You are truly missed. Alyways get a big smile thinking about that day! Rest well my friend!

Detective Martin Taylor
Friend and co-worker

May 9, 2011

Well Bubba, it's been ten years tonight since you left us. I just wanted to remind you that your memory still hangs on. There were several of us sharing stories about you today. Rest in peace brother and keep an eye on the rest of us while we continue the fight that you once fought so well. Take it easy "Rod"!

Sgt. Chad L. Gillenwater
Friend / Former Co-Worker

July 13, 2010

This week is national police week. There is a day that doesn't go by that I don't think of you. I miss you so much it is hard to believe it has been almost 10 years. I wish you were here to see your grand-daughter, she talks about you like she has meet you, it is so odd. If you were alive today she would give a run for your money "papaw". Wish you were still here to be with her, me, mom, and Yvonne. You are always in my heart. Love you and Miss you.

Marcie Gibson Begley
daughter

May 15, 2010

Well Bubba, it has now been nine years since you was taken from us in body however in spirit and heart, you are still right with us every step of the way. Your memorial service went well tonight and each of us got to remind your wife and girls your spirit in our hearts is as strong as ever. Please continue to watch over the rest of us as you patrol them streets of gold. We love you and miss you Rod!

Sgt. Chad L. Gillenwater
Hawkins County Sheriff's Office

July 14, 2009

Thank you for your sacrifice and service. Keep a watch on the rest of us while your up there. May peace be with your family and co-workers.

Deputy Petree
Hendricks County Sheriffs Department

July 13, 2009

RIP.You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

November 8, 2008

RIP Deputy Gibson.

Cadet
WSCC Academy Class 69

August 3, 2008

Well Bubba, it's been eight years to the hour tonight since we lost you. No matter the years that pass, your memory never fades. It sure dont seem like it has been that long since we were working the power shift together and having a blast. The Office has had quiet a turnover and there is several there now that never had the pleasure of knowing you but the ones of us that did, still think about you daily. Rest in peace Rod and we love ya brother.

Sgt. Chad L. Gillenwater
Hawkins County Sheriff's Office

July 13, 2008

Bubba, just wanted to stop by and say hi.... i went to a inservice class last week at the acamedy, and johnny welch and i got to talkin about you... we sure do miss ya... and i'll always remember the "smoking crew" before p.t. in the mornings....rip class president

Cpl. Jennifer Beach
Fairview Police Dept.

June 16, 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

January 29, 2008