Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

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

January 15, 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

Jason-
To this day I continue to run in to people that tell me stories about how you changed their lives for the better. You went above and beyond to help your fellow man. Big J you will never be forgotten.

Trooper
Colorado State Patrol

November 5, 2007

Jason,

Trooper Templeton has now joined you in Heaven. Take care of him for us.

We will never forget you sacrifice! Rest in peace, we have it from here.

Trooper
Colorado State Patrol

October 17, 2007

Trooper, Thank You. To your family both born and sworn I wish peace. I knew Patrolman Hawkins, I was enraged and heartbroken when it came across CNN that he was murdered. I am very proud that fellow officers will hunt down and bring to justice anyone that hurts an officer. Thank you

Chief, J.M. Boyle
North Carolina DHHS-DDH Police Dept

October 12, 2007

Dear Trooper Manspeaker,

Thank you for your service to your community, to your country, and in aid of your fellow fallen brother Officer Aubrey W. Hawkins, Irving, Texas P.D. all those years ago.

Your sacrifice was not in vain; those animals -- "The Texas Seven" -- were caught and I hope the charges against them included your untimely passing as you were aiding in their arrest and conviction of their shameful, thoughtless and cowardly actions.

You are rememerbered in my prayers as is your family.

I didn't know Officer Hawkins or your husband, Mrs. Manspeaker, but they were the type of men that make this world worth fighting for. Thank you for giving him to the world. My heart is with you as are my prayers.

Godspeed, Trooper Jason Lee Manspeaker. And God Bless.

You are not forgotten.

LRVirgil, Civilian
Supporter of Law Enforcement - North Texas

September 29, 2007

Hey Jason, I just wanted to let you know that I miss you a lot. And Think of you all the time. I know that I was pretty young when you passed away but I still remember you and how cool of a person you were. I am now 15 years old, and a sophomore at FMHS GO WILDCATS! I still play soccer I now play on a competitive team, and the high school team. For the most part everyone is doing pretty well in the family. Mom has her days with her RA, and dad is still as ornery as ever but I still love him. Kirsten is now living in Denver, she is really happy over there, and we are all proud. Guy and Dani are still up in Wyoming and they are both doing well. Well I’ll see you someday. Hope all is well we all love and miss you! Take care of yourself. I'll keep in touch cuz.

Love, Keisha

Keisha
Cousin

September 28, 2007

You are always in thoughts. Your family is are always in prayers. R.I.P. Friend.
Firefighter/EMT

BLT 1/1 Medic

August 1, 2007

We still weap. I was there when we caught four of seven. One committed suicide, two fled. I still recall the evening before, but I will never forget the night after.
I'm sorry.....God bless you and your family.

Peace my brother.

July 31, 2007

Six years have passed and you have not been forgotten nor will that ever happen. Your loved ones think of you every day and the Blue Family will never let your name be lost. Keep watch over your loved ones and those out on patrol, you are a true hero and heroes never die.

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

January 23, 2007

You lost your life trying to find the persons involved with the brutal slaying of a fellow officer. You are not a hero because of the way you died, you are a hero because of the way you lived. Thank you for your service, rest easy.

wife of a deputy

January 23, 2007

Trooper Manspeaker: I just read of your kindness toward a fellow officer in "True Blue". I felt compelled to find out more about you. I am an aspiring State Trooper, and your story has moved me and given me added motivation to join the force. God bless you and your family.

Susan
aspiring NJ State Trooper

January 16, 2007

Trooper Jason Manspeaker, I never had the honor of meeting you, however, I've been honored by meeting your wonderful wife Stepanie. What a beautiful smile she has, what a wonderful caring heart she has. I know you are proud of her. You will never be forgotten,not only by Stephanie but by others that have never met you.

Janice Starnes
wife of Sgt.Dan R. Starnes EOW 7/10/2001

November 6, 2006

Trooper Jason Lee Manspeaker, I never had the honor of meeting you or getting to know you, but I had the honor of meeting your wonderful wife, Stephanie at spouses retreat. You would be so proud of her, she's a wonderful, caring, compassionate person. As you smile down on her, always know she and I will forever be friends, and I'll be there for her whenever she needs me and I know she will do the same for me. Rest in peace and tell my husband Dan I love him very much.

Janice Starnes
Friend

October 10, 2006

Jason,

You and I met while I was still a high school student considering a career in law enforcement. I was lucky enough to be able to spend several shifts with you as your ride-along. What I remember the most was your ability to put people at ease and make them laugh. You taught me a lot about law enforcement and even more about respect. You were, and will always be, a role model of mine.

Osly Preston

September 28, 2006

Dear Jason,

I went through the Academy not too long after you did, with the same dream of becoming a CSP Trooper. I never met you, but I think of you often; your desire to help, your obvious kindness, and your gentle spirit did not go unnoticed. I hope God has eased your family's pain over the years. They will all see you again. Rest in peace, brother.

Trooper
Colorado State Patrol

April 7, 2006

It is hard to imagine that it has been 5 years since you walked out the door of the jail, never to return. I have missed you coming into the jail always joking and laughing. I will always keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Deputy Hunsicker
Summit County Sheriffs Office

January 27, 2006

Today, five years after Trooper Jason Manspeaker gave his life we remember his sacrifice. I know of no words that will suffice.
Aubrey was a fine young officer and a friend to many. We will not forget your efforts to assist in bringing his killers to justice.
There is a large photo of Trooper Manspeaker in the hallway of the patrol division of the Irving PD to remind us of the sacrifice he made for us.
Today, I will say a prayer for your family, friends and co-workers. May each of you experience the eternal love and endless blessings of our Lord and may God keep safe from harm the men and women of the Colorado State Patrol.

Patrolman Doug Hutchison
Irving Police Department, Texas, (Retired)

January 23, 2006

I read your name in the book,'True Blue'. I had to visit and pay my respects. God Bless you and your families, both your immediate family and your entire police family.

You will NEVER be forgotten!

Friend of Mark Sawyers EOW 6-5-04
Sterling Heights PD (Michigan)

January 6, 2006

It has been almost five years since my department lost a friend and co-worker, Officer Aubrey Hawkins, to seven worthless killers who were determined not to go back to prison. We will never forget Aubrey and he is always in our thoughts and prayers. Also not forgotten at our department is Trooper Jason Manspeaker. Thank you Jason for helping us look for Aubrey's killers and ultimately bringing them to justice. May God bless you, Aubrey, and all of your friends and family.

Michael Peterson, Patrolman
Irving Police Department, Texas

December 1, 2005

Dear Jason, Hey brother it has taken me a long time to sit down and write to you. I still remember the college days playing football and being roommates. I drop by and visit sometimes when I am on duty or when I needed a question answered. I have see Stephanie a few times and we have enjoyed our short conversations. I miss you brother and I know you are watching over the rest of us while you patrol Havens streets. I will never forget you or your big heart. Please forgive me for not being able to write sooner its just tuff for me. Rest in peace brother

Corporal Marco Montez
Mesa County Sheriffs Office

November 4, 2005

grow up with Jason, I remember him as a large person in stature and a large person in life. He had a passion for his work that most people do not have. The last time I saw him he was at my cousin wedding, and I remember asking him if he liked his job. He said, “I love it”. Jason has helped motivate me to go into law enforcement. The best way to honor our fallen officers is to go out, hit the streets, and know that they are with us, at ever traffic stop, and on every call. Jason gave his all in training, in life, and in work. Then he gave his life for us, this we can never repay. thank you.

Ryan Hess Firefighter,EMT, Ranger
Colorado State Parks

September 14, 2005

Rest in peace brother.

Police Officer
Denver Police Department

September 13, 2005

REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND. I SALUTE YOU! MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. YOU DID NOT LOSE YOUR LIFE, YOU GAVE IT IN SERVICE TO OTHERS. A TRUE HERO INDEED.

STEPHANIE, MAY GOD BLESS YOU.

JIM SWEENEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

August 29, 2005

Jason, It has been 4 1/2 years, and it is still hard to handle the fact that you are gone. I still visit your final resting place many times hoping that you know you will never be forgotten. You are missed.
Stephanie, you are also on my mind. Know that there are many prayers being sent out for you and your family.
Rest In Peace Jason.
You are our BLUE ANGEL

August 14, 2005